ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of uterine weight on short-term outcome of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign gynecological conditions. METHODS: A retrospective medical records review of 265 cases of patients with TLH was performed. Patients included in this study underwent TLH as benign uterine disorders at Kangnam Sacred Heart Hostpital, Hallym University from January 2008 through June 2009. These patients were stratified into three groups; Group 1 patients with uterus weighing less than 180 g (n=60), Group2 patients with uterus weighing 180 g to 350 g (n=141), Group 3 patients with uterus weighing more than 350 g (n=64). The groups were compared as regard postoperative stay, operative time, estimated blood loss, hemoglobin change, conversion to open surgery, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in age, gravidity, body mass index, previous pelvic surgery and past medical history. The overall complication rates were not significantly different. But operative time prolonged as uterine weight increased. CONCLUSION: The TLH can be performed successfully in case of enlarged uterus. Therefore the enlarged uterus is not an absolute contraindication for TLH.