Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy: a study of 100 cases on light-endorsed transvaginal section

The objective of this study was to compare the results of a modified laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) procedure, using light-endorsed transvaginal section by two puncture trocars, with those of total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) in a prospective, randomized, short-term study. A new, modified LAVH technique using Endo GIA stapler and two puncture trocars was established. For the laparoscopic phase, each adnexum was dissected, and the vesicouterine junction was identified clearly with the laparoscopic light from the vaginal side. Vaginal-phase surgery was performed as usual. Two hundred patients scheduled for abdominal hysterectomy were randomized to either LAVH (n = 100) or TAH (n = 100). Duration of hospitalization, time of surgery, dose of analgesics, and rates of complications were significantly lower in the LAVH group (p < 0.001). The average operating time was 77 +/- 30 min for LAVH and 102 +/- 18 min for TAH. The duration of hospitalization was 3.2 +/- 0.7 days for LAVH and 5.5 +/- 1.3 days for TAH. There were three complications in the LAVH group and 15 in the TAH group. Postoperative meperidine requirements (1.2 vs. 3.7 ampoules, 1 ampoule = 50 mg) were significantly fewer in the LAVH group. Regarding the training time, the mean operating time in the first 20 cases was 98 min, and in the last 20 cases it was 70.9 min. As compared with TAH and other modified LAVH procedures reported previously, the present technique is easy to learn and timesaving with fewer complications.