title: Minilaparotomy myomectomy: a minimally invasive alternative for the large fibroid uterus.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of performing myomectomies through 3- to 6-cm incisions for the removal of myomas up to 14 cm in diameter.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of 139 myomectomies performed at our center from January 1995 through December 2003 (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).
  
  
  METHODS
  A suburban medical center, part of a large prepaid health maintenance organization.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred thirty-nine women.
  
  
  METHODS
  Myomectomies were performed through 3- to 6-cm suprapubic cruciate incisions using atraumatic elastic retractors with or without laparoscopic assist. Myomas were morcellated with a scalpel before being enucleated. The uterus was repaired in a classic three-layered closure in all cases. All procedures were performed in the ambulatory surgery unit of our hospital, which is part of the main operating room.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The median age of the patients in this series was 30.0 years (range 23-56 years). The median weight of the myomas removed was 275.0 g (range of 30-975 g). One hundred thirty-seven (98.5%) of 139 patients were discharged in 23 hours or less, with 24 patients leaving within 4 hours and 61 within 8 hours. The median length of stay was 6.0 hours, with two patients remaining hospitalized for 48 hours. The median operating time was 110 minutes (range 44-260 min). Estimated blood loss ranged from 50 to 2000 mL, with a median of 300 mL. Three hysterectomies were performed: one as an emergency for hemorrhage and two for recurrent myomas. Three patients developed wound seromas, and one developed a wound infection.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minilaparotomy myomectomy is a safe, effective minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic myomectomy. Early discharge and return to normal activities is comparable to laparoscopy and is far more cost effective. It affords the ability to palpate the uterus and close the myometrial defect easily with a standard three-layered closure making it particularly suitable for gynecologists with limited laparoscopic suturing skills.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Rafael, California 94903, USA. mark.glasser@kp.org
authors.forename: Mark H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Glasser
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D007813:Laparotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D014667:Vasopressins / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D006490:Hemostatics; D014667:Vasopressins