Changing Trends in Surgical Approaches of the Hysterectomy: 3408 cases Vaginal Hysterectomy-The University of Hallym Hospital's Experience in Korea

Kang, Jung Bae; Jung, Tae Bum; Kim, Hong Bae; Lee, Geun Young; Kang, Sung Won

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
The purpose of our study evaluate to assess the feasibility and safety of performing vaginal hysterectomy on our experience.
METHODS
Between 1990 year and 1997 year, 3408 women underwent vaginal hysterectomy without laparoscopic assistance at Hallym University Hospital in Korea. All hysterectomies(abdominal & vaginal) were reviewed and these were compared with all hysterectomy cases from most recent year available for complete analysis. RESULT: 1. In 1990 yrs~1997 yrs, vaginal hysterectomies compromised 51%(vaginal hysterectomy [below VH]: 268 / total abdominal hysterectomy [below TAH]: 258; 1990), 55%(VH: 254/TAH: 212; 1991), 60%(VH: 346/TAH: 227; 1992), 64%(VH: 341/TAH: 190; 1993), 72%(VH: 434/TAH: 168; 1994), 75%(VH: 489/TAH: 156; 1995), 76.%(VH: 632/TAH: 196; 1996), 78%(VH: 657/TAH: 190;1997), a high increased rate of vaginal hysterectomy significantly. 2. The average age of patients was 41.9+/- 8.18(26~84) years old and 25 nullipara and 274 primiparas and 3109 multiparas. The mean parity was 2.74+/-0.36. 3. The common surgical indications were uterine myoma(53.9%), prolapse of uteri(23.3%), CIN II-III or microinvasive cervical cancer(6.5%), others(16.3%) 4. The average time of operation(hysterectomy and colporrhaphy) was 78.3+/- 14.2 min(40~230). 5. The average weight of uterus was 166.5+/- 111.4 gm(60~1130 gm), 34.0% was done morcellation. 6. 5.7% of operated women had previous abdominal operaton (without tubal ligation). 7. The common associated procedures were posterior colporrhaphy(47.4%), anteroposterior colporrhaphy(45.6%), adnexectomy(4.9%), other(2.1%). 8. The mean blood loss was 280+/- 104.4 ml and 12.4% of operated women were need of transfusion. 9. The minor complication rate was 10.6% e.g. urinary retention(5.3%-179cases), abdominal bleeding (including conversion TAH) (0.3%-9cases), pelvic hematoma(0.3%-11cases), post operation fever(2.8%-94cases), mortality cases none. 10. The mean hospital days were 7 days(4~20)
CONCLUSION
In our experience the following conclusions have been reached that vaginal hysterectomy is usually well tolerated by most women, a safe operation with few complications and without notable blood loss and without the need of expensive laparoscopic equipment. The incidence of vaginal hysterectomy is characterized by pronounced fluctuations suggested that no valid general guidelines have yet been established for the indication via vagina of surgical treatment. The incidence of vaginal hysterectomy correlates with the experience of individual surgeon strongly. Vaginal hysterectomy remains the method of choice for removal of the uterus in the absence of absolute contraindication.