Complications of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy is now an accepted procedure and is being performed by increasingly large numbers of gynecologic surgeons. The procedure is technically difficult and has the potential for serious complications. Sixty-two laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed by the senior author from June 15, 1991, to December 15, 1993. Six patients incurred operative morbidity for a complication rate of 9.7%. All the complications were significant, requiring further surgery; four were related to the laparoscopic portion of the procedure, and two to the vaginal portion only.