Abdominal hysterectomy: a new approach for young gynaecologists

Abdominal hysterectomy is performed for various gynaecological conditions. During operative procedures haemorrhage caused by trauma or slipping and retraction of uterine or ovarian artery has been a cause of great concern to gynaecologists specially in absence of adequate blood transfusion facilities. To overcome this problem, a new approach has been developed--ligation of the uterine artery and ovarian artery (in case of salpingo-oophorectomy) before going for conventional hysterectomy procedures. Abdominal hysterectomy was performed in 500 cases during last 7 years. Traumatic injury to left uterine vessels was seen in 2 cases (0.4%). No other injury to ovarian vessels, right uterine vessels, ureter and bladder was observed. Hence it is concluded that ligation of uterine artery, prior to conventional abdominal hysterectomy procedures, is an extremely safe procedure reducing the risk of haemorrhage and thus allowing young gynaecologists to perform this operation with less fear and more confidence.