Step by Step Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy with Uterine Arteries Ligation at the Origin

Abstract

Study objective: To reveal principles and the feasibility of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with uterine artery ligation at the origin.

Design: Step-by-step demonstration and explanation of technique using videos from patients.

Setting: Gynecologic oncology unit at a university hospital.

Patient: A 54-year-old woman with uterine fibromatosis and metrorrhagia.

Intervention: TLH has 7 common components. First, round ligaments are coagulated and cut to enter the retroperitoneum. The ureter is identified. Second, pararectal spaces are entered between the ureter and the internal iliac artery. This maneuver allows the identification of the uterine artery as it leaves its origin from the internal iliac artery. The uterine vessels are stapled with a vascular endoscopic stapler at their origin from the hypogastric vessels or sealed with a bipolar device. Third, adnexal structures are separated from the uterine corpus for subsequent preservation or removal. Fourth, the blood supply is dissected, occluded, and divided before extirpation of the uterine corpus. Fifth, the cardinal ligament complex is transected with colpotomy, and the cervix is amputated from the vaginal apex. Sixth, the specimen is removed. Finally, the vaginal cuff is closed [1].

Measurements and main results: Laparoscopic hysterectomy was first described by Reich et al. [2] in 1989 and has slowly gained popularity. Today, hysterectomy is the most common gynecologic procedure performed. TLH is where the entire operation (including suturing of the vaginal vault) is performed laparoscopically and there is no vaginal component except for the removal of the uterus. Currently, hysterectomies are performed by different approaches, and individual surgeons have different indications for the approach to hysterectomy based largely on their own array and patient characteristics. TLH requires the highest degree of laparoscopic surgical skills [3], and knowledge of pelvic anatomy defines a safe space for sharp entry into the retroperitoneum and safe identification of pelvic vasculature.

Conclusion: We present an educational video with step-by-step explanation of the technique to highlight the anatomic landmarks that guides the procedure.