Lift-laparoscopic total hysterectomy as a routine procedure.

In this study, laparoscopic hysterectomy was done with a special lift system that elevates the abdominal wall without carbon dioxide (CO2) insufflation. During this procedure, bipolar diathermy scissors also were used, which disconnected the uterus from its vessels and ligaments. The uterus was then removed through the vagina. In 403 cases, variables including operation time, complication rate, blood loss, postoperative pain, hospital stay, vaginal discharge, and convalescence time were examined. Compared with other laparoscopic methods [laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), supracervical hysterectomy, and total laparoscopic hysterectomy], all those examined showed better results. Further advantages of the gasless Lift-laparoscopic total hysterectomy are lower costs and an effective "learning curve." Use of this method routinely could decrease the number of conventional-surgical hysterectomies that result in additional complications.