Laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy: a report of 26 cases.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy. We have retrospectively studied the first twenty-six cases. All cases were reviewed and included in this report. The complication rate is very minimal and well below that which would be expected from abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy approach. The operative time is approximately double that of a standard approach; however, the hospital stay is greatly decreased and the patient's return to normal activity has been considerably shortened when compared to the standard abdominal procedure. We conclude that the operation is not only feasible, but should be considered any time an abdominal approach to hysterectomy is being contemplated.