A review of total laparoscopic hysterectomy using LigaSure uterine artery-sealing device: AIIMS experience.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) by using the Ligasure system for the sealing of uterine arteries.

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective review of cases who underwent TLH over 1.5 years.

SETTINGS: This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital setting, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (New Delhi, India).

PATIENTS: A total of 110 patients of TLH done for uterine pathology [leiomyoma in 67 (60.9%), dysfunctional uterine bleeding in 34 (30.9%), and others in 9 (8.1%)].

INTERVENTIONS: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy, using the LigaSure system (Valleylab Inc., Boulder, CO), was done by the sealing of uterine arteries and Prashant Mangeshikar uterine manipulator for elevation of the uterus.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 43.1 +/- 0.602 years and mean body mass index was 25.19 +/- 0.39 kg/m(2). The mean operating time was 116.91 +/- 3.4 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 173.09 +/- 11.64 mL, and the mean weight of the removed uterus was 224.14 +/- 17.62 g. Six patients were converted from a laparoscopic to an open procedure (large myoma in 4 and dense adhesion in 2) and 1 was converted to laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (tear in vaginal cuff). One patient (0.9%) developed lung emphysema during the intraoperative period. Postoperative complications included paralytic ileus in 3 (2.7%), retention of urine in 2 (1.8%), and febrile morbidity in 12 (10.9%) patients. There were no bladder or bowel injuries.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic hysterectomy by uterine artery sealing with LigaSure is a safe, efficient procedure with a low complication rate.