Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Technique and Complications of 830 Cases

OBJECTIVE: This study analyses the technique and complications from total laparoscopic hysterectomy. METHODS: Retrospective chart abstraction was performed on 830 consecutive patients operated on between 1996 and 2006. Demographic and surgical data were analyzed by ANOVA, chi-square, and Spearman and Pearson correlation techniques were used with significance set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Of 830 consecutive patients, 5 (0.6%) were converted to laparotomy. Patients had a mean age of 50 (±11) years, a mean of 1.3 (±1.3) pregnancies, and a mean BMI of 27.6 (±6.8) kg/m(2). The mean surgical duration was 132 (±55) minutes, with mean blood loss of 130 (±189) mL and average hospital stay of 1.4 (±0.9) days. Duration of surgery, blood loss, and hospital stay all decreased with the surgeon's increasing experience. Reoperative complications occurred in 38 patients (4.7%). Urologic injuries were observed in 23 patients (2.6%), with 9 (1.1%) requiring reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: This technique for TLH offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for patients needing hysterectomy, even those without vaginal capacity and uterine prolapse.