Evolution of laparoscopic myomectomy and description of two hemostatic techniques in a large teaching gynecological center

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2021 Oct:265:181-189. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2021.08.023. Epub 2021 Aug 26.

Abstract

Objective: To provide a description of laparoscopic myomectomy and the two hemostatic techniques performed over the last 11 years in a single reference center for gynecology and obstetrics and to evaluate the factors associated with favorable surgical outcomes.

Study design: We retrospectively analyzed 625 who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy from January 2009 to December 2019.

Results: Of 625 patients, 437 (69.8%) were symptomatic. The most common symptoms were heavy uterine bleeding (33.2%). 188 patients (30.1%) were asymptomatic but were operated in 77 cases (12.3%) for rapid fibroid growth, 32 (5.1%) for uterine cavity distortion and, in 45 cases (8.6%), the myomectomy was indicated during a surgery for other medical reason due to its accessibility. In 173 cases (27.9%) intramyometrial adrenaline was injected and in 246 cases (39.7%) a temporary blockage of the uterus blood supply was performed. Only 35 (5.6%) patients presented complications, of which, 14 (40%) were hemorrhagic. These hemorrhagic complications were more frequent when intramyometrial adrenaline was used (5,8%) than after the temporary clipping of the uterine arteries and infundibulopelvic ligaments (0,8%; p < 0,001). In the multivariate logistic regression model, the only factor statistically associated with favorable surgical outcome was the use of temporary clipping of the uterine arteries at their origin and infundibulopelvic ligaments as hemostatic technique during the surgery.

Conclusion: Laparoscopic myomectomy was generally safe with a high level of favorable outcomes. The temporary clipping of uterine arteries and infundibulopelvic ligaments presented fewer intraoperative bleedings compared with injecting intramyometrial adrenaline.

Keywords: Fibroid; Laparoscopic myomectomy; Laparoscopy; Minimally invasive myomectomy; Temporary clipping of the uterine artery.

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gynecology*
  • Hemostatic Techniques
  • Humans
  • Laparoscopy*
  • Pregnancy
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Uterine Myomectomy* / adverse effects
  • Uterine Neoplasms* / surgery