The efficacy and feasibility of the laparoscopy assisted mini-lap myomectomy (LAMM) of huge myoma / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of the laparoscopy assisted mini-lap myomectomy (LAMM) as an alternative to laparotomy for patients with multiple or huge myoma unsuitable for laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: Uncontrolled retrospective study was done on the forty-six women with myoma of 16 or more gestational sized who were undertaken laparoscopy assisted mini-lap myomectomy. The operative procedures consisted of: 1) examination of pelvic cavity, 2) infiltration of diluted vasopressin, 3) enucleation of myoma, 4) suture of uterus, and 5) removal of myoma. The examination of pelvic cavity was always done using laparoscopy. Either the laparoscopic or mini-lap method for each of the remaining steps was determined depending on the characteristics of the cases. Before operation, patients with severe anemia were corrected by the administration of oral or parenteral iron. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33.3 +/- 4.7 years, their mean gravidities and parities were 0.74 and 0.24, respectively. Of 46 patients, 28 women were married and 20 desired childbearing. The mean (+/-SD) myoma weight was 501 +/- 353 (range 130-1600) gm. The mean operation time was 87.0 +/- 31.3 minutes and blood loss was 208 +/- 239 mL. The mean incision length of mini- lap was 4.6 +/- 1.1 (range 2.5-6) cm. Postoperatively, 1 case of wound abscess occurred. Postoperative mild anemia was correctable with oral iron. Most patients were resumed normal activity within 3 weeks. The mean period of follow-up was 20 (range 6-58) months. Of 20 who desired childbearing, 15 women were follow-up and 9 women conceived. In 6 patients who underwent cesarean section, no significant adhesion or defect was found in the uterus. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that LAMM is feasible and safe minimal invasive method that could replace routine laparotomy in patients with huge myoma.

Learning Curve of Laparoscopic Myomectomy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of laparoscopic myomectomy compared to open myomectomy METHODS: A retrospective study of 85 cases of myomectomy was performed. Twenty six cases of open myomectomy (group I) and 59 cases of laparoscopic myomectomy (group II) were done by one main surgeon from 1996 to 2002 in the department of OBGYN at Moonhwa Hospital. Group II was divided into two subgroups, group IIA and group IIB. Group IIA included 17 cases of laparoscopic myomectomy done from 1996 to 1998 during learning period. Group IIB included 42 cases of laparoscopic myomectomy performed from 1999 to 2002 after learning period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, parity, the number of myoma, and the size of myoma between groups I and II. The intensity of postoperative pain and febrile morbidity were significantly lower in group II than in group I (P<0.05). Mean operation time was significantly shorter in group I than in group II. However, after completing the learning curve, no significant difference was found in the operation time between group I and group IIB. Blood loss was significantly decreased in group II compared to group I (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The learning curve for lasparoscopic myomectomy needed 17 cases and laparoscopic myomectomy could be an excellent minimally invasive method as an alternative of open myomectomy after learning curve.