title: A modified suture technique for laparoscopic myomectomy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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.
authors.forename: Leung-To
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Yuen
authors.forename: Liang-Jung
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Hsu
authors.forename: Chyi-Long
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Chin-Jung
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yung-Kuei
authors.initials: YK
authors.lastname: Soong
mesh_terms: 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*