Laparoscopic myomectomy without uterine manipulator for maintaining endometrial cavity integrity.

BACKGROUND

Preserving the integrity of the endometrial cavity is crucial, particularly for preserving fertility during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). This study aimed to compare the uterine breaching rate and clinical outcomes of LM performed with and without a uterine manipulator.

METHODS

Data from women who underwent LM at our hospital between January 2020 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes included endometrial cavity breaching rate, conversion rate, abdominal port count, operative time, hospitalization duration, and blood loss. The secondary outcomes included adverse events such as postoperative anemia and emphysema.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data from 50 participants, comparing those with (n=30) and without (n=20) manipulators. No significant differences were observed in age, body mass index, surgical time, hospitalization, blood loss, or hemoglobin drop. However, the incidence of endometrial cavity breach was higher in the manipulator group (p=0.007). The manipulator group required fewer abdominal ports (p < 0.001) than the manipulator group. Increased myoma size was associated with increased blood loss and surgical time.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical outcomes of LM without a uterine manipulator were comparable to those of LM with a manipulator. The absence of a manipulator may aid in preserving the integrity of the endometrial cavity. An increase in myoma size was associated with longer surgical time and greater blood loss, while uterine manipulator use was linked to fewer trocars.