Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Automatic Stapling Devices

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes including operating time, blood loss, length of stay (LOS), return to work and complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy performed with automatic stapling devices. METHODS: Between 6/11/91 and 11/23/95, 127 laparoscopic hysterectomies were performed with automatic stapling devices. On an average, 6 firings with the stapler were done per case. Postoperative telephone survey and retrospective review of records were done. RESULTS: Data averages for operating time, blood loss, LOS and return to work, respectively, were 90 minutes, 190 cc's, 1.1 day and 2 weeks. Significant complications included delayed postoperative bleeding in 4 patients, all of which occurred within the first 35 cases. One was controlled laparoscopically and 3 others required exploratory laparotomies. Since certain precautionary measures as described were taken, hemorrhagic complications were eliminated. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy can be performed safely and effectively with automatic stapling devices in properly selected patients. A potential hazard inherent with this technique includes intraoperative and postoperative bleeding from the staple lines, the incidence of which can be minimized by taking certain precautionary measures such as the use of white cartridges only and bipolar desiccation of staple lines when indicated.