Laparoscopic-assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy Research Articles

Approaches for hysterectomy and implementation of robot-assisted surgery in benign gynaecological disease: A cost analysis study in a large university hospital

BackgroundAs a minimally invasive technique, robot-assisted hysterectomy (RAH) offers surgical advantages and significant reduction in morbidity compared to open surgery. Despite the increasing use of RAH in benign gynaecology, there is limited data on its cost-effectiveness, especially in a European context. Our goal is to assess the costs of the different hysterectomy approaches, to describe their clinical outcomes, and to evaluate the impact of introduction of RAH on the rates of different types of hysterectomy. MethodsA retrospective single-centre cost-analysis was performed for patients undergoing a hysterectomy for benign indications. Abdominal hysterectomy (AH), vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and RAH were included. We considered the costs of operating room and hospital stay for the different hysterectomy techniques using the “Activity Centre–Care program model”. We report on intra- and postoperative complications for the different approaches as well as their cost relationship. ResultsBetween January 2014 and December 2021, 830 patients were operated; 67 underwent VH (8%), 108 LAVH (13%), 351 LH (42%), 148 RAH (18%) and 156 AH (19%).After the implementation and learning curve of a dedicated program for RAH in 2018, AH declined from 27.3% in 2014–2017, to 22.1% in 2018 and 6.9 % in 2019–2021.The reintervention rate was 3–4% for all surgical techniques. Pharmacological interventions and blood transfusions were performed after AH in 28%, and in 17–22% of the other approaches.AH had the highest hospital stay cost with an average of €2236.40. Mean cost of the hospital stay ranged from €1136.77-€1560.66 for minimally invasive techniques.The average total costs for RAH were €6528.10 compared to €4400.95 for AH. ConclusionImplementation of RAH resulted in a substantial decrease of open surgery rate. However, RAH remains the most expensive technique in our cohort, mainly due to high material and depreciation costs. Therefore, RAH should not be considered for every patient, but for those who would otherwise need more invasive surgery, with higher risk of complications. Future prospective studies should focus on the societal costs and patient reported outcomes, in order to do cost-benefit analysis and further evaluate the exact value of RAH in the current healthcare setting.

Methodology for vNOTES Sacrocolpopexy with Transvaginal Mesh Retroperitonealization and Tensioning

Background: Laparoscopy has the potential of making procedures less invasive with a lower complication profile while being more appealing to patients due to ease of recovery and cosmesis. Sacrocolpopexy has traditionally been performed through the abdominal route with limited reports of transvaginal applications. Methods: Our study aims to provide a step-by-step approach to performing a vNOTES sacrocolpopexy with appropriate tensioning and peritoneal coverage of the mesh used based on both cadaveric and live patient experience. This systematic description of a fully laparoscopic transvaginal apical suspension with mesh attachment to the sacrum being completely retroperitoneal and the mesh retroperitoneal and covered at the conclusion of the case. Results: Successful vNOTES Sacrocolpopexy is performed and reproduced, with transvaginal complete peritoneal coverage and tensioning of the mesh. Total vaginal length (TVL) of 9 cm in both live and cadaveric patients. The steps of the procedure include 1. A vNOTES laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is completed. 2. A 0-Prolene suture is attached longitudinally to the sacral arm of a precut (Y) mesh or any single layer Type I polypropylene mesh piece, placed from the sacral arm to the distal edge of the mesh forming a “U” shape with the bottom of the “U” ultimately attaching to the anterior longitudinal ligament. 3. To begin the SCP procedure after completion of the vaginal hysterectomy, dissection of the presacral mesh attachment site begins by entering the retroperitoneal space, slightly right of midline at the level of the ischial spine, lateral to the rectum and medial to the uterosacral ligament. 4. Once the dissection is completed with appropriate exposure of the anterior longitudinal ligament at the sacral promontory, the sacral mesh is attached to the anterior longitudinal ligament at the S1-2 level, ideally with a tacker under direct visualization. 5. Two sutures, one on each side of the tunnel, are placed on the cephalad edge of the sacral peritoneal incision and labeled. After removing the Gelport, two more absorbable sutures are attached to the anterior peritoneum of the anterior vaginal wall in the proximity of the bladder, around 3 cm on each side of the midline. These peritoneal sutures in each of the above two steps will later be tied together to help cover the arms of the mesh. 6. Before mesh arm attachment, each area on the anterior and posterior vaginal walls is dissected off respective tissue (bladder and perineal body/rectovaginal fascia) and then everted for mesh attachment. 7. Both anterior and posterior mesh pieces are sutured to their respective vaginal walls with six interrupted sutures. Each mesh arm will have several centimeters of mesh freely hanging off both anterior and posterior cuff edges. These edges can be trimmed to 2 cm past the vaginal cuff edge. 8. All three pieces of mesh are stacked together and serially threaded from anterior mesh to posterior mesh, ensuring each mesh piece remains aligned (Figure 1). Each U suture is then passed through the free ends of the anterior and posterior mesh pieces and then secured with a hemostat. The cut edges of the suture can either be aligned at the back of the posterior arm to permit retroperitonealization of the knot or placement at the vaginal apex abutting the vaginal cuff. 9. Peritoneal closure is achieved by tying a posterior tunnel suture to each respective anterior vaginal wall suture at each lateral edge of the tunnel incision. 10. The vaginal cuff closure begins with a Vicryl suture anchored at the patient’s right forniceal edge running it to midline while anchoring another suture at the left forniceal edge to permit the surgeon to tension the vaginal apex appropriately. 11. Mesh tensioning is achieved by placing a single digit through the remaining space left in the tunnel incision. A knot using the Prolene suture securing the overlapping mesh is tied extracorporeally and pushed through the vaginal cuff to mobilize the mesh crux cephalad, thus elevating the vaginal apex towards the sacrum. The elevation of this knot guides the vaginal length. 12. The remainder of the vaginal cuff is then closed while avoiding incorporation of the mesh into the suture line (the ideal distance from mesh Y-junction to cuff is 1-2cm). Conclusion: By describing an innovative and reproducible technique to perform vNOTES sacrocolpopexy based on cadaveric and live patient experience, we successfully demonstrate how to perform a laparoscopic transvaginal apical suspension with mesh attachment to the sacrum through retroperitoneal placement. The vNOTES approach for sacrocolpopexy may offer a viable alternative to the transabdominal approach for candidates with difficult transabdominal access while avoiding trocar injuries and reducing surgical costs.

Safety of vaginal surgery for early-stage cervical cancer: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

ObjectiveAbdominal Radical hysterectomy (ARH) with pelvic lymph node assessment is considered the standard treatment for early-stage cervical cancer. Accepted routes have previously included laparoscopic or robotic approaches (LRH). Laparoscopy-assisted vaginal or vaginal radical hysterectomy (LVRH) are performed in some centers. The objective of this study is to compare surgical and oncological outcomes of LVRH, to laparoscopic and abdominal approaches. Design patients settingA retrospective multicenter analysis of consecutive cervical cancer cases who underwent a radical hysterectomy between 2007 and 2017 in eleven regional cancer centers across Canada. MeasurementsA comparison of patients stratified by surgical technique was undertaken. T-test, Wilcoxon rank-sum and chi-square were used to compare patient characteristics. Log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to compare recurrence and survival across surgical groups. Main resultsA total of 1071 patients with cervical cancer stage IA1 with lymphovascular invasion to stage IIIC (FIGO 2018) <4 cm were identified. Postoperative complication rate was lowest for women undergoing LVRH (9.1 %, vs 18.3 % and 22.1 % for minimally invasive and open respectively). During follow up, 114 women recurred, and 70 women died. 5-year recurrence-free survival was 85.4 % for LRH, 89.4 % for ARH and 92.2 % for LVRH. LVRH was not found to be associated with a higher risk of recurrence or death than ARH on multivariable analysis (aHR for recurrence 0.62, CI 0.21–1.77; aHR for death 0.63, CI 0.14–2.77) ConclusionIn this retrospective study, vaginal or laparoscopy-assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer was associated with favorable perioperative and oncological outcomes.

Hysterectomy Techniques and Outcomes for Benign Large Uteri: A Systematic Review.

To identify the optimal hysterectomy approach for large uteri in gynecologic surgery for benign indications from a perioperative morbidity standpoint. PubMed and Embase databases were searched from inception through September 19, 2022. Meta-analyses were conducted as feasible. This review included studies that compared routes of hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for large uteri (12 weeks or more or 250 g or more) and excluded studies with any concurrent surgery for pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, gynecologic malignancy, or any obstetric indication for hysterectomy. The review included 25 studies comprising nine randomized trials, two prospective, and 14 retrospective nonrandomized comparative studies. Studies were at high risk of bias. There was lower operative time for total vaginal hysterectomy compared with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) (mean difference 39 minutes, 95% CI, 18-60) and total vaginal hysterectomy compared with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (mean difference 50 minutes, 95% CI, 29-70). Total laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with much greater risk of ureteral injury compared with total vaginal hysterectomy (odds ratio 7.54, 95% CI, 2.52-22.58). There were no significant differences in bowel injury rates between groups. There were no differences in length of stay among the laparoscopic approaches. For LAVH compared with total vaginal hysterectomy, randomized controlled trials favored total vaginal hysterectomy for length of stay. When rates of blood transfusion were compared between these abdominal hysterectomy and robotic-assisted total hysterectomy routes, abdominal hysterectomy was associated with a sixfold greater risk of transfusion than robotic-assisted total hysterectomy (6.31, 95% CI, 1.07-37.32). Similarly, single studies comparing robotic-assisted total hysterectomy with LAVH, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, or total vaginal hysterectomy all favored robotic-assisted total hysterectomy for reduced blood loss. Minimally invasive routes are safe and effective and have few complications. Minimally invasive approach (vaginal, laparoscopic, or robotic) results in lower blood loss and shorter length of stay, whereas the abdominal route has a shorter operative time. PROSPERO, CRD42021233300.

A comparative clinical study between laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus nondescent vaginal hysterectomy in benign pathological conditions

Abstract Background: The need of hour is an ideal hysterectomy surgery which has shorter operative time and shorter duration of hospital stay, early resumption to work, avoidance of disfiguring scar on abdomen, and less postoperative morbidities. Nondescent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH) and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) are both minimally invasive surgeries with more benefits than total abdominal hysterectomy. Objective: To compare NDVH and LAVH in terms of operating time for surgery, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative, and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based prospective comparative study was carried out among 50 cases requiring hysterectomy. Detailed history was collected and thorough examination was conducted in 25 women who underwent LAVH and 25 women who underwent NDVH as per the standard operating guidelines. Parameters such as blood loss, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, intraoperative and postoperative complications, pain score, and time taken for ambulation were compared in the two groups. Results: Both the groups were comparable in terms of age, body mass index, comorbidities present, size of the uterus, past history of surgery, and diagnosis (P &gt; 0.01). Both the groups were comparable for intraoperative or postoperative complications (P &gt; 0.01). The mean blood loss, time taken for ambulation, pain score, and duration of hospital stay were significantly lesser (P &lt; 0.01) in the LAVH group compared to the NDVH group even though the duration of surgery was significantly (P &lt; 0.01) more in this group. Conclusion: We conclude that LAVH has more advantages over NDVH and should be incorporated in selected patients requiring hysterectomy.

A new knotless parametrial tissue ligation technique for safe total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Parametrial tissue ligation during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) is important in large uteri with large vessels. A retrospective study was performed at Asan Medical Center for comparing TLH performed with a new knotless parametrial tissue ligation method and conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) from March 2019 to August 2021. For TLH, after anterior colpotomy, the parametrial tissue was ligated by anchoring the suture and making a loop in one direction three times using 1-0 V-LocTM 180 (Covidien, Mansfield, MA, USA) suture. Subsequently, the cranial part of the loop was cut using an endoscopic device. A total of 119 and 178 patients were included in the TLH and LAVH groups, respectively. The maximal diameter of the uterus was larger in the TLH group (106.29±27.16 cm) than in the LAVH group (99.00±18.92 cm, P=0.01). The change in hemoglobin (Hb) level was greater in the LAVH group than in the TLH group (P<0.001). The weight of the removed uterus was greater in the TLH group than in the LAVH group (431.95±394.97 vs. 354.94±209.52 g; P=0.03). However, when the uterine weight was >1,000 g, the operative times and change in Hb levels were similar between the two groups. In both groups, no ureteral complications occurred during or after surgery. Knotless parametrial tissue ligation using 1-0 V-LocTM 180 suture in TLH can be safely applied, even in cases with large uteri, without increased risks of ureteral injury or uterine bleeding.

Effect of laparoscopic-assisted transvaginal hysterectomy on wound complications in patients with early stage cervical cancer: A meta-analysis.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy (LARVH) and abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH) have been widely applied to treat cervical carcinoma. But LARVH and ARH have not been fully investigated in treating cervical carcinoma after injury associated with injury. This research is intended to provide an up-to-date basis for comparing LARVH with ARH in early stage cervical carcinoma. Comparison between LARVH and ARH in cervical carcinoma was carried out through a combination of related research. Eligible articles from databases such as PubMed and Embase were screened using an established search strategy. This report covered the results of LARVH versus ARH in cervical carcinoma. The average difference and the 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for the combination of consecutive variables. The combination of categorical variables was performed with the odds ratio (OR) 95% confidence interval. Through the identification of 1137 publications, eight of them were chosen to be analysed. Among them, 363 were treated with LARVH and 326 were treated with ARH. Eight trials showed that LARVH was associated with a reduced risk of postoperative wound infection than ARH (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.1-0.55, p = 0.0009). Five trials showed that there was no difference in the risk of postoperative bleeding after surgery (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.42-3.29, p = 0.76). We also did not differ significantly in the duration of the surgery (OR, 1.79; 95% CI, -6.58 to 10.15, p = 0.68). So, the two surgical methods differ significantly only in the risk of postoperative wound infection.

The routes of hysterectomy: A survey of current practices amongst members of the International Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy (ISGE)

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the current opinion on the routes of hysterectomy amongst the members of the International Society for Gynaecologic Endoscopy (ISGE), as well as the perceptions of potential barriers that inhibit gynaecologists from offering a minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIHs) to their patients. Study designAn anonymous, electronic survey was designed, including the questions about the surgeon location and length of gynaecological practice, preferred approach to hysterectomy, approximate number of surgical cases performed during the year preceding the survey (2021), and potential barriers and contraindications to performing MIHs. It was validated by 12 practicing gynaecologists. Subsequently, the survey was sent to all practicing gynaecologists who are the members of the ISGE. ResultsWe received a response from 159 members of ISGE (29 % response rate), of which 92 % with ≥ 5 years in practice since the completion of their residency training in Gynaecology and Obstetrics. When asked about the preferred route of hysterectomy for themselves or their relatives, 59 % chose total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), 19 % vaginal hysterectomy (VH), 8 % chose laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and 5 % chose total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). However, TAH was the most performed hysterectomy procedure undertaken by the respondents in the year preceding the survey. When asked about the main obstacles to performing MIHs, more than half of the respondents highlighted insufficient training during residency and insufficient surgical experience. Only 25 % of the responders acknowledged reading the ISGE guidelines on performing vaginal hysterectomy. ConclusionsContrary to a full understanding of the benefits of MIHs, lack of training, as well as insufficient surgical experience and unawareness of existing evidence-based guidelines were the main reasons for the high rate of TAH among the ISGE members who participated in the study. All efforts should be directed at teaching VH and TLH techniques during residency, continuous acquisition of practical experience, and use of validated patient selection guidelines for MIH in daily clinical practice.

Impact of resident participation on surgical outcomes in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

To compare surgical outcomes in patients with benign diseases who underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) to determine the association between surgical outcomes and resident participation in the gynecologic field. A single-center retrospective study was conducted of patients diagnosed with benign gynecologic diseases who underwent LAVH between January 2010 and December 2015. Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the resident involvement and non-involvement groups. The primary endpoint was the 30-day postoperative morbidity. Observers were propensity matched for 17 covariates for resident involvement or non-involvement. Of the 683 patients involved in the study, 165 underwent LAVH with resident involvement and 518 underwent surgery without resident involvement. After propensity score matching (157 observations), 30-day postoperative morbidity occurred in 6 (3.8%) and 4 (2.5%) patients in the resident involvement and non-involvement groups, respectively (P = 0.501). The length of hospital stay differed significantly between the two groups: 5 days in the resident involvement group and 4 days in the non-involvement group (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, Charlson Comorbidity Index >2 (odds ratio [OR] 8.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.68-23.96; P < 0.001), operative time (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03; P < 0.001), and estimated blood loss (OR 1.00, 95% CI 1.00-1.00; P < 0.001) were significantly associated with 30-day morbidity, but resident involvement was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the 30-day morbidity rate when residents participated in LAVH. These findings suggest that resident participation in LAVH may be a viable approach to ensure both residency education and patient safety.

First laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy in a tertiary health facility in Abeokuta, Nigeria: A case report

Background: Laparoscopic surgery as a form of minimal access operation has been performed for decades in the developed world, but is now gaining popularity in the developing countries including Nigeria. The recent rise in minimal access surgery in low-resource settings may be attributed to increasing expertise, growing awareness among patients and relatively reducing cost.&#x0D; Case report: Although laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) has been documented from some centres in Nigeria, we are reporting the first case of this highly-technical surgery in our centre. Mrs. GJ was admitted with second degree uterine prolapse and had LAVH with a smooth post-operative recovery. She had reduced hospital stay as she was discharged on the first post-operative day and was satisfied with her choice of surgery as well as the outcome. There were no immediate or late post-operative complications. &#x0D; Conclusion: The success of this procedure further emphasize the feasibility of minimal access surgery in resource-poor settings.

The impact of obesity on vaginal hysterectomy and laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy outcomes: A randomised control trial

ObjectivesThis prospective randomised control trial aimed to compare outcome measures of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and laparoscopically-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in obese vs. non-obese women undergoing hysterectomy for benign uterine conditions with a non-prolapsed uterus. The primary objective of the study was to estimate operation time, uterine weight and blood loss amongst obese and non-obese patients undergoing VH and LAVH. The secondary objective was to determine any difference in hospital stay, the need for post-operative analgesia, intra- and immediate post-operative complications, and the rate of conversion to laparotomy for obese vs. non-obese patients undergoing VH and LAVH. Study designA prospective randomised control study was undertaken in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Women admitted between January 2017 and December 2019 for hysterectomy due to benign conditions, meeting the inclusion criteria set by the unit (vaginally accessible uterus, uterine size ≤ 12 weeks of gestation or ≤ 280gr on ultrasound examination, pathology confined to the uterus) were included in the study. The VH procedures were performed by the residents in training, under the supervision of specialists with large experience in vaginal surgery. All the LAVHs were performed by one surgeon (AC). In addition to the patient characteristics and surgical approach to hysterectomy, operative time, estimated blood loss, uterine weight, length of hospital stay, intra-operative and immediate post-operative complications were also recorded in obese and non-obese patient groups and comparatively analysed. ResultsA total of 227 women were included in the study. 151 patients underwent VH and 76 LAVH, upon randomisation on a 2:1 basis, reflecting the habitual proportion of hysterectomy cases in the Urogynaecology and Endoscopy Unit at CMJAH.No significant differences were found in mean shift of pre-operative to post-operative serum haemoglobin, uterine weight, intra- and immediate post-operative complications, and convalescence period when comparing obese and non-obese patients in both the VH and LAVH groups. There was a statistically significant difference in operating time between the two procedures. The LAVHs took longer compared to the VHs to be performed (62.8 ± 9.3 vs. 29.9 ± 6.6 min in non-obese patients, and 62.7 ± 9.8 vs 30.0 ± 6,9 min for obese patients). All VHs and LAVHs were successfully accomplished without major complications. ConclusionVH and LAVH for the non-prolapsed uterus is a feasible and safe alternative for obese patients demonstrating similar perioperative outcome measures as non-obese women undergoing VH and LAVH. Where possible, VH should be preferred to LAVH as it is a safe route of hysterectomy, with operation time being significantly shorter.

Statewide geographic variation in hysterectomy approach for pelvic organ prolapse: a county-level analysis

There are no definitive guidelines for surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Previous data suggests geographic variation in apical repair rates in health systems throughout the United States. Such variation can reflect lack of standardized treatment pathways. An additional area of variation for pelvic organ prolapse repair may be hysterectomy approach which could not only influence concurrent repair procedures, but also healthcare utilization. This study aimed to examine statewide geographic variation in surgical approach of hysterectomy for prolapse repair and concurrent use of colporrhaphy and colpopexy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, and Medicaid fee-for-service insurance claims for hysterectomies performed for prolapse in Michigan between October 2015 and December 2021. Prolapse was identified with International Classification of Disease Tenth Revision codes. The primary outcome was variation in surgical approach for hysterectomy as determined by Current Procedural Terminology code (vaginal, laparoscopic, laparoscopic assisted vaginal, or abdominal) on a county level. Patient home address zip codes were used to determine county of residence. A hierarchical multivariable logistic regression model with vaginal approach as the dependent variable and county-level random effects was estimated. Patient attributes, including age, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, morbid obesity), concurrent gynecologic diagnoses, health insurance type, and social vulnerability index were used as fixed-effects. To estimate variation between counties in vaginal hysterectomy rates, a median odds ratio was calculated. There were 6974 hysterectomies for prolapse representing 78 total counties that met eligibility criteria. Of these, 2865 (41.1%) underwent vaginal hysterectomy, 1119 (16.0%) underwent laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and 2990 (42.9%) underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy. The proportion of vaginal hysterectomy across 78 counties ranged from 5.8% to 86.8%. The median odds ratio was 1.86 (95% credible interval, 1.33-3.83), consistent with a high level of variation. Thirty-seven counties were considered statistical outliers because the observed proportion of vaginal hysterectomy was outside the predicted range (as defined by confidence intervals of the funnel plot). Vaginal hysterectomy was associated with higher rates of concurrent colporrhaphy than laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopic hysterectomy (88.5% vs 65.6% vs 41.1%, respectively; P<.001) and lower rates of concurrent colpopexy (45.7% vs 51.7% vs 80.1%, respectively; P<.001). This statewide analysis reveals a significant level of variation in the surgical approach for hysterectomies performed for prolapse. The variation in surgical approach for hysterectomy may help account for high rates of variation in concurrent procedures, especially apical suspension procedures. These data highlight how geographic location may influence the surgical procedures a patient undergoes for uterine prolapse.

A Prospective Randomized Study between Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Introduction: Hysterectomy is one of the most common gynecological surgeries conducted worldwide. Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) and Laparoscopy Assisted Vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) have been the mainstays of hysterectomy procedures. When compared with Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH) and LAVH, TLH has been reported to result in shorter durations of procedure, lower blood losses, and shorter hospital stays.Therefore the present study was conducted to compare between operative outcome of LAVH and TLH.&#x0D; Objectives: To compare the surgical outcomes of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a tertiary care hospital and to determine the challenges of the two methods in terms of cost, logistic supports and need for trained manpower.&#x0D; Study design: A prospective, randomized study was performed at a tertiary care center between January 2019 to January 2020. A total of 50 women indicated to undergo hysterectomy for benign uterine disease were randomly assigned to two groups (25 LAVH, and 25 TLH). The randomization procedure was based on a computer-generated list using serially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes. A blinded physician randomly assigned each patient to either LAVH (n = 25) or TLH (n = 25). The sequence was concealed until interventions were assigned. Those who performed surgical procedures did not know which patients undergoing surgery had been included in the study. Those assessing the outcomes were blinded to the group assignments. Outcome measures, including operating time, blood loss, rate of complications, level of Hb before and after surgery, need of blood transfusion, consumption of analgesics, and length of hospital stay, were assessed and compared between groups.&#x0D; Results: There were no differences in baseline demographics between the two groups. The TLH group required shorter operating time than the LAVH group. The estimated blood loss was significantly more in the LAVH group than the TLH group. Postoperative hospital stay was slightly more in the LAVH group than the TLH group. Complication rate were similar between the two groups. Three cases in the TLH group needed conversion. Two cases needed conversion to LAVH and 1 case was converted to TAH, all were related to a large lower uterine segment prohibiting visualization during colpotomy. No statistical significant difference was found in regards of postoperative outcome between groups.&#x0D; Conclusions: TLH and LAVH are both safe, feasible procedures with similar surgical outcomes. TLH was associated with shorter operating time and per operative blood loss, whereas LAVH may be preferred in patients with a uterus with a large lower uterine segment. TLH needs more advanced logistic support and more trained manpower in comparison to LAVH. Cost is higher in TLH group than LAVH group.&#x0D; Bangladesh J Obstet Gynaecol, 2021; Vol. 36(1): 18-22

Evaluation of Perioperative Factors Influencing Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence After Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy [ID: 1372339

INTRODUCTION: Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the few surgical complications identified more commonly in minimally invasive hysterectomies (MIHs) versus open hysterectomies. The objective of this study is to determine perioperative risk factors that contribute to the development of VCD in patients undergoing MIH. METHODS: From 2016 to 2022, a multicenter retrospective analysis of patients undergoing MIH was conducted. Patient characteristics, preexisting conditions, surgical history, intraoperative factors, and type of MIH were evaluated to determine factors contributing to the development of VCD. RESULTS: One thousand one hundred eighty-nine patients underwent MIH. Only 10 (0.8%) patients developed VCD. There was no significant difference in mean body mass index, postoperative length of stay, or estimated blood loss between those with VCD versus those without. Incidence of VCD was highest in total laparoscopic hysterectomy versus all other MIH modalities (P=.002). There were no cases of VCD in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. No patients with endometriosis experienced VCD, and there was no difference in the incidence in patients with cancer versus benign conditions (1.3% versus 0.8%, P=.488, odds ratio [OR] 1.29, 95% CI 0.68–8.23). Personal history of diabetes, hypertension, cesarean delivery, prior laparoscopy, prior laparotomy, or smoking did not affect the incidence of VCD (P&gt;.05) as well as insurance status and race (P=.728 and P=.775, respectively). Patients who developed deep surgical site infections (SSIs) had significant increase in VCD (10.0% versus 2.3%, P=.006, OR 4.79, 95% CI 0.587–33.22). CONCLUSION: We observed that mode of MIH and SSI were perioperative risk factors that contribute to the development of VCD. What is notable is that demographics and medical comorbidities did not affect the incidence of VCD.

Pelvic organ prolapse after hysterectomy: A 10-year national follow-up study.

Hysterectomy may have an effect on the pelvic floor. Here, we evaluated the rates and risks for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgeries and visits among women with a history of hysterectomy for benign indication excluding POP. In this retrospective cohort study 3582 women who underwent hysterectomy in 2006 were followed until the end of 2016. The cohort was linked to the Finnish Care Register to catch any prolapse-related diagnoses and operation codes following the hysterectomy. Different hysterectomy approaches were compared according to the risk for a prolapse, including abdominal, laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal and vaginal. The main outcomes were POP surgery and outpatient visit for POP, and Cox regression was used to identify risk factors (hazard ratios [HR]). During the follow-up, 58 women (1.6%) underwent a POP operation, of which a posterior repair was the most common (n=39, 1.1%). Outpatient visits for POP symptoms occurred in 92 (2.6%) women of which posterior wall prolapses (n=58, 1.6%) were the most common. History of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy were associated with risk for POP operation (HR 3.0, p =0.02), vaginal vault prolapse operation (HR 4.3, p=0.01) and POP visits (HR 2.2, p < 0.01) as compared to the approach of abdominal hysterectomy. History of vaginal deliveries and concomitant stress urinary continence operation were associated with the risk for a POP operation (HR 4.4 and 11.9) and POP visits (HR 3.9 and 7.2). Risk for POP operations and outpatient visits for POP symptoms in hysterectomized women without a preceding POP seems to be small at least 10 years after hysterectomy. History of LAVH, vaginal deliveries and concomitant stress urinary incontinence operations increased the risk for POP operations after hysterectomy. These data can be utilized in counseling women considering hysterectomy for benign indication.

Hysterectomy Trends and Risk of Vaginal Cuff Dehiscence: An Update by Mode of Surgery

To analyze hysterectomy trends and vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) rates by mode of surgery at a tertiary care medical center and to describe characteristics of VCD cases. Observational retrospective cohort study. Large academic hospital and affiliated community hospital. 4722 patients who underwent hysterectomy at Columbia University Irving Medical Center between January 2010 and August 2021. Current Procedural Terminology and International Classification of Diseases codes identified hysterectomies and VCD cases. Hysterectomy trends and VCD rates were calculated by mode of surgery. Relative risks of VCD for each mode were compared with total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). Clinical characteristics of VCDs were reviewed. There were 4059 total hysterectomies. Laparoscopic hysterectomies, including total laparoscopic hysterectomies (TLHs), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies, and robot-assisted TLHs (RA-TLHs), increased from 41.9% in 2010 to 65.9% in 2021 (p <.001). RA-TLH increased from 5.7% in 2010 to 40.2% in 2021. Supracervical hysterectomies followed similar trends and were excluded from VCD analysis. There were 15 VCDs (overall rate 0.37%). VCD was highest after RA-TLH (0.66%), followed by TLH (0.32%) and TAH (0.27%), with no VCDs after laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy or total vaginal hysterectomy. Compared with TAH, the relative risk for VCD after RA-TLH was 2.44 (95% confidence interval 0.66-9.00) and after TLH was 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.24-5.83), which were not statistically significant. The mean time to dehiscence was 39 days (range 8-145 days). The most common trigger event was coitus (41%). VCD rates were low (<1%) for all modes of hysterectomy, and rates after robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy were much lower than previously reported. Although VCD rates trended higher after robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with abdominal hysterectomy, the difference was not significant. It is difficult to determine whether this finding represents true lack of difference vs a lack of power to detect a significant difference given the rarity of VCD.

Open radical hysterectomy: The new standard of care in early-stage cervical cancer.

The current standard in the surgical management of patients with early-stage cervical cancer is open radical hysterectomy. Results from the LACC trial have demonstrated that minimally invasive radical hysterectomy is associated with worse disease-free and overall survival compared to the open approach. Subsequent data from this prospective trial demonstrated no difference in global adverse events nor in quality of life when comparing the two surgical approaches. Recent retrospective studies have shown that the vaginal protective maneuver may render an advantage by decreasing tumor exposure and spillage in the setting of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy. However, oncologic outcomes have not been evaluated when prospectively implementing this technique. The minimally invasive approach has demonstrated inferior outcomes even in the setting of small tumors (<2 cm). There are currently three ongoing prospective trials comparing open vs minimally invasive radical hysterectomy.

Outcomes of Laproscopic Hysterectomies: An assessment of a learning curve experience of a Gynae laparoscopic surgeries

Among the most frequent gynecological operations conducted is the hysterectomy. Objective: To determine the outcome of TLH in benign uterine pathology of up to 12-week size uterus. Methods: It was a prospective case series carried out at Obstetrics and Gynecology department of Memon medical institute hospital, Karachi from January 2019 to January 2021. All patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy secondary to benign utero- ovarian pathology were consecutively enrolled. Demographic characteristics of the patients along with the presence of co-morbidities, hospital admission details, surgical procedure and intra and post-operative complications were noted. The surgery performed with similar technique in all cases. If patients were deemed to be fit for release after 48 hours following surgery, they were discharged. The postoperative follow-ups were performed at 10th, 30th, and 3 months. Results: Of 50 patients, the mean age was 50.5 years. The main indication of hysterectomy is adenomyosis diagnosed in 20 patients. There were 4 laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies and 46 were total laparoscopic hysterectomies. History of previous laparotomies was observed in 12, previous cesarean and bilateral tubal ligation in 6 each, history of mesh repair of umbilical hernia in 4 while history of VP shunt was observed in 2 patients. Eight patients converted into laparotomy due to technical difficulty in controlling hemorrhage of uterine artery. Total rate of intra and post-operative complications was 40%. Conclusion: Laparoscopic approach for hysterectomy is a safe alternative to conventional hysterectomy for benign uterine pathology of up to 12 weeks size uterus.

Comparative Study between Different Methods of Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

Background: Hysterectomy is the second most common major surgical procedure performed on women after caesarean section. The incidence of hysterectomy is 4-6% out of which 90% are performed for benign indications. Aim of the work: The aim of this study was to compare intra- and post-operative morbidity associated with two types of laparoscopic hysterectomy. Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH) and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH) Patients and methods: A total of 80 women scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy for benign disease were subdivided into 2 groups; 40 women for LAVH and 40 women for TLH, Patients were excluded from the study if they had contraindication to laparoscopy. Intra- and post-operative evaluations including the duration of the operation uterine weight, frequency of intraoperative complication, and the difference between hemoglobin level prior to surgery and one day after surgery. Results: LAVH took the longest operating time. As regard hemoglobin deficit that occurred after 24 hours of surgery, our study showed that TLH had largest Hb deficit (1.6 gm/dl) but still the Hb deficit not significantly different. As regard transfusion of blood, one case took blood in group LAVH and one case in group TLH. As regard other complications, the bladder was injured during plunt dissection of the bladder flap in group TLH and this case was having history of one cesarean section 10 years ago. Conclusion: laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy showed lower complication but longer operative time than total laparoscopic hysterectomy group; also (LAVH) showed shorter hospital stay and need fewer analgesics so we considered this method the best when the patient accepted total removal of the uterus. While total laparoscopic hysterectomy showed the more blood loss and complication intraoperatively and postoperatiovely, but this complication is non-significant in cases of removal of the hole uterus.

Institutional Trends in Hysterectomy Volume and Route of Surgery

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To report the trends in hysterectomy volume and route of surgery at a single tertiary-care institution as the overall surgical landscape has shifted towards minimally invasive surgery. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective cohort study. <h3>Setting</h3> Large academic medical center and affiliated community hospital. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> All patients who underwent hysterectomy for benign and malignant indications between January 2010 and August 2021. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> During the study period, there were 4722 hysterectomies performed at our institution: 4059 total (86%) and 663 supracervical (14%). Hysterectomy volume rose steadily from 2010 (306 annual cases), peaked in 2016 (483 annual cases), and remained relatively stable through 2021. The laparoscopic approach (conventional laparoscopic, robotic, and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy) was the most common route of hysterectomy overall (59.3%, n=2799), followed by abdominal (30.2%, n=1425) and vaginal (10.5%, n=498) (P < .0001). Among the laparoscopic hysterectomies, there were 1546 robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomies (32.7%), 1097 conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies (23.2%), and 156 laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomies (3.3%). The distribution of route of hysterectomy changed from 2010 (44.8% abdominal, 41.2% laparoscopic, 14.1% vaginal) to 2021 (22.6% abdominal, 66.1% laparoscopic, 11.3% vaginal) (P < .0001). While abdominal hysterectomies constituted the largest proportion of cases in the beginning of our study period, the proportion dropped substantially by the end. Most notably, robot-assisted hysterectomies had the greatest increase from 6.2% of cases in 2010 to 41.1% of cases in 2021, while conventional laparoscopic hysterectomies slightly increased from 21.6% of cases to 24.3%, and vaginal hysterectomies slightly decreased from 14.1% to 11.3%. <h3>Conclusion</h3> There has been a large shift towards laparoscopic hysterectomies in the last 10 years, with the most substantial increase in robot-assisted laparoscopy. This trend reflects the increasing popularity of minimally invasive surgery in the gynecology field as a whole.