Evaluation of complications, conversion rate, malignancy rate, and, surgeon's experience in laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) of 1274 large uteri: A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Hysterectomy now belongs to standard gynecological procedures. Moreover, a shift towards laparoscopic techniques is ever more apparent as they provide many advantages such as less traumatization and shorter convalescence. Large uteri are still mentioned as contraindications for laparoscopic hysterectomy even though those patients might benefit from the lower morbidity associated with minimal invasive techniques. In this study, the largest reported so far, we analyzed intraoperative and postoperative complications as well as the surgeon's experience of laparoscopic assisted supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) in patients with a uterus weight over 500 g. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present retrospective study, between June 27, 1998 and August 31, 2019, evaluates 1274 patients with a uterus weight over 500 g who were treated with LASH for benign uterine diseases at the Clinic for Minimal Invasive Surgery (Berlin, Germany). All surgeries were performed by one of four in-house surgeons with experience in LASH: they had performed at least 500 LASH procedures before the study. Patients receiving surgical treatment for malignant tumors were not included in the study. Major and minor intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded and evaluated. Additionally, medical files were evaluated for demographic data, American Society of Anesthesiologists score (I-IV), name of the surgeon, duration and indication for surgery, history of previous gynecological procedures and concomitant surgical interventions, weight of removed uterine tissue, duration of postoperative hospitalization in patients with complications, intraoperative conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy, and malignancy rate. RESULTS: The mean age was 47.0 ± 7.3 years and mean body mass index was 25.6 ± 7.1 kg/m2 . Average parity was 1.04 ± 1.57. Average uterus weight was 761.8 ± 317.9 g (500-4065 g). The mean duration of surgery was 96.9 ± 49.5 min; 54% of all patients were treated without concomitant intervention, conversion rate was 2.12%. The malignancy rate was 0.4% and the complication rate was 6.81% with 1.36% intraoperative complications and 5.45% postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The overall low complication and malignancy rates observed in this study allow us to present LASH as a safe and efficient alternative laparoscopic approach to remove uteri of any size in the hands of experienced surgeons.

Prophylactic Salpingectomy during Hysterectomy for Benign Disease: A Prospective Study to Evaluate High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma Precursors.

Recent findings suggest that high-grade serous ovarian cancer can originate in the fallopian tube. Not only has that made the identification of precursor lesions pivotal in early detection and prevention of these cancers, prophylactic salpingectomy alongside hysterectomy for benign indications has been increasingly proposed as well. The present prospective single-center study included 273 women who underwent opportunistic salpingectomy alongside laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy. Uterine and tubal histopathological results as well as intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated. The complication rate was 3.3%, of which none were caused by salpingectomy. Uterine histopathology diagnosed 181 patients (66.8%) with uterine myomas, 60 patients (22.1%) with adenomyosis, 29 patients (10.7%) with adenomyomatosis, and, 1 patient (0.4%) without pathological abnormality. p53 signatures were detected in 221 right fallopian tubes (80.9%) and in 229 left tubes (83.9%). In total, 8 patients showed bilateral STIL (2.9%), whereas in 1 patient (0.4%) STIL was detected in the left tube only. No STIC were detected. Laparoscopic opportunistic salpingectomy is demonstrated to be both safe and feasible. It appears to be promising to reduce the risk for ovarian cancer, yet more studies are needed to undoubtedly confirm this.

Didactic Benefits of Surgery on Body Donors during Live Surgery Events in Minimally Invasive Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Live surgery events serve as a valuable tool for surgical education, but also raise ethical concerns about patient safety and professional performance. In the present study, we evaluate the technical feasibility and didactic benefits of live surgery on body donors compared to real patients. METHODS: A live surgery session performed on a body donor's cadaver embalmed in ethanol-glycerol-lysoformin was integrated into the live surgery program presented at a major gynecological convention of minimally invasive surgery. Surgical procedures carried out in real patients were paralleled in the body donor, including the dissection and illustration of surgically relevant anatomical landmarks. A standardized questionnaire was filled by the participants (n = 208) to evaluate the appropriateness, effectiveness, and benefits of this novel concept. RESULTS: The live surgery event was appreciated as a useful educational tool. With regard to the use of body donors, authenticity was rated high (85.5%), and the overall value of body donors for surgical education and training was rated very high (95.0%). The didactic benefit of simultaneous operations performed on body donors and real patients was considered particularly useful (95.5%), whereas complete replacement of real patients by body donors was not favored (14.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated both the technical feasibility and didactic benefits of performing minimally invasive surgery in body donors as part of live surgery events. This novel concept has the potential to enhance anatomical knowledge, providing insights into complex surgical procedures, and may serve to overcome yet unresolved ethical concerns related to live surgery events.

Occult Malignancy Rate of 1498 Hysterectomies or Myomectomies with Morcellation: A Retrospective Single-Arm Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Since April 2014, the FDA warns against the use of morcellation during minimally invasive uterine surgery because of the risk of occult malignant spreading in the abdominal cavity. It is clear, however, that more studies are needed to define the incidence of occult uterine cancers, its risk factors, preoperative identification and postoperative follow-up. The present retrospective single-arm study defines the prevalence of occult uterine malignancies in a large group of patients treated with hysterectomy or myomectomy for benign indications. METHODS: In the year of 2014, 1498 women admitted for a myomectomy or hysterectomy in benign conditions at the clinic of minimally invasive surgery (Minimal Invasive Chirurgie or MIC) in Berlin (Germany) were included in this study. The morcellated uterine specimens of operated patients were histologically analyzed for the presence of cancerous tissue. RESULTS: We detected malignancies in three of the 1498 women (0.2%): two patients had endometrial cancer, while we observed cervical cancer in situ in the third patient. No sarcoma was found. CONCLUSION: We detected a very low prevalence of occult uterine malignancy which is in line with several other recent studies. To define a clear policy on the use of morcellation, more studies are required. In the meantime, patients should be informed about the risks of morcellation in case of undetected cancer prior to surgery.

Assessing practical laparoscopic training in certified Training Centers of the Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG).

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the practical laparoscopic training in Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) certified Training Centers (TC) and evaluate the possible implementation for a manual dexterity skills-training within the Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIC) certification process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed and the link provided for the heads of the AGE TC. The questionnaire comprised topics on TC organization, practical training performance and perspectives for future training and demographic data. RESULTS: Response rate was 78.9% (15/19) of AGE TC. Grasping for the basic and suturing exercises for the advanced curricula, respectively, are thought to be of highest value (each 1.0 ± 0, on a scale from 1 = very valuable to 6 = not at all valuable). Most valuable parameter in assessing training was thought to be pressure/tension with 1.80 ± 1.08 The most valuable training capacity was considered for box training under supervision (1.27 ± 0.59) and feed-back box training with direct evaluation of various surgical skills (1.40 ± 0.63). Supervised box training was also thought to have the most positive influence on surgical performance (1.33 ± 0.49). The majority of respondents (86.7%) were qualified with the highest MIC certification and additional 66.7% were sub-specialized Gynecological Oncologists. CONCLUSION: The AGE certified TC offer a structured curriculum with emphasis on practical training. The results of this questionnaire and the additional respondents comments on value and future perspectives/changes of practical training support the concept and the implementation of a skills-training to the AGE MIC concept.

LASH in Severely Enlarged Uterine Leiomyoma: Removal of a Uterus of 4065 g.

Today, even though minimally invasive approaches have become standard worldwide, large uteri are still mainly removed by means of open abdominal approaches. The present case describes the successful removal of the largest uterus ever reported (4065 g) by means of laparoscopy-assisted supracervical hysterectomy (LASH). We combined LASH with the changeover technique which allows a better access and view. We further explain how this approach allows for the safe minimally invasive removal of uteri of any size.

Laparoscopic Ureteral Reimplantation in Endometriosis: A Severe Case.

In aggressive cases, endometriosis can perturb the urogenital tract, in particular the ureter, which can potentially result in ureteral compression or stenosis. Even though this is rare, consequences are dramatic, such as hydronephrosis or organ failure. The present standard intervention comprises the resection of affected tissues and endometriosis foci combined with adjuvant hormonal therapy. When the ureter does not recover, ureteral reimplantation is required. The present case describes the successful laparoscopic approach of the reimplantation of the ureter with simultaneous cystoscopy.

The Laparoscopic-Assisted Combined Hysterectomy: A New Surgical Concept Compared to the Classical Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy by a Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: This controlled trial with II-1 evidence compared the safety and efficacy of the new laparoscopic-assisted combined hysterectomy (LACH) with the standard surgical technique laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in general and in patients displaying risk factors (large uterus, vaginal nulliparity, prior caesarean section). METHODS: From June 2007 to September 2008, 101 patients underwent a hysterectomy at the Clinic of Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Gynaecological Oncology at the Pius Hospital, University Hospital for Gynaecology in Oldenburg. The main outcome measures were feasibility, postoperative analgesia, postoperative inflammatory reaction, and duration of surgery. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS for Windows (p < 0.05). RESULTS: We observed no significant differences between LACH and LAVH regarding outcome parameters or when risk factors were considered. Within the LACH group, the duration of surgery was significantly shorter for patients with UW <400 g. Still within the normal range, caesarean sections from both groups revealed significant differences in the number of leucocytes on the 2nd post-operative day. No urinary tract injuries, no unplanned conversion to laparotomy, no severe perioperative complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSION: In terms of technical feasibility, LACH represents a safe alternative for abdominal HE when LAVH is contraindicated.

Malignancy rate of 10,731 uteri morcellated during laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH).

PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the number of cases of occult uterine malignancies in all LASH surgeries at the MIC clinic (Berlin) and to verify how the operative technique affects the prognosis of the disease. METHODS: Data of 10,731 patients who underwent a standardized LASH surgery with electric power morcellation between 1998 and April 30, 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Main indication for LASH was symptomatic uterine myomas (81.3 %). RESULTS: No intra-operative complication was caused by use of a morcellator. In total, six sarcomas (0.06 %), including four endometrial stromal sarcomas (0.04 %) two leiomyosarcomas (0.02 %), and eight endometrial cancers (0.07 %) were documented. This amounts to a very low uterine malignancy rate of 0.13 %. Median follow-up period for all six patients with sarcoma and seven patients with endometrial cancer was 65.58 months (13-169). No recurrence was reported for the patients with endometrial cancer and five sarcoma patients in the comprehensible follow-up period. One patient died 13 months after LASH surgery due to the diagnosed leiomyosarcoma with peritoneal carcinomatosis and bone metastases. CONCLUSION: In 10,731 morcellated uteri during LASH only 0.06 % sarcoma and 0.07 % endometrial carcinoma were detected. All patients should be informed about the rare possibility of a malignant disease during pre-operative counseling. With a timely follow-up surgery according to the oncologic guidelines, our data suggest a very good prognosis in terms of survival after LASH with morcellation of malignant tumors in the uterus.

Evaluation of SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier in a single center: randomized controlled study in 15 women undergoing reconstructive surgery after laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SprayShield™ Adhesion Barrier in preventing and/or reducing postoperative adhesion during gynecological surgery. DESIGN: This was a prospective, controlled, blinded, and randomized study. Patient blinding was performed intraoperatively. Subjects were randomly assigned to the SprayShield™ or the control group in a 2:1 ratio. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Clinic of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, at the University Hospital for Gynecology in Germany. PATIENTS: Fifteen patients participated in this study; nine patients were assigned to the SprayShield™ and six patients to the control group. INTERVENTIONS: During first operation (FLL) in the SprayShield™ group, the agent was applied to all myomectomy suture lines. Patients in the control group did not receive any anti-adhesion treatment, only good surgical practice. A second-look laparoscopy (SLL) was performed 8-12 weeks after myomectomy to evaluate adhesion formation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Main outcome measures were incidence, severity, and extent of uterine adhesions. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between the two study groups. CONCLUSIONS: SprayShield™ is easy to use. No serious adverse event related to SprayShield™ was observed. Efficacy data are inconclusive regarding the performance of SprayShield™. Further studies are needed to better understand this performance.

Postoperative patient satisfaction after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate postoperative patient satisfaction in women after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH). METHODS: A retrospective study by a mailed questionnaire among 2334 women who underwent hysterectomy via LASH at the MIC-Klinik, Berlin, between 1998 and 2004 was conducted. Indications for LASH were uterus myomatosus, adenomyosis uteri, disorders of bleeding, and genital descensus. The LASH operation technique was standardized and remained consistent throughout the observation period. Pearson's test for metric variables, Spearman's rank correlation test for ordinal data, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. RESULTS: Of the 2334 questionnaires mailed, 1553 were returned and 1431 (61.3%) of those could be analyzed. Almost 94% (93.9%) of the women were highly satisfied with the outcome, 5.6% reported medium satisfaction, and 0.5% were not satisfied. There was no significant difference in patient satisfaction with regard to the different indication for LASH. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates high postoperative patient satisfaction after LASH. The rate of highly satisfied women might be increased by carefully choosing the right indications for LASH and improving operation techniques. This is important for widening acceptance of this innovative new operation standard.

Laparoscopic sacropexy: a retrospective analysis of perioperative complications and anatomical outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of laparoscopic sacropexy with regard to 3 varying mesh attachment points: the vaginal stump, the cervical stump, and the posterior side of the cervix in the case of uterus preservation. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted among 310 women treated for descensus with laparoscopic sacropexy between January 2000 and December 2007. Information was obtained from medical files and follow-up examinations. RESULTS: Sacropexies with mesh attachment to the cervical stump, to the vaginal stump, and with uterus preservation were performed in 213, 67, and 30 cases, respectively. In 40 cases, no concomitant interventions were necessary. One perioperative conversion and 2 terminations occurred. Short-term complications included fever in 15 cases and urinary incontinence in 7 cases. Average follow-up was 7.9 mo with 211 patients completing followup. Prolapse recurrence rate was 10.4%; the reoperation rate was 4%. No significant differences between groups were detected for cystocele recurrence. Rectocele recurrence was significantly higher (P < .05) for sacropexy with vaginal mesh attachment. A reduction of incontinence was observed, which was significant (P < .05) for those patients treated with simultaneous or previous hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sacropexy shows good short-term results with low reprolapse and complication rates.

Laparoscopic myomectomy in patients with uterine myomas associated with infertility.

Although myomectomy is widely accepted in women of childbearing age who wish to retain their fertility, the extent to which myomas affect fertility and whether their removal improves this remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the favourable surgical approach in women with uterine myomas and infertility. This retrospective, follow-up study was carried out in three centres in Germany. Data on women who had undergone myomectomy via laparoscopy, laparotomy or conversion to laparotomy in 2000-04 were collected and analysed. Fertility outcome after myomectomy was assessed by follow-up postal questionnaire in a subgroup of women with myoma-associated infertility. Data on 159 women with otherwise unexplained infertility were included (mean age 35 years (range 17-47), mean number of myomas 2.4 (range 1-8) and mean myoma size 6.1 cm (range 0.5-20)). Women who underwent laparoscopy had fewer complications. 39.6% (63/159) of women completed the questionnaire, which showed that the pregnancy rate after myomectomy was 46% in this group. No uterine rupture occurred. Laparoscopy is associated with fewer postoperative complications and since no preoperative or intraoperative factors seem to influence the fertility outcome in women with uterine myomas, it is the treatment of choice in these patients.

Decreasing strain on the surgeon in gynecologic minimally invasive surgery by using semi-active robotics.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the advantages of a surgeon-controlled robotic endoscope holder in gynecologic minimally invasive solo-surgery as compared with conventional assistance with a second surgeon. METHODS: One hundred gynecologic laparoscopies were consecutively allocated to surgery with either a robot as the surgical assistant or a conventional assistant surgeon. Total operation time, image stability, and frequency of corrective maneuvers of the camera, in addition to the surgeon's satisfaction regarding the ergonomics of the intervention, were recorded. All interventions were performed by the same surgeon. All laparoscopic surgery was classified as either easy or advanced surgery. RESULTS: The image stability score was significantly higher (10 vs 7; P<0.001) and fewer corrective maneuvers of the robotic endoscope were necessary (1 vs 5; P<0.001) with the robotic laparoscope holder; in addition, the surgeon recorded a significantly higher satisfaction score for the ergonomics of the semi-active robot (10 vs 7; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The robot does not prolong total operation time and increases the surgeon's comfort by improving image stability and laparoscope handling. It could provide major benefit, especially in complex gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.

Precarious preoperative diagnostics and hints for the laparoscopic excision of uterine adenomatoid tumors: two exemplary cases and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To present two exemplary cases of adenomatoid tumors. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Two laparoscopic centers in Germany. PATIENT(S): Two women of reproductive age with uterine adenomatoid tumors. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic tumor excision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Differential diagnostics of uterine masses. RESULT(S): Intraoperatively, tumor excision is difficult because of the missing capsule that allows simple enucleation of fibroids. Adenomatoid tumors need to be cut out of the myometrium because they are densely adherent, with no clear plane of cleavage. Definite exclusion of a malignant tumor is only possible by histologic workup. CONCLUSION(S): The above might lead to an intraoperative dilemma in the case of young women because a malignant tumor would implicate a more radical operative strategy. Nevertheless, owing to the benign nature of adenomatoid tumors and the lack of recurrence, simple resection with conservation of the surrounding tissue is the treatment of choice. The proper laparoscopic handling of such cases is illustrated and placed in context within the existing literature.

Saving time during laparoscopy using a new, wall anchoring trocar device.

OBJECTIVE: Safe and reliable access systems are crucial in laparoscopy, and trocar dislodgement is still a common and frustrating problem. Wall emphysema can occur besides the risky prolongation of the surgical procedure. Wall-anchoring components provide a better hold of the device. This comparative analysis assesses the frequency of dislodgement and a time-sparing effect on the intervention of 3 different trocar systems, including an innovation in the field of access-providing systems. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopy for various gynecological indications were included and randomized consecutively into 3 groups according to the access system used in the intervention: (A) trocar fitted with a spiral thread on the sleeve, (B) trocar with plain sleeve, (C) trocar as in B together with a fixator. This novelty is installed on the trocar before insertion and then sutured to the abdominal wall. Intervention time, frequency of trocar corrections, and the time loss through correction were registered. Standard statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: The cohort comprised 131 patients; 51 patients were consecutively randomized into group A, 38 into group B, and 42 into group C. Mean intervention time was different, shortest in C and highest in B. Frequency of interruption of the intervention due to adjustment of the device and time loss through adjustment was lowest in group C (fixator + plain sleeve) and highest in group B (plain-sleeve) (0.47 vs 0.29, P<0.05 and 2.13 minutes vs 0.69 minutes, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Wall-anchoring components lead to higher stability of ports and have a time-sparing effect. Comparing the 2 trocar groups with wall-anchoring properties (trocar with thread-fitted sleeve vs fixator + trocar with plain sleeve), the mean operation time was lowest in the fixator group, and the time-saving effect was higher.

Laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy: comparison of single versus multiple fibroids removal. An institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare single versus multiple laparoscopic myomectomy with an intracapsular method. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 335 laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomies were compared. They were subdivided into two groups. Group I included 195 patients with myoma; group II, 140 patients with multiple myomas, 4-9 cm in diameter. Laparoscopic procedures were compared with respect to intraoperative complications, postoperative compliance, and general surgical feedback. Results were analyzed using SAS software (version 8), considering a P-value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: No differences (P>0.05) between groups were observed with respect to the following: intraoperative blood loss (98 ± 4.7 mL of group I versus 106 ± 6.8 mL of group II), catheter inside pelvis for postsurgical drainage (40% versus 36.4% women), analgesic administration for the first 24 hours (41.5% versus 40% patients), postoperative fever after 24 hours (11.2% versus 9.2% women), postoperative therapeutic antibiotics administration (8.2% versus 6.4% patients), and hospitalization and postoperative ultrasound (US) intramyometrial hematoma detection (6.6% versus 5.7% of group II). The only surgical statistical difference (P<0.05) was in the mean total laparoscopic time (60 ± 7.2 minutes for group I versus 97 ± 8.9 minutes for group II). CONCLUSIONS: Intracapsular laparoscopic myomectomies, performed in the same session on a single or on multiple fibroids, seem to preserve myometrial integrity and allow the restoration of uterine scar, with few early and late surgical complications.

Ductoscopy-based descriptors of intraductal lesions and their histopathologic correlates.

BACKGROUND: In order to elucidate criteria for distinguishing benign from malignant lesions, this study correlated the ductoscopy-based macroscopic description of intraductal lesions with histopathologic results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Aiming to use diagnostic criteria consistent with previous publications, we analyzed the literature and established a uniform set of diagnostic descriptors. Based on these criteria, we subsequently analyzed and catalogued video and photographic material from 68 patients with nipple discharge, who had undergone ductoscopy followed by open surgery. For all breast lesions, the factors lesion type, number of lesions, lesion color, surface characteristics, and presence of blood or atypical vessels were reported. Based on the frequency distribution and the odds ratio, we were able to evaluate the differential diagnostic value of ductoscopic criteria in comparison with the respective histopathologic results. RESULTS: Among the ductoscopic criteria, a fissured surface, hemorrhage or atypical vessels, and a polypoid appearance were important predictors for malignant lesions. In contrast, a smooth surface, the absence of hemorrhage and atypical vessels and a level appearance of the lesions predicted benign lesions. CONCLUSIONS: For predicting the benign versus malignant character of ductoscopic lesions, the following criteria should be used: presence or absence of blood and atypical vessels, surface type, and level versus polypoid appearance.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy: a retrospective analysis of 1000 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) was analyzed with regard to surgical indications and outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of the first 1,000 consecutive laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomies performed by one gynecologist from September 1, 2002 to April 30, 2006. The objective of the study was to find out to what extent the indication and the outcome of surgery changed with the increase in experience of the surgeon and whether a learning curve could be established based on the results. The demographic patient data, indication for surgery, patient history with regard to previous surgery, duration of surgery, intraoperative complications, uterus weight, and length of in-patient stay were collected from the medical records. RESULTS: The main indication in 80.4% of cases was uterus myomatosis. The median duration of surgery was 70.9+/-26.3 minutes (95% CI, 69.2 to 72.5) with an average uterus weight of 212.5+/-177.0g (95% CI, 201 to 223.6). This was reduced from 85.4+/-25.9 minutes (95% CI, 78.5 to 92.3) in 2002 to 72.4+/-30.1 minutes (95% CI, 66.7 to 78.2) in 2006, in conjunction with an increase in average uterus weight from 192.3+/-145.4g (95% CI, 153.8 to 230.9) to 228.7+/-160.3g (95% CI, 198.1 to 259.3). Overall, one intraoperative lesion of the bladder (0.1%) occurred, and in 4 cases the surgeon had to convert to laparotomy instead, due to the size and immobility of the uterus. Sixty-eight patients had a uterus weight of more than 500 g. In 67% of the cases, surgery was performed on patients with at least one previous laparotomy, and 51.4% of the patients required further interventions. CONCLUSION: An experienced surgeon can rapidly learn the technique of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and can safely perform it. In patients with symptomatic uterine myomatosis, previous laparotomy and/or with a uterine weight of more than 500g, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is a useful alternative to total hysterectomy. There are few complications if preservation of the cervix is not contraindicated.