Laparoscopic hysterectomy: preliminary report of 24 cases

From March to November 1991, 24 patients underwent laparoscopic hysterectomies at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei. The indications for hysterectomies included seven patients with adenomyosis, 14 with myoma uteri, one with intractable menorrhagia, and two with endometriosis and severe pelvic adhesions. The surgeries were performed using the techniques of videolaparoscopy, including a combination of Kleppinger bipolar forceps for hemostasis and scissors and/or CO2 laser for lysis of adhesions. The mean blood loss was 210 mL; there was one bladder injury during these procedures. Most of the patients were discharged on the second postoperative day. The advantages of a laparoscopic hysterectomy include a short hospitalization, low blood loss and less postoperative discomfort. Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a cost-effective and safe procedure.