Obstet Gynecol Sci.  2022 Sep;65(5):477-482. 10.5468/ogs.22083.

Vaginal vault drainage as an effective and feasible alternative in laparoscopic hysterectomy

• Oh S
• Chon SJ
• Lee SH
• Shin JW

• KMID: 2533821
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5468/ogs.22083

Abstract

Objective
Infected pelvic hematoma is a serious complication of hysterectomies. Pelvic drainage can help reduce complications. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of vaginal vault drainage in patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecological diseases.
Methods
Patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy and pelvic drain insertion for benign gynecological diseases between January 2008 and December 2015 were enrolled retrospectively in the study. They were grouped according to drain insertion sites, that is, through the abdomen (group 1) and vaginal vault (group 2). The postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups.
Results
A total of 504 women were included. No significant differences were observed in the prevalence of postoperative fever, readmission, and reoperation between the two groups.
Conclusion
Given the discomfort associated with holding and removing the abdominal drain, inserting a closed pelvic gravity drain through the vaginal vault appears to be a feasible alternative to an abdominal drain.

Keyword

Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Drainage; Hematoma

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Insertion of a drain in the pelvic cavity through the vaginal vault. View from the abdominal cavity.

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  Fig. 2 Insertion of a drain in the pelvic cavity through the vaginal vault. View from the vaginal canal.

Reference

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