Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies: obesity does not increase the risk of complications.
BACKGROUND
This study was designed to investigate the intra-operative characteristics and the risk of intra- and post-operative complications in cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in overweight, obese and non-obese patients.


METHODS
This cohort study includes all patients undergoing TLH for benign pathologies between January 1993 and June 2007 in Cochin university hospital (Paris). Demographic and surgical data were analysed. A comparison between overweight and obese patients versus non-obese patients and multivariate analyses were performed.


RESULTS
Of 1460 patients undergoing TLH, 101 patients (6.9%) had a BMI of 30 or higher and 338 (23.2%) were overweight. After adjustment with respect to the patients' characteristics and past history (age, parity, past history of laparotomies, previous Cesarean section, menopausal status), no significant difference was found whether in terms of intra-operative (haemorrhage, transfusion, thrombosis, ureter, bladder or bowel injuries) or post-operative complications (hyperthermia, infections, fistula). Concerning the intra- and post-operative characteristics of these patients, only a significantly longer operating time was noted in the case of obesity (RR = 1.80; CI 95%: 1.16-2.81).


CONCLUSIONS
In our experience, provided that the operating technique is meticulous, the intra- and post-operative complications are not increased in the case of obesity, although the operating time is longer.
Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Université Paris Descartes, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Groupe Hospitalier Universitaire (GHU) Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Cochin Saint Vincent de Paul, Paris, France.
Nicolas
N
Chopin
Jean Marie
JM
Malaret
Marie-Christine
MC
Lafay-Pillet
Adolphe
A
Fotso
Hervé
H
Foulot
Charles
C
Chapron
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications*; D050177:Overweight / Q000150:complications; D010297:Paris / Q000453:epidemiology; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012306:Risk; D013997:Time Factors; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*