Operative outcomes of single-port-access laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy compared with single-port-access total laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to compare between operative outcomes of single-port-access laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (SPA-LAVH) and single-port-access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPA-TLH), further subdivided by vaginal cuff closure via laparoscopic suture (VCC-L) or via the vaginal route (VCC-V).

Materials and methods: A custom-made port was used for single-port laparoscopy in 111 patients who underwent SPA-LAVH (n = 33), SPA-TLH with VCC-L (n = 35), and SPA-TLH with VCC-V (n = 43) during October 2009-October 2010. Records were reviewed retrospectively.

Results: A significant difference in the operating time was observed among the groups (p = 0.009). SPA-TLH with VCC-L took a significantly longer time to be performed (118.6 ± 41.8 minutes) than SPA-TLH with VCC-V (98.6 ± 21.3 minutes) or SPA-LAVH (102.0 ± 20.3 minutes). The decrease in hemoglobin level on the 1(st) day postsurgery was significantly smaller in case of SPA-LAVH (1.56 ± 0.97 g/dL, p = 0.005) compared with that in case of SPA-TLH with VCC-L (2.19 ± 0.95 g/dL) and SPA-TLH with VCC-V (2.24 ± 0.95 g/dL). No significant differences in other surgical outcomes were found.

Conclusion: SPA-TLH with laparoscopic vaginal suture required the longest operating time, and hemoglobin changes were smaller in the SPA-LAVH group than in the other groups. In patients undergoing SPA laparoscopy, we recommend the SPA-LAVH procedure.

Keywords: laparoscopic hysterectomy; laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy; single port; total laparoscopic hysterectomy; vaginal cuff suture.