[A review of 445 cases of laparoscopic hysterectomy: benefits and outcome].

Hysterectomy is a major procedure indicated for women with gynaecologic pathologies. After reporting the first laparoscopic hysterectomy (Reich 1989), this technique has recently been considered as a safe and efficient alternative to traditional abdominal hysterectomy in the management of benign uterine pathologies when vaginal route is contraindicated. The laparoscopic approach should not be held to compete with vaginal hysterectomy. From 1995 to 2001 in our institute, the proportion of laparoscopic hysterectomy has increased and laparotomic hysterectomy has decreased. Between January 1999 and January 2001 we carried out 445 total laparoscopic hysterectomies. There were 5 laparotomy conversions for large uterus. The average haemoglobin drop was 1,36 g/dl. Median operative time was 95 +/- 27 min. The mean in postoperative stay was 2.7 +/- 0.8 gg. The postoperative complications were minimal. Laparoscopic approach is less painful, is associated to less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, more rapid recovery and a better assumption by affected women. Some disadvantages are reported too, such as larger operating time, high rate of complication and experience required for performing laparoscopy including a learning curve. A training period is necessary to standardize the operating procedure, to put in place methods of avoiding complication and to reach a plateau of surgical skill. The purpose of this study was to show the role of total laparoscopic hysterectomy and how it can be performed safely with a minimal morbidity after a period of training in which we worked out shrewdness to get a standardized technique with the most effective outcome.