Outcomes of Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Using a 5-mm Versus 10-mm Laparoscope: A Randomized Control Trial

To determine if the use of a 5-mm umbilical incision and laparoscope would result in a higher likelihood of earlier discharge from hospital after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) compared with a 10-mm umbilical incision and laparoscope. Secondary objectives of the study were to determine if the use of a 5-mm laparoscope would lead to a reduction in postoperative pain scores and a shorter operating time without an increase in complication rates.

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

A tertiary care setting.

Seventy-eight patients scheduled for TLH were prospectively recruited.

Women undergoing TLH were assigned to either a 5-mm umbilical port and laparoscope (5LH) or a 10-mm umbilical port and laparoscope (10LH). All patients underwent a standardized operative technique and anesthetic protocol. Patients and research assistants responsible for postoperative pain assessment were blinded to group. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.

The primary outcome measure was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcome measures were operating time, pain scores on postoperative days 1 and 7, and complication rates. There was no difference in length of hospital stay between the 2 arms. Compared with the 10LH group, the 5LH group had shorter operative times (32.6 vs 40 minutes; p = .01) and less postoperative pain on day 1 (2.5 vs 3.3; p = .03 for "pain with movement") and on day 7 (.92 vs 1.8; p = .002). Complication rates were similar between the 2 groups.

TLH with a 5-mm laparoscope resulted in shorter operative times and less pain on postoperative days 1 and 7, compared with a 10-mm laparoscope, with similar length of stay and complications.