A Clinical Analysis of Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy (LAVH)

Lee, Sung Hwan; Park, Cheol Hoon; Kim, Yong Wook; Baek, Seung Yeob; Ro, Duck Yeong; Kim, Tae Eung; Jung, Jae Keun

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To report our experience with laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and evaluate the advantages of LAVH. This is a retrospective study.
METHODS
From Jan. 2001 to Aug. 2002, 204 LAVHs were performed at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Our Lady of Mercy Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea. We studied the results with regard to the age, parity, previous abdominal surgery, surgical indications, operation time, weight of uterus, change of hemoglobin, hospital stay, concomitant procedures, and complications.
RESULTS
The mean age was 43.9+/-6.4 years. The mean parity was 2.1+/-1.3. Tubal ligation was most common previous abdominal surgery. As a surgical indication, leiomyoma (52.9%) and adenomyosis (33.3%) were more common indications than any other gynecological problem. The mean operation time was 85.7+/-22.4 minutes. The mean uterine weight was 206.2+/-103.7 g. The mean hemoglobin change was 1.2+/-0.7 g/dl. The mean hospital stay was 3.3+/-0.8 days. Unilateral salpingoophorectomy was most common operation as concomitant procedure. Surgical complication rate was 3.4%.
CONCLUSION
LAVH is a safe and effective alternative to abdominal hysterectomy with advanced technologic development in laparoscopic instruments and skills.