Vaginal versus abdominal hysterectomy for the enlarged non-prolapsed uterus: a retrospective cohort study

To compare surgical outcomes in women with enlarged uteri >12 weeks' size who underwent vaginal hysterectomy compared to abdominal hysterectomy for non-prolapse indications.

Retrospective cohort study performed between 2007 and 2012 in a North London teaching hospital. The study group comprised 39 women who had vaginal hysterectomy (VH) with uteri >12 weeks size (200g) for non-prolapse indications. The next successive total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) following the index case for similar indications (and with similar uterine weights) served as control (n=33). The groups were compared for pre- and post-operative demographic data, and main outcome measures were estimated blood loss, operation time, length of stay and complications.

Both VH and TAH groups had statistically similar pre-operative mean haemoglobin levels, age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade. Mean uterine weight (403.1±239.5 vs 460.5±236.2g) was comparable in both groups (both p>0.05). The mean duration of the procedure was similar (123.5±45.8 vs 119.8±44.9min, p=0.580) but women who had TAH lost 117ml more of blood (525.7±427.6 vs 408.2±411.8ml, p=0.039). Although overall complication rates were comparable between the groups (30.8% vs 36.4%, p=0.627), the mean post-operative stay was 55% shorter following VH (40.7±29.4 vs 90.7±46.2h, p<0.0001).

In women with non-prolapsed uteri >12 weeks' size, VH is a safe and cost effective option. The vaginal route is associated with significantly lower estimated blood loss and 55% shorter post-operative stay, with no increase in complication rates.