title: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy using the harmonic scalpel.
abstract: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is the complete hysterectomy including transection of the uterine vessels and opening/closure of the vaginal vault performed laparoscopically. This procedure can be performed as an alternative to total abdominal hysterectomy in many cases. We previously found use of the harmonic scalpel to be extremely helpful in performing laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies. In this series, the harmonic scalpel was used to facilitate performing TLH. Our experience has shown this can be performed without major complications in a cost-effective manner.
authors.affiliation: Orange Coast Women's Medical Group, Laguna Hills, CA 92653, USA. mwinter@memorialcare.org
authors.forename: M L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Winter
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Mendelsohn
mesh_terms: D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D020706:Laparoscopes; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery