Reverse Vesicouterine Fold Dissection for Laparoscopic Hysterectomy After Prior Cesarean Deliveries

Cesarean delivery adhesions, during laparoscopic hysterectomy, can present surgical challenges, including distortion of anatomy, prolonged operating time, and inadvertent injury to nearby structures.

At the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy, in patients with significant adhesions from prior cesarean deliveries, we use a reverse inferior to superior vesicouterine fold dissection to mobilize the scarred bladder. We use this as an alternative to the commonly practiced technique of mobilizing the bladder in a superior to inferior fashion at the time of laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Fifty-two patients with a median age of 42.5 years are presented. Forty-eight patients were discharged within 3-6 hours postoperatively. Sixteen patients were discharged with Foley catheters, because they were unable to void within the protocol for a fast-track discharge. The catheters were removed between postoperative days 1 and 5. There were no gastrointestinal or genitourinary complications. One patient experienced a delayed vaginal cuff abscess and bleeding, which were managed conservatively.

Reverse vesicouterine fold dissection is a useful alternative technique for laparoscopic hysterectomy in women with a history of prior cesarean deliveries.