title: Laparoscopic technique for identifying the main trunk of the uterine artery by tracing its superior branch.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the feasibility of identifying the main trunk of the uterine artery by tracing its superior branch with a laparoscopic technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten patients with symptomatic myomas who had indication for surgical intervention were enrolled in this prospective nonrandomized study between November 2009 and February 2010.The uterine artery was identified by tracing its superior branch with a laparoscopic technique, and then performing occlusion of the uterine artery. Estimated uterus weight, operating time, blood loss, and intraoperative complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Bilateral uterine arteries were successfully isolated in all cases (n = 10) without intraoperative complications. The estimated uterine weight was 290 g (220-370 g). The operation time from the opening of anterior peritoneum of the broad ligament to the occlusion of unilateral uterine artery was 3 min (2.3-6 min). The volume of estimated blood loss was less than 10 mL.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This pilot trial demonstrated that it was feasible to locate the main trunk of the uterine artery by tracing its superior branch. This technique provided a fast modality for laparoscopic surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
authors.forename: Yonghong
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.forename: Tinghe
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Lina
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hu
mesh_terms: D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D018231:Leiomyomatosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D060205:Therapeutic Occlusion; D055988:Uterine Artery / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery