title: Feasibility and safety of vaginal myomectomy: a prospective pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Classic myomectomy was performed via laparotomy. More recently, laparoscopic myomectomy has become a valuable treatment option. Vaginal myomectomy is a surgical procedure that has recently been evaluated. However, few trials have been reported in past literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and complication rate of patients submitted to vaginal myomectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective study with review of literature (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Filippo Neri Hospital of Rome, Italy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Consecutive patients with symptomatic myomas who refused hysterectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  After preoperative assessment, patients were submitted to vaginal myomectomy using posterior colpotomy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay were prospectively recorded. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. Data on possible symptoms, fertility, and pregnancy outcome during follow-up periods were recorded. Myomectomy was completed vaginally in 17 (94%) of 18 patients. Mean operating time was 48 +/- 22 minutes; mean operative blood loss and hospital stay were 210 +/- 350 mL and 3.5 +/- 2.4 days, respectively. Only 2 (11%) patients required blood transfusion. Three patients have conceived spontaneously.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Vaginal myomectomy is a feasible and safe surgical procedure, with low morbidity and short hospital stay, and could represent a valid alternative to open or laparoscopic myomectomy in selected cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Filippo Neri Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Plotti
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Plotti
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Giovanni
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Battaglia
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Nagar
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D020884:Colpotomy; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D013509:Gynecologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D007902:Length of Stay; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*