Laparoscopic hysterectomy in case of uteri weighing ≥1 kilogram: a series of 71 cases and review of the literature

• Published in: Journal of minimally invasive gynecology Vol. 21; no. 3; p. 460
• Main Authors: Uccella, Stefano, Cromi, Antonella, Serati, Maurizio, Casarin, Jvan, Sturla, Davide, Ghezzi, Fabio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.05.2014
• Subjects: Adult; Body Weights and Measures; Conversion to Open Surgery; Endoscopy; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy - methods; Italy; Laparoscopy; Middle Aged; Organ Size; Postoperative Complications; Retrospective Studies; Uterus - pathology; Uterus - surgery; Italy; Total laparoscopic hysterectomy; Large uterus; Fibroids; Laparoscopy; Hysterectomy; 1 kg; 1000 g
• ISSN: 1553-4669
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmig.2013.08.706

To present our experience with laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) for uteri weighing 1 kilogram or more and to provide a systematic review of the available English literature. Retrospective analysis and review of the literature (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy. All women in whom LH was attempted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria for uteri weighing ≥1 kg were included in the present study. Demographic characteristics and perioperative details of patients were prospectively recorded in our institutional surgical database. We also performed a systematic review of the English literature to identify studies including at least 1 case of LH for uteri weighing ≥1 kg. Hysterectomy for uteri ≥1 kg was performed through a total laparoscopic approach with vaginal morcellation of the uterus in the majority of patients and transvaginal closure of the vaginal vault in all cases. LH was attempted in a total of 71 women. The median uterine weight was 1120 g (1000-2860 g). Three (4.2%) conversions to open surgery were needed. The median operative time and blood loss were 120 minutes (55-360 minutes) and 200 mL (10-1000 mL), respectively. No intraoperative and 2 (2.8%) postoperative complications occurred. Our review identified 6 studies reporting details of LH for uteri weighing ≥1 kg for a total of 62 patients; conversion to open surgery was necessary in 6 (9.7%) patients, and an additional 13 (21%) received a minilaparotomic incision to extract the uterus. The overall complication rate reported in the literature was 11.4%. LH represents a possibility even in cases of uteri weighing ≥1 kg. In a dedicated setting with high endoscopic experience, conversion and complication rates appear acceptable.