Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy in an Army medical center

Over the past 5 years, laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) has progressed from an experimental procedure to an alternative operation when abdominal hysterectomy is indicated. During a 15-month period, 31 patients underwent LAVH at Tripler Army Medical Center for treatment of gynecologic conditions that traditionally required abdominal hysterectomy. The benefits of the procedure and the complications encountered during surgery are discussed. A comparison of our data with data presented in other reports in the literature is considered favorable. While the complication rate was 16%, there was no mortality or serious morbidity. With experience and proper training of gynecologic surgeons, LAVH is an alternative to abdominal hysterectomy in selected cases.