Abstract
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to review the surgical results in all morcellation procedures performed during vaginal hysterectomy for leiomyomata uteri. A retrospective review was conducted of 33 women aged 36–55 years with symptomatic leiomyomata uteri who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with uterine morcellation between October 1, 1997, and September 30, 1999. There were 18 straight transvaginal hysterectomies and 15 laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies in this series. The uterine size, operative time, estimated blood loss, and number of days hospitalized are presented. All 33 procedures were successfully completed by use of the vaginal route. Although one operative cystotomy occurred, there were no intraoperative bowel or ureter injuries, no laparotomies or unplanned surgical procedures, and no hospital readmissions. Although this is a small series, it demonstrates that vaginal hysterectomy combined with uterine morcellation is a safe procedure in the surgical management of symptomatic leiomyomata uteri. Since the introduction of morcellation at the author's community hospital, abdominal hysterectomy performed for leiomyomata uteri has decreased almost 30%. (J GYNECOL SURG 16:59, 2000)
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