[Clinical experience with a novel surgical technique: laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy]

A new surgical technique, the laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) is evaluated through the clinical course of a group of patients operated for hysterectomy in the years 1993-1995. Although the groups of patients being operated for LAVH, vaginal or abdominal hysterectomy have not been randomized, we conclude that the laparoscopic assistance allows the vaginal approach of hysterectomies that should have been otherwise operated by laparotomy. Medical and financial advantages of this technique are discussed.