A simplified method to decrease operative blood loss in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for the large uterus.
STUDY OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the role of oxytocin in decreasing operative blood loss in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for the large uterus (weight > or = 500 g).


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


METHODS
Tertiary care university hospital.


METHODS
Eighty-eight women scheduled for a hysterectomy for large benign uterine tumors.


METHODS
Two ampules of oxytocin (10 u/mL/amp) were added to 1000 mL of saline solution running at the rate of 40 mU/min during the course of LAVH.


RESULTS
Blood loss and blood transfusion rate were significantly greater in the group without oxytocin infusion (group B) than in the group with oxytocin infusion (group A), with 485.7 +/- 321.6 mL versus 364.1 +/- 173.2 mL (p <.05) and 26.7% versus 6. 1% (p <.05), respectively. There was no significant difference in average age, body weight, and number of vaginal deliveries and cesarean sections between the two groups. There also was no significant difference in mean uterine weight, postoperative stay, and complications between the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Oxytocin infusion can cause uterine contractions that decrease uterine perfusion. It is a safe and inexpensive method to help decrease operative blood loss during LAVH for the large uterus.
Wang
Chin-Jung
CJ
Division of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, 5, Fu-Hsin Street, Kwei-Shan Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Yuen
Leung-To
LT
Yen
Chih-Feng
CF
Lee
Chyi-Long
CL
Soong
Yung-Kuei
YK
D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D010120:Oxytocics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology*
D010120:Oxytocics; D010121:Oxytocin