title: Reducing costs of laparoscopic hysterectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the role of laparoscopic hysterectomy using reuseable surgical equipment.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary major teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty consecutive women carefully selected for laparoscopic hysterectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The ultrasonically activated (harmonic) scalpel was used for coagulative cutting of pedicles and ligaments attached to the uterus and adnexa, backed by bipolar diathermy. No nonabsorbable material was left in the pelvis at the conclusion of the procedures.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patient characteristics, uterine weight, histology, operating time, recovery, analgesic requirements, and hospital stay were recorded. Complications were noted and critically assessed for constructive quality assurance appraisal. Outcomes were satisfactory according to both patients and gynecologists.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot study suggests that the method is an efficacious, cost-effective, and well-controlled technique of laparoscopic hysterectomy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queensland University, Brisbane, Australia.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Erian
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: McLaren
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Buck
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003363:Cost Control; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies