Complications of 361 Laparoscopic Hysterectomies

We evaluated the results and complications of 361 hysterectomies performed at operative laparoscopy to treat a variety of benign gynecologic conditions. The hysterectomies were classified according to the number of steps performed endoscopically. There were no conversions to laparotomy for the hysterectomy, although one required laparotomy for rectosigmoid resection and anastomosis due to severe stricture of the rectosigmoid colon. There were no cases of mortality during the hospitalization nor during 42 postoperative days. The overall complication rate was 10.23 per 100 women. Intraoperative complications included three inferior epigastric vessel injuries, two hemorrhages requiring blood transfusion, one small bowel injury and one bladder injury. The overall complication rate in this series is lower than that reported for abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy. Laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy allows the surgeon to directly visualize uterine artery pedicles, to clearly delineate ureteral paths, to accomplish immediate and precise hemostasis, to use hydrostatic lavage and irrigation to continuously disperse microclots and tissue debris, and to operate with accuracy. While this procedure seems to offer several advantages such as reduced devitalized tissue, near elimination of the potential for suture reaction, and diminished inflammatory responses during the healing phase, complications can be encountered.