[Vaginal hysterectomy using electrofusion: a study of 96 cases].
OBJECTIVE
To compare ligature by electrofusion versus sutures in the practice of vaginal hysterectomy.


METHODS
This is a retrospective study on 96 patients completed over a period of 47 months. Patients were allocated into two groups: the electrofusion "suture-free" group (n=54) and the "suture" control group (n=42). Designed-end points were operating time, postoperative pain, duration of postoperative hospitalization and perioperative complications.


RESULTS
In the electrofusion group, the operating time was significantly reduced (51.3+/-22.6 min versus 67.6+/-20.1 min) as well as the reported postoperative pain (based on the visual analog scale - VAS) (1.9+/-2.0 versus 3.5+/-2.3). The average morphine consumption rate and the timing of postoperative morphine administration were lower in the electrofusion group (22.4+/-31.0mg versus 45.4+/-51.3 mg and 22.4+/-13.4 h versus 29.4+/-18.8 h, respectively). Moreover, in the electrofusion group there was less need for additional analgesics (1.9+/-2.0 versus 3.5+/-2.3) and the hospital-stay was shorter (4.2+/-1.3 days versus 5.0+/-1.0 days). There was no significant difference between the two groups in regard to perioperative complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of electrofusion in vaginal hysterectomy appears to be a reliable ligation technique which reduces significantly the operating time, the postoperative pain and the length of postoperative hospitalization.
Dubuisson
J
J
Service de gynécologie obstétrique, hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, 61 quai Jules-Courmont, Lyon cedex, France. neajdubuisson@yahoo.fr
Golfier
F
F
Massoud
M
M
Benchaib
M
M
Bryssine
B
B
Raudrant
D
D
D000328:Adult; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007045:Hysterectomy, Vaginal / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D007902:Length of Stay; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013997:Time Factors