[Total hysterectomy for benign pathologies. Conventional celiosurgical technique].

The standard technique for total laparoscopic hysterectomy is characterised by two essential points. The first is that all instruments are reusable and the second is that hemostasis is ensured by bipolar coagulation. It is a safe technique with a cost comparable to that of vaginal or abdominal hysterectomies. The routine use of disposable material and automatic disposable staplers for laparoscopic hysterectomies is debatable, as the considerable increase in cost is not accompanied by benefit for the patient or the community. Although laparoscopic hysterectomy is a feasible technique, all hysterectomies should not be performed by this route. If the operation is feasible quickly and under good conditions via the vaginal route, laparoscopic surgery is not indicated. Laparoscopic surgery is only indicated when vaginal surgery is difficult and/or contra-indicated. The elective indications for total laparoscopic hysterectomy are severe adhesions, deep endometriosis and especially a limited vaginal accessibility associated with a narrow vagina and a fixed or non prolapsed uterus. While a average of three quarters of hysterectomies (excluding cases of uterogenital prolapse) are currently performed via a laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery can reduce this rate to approximately 10 to 20 per cent.