Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion for symptomatic leiomyomas.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a laparoscopic technique that safely occludes both uterine arteries, overcoming an altered surgical field resulting from scarring and/or uterine leiomyomatous growth.


METHODS
Prospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).


METHODS
Nonprofit community hospital.


METHODS
Eight women with leiomyomas with abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and/or anemia.


METHODS
Bilateral laparoscopic retroperitoneal uterine artery occlusion.


RESULTS
Occlusion at the initial track of the uterine artery was performed by laparoscopic coated ligature in six patients. In two obese patients with deep retroperitoneal space, vascular clips were placed endoscopically using the same dissecting technique. All patients were discharged within 20 hours after the procedure. All five women with abnormal bleeding reported satisfactory decrease; none reported amenorrhea. Of eight with preoperative pain or pressure, seven reported complete disappearance and one significant relief. All three patients with anemia had normal red cell counts after 1 month.


CONCLUSIONS
Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion using a lateral retroperitoneal technique is safe and effective in women with pelvic scarring and altered pelvic anatomy.
Lichtinger
Moises
M
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Holy Cross Medical Group, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, USA.
Hallson
Laurey
L
Calvo
Patricia
P
Adeboyejo
Ghea
G
D000328:Adult; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D008595:Menorrhagia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D014599:Uterus / Q000098:blood supply*