[Significance of laparoscopic assistance in vaginal hysterectomy].

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this publication was the analysis of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomies (LAVH) performed in Department of Surgical and Endoscopic Gynecology of Polish Mother Health Centre Research Institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There was the analysis of 57 LAVHs performed from June 2002 to December 2003. Following parameters were evaluated: indications to LAVH, operating time, weight of the removed uterus, complications, blood loss, duration of postoperative hospitalisation, the day of introducing general diet, anesthetic and antibiotic demand in postoperative period. RESULTS: There were indications to LAVH: fibroid uterus, endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer, adnexal mass, cervix dysplasia. Previous laparotomy and caesarean section, endometriosis, narrow vagina of non-parous women were additional indications to use of laparoscopy during the operation. Complications were found in two (3,5%) cases: bleeding to abdominal cavity from infundibulo-pelvic ligament demanding reoperation and superficial epigastric artery injury no demanding reoperation. There were no infection, conversion to laparotomy, abdominal cavity organs injury and other complications. It was observed short time of introducing general diet, low anesthetic consumption and short post-operation stay in hospital (mean 3,6 days). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy is an operation with a small risk of intra- and postoperative complications, quick return to general diet and full life activity, short post-operation stay in hospital, low anesthetic consumption and good cosmetic effect. Use of laparoscopic stage in vaginal hysterectomy make possible evasion of laparotomy in the situation of impossible performance of ordinary vaginal hysterectomy.