Total laparoscopic hysterectomy with earlier uterine artery ligation

We compared the feasibility, blood loss, duration of surgery, and complications between patients in whom both uterine arteries were sutured at the beginning of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and patients in whom suturing was done after cornual pedicles. Using a prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2) at a dedicated high-volume gynecologic laparoscopy center, a total of 350 women who underwent TLH from January 2005 through January 2007 were assigned into 2 groups. The indications for TLH were predominantly myomas and menorrhagia. In group A, TLH was done by suturing both uterine arteries at the beginning of the procedure. In group B, the uterine arteries were sutured after the cornual pedicles as done conventionally. All the other pedicles were desiccated and cut either with harmonic ultracision or bipolar diathermy. The uterus with cervix was removed either vaginally or by morcellation. The median age of patients in group A was 46 years and in group B was 44 years. Mean uterine size, weight, estimated blood loss, total operating time, need for blood transfusion, and complications were analyzed. In group A the total duration of surgery was 60 minutes (range 20-210). In group B, the total duration of surgery was 70 minutes (range 30-190). In group A, the median total blood loss was 50 mL (range 10-2000). In group B the total blood loss was 60 mL (range 10-2500). The comparison between the 2 groups revealed a statistically significant difference (p <.05, Mann-Whitney test). Need for blood transfusion was less in group A. One patient in group A had secondary hemorrhage 3 weeks later and the vaginal vault was resutured. In group B, 2 patients had blood loss more than 1500 mL (uterus weight > 1000 g) and required 4 units of packed cell transfusion in each. One patient in group B with previous cesarean section had a bladder wall rent and this was sutured laparoscopically using 3-0 delayed absorbable sutures. Uterine artery ligation at the beginning of TLH as done in group A is a technically feasible procedure. It reduces the total blood loss and decreases the time taken for the procedure.