A novel technique of total laparoscopic hysterectomy for routine use: evaluation of 140 cases

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed gynecological procedures. Although the first laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in 1989, this technique accounts for only a few of all hysterectomies performed today. To assess the safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy through a novel technique that we have evolved, a retrospective analysis of 140 patients with benign uterine pathologies operated at our institute between 2004 and 2007 was performed. All patients underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) using a simple technique. The highlight of this technique was the omission of any vaginal manipulator. The mean operation time was 88.75 ± 52.72 minutes, the mean blood loss 53.80 ± 35.94 ml and the mean hospital stay 2.21 ± 1.12 days. No conversion to open surgery was necessary. Iatrogenic complications were bowel injury (n=1) and vaginal tears (n=3) and were managed laparoscopically. The new method of TLH proved to be reproducible and safe with decreased morbidity and operation time. This can be attributed to the performance of the same standardized steps each time. Our technique provides a safe procedure suitable for routine use in gynecological surgery.