Vaginal hysterectomy: past, present, and future.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Vaginal hysterectomy is the oldest and least invasive hysterectomy technique.
• It is evidence-based as the preferred route for benign gynecologic disease.
• Currently, it is primarily used for uterine prolapse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the underutilization of vaginal hysterectomy for non-prolapse conditions.
• To emphasize the need for increased awareness and improved surgical training.

Main Methods:

• Review of current surgical practices and evidence regarding vaginal hysterectomy.
• Analysis of factors contributing to underutilization.

Main Results:

• Vaginal hysterectomy is safe and effective but underutilized for non-prolapse conditions.
• Key barriers include insufficient training and lack of awareness of supporting evidence.

Conclusions:

• Vaginal hysterectomy should be more widely adopted for benign gynecologic conditions beyond uterine prolapse.
• Future efforts must focus on surgical education and disseminating scientific evidence.