Pushing the boundaries of laparoscopic myomectomy: a comparative analysis of peri-operative outcomes in 323 women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy in a tertiary referral centre

Opportunities for change and levelling up: a trust wide retrospective analysis of 8 years of laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomy

Background

Laparoscopic myomectomy is increasingly considered the gold standard uterine preserving procedure and has well documented benefits over the open approach. Barriers that women have in accessing the most appropriate treatment need to be addressed to ensure optimal patient care and outcomes.

Objectives

To analyse rates of open and laparoscopic myomectomy at a large NHS trust and identify how many cases could potentially have been performed laparoscopically, and any variation between sites.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of preoperative imaging reports and a surgical database containing information for all myomectomies performed between 1st January 2015 and 31st December 2022.

Main outcome measures

Number of procedures suitable for alternative surgical approach; length of hospital stay; estimated blood loss; cost differences.

Results

846 myomectomies were performed; 656 by laparotomy and 190 by laparoscopy. 194/591 (32.8%) open myomectomies could have been performed laparoscopically and 26/172 (15.1%) laparoscopic myomectomies may have been better performed via an open approach. Length of hospital stay, and estimated blood loss were significantly higher in the open group. Had cases been performed as indicated by pre-operative imaging, the cost differences ranged from -£115,752 to £251,832.

Conclusions

There is disparity in access to the gold standard care of laparoscopic myomectomy. Due to multifactorial reasons, even at sites where the rate of laparoscopic myomectomy is high, there is still underutilisation of this approach. It is clear that there is scope for change and "levelling up" of this imbalance.

What is new?

Robust pathways and guidelines must be developed, and more laparoscopic surgeons should be trained to optimise care for women with fibroids.

A comparative retrospective analysis on robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery compared to conventional laparoscopy in case of myomectomy: experience in a third-level hospital of Southern Italy

Uterine myomas are the most common gynecological disease in reproductive-aged women, present several symptoms, and require effective medical and/or surgical strategies. This study aimed to compare robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) with laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) in terms of operative times, intraoperative estimated blood loss, pre- and post-hemoglobin levels drop, and length of hospital stay. Data from 50 clinical records (25 RALM in Group A and 25 LM in Group B) of patients with uterine fibroids were collected from December 2022 to December 2023 at Gynecological Unit of DAI Materno-Infantile Federico II in Naples, Italy. Patients aged 30-49 years with symptomatic fibroids were included. Data on peri-operative outcomes, including operative time for myomectomy (OTM), overall operative time (OOT), intraoperative estimated blood loss (EBL), pre- and post-operative hemoglobin levels, and length of hospital stay were analyzed. The OTM in the presence of > 5 myomas was 59 [52-65] vs 69 min [61-96] (p < 0.001) for RALM and LM groups, respectively. Moreover, also in presence of ≤ 5 myomas, a difference was observed in the RALM group 48[43-55] compared to the LM group 53[50-61] min (p = 0.07). The OOT was also statistically significant for Group A compared to Group B (83[65-93] vs 72[56-110] min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pre- and post-operative hemoglobin levels and EBL (p = 0.178). Group A demonstrated a notably shorter hospital stay 1.2 [1-2] days compared to Group B 2.9[3-3.75] days (p = 0.007). Our study suggests potential advantages of RALM over LM in terms of reduced operative times and shorter hospital stays. The standardized approach and extensive surgical experience likely contributed to the favorable outcomes of RALM.

Comparison of Postoperative Complications Between Laparoscopic Myomectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare postoperative complications of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). A secondary outcome examined whether complications differ by age.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A multicenter academic healthcare system.

PATIENTS

Individuals > 18 years old undergoing LM from 2011 to 2021 or TLH for benign indications from 2020 to 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

LM or TLH.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were 1178 patients in the LM group and 1304 in the TLH group. Patients who underwent LM were younger, more often premenopausal, nonsmokers, with lower body mass index, lower preoperative hemoglobin, larger uterine size, and lower American Society of Anesthesiologists class. LM had longer operative times (154.1 ± 74.5 vs 145.9 ± 70.5 min, p <.0001), higher use of intraoperative hemostatic agents (25% vs 9.1%, p <.0001), and higher estimated blood loss (222.7 ± 313.0 vs 87.4 ± 145.9 mL, p <.0001) than TLH. Postoperatively, LM was associated with fewer surgical site infections (3.1% vs 5.8%, p <.0001), readmissions within 30 days (2.0% vs 5.6%, p <.0001), or emergency department visits within 90 days (10.9% vs 14.4%, p = .008). LM were more likely to be admitted 24 hours postoperatively (5.9% vs 3.4%, p = .0023) or receive a blood transfusion within 30 days (4.0% vs 1.0%, p <.0001). Variables associated with increased risk of postoperative complications were tobacco use, American Society of Anesthesiologists class > 3, preoperative anemia, estimated blood loss ≥ 150 mL, and specimen weight > 250 g. Logistic regression demonstrated that operative time ≥185 minutes was most strongly associated with 24-hour admission postoperatively (odds ratio [OR] = 12.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.71-45.27). In individuals ≤ 37 years of age, the LM group was less likely than the TLH group to experience surgical site infection (OR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.14-0.62) or present to the emergency department (OR, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.26-0.63).

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of patients, both LM and TLH had low rates of postoperative complications, but the complications differed for each approach. In appropriate surgical candidates, either approach may be offered based upon patients' goals.

C-section technique vs minilaparotomy after minimally invasive uterine surgery: a retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Uterine leiomyomas are benign uterine tumors. The choice of surgical treatment is guided by patient's age, desire to preserve fertility or avoid "radical" surgical interventions such as hysterectomy. In laparotomy, the issue of extracting the fibroid from the cavity does not arise. However, in laparoscopy and robotic surgery, this becomes a challenge. The aim of the present study was to determine the optimal surgical approach for fibroid extraction following laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy in terms of postoperative pain, extraction time, overall surgical time, scar size, and patient satisfaction.

METHODS

A total of 51 patients met the inclusion criteria and were considered in our analysis: 33 patients who had undergone the "ExCITE technique" (Group A), and 18 patients a minilaparotomy procedure (Group B), after either simple myomectomy, multiple myomectomy, supracervical hysterectomy, or total hysterectomy. The diagnosis of myoma was histologically confirmed in all cases.

RESULTS

Regarding the postoperative pain evaluation, at 6 h, patients reported 4 [3-4] vs 6 [5.3-7] on the VAS in Group A and B, as well as at 12 h, 2 [0-2] vs 3.5 [2.3-4] in Group A and B, respectively: both differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference at 24 h from surgery was found. All patients in Group A were satisfied with the ExCITE technique, while in Group B only 67% of them. The length of the hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group A as compared to Group B (p = 0.007). In terms of the operative time for the extraction of the surgical specimen, overall operative time, and the scar size after the surgery, there was a statistically significant difference for those in Group A.

CONCLUSION

The ExCITE technique does not require specific training and allows the surgeon to offer a minimally invasive surgical option for patients, with also an aesthetic result. It is a safe and standardized approach that ensures tissue extraction without the need for mechanical morcellation.

Oral gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists: the continuing search for the ideal nonsurgical therapy of uterine fibroids with a cautionary tale

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Uterine fibroids are very common with a prevalence of over 70%. They present a significant economic and psychological burden. A variety of nonsurgical treatments exist for its management encompassing hormonal and nonhormonal methods. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists are a novel treatment for uterine fibroids. They cause a rapid reduction in endogenous GnRH, leading to a dose-dependent reduction in levels of oestradiol and progesterone, thus reduction in bleeding. The addition of hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, known as add-back therapy, helps curb the menopausal side effects. As such, they pose a potential long-term nonsurgical therapy for management of symptomatic fibroids.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are various uses of GnRH antagonists and the results from the clinical trials are promising. Caution needs to be taken when new treatment options are introduced with audit and data collection tools in place to assess effectiveness as well as any side effects.

SUMMARY

This article highlights the uses of GnRH antagonists in practice and reflects on previous novel treatments for fibroids with a focus on Ulipristal acetate. It states the importance of using audit tools and multiinstitutional databases to prevent and allow early discovery of issues such as those that encumbered Ulipristal.

The Appropriate Criteria in Patients Selection for Myomectomy in the Era of Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Case Report

Background

Myoma is the most common benign monoclonal neoplasm of the uterus with increased frequency during reproductive years of women.

Case Presentation

A twenty two year old female presented with abdomen lump, dysmenorrhoea, and heavy menstrual bleeding. Multiple myomas were diagnosed based on clinical and radiological findings. Abdominal myomectomy was performed and 75 myomas were enucleated followed by reconstruction of uterus. The second case was a 28 year old married woman presented with heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhoea. Ultrasound reported single posterior wall myoma of 8×6.3×5.8 cm in size. Laparoscopic myomectomy was performed. At follow-up visit, both cases were completely free of any symptoms.

Conclusion

Myomectomy is a feasible and safe option and a uterine preserving surgery even in the presence of multiple myomas. Setting appropriate criteria in selecting patients for abdominal myomectomy rather than MIS is essential to avoid conversion and associated morbidity.

Operative and Obstetric Outcomes after Single-port Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Retrospective Single-center Analysis of 504 Cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To analyze the obstetric and operative outcomes of 504 cases of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SPLM).

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

A tertiary university hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 502 patients (504 SPLM procedures) who underwent SPLM for symptom relief or growing myomas between October 2009 and April 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Data on patient demographics, operative variables (estimated blood loss, hemoglobin decrease, operation time, perioperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay), and obstetric outcomes (the surgery-to-pregnancy interval and birth-related outcomes) were obtained from medical records and analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 40.6 ± 6.6 years. The patients had had an average of 2.3 ± 2.2 myomas removed; the largest myoma size was 6.8 ± 2.4 cm. The mean operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, and postoperative hospital stay duration were 112.9 ± 45.3 minutes, 1.7 ± 1.1 g/dL, and 2.2 ± 1.4 days, respectively. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 7.7% (39/504), and the common complications were transfusions (16/504, 3.1%) or wound problems (15/504, 3.0%). Conversion to multiport or open myomectomy was required in 0.8% of the cases (4/504). A total of 376 women were of child-bearing age, and 56 attempted to become pregnant after surgery. The mean interval from surgery to pregnancy was 15.6 ± 12.2 months. The obstetric outcomes were pregnancy (42/56, 75.0%), live birth (39/56, 69.6%), and miscarriage (2/56, 3.6%). One pregnant woman was lost to follow-up. The 39 live births predominantly involved full-term delivery (36/39, 92.3%), mostly through cesarean section (36/39, 92.3%). No postpartum complications were reported. The 2 most common obstetric complications were preterm labor (7.6%) and gestational diabetes (5.1%).

CONCLUSION

SPLM seems to be an effective procedure with good operative and postoperative obstetric outcomes for women with myomas who require surgery and may wish to subsequently become pregnant.

Laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy with uterine artery occlusion at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center: a case series

Background

Non-hysteroscopic myomectomy is infrequently performed in a freestanding ambulatory setting, in part due to risks of intraoperative hemorrhage. There are also concerns about increased surgical risks for morbidly obese patients in this setting. The purpose of this study is to report the surgical outcomes of a series of laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy (LAM) cases at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC), including a comparative analysis of outcomes in morbidly obese patients (BMI > 40 kg/m²).

Methods

A retrospective comparative analysis was performed of 969 women, age 18 years or older, non-pregnant, who underwent LAM by one of two high volume, laparoscopic gynecologic surgical specialists at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center serving the Washington, DC area, between October 2013 and February 2019. Reversible occlusion was performed laparoscopically by placing a latex-based rubber catheter as a tourniquet around the isthmus of the uterus, causing a temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine arteries. Permanent occlusion was performed laparoscopically via retroperitoneal dissection and uterine artery ligation at the origin of the anterior branch of the internal iliac artery. Minilaparotomy was performed for specimen removal in all cases. No power morcellation was used. Postoperative complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo Classification system. Outcomes were compared across BMI categories using Pearson Chi-Square.

Results

Average myoma weight and size were 422.7 g and 8.3 cm, respectively. Average estimated blood loss (EBL) was 192.1 mL; intraoperative and grade 3 postoperative complication rates were 1.4% and 1.6%, respectively. While EBL was significantly higher in obese and morbidly obese patients, this difference was not clinically meaningful, with no significant difference in blood transfusion rates. There were no statistically significant intraoperative or postoperative complication rates across BMI categories. There was a low rate of hospital transfers (0.7%) for all patients.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy can be performed safely in a freestanding ambulatory surgery setting, including morbidly obese patients. This is especially important in the age of COVID-19, as elective surgeries have been postponed due to the 2020 pandemic, which may lead to a dramatic and permanent shift of outpatient surgery from the hospital to the ASC setting.

Surgical Intervention for Uterine Fibroids. Our 4-Year Experience and Literature Review: Is It Time to Centralise Care Provision Via Specialist Fibroid Centres?

BACKGROUND

Leiomyomas are common in women of reproductive age, for whom treatment-stratification can be challenging. We assessed factors influencing pre-operative selection of surgical intervention and compare outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A literature review was performed and surgical interventions for fibroids at a London hospital (2015-2018) were retrospectively examined. Outcomes assessed were estimated blood loss, length of stay (LOS) and complications. Data were analysed using univariate non-parametric inferential statistics.

RESULTS

A total of 258 cases were identified. Estimated blood loss was statistically significantly lower for laparoscopic versus open myomectomy [200 (interquartile range; IQR)=100-200 vs. 400 (IQR=200-700 ml), p<0.001]. Length of stay was also statistically significantly lower in the laparoscopic cohort compared with open hysterectomy [1 (IQR=1-1) days vs. 2 (IQR=2-3 days)]. Similar results were noted when comparing laparoscopic versus open hysterectomy [167 (IQR=100-200) vs. 500 (IQR=100-750) ml, p<0.001]. No differences in complications were reported across groups. Patients counselled by a surgeon trained in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) opted more frequently for laparoscopy (p<0.01, rho=-0.669). Estimated blood loss during MIS was 225 ml versus 545 ml for non-MIS, and 285 ml for the overall cohort (p<0.01).The length of stay was statistically significantly lower for those treated with MIS (1.37 days) versus other surgeons (2.65 days), or overall cohort (1.63 days) (p<0.01 for all associations).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery offers superior short-term outcomes when performed by experienced operators. Multidisciplinary counselling and treatment stratification should be gold-standard practice. Centralisation of care provision in fibroid Centres of Excellence is required.

Caesarean section in women following an abdominal myomectomy: a choice or a need?

Delivery options following both open and laparoscopic myomectomy remains a controversial topic and opinions vary between obstetricians and gynaecologists. The historical advice of planned caesarean section before 39-weeks persists despite the movement towards the minimal access approach for myomectomy. The main concern remains the small, but potentially catastrophic risk of uterine rupture. Unfortunately, there remains a paucity of data assessing factors that can affect the uterine integrity following laparoscopic myomectomy, such as number, size and type of fibroids, uterine cavity breach and electro-cautery usage. Despite this, the cited 1% overall risk of rupture following myomectomy is similar to the quoted risk following trial of labour after caesarean section, and a successful and safe vaginal delivery can be achieved in as high as 90%. Patient choice and informed consent are essential in the holistic approach to managing these women and safely supporting their delivery choices.

Rethinking the Issue of Power Morcellation of Uterine Fibroids: Is Morcellation the Real Problem or Is this Another Symptom of Disparity in Healthcare Provision?

Power morcellation remains one of the most significant developments in minimal access surgery over the past decade, allowing many more patients to benefit from the least invasive surgical route. However, its use is not without controversy, particularly with regards to the risks of an undiagnosed leiomyosarcoma. Increased media and, in particular, on-going social media coverage since events in 2014 have only served to intensify the debate, culminating in the Food and Drug Administration essentially 'banning' its use in the USA. Practice however continues to vary and this technique remains widely used in Europe and in particular the UK. The aim of this article was to review the development of power morcellation in gynaecology and the underlying risks, including that of undiagnosed leiomyosarcoma, as well as appraise the evolving literature on patient awareness and informed consent and the wider implications of morcellation restriction.

Google searches and medical publication trends since the 2014 US Food and Drug Administration position on power morcellation: Do these translate into patient awareness?

OBJECTIVES

Our primary objective was to assess patient awareness by observing Google Trends comparing search terms used in relation to morcellation rather than morcellation alone. Our secondary objective was to review trends and locations of publications on leiomyosarcoma and morcellation following the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) position statement.

STUDY DESIGN

To assess Internet trends, we obtained the relative search volume (RSV) for each month from 1 January 2004 to 1 March 2019 from Google Trends using the terms 'fibroid', 'morcellation', and 'fibroid cancer'. RSV ranges from 0 to 100 with 100 being peak popularity for the term, and all other monthly search activity relative to the peak. To assess academic trends, we performed a systematic review of published literature discussing fibroid morcellation within the same time period. We used a two-way independent t-test to compare median RSV, and chi-squared test to compare academic output. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Search volume for 'morcellation' peaked during the FDA statement (RSV 0.5 to 2.9, t = 17.5, p < 0.05) but was not sustained. There is an increase in 'fibroid' activity post-FDA statement (RSV 68.8 to 76.3, t = 3.9, p < 0.05). 'Fibroid cancer' remained static throughout (t = 1.5, p = 0.1 and t=-0.5, p = 0.6). Afro-Caribbean countries had the highest RSV for 'fibroid', whereas 'morcellation' RSV was highest in predominantly Western countries. There was a significant increase in the rate of papers published on the subject following the FDA statement (6.8 vs 55.6 papers per year, 95% CI -53.96 to -43.64, p < 0.0001). No academic papers on morcellation were published from countries with the highest RSV for 'fibroid'.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that interest in uterine fibroids has increased since the FDA statement, but the public are perhaps unaware or not concerned of the consequent potential risk of leiomyosarcoma following morcellation. Countries where fibroid interest is highest are not necessarily those that can offer power morcellation. Further studies are required to address how the Internet influences patient choice and informed consent, and how medical professionals can use it to further educate patients on the risks and benefits of laparoscopic myomectomy and power morcellation.

The Significant Risk Factors of Intra-Operative Hemorrhage during Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Systematic Review

Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is becoming increasingly common in the management of uterine myomas and is usually offered regardless of the number, location, and size of the myomas. It has a generally low rate of periprocedural complications and is preferred to laparotomy for several reasons that are not limited to decreased length of hospital stay, number of sutures, smaller incisions, and decreased pain. However, blood loss during LM remains a challenge. To be able to stratify patients and provide better management after LM, it is crucial to identify these predictors of blood loss. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify the risk factors for periprocedural blood loss after laparoscopic uterine myomectomy. According to our data synthesis, age, body mass index, and phase of the menstrual cycle do not seem to affect the blood loss during LM. Conversely, size and number of myomas, as well as operative time, was directly related to the increase of blood loss.

The Use of Ulipristal Acetate (Esmya) Prior to Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Help or Hindrance?

Introduction:

The aim of this study was to assess the operative effects, both positive and negative, of pretreatment with ulipristal acetate (UPA) on laparoscopic myomectomy.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent a laparoscopic myomectomy over a 2-year period.

Results:

A total of 62 patients were included, of which 10 received a 3-month preoperative course of UPA, and 52 patients received no pretreatment. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (no pretreatment vs. UPA pretreatment) with regard to blood loss (214.4 [±214.96] vs. 160 [±51.64], P = 0.432), operating time (111.64 [±41.8] vs. 117.5 [±50.4], P = 0.694), and duration of inpatient stay (1.27 [±0.56] vs. 1.11 [±0.33], P = 0.419). There were no complications in either group. In 100% of cases with UPA pretreatment, a distortion of the fibroid capsule with a more technically challenging dissection was noted, compared to 0% in the no pretreatment group. This anatomical distortion may result in more cases of incomplete resection and a potentially higher risk of recurrence.

Conclusion:

We conclude that UPA confers no operative benefits and should be used with caution in the presurgical treatment of fibroids. The use of UPA may indeed result in a more technically difficult myomectomy with distorted cleavage planes and carry a potential risk of incomplete resection.

Important considerations for women in the late reproductive and perimenopausal years desiring myomectomy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review important considerations in the counseling and management of women over the age of 40 desiring a myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids.

RECENT FINDINGS

Women in the late reproductive and perimenopausal years may choose a myomectomy over a hysterectomy for reasons of fertility preservation or a personal desire to retain their uterus. Data suggest that laparoscopic myomectomy is a low-risk procedure that can be offered to older women, though the age-related risk of uterine malignancy must be evaluated.

SUMMARY

When assessing the surgical candidacy of older women desiring myomectomy, it is important to weigh a woman's fertility potential, surgical risk, and concerns about malignancy with her desire to preserve the uterus and autonomy to choose a procedure type.

Laparoscopic Myomectomy: An Alternative Approach to Tackling Submucous Myomas?

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the differences in perioperative outcomes and immediate complication rates between laparoscopic myomectomy for submucous myomas and laparoscopic myomectomy for myomas in other locations.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital in London.

PATIENTS

A total of 350 patients with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Thirty-three of these were performed for submucous myomas (group 1), and 317 were for myomas in other uterine locations (group 2).

INTERVENTIONS

Analysis of prospectively collected data on patient demographics, myoma characteristics, perioperative outcomes, and immediate complications.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patient demographics, including age, body mass index, and parity, were similar in the 2 groups. No significant differences in myoma characteristics were seen between groups 1 and 2, including the mean dimension of largest myoma (7.1 vs 7.8 cm, respectively; p = .35), mean number of myomas removed (3.8 vs 4.1; p = .665), and mean mass of myomas removed (142.0 g vs 227.3 g; p = .186). There were also no significant between-group differences in any perioperative outcomes, including mean blood loss (226.8 mL vs 266.4 mL; p = .373), duration of surgery (103 minutes vs 113 minutes; p = .264), and duration of hospital stay (1.4 days vs 1.7 days; p = .057). No complications arose from laparoscopic resection of submucous myomas.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic myomectomy for submucous myomas has similar perioperative outcomes and immediate complications as laparoscopic myomectomy for other myomas and can be considered for large or type 2 submucous myomas.

Comparison of 30-day Complication Rates between Laparoscopic Myomectomy and Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for the Treatment of Uterine Leiomyoma in Women Older Than Age 40

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether there are differences in complication rates between laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma in perimenopausal women.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study using 1:2 propensity score matching (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

PATIENTS

Women between the ages of 40 and 60 years undergoing surgical laparoscopic surgery for uterine leiomyoma between the years 2010 and 2016.

INTERVENTIONS

Women were stratified to either LM or TLH at a ratio of 1:2 using propensity score matching. Descriptive statistics were reported as means with standard deviations. Pairwise analysis using the Student t test and chi-square test was performed where appropriate. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with the presence of a complication.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

After propensity score matching, there were 631 myomectomies and 1262 hysterectomies. The operating time was slightly longer for LM compared with TLH (166.8 ± 90.3 minutes vs 157.9 ± 70.9 minutes, p = .03). The overall complication rate was 6.3%. There were no differences in complications between the LM and TLH groups (5.9% vs 6.6%, p = .54). Urinary tract infections were more common in the TLH group (2.3% vs 0.6%, p = .01). There were no other differences in the rates of specific complications between the 2 groups. On logistic regression, wound class greater than 3 was most strongly associated with a risk of complications (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 8.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-15.87). Other variables associated with an increased risk of complications were conversion to hysterectomy (aOR = 5.91; 95% CI, 1.7-9.63), total operating time (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI, 1.02-1.07), and length of stay over 1 day (aOR = 3.67; 95% CI, 2.31-5.8).

CONCLUSION

LM is not associated with an increased risk of complications compared with TLH in women over the age of 40 years undergoing treatment for uterine leiomyomata.

Prevention and Management of Complications in Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Myomectomy aims to preserve fertility, treat abnormal uterine bleeding, and alleviate pain. It should cause minimal damage to the endometrium, while being tolerable and durable, and reduce the incidence of myoma recurrence and complications including bleeding, hematoma, adhesions, and gravid uterus perforation. Training and experience are crucial to reduce complications. The surgical strategy depends on imaging information on the myomas. The position of the optical and secondary ports will determine the degree of ergonomic surgery performance, time and difficulty of myoma enucleation, and the suturing quality. Appropriate hysterotomy length relative to myoma size can decrease bleeding, coagulation, and suturing times. Bipolar coagulation of large vessels, while avoiding carbonization and myometrium gaps after suturing, may decrease the risk of myometrial hematoma. Quality surgery and the use of antiadhesive barriers may reduce the risk of postoperative adhesions. Slow rotation of the beveled morcellator and good control of the bag could reduce de novo myoma and endometriosis. Low intra-abdominal CO2 pressure may reduce the risk of benign and malignant cell dissemination. The benefits a patient gains from laparoscopic myomectomy are greater than the complication risks of laparoscopic morcellation. Recent publications on laparoscopic myomectomies demonstrate reduced hospitalization stays, postoperative pain, blood loss, and recovery compared to open surgery.