Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies: obesity does not increase the risk of complications

This study was designed to investigate the intra-operative characteristics and the risk of intra- and post-operative complications in cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in overweight, obese and non-obese patients.

This cohort study includes all patients undergoing TLH for benign pathologies between January 1993 and June 2007 in Cochin university hospital (Paris). Demographic and surgical data were analysed. A comparison between overweight and obese patients versus non-obese patients and multivariate analyses were performed.

Of 1460 patients undergoing TLH, 101 patients (6.9%) had a BMI of 30 or higher and 338 (23.2%) were overweight. After adjustment with respect to the patients' characteristics and past history (age, parity, past history of laparotomies, previous Cesarean section, menopausal status), no significant difference was found whether in terms of intra-operative (haemorrhage, transfusion, thrombosis, ureter, bladder or bowel injuries) or post-operative complications (hyperthermia, infections, fistula). Concerning the intra- and post-operative characteristics of these patients, only a significantly longer operating time was noted in the case of obesity (RR = 1.80; CI 95%: 1.16-2.81).

In our experience, provided that the operating technique is meticulous, the intra- and post-operative complications are not increased in the case of obesity, although the operating time is longer.