Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: technique and complications of 830 cases.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyses the technique and complications from total laparoscopic hysterectomy.


METHODS
Retrospective chart abstraction was performed on 830 consecutive patients operated on between 1996 and 2006. Demographic and surgical data were analyzed by ANOVA, chi-square, and Spearman and Pearson correlation techniques were used with significance set at P<0.05.


RESULTS
Of 830 consecutive patients, 5 (0.6%) were converted to laparotomy. Patients had a mean age of 50 (+/-11) years, a mean of 1.3 (+/-1.3) pregnancies, and a mean BMI of 27.6 (+/-6.8) kg/m(2). The mean surgical duration was 132 (+/-55) minutes, with mean blood loss of 130 (+/-189) mL and average hospital stay of 1.4 (+/-0.9) days. Duration of surgery, blood loss, and hospital stay all decreased with the surgeon's increasing experience. Reoperative complications occurred in 38 patients (4.7%). Urologic injuries were observed in 23 patients (2.6%), with 9 (1.1%) requiring reoperation.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique for TLH offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients needing hysterectomy, even those without vaginal capacity and uterine prolapse.
O'Hanlan
Katherine A
KA
Gynecologic Oncology Associates, Palo Alto, California 94028, USA. ohanlan@AOL.com
Dibble
Suzanne L
SL
Garnier
Anne-Caroline
AC
Reuland
Mirjam Leuchtenberger
ML
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged