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Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Single-surgeon technique with minimal assistance
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190, USA.
Objective:
To prospectively evaluate parameters of surgical outcome of a novel technique of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy performed by a single surgeon with minimal surgical help from an inexperienced assistant.
Study Design:
Four women who had indications for hysterectomy but relative contraindications to the strictly vaginal approach were consecutively entered into the study. The hysterectomy was accomplished with the Endo GIA 30, O'Connor-O'Sullivan self-retaining vaginal retractor, the ligature vaginal hysterectomy technique and one surgical assistant.
Results:
The average operative time was 133 minutes (range, 105-167). Blood loss averaged 288 mL (range, 150-350). The average length of hospitalization was 62 hours (range, 36-72). The average time of convalescence was two weeks (range, one to three).
Conclusion:
Preliminary results from a series of four patients suggest that this procedure may be a viable and safe alternative for the single surgeon.