A Vagino-Laparoscopic Strategy for Hysterectomy of Large Uteri to Ease Surgical Challenges

PURPOSE: To develop a vagino-laparoscopic strategy for hysterectomy (VLH) to treat uteri with large fibroids at ≥ 16 weeks of gestation to ease surgical challenges. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an observational study conducted in our private general hospital on 64 consecutive cases involving uteri with large and benign fibroids at ≥ 16 weeks of gestation. We excluded cases with an associated ventro-fixed uterus and large cervical fibroids. INTERVENTIONS: The VLH strategy involves vaginal separation of the uterosacral with the uterine arteries followed by laparoscopic separation of the remaining upper pedicles. The uterus was then removed vaginally. RESULTS: The largest uteri receiving treatment was at 26 weeks of gestation and the mean uterus weight was 869.60 ± 275.10 g (range: 500–1900 g). The VLH strategy was successful in 63 (98.43%) cases irrespective of the configuration of the uterus. One case (1.56%) required mini-laparotomy conversion due to the need for adhesiolysis; this case exhibited extensive adhesion of the rectum to the posterior wall of the uterus due to a history of previous myomectomy of the posterior wall. There were no conversions due to failed laparoscopic exposure of the adnexal or uterine vascular pedicles, or due to uncontrolled intraoperative bleeding. There were no cases of urinary tract injury or other major complications. The vaginal detachment of uterosacral ligaments before the laparoscopic phase of the VLH strategy increased upwards mobility and dislodged the cervico-isthmic level of large uteri from the narrow lower aspect of the pelvis to the upper wider part of the pelvis; this eased the surgical challenges associated with such cases and avoided complications during laparoscopy. CONCLUSION: We developed a vagino-laparoscopic strategy for hysterectomy that can ease the technical challenges associated with the majority of large uteri.