Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy: an audit plus a word of caution

Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) performed in 109 cases has been reviewed. In this series the mean operative time was 89 minutes and mean inpatient hospitalization was 3.7 days. Throughout the review, 6 patients were considered to have major complications and each is discussed. The association of previous caesarean section and bladder damage is noted. LAVH widens the indications available for vaginal hysterectomy in younger women in whom the abdominal approach would previously be indicated, but extra caution is advised when this technique is first introduced to a gynaecological service.