What is the value of preoperative bimanual pelvic examination in women undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy?
OBJECTIVE STUDY: To estimate the value of preoperative bimanual examination of the pelvis in women undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH).


METHODS
Prospective observational cohort study.


METHODS
Private hospitals and centre.


METHODS
One hundred fourteen consecutive women undergoing TLH.


METHODS
All women who were scheduled to undergo TLH from May 2005 through June 2006 had a bimanual examination of the pelvis performed before surgery and the size of the uterus clinically estimated and recorded as gestational equivalents. The operating time, the estimated blood loss (EBL) during TLH, and the final weight of the uterus at histologic study were recorded. Spearman correlation coefficient analysis was used to determine whether there was a correlation between the estimated uterine size before surgery and actual uterine weight, operating time, and EBL.


RESULTS
Of the one hundred fourteen consecutive women eligible for the study, 75 had complete data and therefore were included in the final analysis. The median age was 46 years (range 34-71 years); 22.7% (17/75) had a clinically estimated normal uterus, 10.7% (8/75) had an 8-10/40 uterus, 12% (9/75) had a 10-12/40 uterus, 14.6% (11/75) had a 12-14/40 uterus, 20.0% (15/75) had a 14-16/40 uterus, 9.3% (7/75) had a 16-18/40 uterus, and 10.7% (8/75) had an 18-20/40 uterus. The median operating time was 110 minutes (range 59-240 minutes); the median EBL was 80 mL (range 20-1000 mL); and the median weight of the uterus was 181 g (range 52-1080 g). Histologic diagnoses included leiomyomata in 64.0% (48/75), adenomyosis in 44.0% (33/75), endometriosis in 22.7% (17/75), endocervical polyp in 4.0% (3/75), and normal uterus in 8.0% (6/75). The Spearman correlations between clinical size of the uterus and the weight of the uterus, the EBL, and the operating time were 0.81, 0.33, and 0.29, respectively; that is, the 2 variables tended to increase together. These correlations were all significant (p <.0001, .0044, and .0114, respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
This study showed significant correlation between clinical estimate of uterine size and histologic weight of the uterus, operating time, and EBL in women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. These findings are of great value in preoperative counseling in relation to the risk of bleeding and the potential need for blood transfusion, and in operating room planning.
Condous
George
G
Centre for Advanced Reproductive Endosurgery, Royal North Shore Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia. gcondous@hotmail.com
Van Calster
Ben
B
Van Huffel
Sabine
S
Lam
Alan
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D003944:Diagnostic Techniques, Obstetrical and Gynecological; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009929:Organ Size; D010173:Palpation; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D014599:Uterus / Q000473:pathology*