Comparison of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy with abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy.

Objective: To define the advantages and disadvantages of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Study Design: The first 70 cases of LAVH performed in a community hospital were compared with 70 cases of abdominal and 70 cases of vaginal hysterectomy performed by the same physicians during the same period.

Results: The mean operating time was 80 minutes for LAVH, 50 for abdominal hysterectomy and 40 for vaginal hysterectomy. The incidence of complications was low for all groups. Although the total mean hospital charges were higher with LAVH, those patients required the least postoperative analgesia, resumed a regular diet earlier, required the shortest hospital stay, and returned to regular activity and work earlier than the other two groups.

Conclusion: LAVH offers specific benefits for properly selected patients.