title: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal hysterectomy in the presence of a large uterus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate in a prospective series whether, even in presence of a large uterus, total laparoscopic hysterectomy is feasible and safe, and may be substituted for abdominal hysterectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized comparison (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting. Center for Reconstructive Pelvic Endosurgery, Bologna, Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred twenty-two women with large uterus (>14 wks' gestation) caused by myomas.
  
  
  METHODS
  Total laparoscopic hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty women underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy (group 1) and 62 abdominal hysterectomy (group 2). Mean longitudinal diameter of the uterus, mean number and diameter of myomas, operating time, and average drop in hemoglobin were similar in the groups. One conversion to laparotomy was necessary because of a bowel injury in a patient with severe pelvic adhesions. Cystotomy occurred in one woman in group 2 and was immediately repaired. Febrile morbidity was statistically more frequent in group 2 than in group 1. Postoperative hospitalization and convalescence were statistically shorter in group 1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Laparoscopic hysterectomy is safe and feasible even in the presence of large uterus, and is a valid alternative to abdominal hysterectomy when the vaginal route is contraindicated.
authors.affiliation: Center for Reconstructive Pelvic Endosurgery, Reproductive Medicine Unit, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, Massarenti 13, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: Renato
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Seracchioli
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Venturoli
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Vianello
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Govoni
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cantarelli
authors.forename: Beatrice
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gualerzi
authors.forename: Filippo M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Colombo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*