Reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy using a tourniquet loop around the lower uterine segment

Abstract

To present a simple and effective hemostatic technique using a tourniquet loop during laparoscopic myomectomy. Pericervical tourniquet has been proven to be a safe and effective measure to reduce blood loss during open myomectomy. However, the use of a tourniquet in laparoscopic myomectomy has been rarely reported probably because the application is difficult and troublesome. In our technique, a prefabricated tourniquet loop, adapted from a Foley catheter, is applied around the lower segment of the uterus. It is easy to apply a tourniquet loop around the lower uterine segment during laparoscopic myomectomy. There is no need to make a window in the broad ligament to apply a pericervical tourniquet or triple tourniquets. Meanwhile, complete blockage of blood supply from the uterine artery and utero-ovarian anastomoses may ensure better hemostasis. A tertiary hospital. The patient was a 34-year-old woman with uterine leiomyoma and a desire for future fertility. She had been suffering from urinary frequency and chronic bladder pressure for the past 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed 2 intramural masses measuring 96 mm × 91 mm and 25 mm × 13 mm at the anterior uterine wall. Institutional review board and ethics committee approval was obtained. Laparoscopic myomectomy was performed with the application of a tourniquet loop around the lower segment of the uterus (step-by-step video demonstration): homemade tourniquet loop formation using a 14-Fr latex Foley catheter; trocar placement with 2 umbilical ports (10 mm and 5 mm) and a 5-mm port at the lower-left quadrant of the abdomen; application of a tourniquet loop around the lower uterine segment; tumor enucleation and myometrial closure; removal of the tourniquet loop and a check for bleeding; contained specimen extraction via the merged umbilical incision; and inspection of the abdominal cavity and closure of the merged umbilical incision. Feasibility of using a tourniquet loop as an effective hemostatic technique in laparoscopic myomectomy. The surgery lasted for approximately 90 minutes, and the tourniquet time was approximately half an hour. The estimated blood loss was only 20 mL. Her hemoglobin value on day 1 after the surgery was 131 g/L, the same as the preoperative level. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The patient was discharged 2 days after the surgery with no complications. During follow-up, the patient reported that there was no discomfort and that her menses were normal. Her fallopian tubes were patent in the hysterosalpingogram. Her ovarian function, which was assessed by serum follicle-stimulating hormone concentration (5.34 mIU/mL) on day 3 of her menstrual cycle and antimüllerian hormone level (2.01ng/mL), was in the normal range. She was suggested to conceive 1 year after the procedure. Application of a tourniquet loop around the lower uterine segment is a simple and effective hemostatic technique during laparoscopic myomectomy. Randomized prospective studies are needed to determine the hemostatic effect of the laparoscopic use of a tourniquet loop and its impact on fertility and ovarian function.