The availability of vaginal hysterectomy in benign gynecologic diseases: a prospective, non-randomized trial

To determine whether vaginal hysterectomy can be performed in patients with benign gynecologic diseases regardless of uterine size, uterine mobility and previous pelvic surgery and to compare with abdominal hysterectomy.

Between 2003 and 2008, we compared 47 vaginal hysterectomies (VH) with 61 abdominal hysterectomies (AH). We excluded from the study the clinical conditions that mandate abdominal exploration and standard indications for VH such as uterovaginal prolapse. Large, immobile uterus and previous pelvic surgery were not accepted as a contraindication for VH. Demographic characteristics, primary diagnosis, uterine weight, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, complications, and hospital stay and cost in both groups were compared.

Groups were similar with respect to demographic features and primary indications. Mean uterine weight and mean operation time were similar in VH and AH groups (258.0 g vs 293.9 g and 93.7 min vs 101.4 min, respectively). Oopherectomy was performed in 44.7% of VH and in 83.6% of AH. Colporrhaphies and/or anti-incontinence surgery were performed in 15 patients in the VH group (31.9%). The intraoperative blood loss was lower in the VH group than the AH group (245.0 mL vs 408.6 mL, P < 0.001). Perioperative complications were increased with AHs. The mean hospital stay and operation cost in the VH group were significantly less than the AH group (P < 0.001).

This study indicates that vaginal hysterectomy could be performed with less morbidity in patients with benign gynecologic diseases even in large, immobile uterus and previous pelvic surgery.