Laparoscopic oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) application for small uterine perforations

To test the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic oxidized cellulose application at the uterine perforation site.

In a prospective study over a 3.5-year period a total of 30 women undergoing combined surgical termination of pregnancy and laparoscopic sterilization who had a small uterine perforation were recruited. Oxidized cellulose (Surgicel) was inserted and attached to the perforation site with a laparoscope. The end point was sealing of the perforation and complete hemostasis. Laparotomy was performed if hemostasis was not achieved.

The mean age, parity and gestation were 31.4 years, 3.8 and 9.3 weeks. The perforations occurred in the fundal region (60%), anterior wall (16.7%), posterior wall (13.3%), upper lateral wall (3.3%) and lower lateral wall (6.7%). Mean size of perforations, respectively according to site were 4.3 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.4 mm, 3 mm and 3.5 mm in the five groups. Laparoscopic oxidized cellulose application was successful in all women with fundal, anterior, posterior and upper lateral uterine wall perforations. In two women with perforations on the lower lateral wall, due to excessive blood loss, oxidized cellulose fell off; laparotomy was performed and hemostasis was achieved with sutures. All 28 laparoscopically-treated women were discharged on the next day in good condition with no complications.

Laparoscopic oxidized cellulose application appears to be a safe and effective treatment for small uterine perforations that are bleeding moderately.