Intrafascial Supracervical Hysterectomy Without Colpotomy and Transuterine Mucosal Resection by Pelviscopy and Laparotomy

Between September 1991 and December 1993, 253 patients were operated on using the Classical Intrafascial SEMM (Serrated Edged Macro Morcellator) Hysterectomy (CISH) technique. One hundred fifty-two patients were assigned to pelviscopic CISH and 101 to laparotomic CISH. Uterine leiomyomas with menstrual disorders and pressure symptoms topped the list of indications with 61%. In all cases, initially transuterine mucosal resection and coring of the cervicouterine cylinder were carried out followed by the intrafascial supracervical dissection of the uterus. The size of the uterus played a decisive role in selecting the cases for CISH technique either by pelviscopy or laparotomy. The cervicouterine mucosal cylinders were cored using the Calibrated Uterine Resection Tool (CURT). Cervical thickness and diameters were measured preoperatively by transvaginal sonography for facilitating the use of a specific-sized CURT. After removal of this cylinder, hemostasis in the area was secured by coagulating with an endocoagulation device. The advantage of this technique is that the pelvic floor integrity remains intact, and because uterine arteries and ureters were not touched, the so called “complication zone” is thus avoided. The histological findings are in agreement with the indications, the leiomyomas and leiomyomas with adenomyosis being the most frequent pathology. The histologic analysis showed that in all cases the squamocolumnar transformation zone was totally removed. There were 11 (4.4%) complications, promptly identified and treated without further problems. The value of the Classical intrafascial supracervical hysterectomy without colpotomy including the resection of transformation zone speaks for itself, because there is less physical stress and recovery is quick. However, it has yet to prove its value as compared with other techniques for hysterectomy for specific indications.