A modified suture technique for laparoscopic myomectomy.
OBJECTIVE
The safety and efficacy of a modified laparoscopic suture performed by a surgeon assisted by an under-training assistant in the repair of uterine defect during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) was evaluated.


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


METHODS
Tertiary care university hospital.


METHODS
Sixty-two women scheduled for myomectomy because of symptomatic uterine myomas.


METHODS
Group A (n = 31): LM with a modified laparoscopic suture technique (the suture line was pulled out of the trocar, and tension of the suture was maintained by the surgeon's or assistant's hand). Group B (n = 31): LM with a traditional laparoscopic suture technique (intracorporeal continuous suturing with a string trimmed to 30 cm).


RESULTS
The median operative time (100 minutes vs 90 minutes, p = .436) and blood loss (200 mL vs 150 mL, p = .771) were slightly greater in the LM with a modified laparoscopic suture technique group (group A), although these differences were not statistically significant. The total specimen weight, number of myomas removed, and length of hospital stay were similar in both groups. No patients in either group had serious complications.


CONCLUSIONS
A modified laparoscopic suture by controlling the tail of the suture with the surgeon's hand while sewing laparoscopically can achieve a good approximation of uterine defect and is an acceptable alternative to help laparoscopic surgeons performing surgery assisted by an under-training assistant to complete the procedure.
Yuen
Leung-To
LT
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Endoscopy, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kwei-Shan, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan.
Hsu
Liang-Jung
LJ
Lee
Chyi-Long
CL
Wang
Chin-Jung
CJ
Soong
Yung-Kuei
YK
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*