Supracervical Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (SCLH)

In 50 women without cervical pathology, a SCLH was performed with extraction of the uterus by means of a posterior colpotomy under endoscopic visual guidance. All cases were performed after a diagnosis of dysfunctional uterine bleeding or uterine leiomyomata and treatment with GnRH analogs for 3 months. Uterine fundal measurements ranged from 6-10 cm in greatest diameter. Results, including operating time, blood loss, subjective feelings of nausea, emesis, oral tolerance, and resumption of ambulation were all evaluated in the immediate postoperative period. All patients resumed their normal daily activities at 6 to 10 days postoperatively. A preliminary report addressing sexual function and satisfaction at 3 months postoperatively as compared with the preoperative period was developed. No difference in experience was noted. An economic evaluation was performed at the Clinica Ginemedex that revealed a 30% savings in terms of postoperative care and medication when performing a SCLH as opposed to the more conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH). SCLH appears to offer several advantages over total LH.