Laparoscopic hysterectomy in case of uteri weighing ≥1 kilogram: a series of 71 cases and review of the literature.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To present our experience with laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) for uteri weighing 1 kilogram or more and to provide a systematic review of the available English literature.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis and review of the literature (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy.

PATIENTS

All women in whom LH was attempted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Insubria for uteri weighing ≥1 kg were included in the present study. Demographic characteristics and perioperative details of patients were prospectively recorded in our institutional surgical database. We also performed a systematic review of the English literature to identify studies including at least 1 case of LH for uteri weighing ≥1 kg.

INTERVENTIONS

Hysterectomy for uteri ≥1 kg was performed through a total laparoscopic approach with vaginal morcellation of the uterus in the majority of patients and transvaginal closure of the vaginal vault in all cases.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

LH was attempted in a total of 71 women. The median uterine weight was 1120 g (1000-2860 g). Three (4.2%) conversions to open surgery were needed. The median operative time and blood loss were 120 minutes (55-360 minutes) and 200 mL (10-1000 mL), respectively. No intraoperative and 2 (2.8%) postoperative complications occurred. Our review identified 6 studies reporting details of LH for uteri weighing ≥1 kg for a total of 62 patients; conversion to open surgery was necessary in 6 (9.7%) patients, and an additional 13 (21%) received a minilaparotomic incision to extract the uterus. The overall complication rate reported in the literature was 11.4%.

CONCLUSION

LH represents a possibility even in cases of uteri weighing ≥1 kg. In a dedicated setting with high endoscopic experience, conversion and complication rates appear acceptable.