Kisspeptin regulation of human decidual stromal cells motility via FAK-Src intracellular tyrosine kinases.

STUDY QUESTION: Can of Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht kisspeptin and its analogues regulate the motility of human decidual stromal cells and what intracellular signaling pathways are involved? SUMMARY ANSWER: Kisspeptin analogue-mediated cell motility in human decidual stromal cells via the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)-steroid receptor coactivator (Src) pathway suggesting that kisspeptin may modulate embryo implantation and decidual programming in human pregnancy. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: The extravillous trophoblast invades the maternal decidua during embryo implantation and placentation. The motile behavior and invasive potential of decidual stromal cells regulate embryo implantation and programming of human pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: Human decidual stromal cells were isolated from healthy women undergoing elective termination of a normal pregnancy at 6- to 12-week gestation, after informed consent. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Kisspeptin analogues were synthetic peptides. Cell motility was estimated by an invasion and migration assay. Immunoblot analysis was performed to investigate the expression of kisspeptin receptor and the effects of kisspeptin analogues on the phosphorylation of FAK and Src. Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) were used to knock down the expression of kisspeptin receptor, FAK, Src, matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) 2 and 9, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) 1/2. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The kisspeptin receptor was expressed in human decidual stromal cells. Kisspeptin agonist decreased, but antagonist increased, cell motility. Kisspeptin agonist decreased the phosphorylation of FAK and Src tyrosine kinases, whereas antagonist increased it. These effects on phosphorylation were abolished by kisspeptin receptor siRNA. The activation of cell motility by kisspeptin analogues was suppressed by siRNA knockdown of endogenous FAK (decreased 66%), Src (decreased 60%), kisspeptin receptor (decreased 26%), MMP-2 (decreased 36%), MMP-9 (decreased 23%), and ERK 1/2 inhibitor (decreased 27%). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: Human decidual stromal cells were obtained from women having terminations after 6-12 weeks of pregnancy and differences in timing could affect their properties. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Kisspeptin acting within the endometrium has a potential modulatory role on embryo implantation and decidual programming of human pregnancy. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): This work was supported by grant NSC-104-2314-B-182A-146-MY2 (to H.-M.W.) from the Ministry of Science and Technology, Taiwan, and grants CMRPG3E0401 and CMRPG3E0402 (to H.-M.W.). This work was also supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to P.C.K.L. P.C.K.L. is the recipient of a Child & Family Research Institute Distinguished Investigator Award. The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Risk of refracture associated with compliance and persistence with bisphosphonate therapy in Taiwan.

SUMMARY: Bisphosphonates have been used for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis since the early 1990s and studies show that compliant patients experience a lower fracture rate. This cohort study showed that the compliance of Taiwanese patients was poor and the refracture risk was related to compliance with bisphosphonate therapy. INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast activity, and reduce bone turnover by inhibiting bone resorption. According to Taiwanese reimbursement guidelines, patients with osteoporosis-related fractures are eligible for bisphosphonate treatment. This study aimed to elucidate the relationship of refracture risk with compliance/persistence with bisphosphonate therapy in Taiwan. METHODS: This was a retrospective, administrative, database analysis measuring the adherence status and impact of poor adherence to bisphosphonate therapy in Taiwan. Study data derived from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) were used to assemble a cohort of all osteoporosis patients who initiated bisphosphonate treatment between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2005. Patients were followed until death, end of registration in NHIRD, or end of study period (December 31, 2006), whichever occurred first. Compliance was calculated as medication possession ratio (MPR; sum of days of supply of osteoporosis medications divided by follow-up duration). RESULTS: The refracture rates for osteoporosis patients were 5.15 %, 7.36 %, and 8.49 % in the first, second, and third year, respectively, and were significantly lower for patients with >80 % compliance than with <80 % compliance (p < 0.05). Nearly 50 % patients were noncompliant (MPR < 80 %) at 3 months, and only around 30 % patients were adherent at 1 year. Refracture risk increased with MPR < 80 %, age, and co-morbidities like diabetes mellitus or dementia. Patients with concomitant statin medication had significantly lower refracture risk. CONCLUSIONS: The compliance of Taiwanese patients with osteoporosis medication is poor, and refracture risk is related to compliance with bisphosphonate therapy.

Loop conization for the treatment of microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the specimen adequacy and diagnostic accuracy of loop conization in microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix. A retrospective study was conducted from 1997 to 2003 at the Colposcopic Clinic, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Sixty-three consecutive patients with microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix receiving cold-knife conization (35 patients) or loop conization (28 patients) were included in the study. All patients underwent definitive hysterectomy. We reviewed the conization specimen together with the hysterectomied uterus to compare the two conization techniques with respect to the histopathologic interpretation and diagnostic accuracy. The mean depth of cone specimens was significantly less in the loop conization compared with cold-knife conization (1.65 versus 2.35 cm, P = 0.035). Regarding the application of conization, the loop conization was completed in a single slice in 27 patients (77.1%) and in multiple slices in 8 patients (22.9 %), in spite of encouragement to perform conization in a one-pass application when possible. However, the cold-knife specimens were invariably a single cone-shaped piece. As reviewed by microscopic examination, the rate of tissue transection was significantly higher in the loop group than in the cold-knife group (14.3% versus 0%, P = 0.04). Because of tissue transection and disorientation, pathologic evaluation of stromal status was inadequate in 11.4% (4/35) of the loop cones as opposed to none of the 28 cold-knife cones. After assessing the hysterectomy specimens, the clinical diagnoses in the loop group were downgraded in three patients compared with only one in the cold-knife group. Data from this investigation suggest that cervical cold-knife conization is superior to loop conization as a method to assess microinvasive cervical cancer.

Laparoscopic myomectomy for large uterine fibroids. A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) for the management of symptomatic intramural uterine fibroids with weight greater than 80 g as compared to those less than 80 g. METHODS: In a prospective comparative study, 176 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids were scheduled for LM. They were divided into two groups, one with main uterine fibroid (intramural type) weight greater than 80 g and the other with fibroid weight less than 80 g. Outcome measures for the two groups were studied in terms of operation time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion, and length of hospital stay. RESULT: Operation time and amount of blood loss were significantly greater in the group with fibroid > or = 80 g than in the group < 80 g (121.5 +/- 58.9 min versus 79.1 +/- 28.6 min, p < 0.001; and 346.3 +/- 299.6 ml versus 123.0 +/- 89.7 ml, p < 0.001, respectively). However, there was no difference in the length of hospital stay and overall incidence of operative complications between these two groups. None of the women had any major complications. Nevertheless, 11 minor complications were noted, including two pelvic abscesses requiring a second laparoscopic treatment. There was no incidence of switching to laparatomy during the operation. Extreme intraoperative hemorrhage of more than 1000 ml occurred in 8 patients; however, all progressed to full recovery after blood transfusion. Rate of blood transfusion was significantly lower in the group with fibroid < 80 g (3.2% versus 22.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the increased operation time and blood loss, LM can be safely performed in the treatment of large uterine fibroid. However, high risk of blood transfusion in these patients has to be kept in mind.

Maternal anxiety about prenatal screening for group B streptococcus disease and impact of positive colonization results.

OBJECTIVE: Universal screening for colonization by group B streptococcus (GBS) is the recommended strategy to reduce incidence of colonization in newborns and prevent neonatal GBS-related disease. This study was designed to assess maternal anxiety levels about prenatal screening and psychological impact of positive colonization test results. METHODS: A total of 71 women who screened positively for GBS colonization and 112 screen-negative women (controls) were recruited. Anxiety levels were measured by the Spielberger State Trait-anxiety Inventory just before the GBS screening test, 1-week after testing, and 1-week after delivery. After delivery of their infants, all participants were asked to respond with a Likert scale line about attitudes toward being tested for GBS colonization. RESULTS: Women with GBS colonization reported significantly greater psychological distress on state-anxiety scores after the full report was received. The trait- and state-anxiety scores before GBS screen testing and after delivery did not differ between the groups. Both groups of women were strongly positive about being screened for GBS in the current pregnancy and in future pregnancies. CONCLUSION: Women with GBS colonization did not have a sustained increase in anxiety; therefore, clinician concerns about causing maternal anxiety should not be an impediment to test for GBS.

Pitfalls in the differential diagnosis of a pelvic cyst: lessons from a post-menopausal woman with bladder diverticulum.

We present a case of non-obstructive bladder diverticulum in a 75-year-old post-menopausal woman. An ovarian cyst was previously suspected, which resulted in a futile exploratory laparotomy without making any definite diagnosis, 1 year earlier. During this admission, transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration was arranged to determine the nature of the presumed 'recurrent' cyst and to relieve the symptoms. Prior to cyst aspiration, up to 700 ml of urine through urinary catheterisation and the gradual disappearance of the 'cyst' alerted us to the possibility of a bladder diverticulum, which was later confirmed by retrograde cystography. This case illustrates the lessons that despite considerable researches having been done on enhancing sonographic accuracy, diagnosis based on imaging alone is likely to be associated with multiple pitfalls. Recognising the common pitfalls and integrating clinical information and alertness with ultrasonic features remains the mainstay of sonographic differential diagnosis.

Heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer.

OBJECTIVE: A ruptured cornual pregnancy is a rare and challenging problem. We present two cases of cornual pregnancies after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treated by cornual resection, with an excellent perinatal outcome for the intrauterine pregnancy in both cases. A literature review of cornual pregnancy after IVF-ET is also included. CASE REPORTS: Two women had undergone IVF-ET because of tubal problems. Emergent laparotomy was performed because of internal bleeding at 12 weeks of gestation in one case and 17 weeks in the other, and in both cases, ruptured cornual pregnancies were found. Cornual resection and primary repair were performed. The women were discharged on the 6th and 7th postoperative day, respectively, and they underwent an elective cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of pregnancy. They were delivered of healthy babies, one weighing 2700 g and the other 2310 g. CONCLUSION: These cases illustrate that good perinatal outcomes can be achieved by surgical intervention in heterotopic pregnancies, even in the event of a ruptured cornu.

Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy for large uterus: a comparative study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the safety and feasibility of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) for uteri weighing 500 g or more as compared to uteri weighing less than 500 g in the management of benign gynecological diseases. METHOD: In this prospective comparative study, 189 women with different benign gynecological diseases were scheduled for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. They were divided into two groups, with uterine weight greater than 500 g and uterine weight less than 500 g. Outcome measures for both the groups were studied comparatively in terms of length of operative time, amount of blood loss, requirement of blood transfusion and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Length of operation and amount blood loss were significantly greater in the uteri >o r = 500 g group than in the <500 g at 91.1 +/- 28.7 min versus 77.4 +/- 26.6 min (P < 0.01), and 570.5 +/- 503.6 ml versus 262.5 +/- 270.0 ml (P < 0.001), respectively. However, there was no difference in length of hospital stay and overall incidence of operative complications between the two groups. None of the women had any major complications though 17 minor complications were noted. There was no incidence of switching to abdominal laparatomy during the operation except for one patient who required "minilaparotomy" for removal of large surgical specimen (2400 g). Extreme intra-operative hemorrhage of more than 1000 ml occurred in five patients, however, they made full recovery after blood transfusion. Rate of blood transfusion was significantly lower in the uteri <500 g group (4.8% versus 34.9%, (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, LAVH can be safely performed for large uterus. However, surgeons need to be aware of the high risk of blood transfusion in these patients.

Long-term follow-up of women who underwent surgical correction for imperforate hymen.

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinical results of postoperative evaluation for a consecutive series of cases of imperforate hymen presenting at a tertiary medical center during an over 14-year period. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 15 patients with imperforate hymen that had undergone hymenectomy between 1987 and 1998. After completing a questionnaire via a telephone interview regarding sexuality, fertility, menstrual problems, micturition and defecation after surgical correction, those patients were persuaded to come back to the hospital for further gynecological surveys during 2002. The mean postoperative follow-up was 8.5 years (range, 4-14 years). The mean age at diagnosis was 13.2 years (range, 11-16). The most common clinical symptom was cryptomenorrhea (15), followed by pelvic pain (11), palpable abdominal mass (9), urinary retention and other voiding problems (8) and problems of defecation (4). None admitted intercourse attempts before. Two patients also had uterine anomalies, but none had urinary tract or bowel anomalies. During the follow-up period, we found that the majority of patients had irregular menstrual cycles and were worried about their future fertility. Six patients suffered from dysmenorrhea; of 11 patients who began having intercourse two later delivered babies, and none complained of sexual dysfunction. After hymenectomy, the women with imperforate hymen were markedly relieved of cryptomenorrhea, and problems of micturition and defecation also greatly improved. Although complaints of irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea gradually evolved as the center of attention during follow-up, most patients fared well in terms of fertility and sexual function.

Sonographic diagnosis of a uterine defect in a pregnancy at 6 weeks' gestation with a history of curettage.

We present the early diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of uterine perforation. This was a rare case of cystic change of a uterine perforation, which was diagnosed by sonography during the first trimester of pregnancy. Surgical closure of the uterine wall defect was successful.

The effect of epidural analgesia on postpartum urinary retention in women who deliver vaginally.

There have been several investigations reporting on urinary retention in postpartum women who delivered vaginally with epidural blockade. The mechanism and incidence of urinary retention in relation to epidural analgesia, however, are not established. The objectives of this study were to investigate the association between various obstetric parameters and urinary retention and to determine whether those women with postpartum urinary retention subsequently develop urinary problems. From December 1999 to September 2000, 110 primiparas who delivered vaginally with epidural analgesia for labor pain relief were recruited prospectively. One hundred primiparas delivering under similar conditions without epidural analgesia were selected as the control group. Residual urine volume was calculated by trans-abdominal sonogram. A computerized obstetric database was analysed to compare the two groups. Women with epidural analgesia, especially those with residual volume exceeding 500 ml, had significantly longer labor course, a higher percentage of instrumental deliveries and more extensive vaginal or perineal lacerations than the control group. Only a few women had persistent problems with micturition six months after delivery. Epidural analgesia provides valuable pain relief but may be associated with greater residual urine. Postpartum urinary retention is, however, more related to prolonged labor than to the effect of epidural analgesia itself. Close monitoring of the progress of labor and avoiding urine retention are essential.

Three-dimensional ultrasonic images of normal fetus.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the usefulness and feasibility of 3-dimensional (3D) ultrasound for routine fetal observation. METHODS: Eighty-five normal pregnancies with gestational ages of 20-36 weeks were studied. A conventional ultrasound scanner with a specially designed operation unit, frame memory, and 3D probe was the apparatus used in this study. The unit has a circuit board consisting of digital integrated circuit chips designed to make calculations of volume ray tracings for volume rendering in real time. For each fetus, scanning was performed with different levels of opacity in the equation for volume rendering. In areas where there was an inadequate amniotic fluid pocket to perform an adequate examination, the pregnant woman was asked to push the fetus to the opposite side by gently pressing on her abdomen. RESULTS: Face, limbs, and fingers which are difficult to visualize on conventional ultrasonography could be seen clearly. Extremely satisfactory images were obtained at between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation that produced sonographic pictures easily recognized even by laypersons. Beyond 34 weeks of gestation due to the relative decrease in the size of amniotic fluid pockets, and before 24 weeks of gestation due to frequent fetal movement, the soft tissue of fetuses is thin and its acoustic impedance is virtually the same as that of water, so surface-rendered images are less satisfactory. In addition, the anterior wall placenta, multiple pregnancies, and oligohydramnios made viewing even more difficult. CONCLUSION: Between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation, 3D ultrasound is a feasible and useful procedure for routine antenatal examination.

Short- and long-term effects of hormone replacement therapy on cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: The beneficial effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular disease has been documented in postmenopausal women, but has a significant time trend. Thus, it is worthwhile to further study whether there are different effects on cardiovascular factors between short- and long-term use of HRT. METHOD: Prospective study of the changes on lipoprotein profile, hemostatic factors, and platelet aggregation was evaluated in 21 postmenopausal women receiving oral E2 valerate (2 mg/d) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (10 mg/d) during the last 10 days of each 21-day cycle. The treatment period was 24 months. RESULTS: During the 24 months of treatment, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and atherogenic indices- total cholesterol-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and LDL-C-to-HDL-C, were significantly reduced. The concentrations of tissue plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were significantly reduced after 12 months of HRT. In addition, the concentrations of antithrombin III were significantly increased, but protein S was statistically decreased during the 18 months of HRT. The maximum aggregation and slope of platelet aggregation were significantly reduced only during the first 12 months of HRT. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that there were some differences in cardiovascular risk factors between short- and long-term HRT, especially in changes in platelet aggregation and hemostatic factors. However, the long-term favorable effect on lipoprotein metabolism and fibrinolytic activity among hormone users may explain, in part, the inverse association between HRT and cardiovascular disease.

Laparoscopic diagnosis and management of Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: report of three cases.

Perihepatic adhesions between the liver capsule and the diaphragm or the anterior peritoneal surface characterizes Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome (FHCS). FHCS is an extrapelvic manifestation of pelvic inflammatory disease and usually refractory to medical treatment and surgical intervention. With the increased incidence of pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic pelvic pain and sequalae of the process are becoming more common. Herein, we report 3 patients with pelvic inflammatory disease in whom medical treatment failed initially and FHCS was diagnosed via laparoscopy. Laparoscopic lysis of pelvic and perihepatic adhesions, irrigation of the abdomino-pelvic cavity, and antibiotics treatment after surgery successfully relieved these patients' symptoms. FHCS is not a new syndrome but most gynecologists might neglect this condition. Laparoscopy is a less invasive procedure than exploratory laparotomy. We recommend laparoscopy in patients with lower abdominal and right upper quadrant discomfort when other organic disease has been ruled out and medical treatment has failed to relieve symptoms.

Comparison of transdermal and oral estrogen-progestin replacement therapy: effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of oral and transdermal hormone replacement therapy on lipid profile and hemostatic factors in postmenopausal women. DESIGN: Twenty subjects were treated with oral E2 valerate (2 mg) combined with cyproterone acetate (1 mg) (group I) and 21 with transdermal E2 (1.5 mg) plus oral medroxyprogesterone acetate (5 mg) (group II). The effects on lipid profile and hemostatic parameters were evaluated at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment. RESULTS: Group I showed a stronger increase of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels (2-8%) and stronger reduction of atherogenic indices (total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein/HDL cholesterol) than group II. Group II showed a more pronounced reduction of triglyceride (21-31%) and factor VII (6-10%) levels than group I. Both groups showed reduced concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, tissue plasminogen activator, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, antithrombin III, and protein S, whereas protein C was increased after 12 months of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The cardioprotective effects of hormone replacement therapy are demonstrated by favorable effects on lipid profile and fibrinolytic activity. Oral hormone replacement therapy showed a more prominent effect on lipoprotein metabolism than did transdermal administration, but transdermal medication had a stronger effect on triglyceride and coagulation factors. However, it needs to be considered that there is an increased risk of venous thrombotic events in the first year of treatment.

Extraperitoneal approach to laparoscopic Burch colposuspension.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3-year outcomes of extraperitoneal laparoscopic colposuspension in treating genuine stress incontinence. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based, tertiary-level center for endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: One hundred sixty women with genuine stress incontinence with bladder neck hypermobility. INTERVENTION: Extraperitoneal space was created with CO2 through a 10-mm midline port 2 cm above the pubic hairline. A pair of sutures was inserted at the level of midurethral and urethrovesical junction, fixing them to Cooper's ligament on each side with proper tension. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 160 women, 10 were lost to follow-up. On follow-up questionnaire sent to 150 patients, 148 (98.7%) were pleased with the results of surgery. Stress incontinence was cured in 136 women (90.7%) after a minimum of 3 years' follow-up. CONCLUSION: Cure rates for extraperitoneal colposuspension were similar to those reported for traditional laparoscopic or laparotomy Burch procedures; however, this is a more direct method to expose the space of Retzius, thus eliminating the need to open and close peritoneum.

Classification for endoscopic treatment of mullerian anomalies with an obstructive cervix.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe our classification according to severity of developmental mullerian anomalies with obstructed cervix. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-based, tertiary-level center for endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: Ten women with developmental mullerian anomalies with obstructed cervix. INTERVENTION: Patients with didelphic uterus with a rudimentary nonfunctional horn and hypoplastic cervix (type 1) underwent hemihysterectomy or diagnostic endoscopy. Those with agenesis of cervix with normal uterus (type 2) had uterovaginal canalization or neocervix with full-thickness skin graft. Women with identical didelphic uteri and hypoplastic cervix (type 3) underwent uterovaginal canalization with or without endometrial ablation or hemihysterectomy. Patients with didelphic uterus with a rudimentary horn and hypoplastic cervix (type 4) had laparoscopic hemihysterectomy. Those with agenesis of the vagina and cervix but with functional endometrium (type 5) had laparoscopic-assisted full-thickness skin graft. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Average duration of surgery was 60 to 210 minutes. There were no intraoperative complications. Patients with type 1 anomaly are continuing infertility treatment. All three patients in type 2 continue to have regular menses without dysmenorrhea. In those with type 3 conditions, hemihysterectomy was performed in one woman and uterovaginal canalization was performed on the hypoplastic cervix in another. After the neocervix was created, endometrial ablation was performed. No evidence of cervical obstruction or hematometra was found in either patient. The patient with type 4 anomaly continues to have regular menstrual periods without dysmenorrhea. Women with type 5 disorder had good healing of vaginal skin grafts. CONCLUSION: This classification helps identify mullerian anomalies in relation to obstructive cervix. It is useful in categorizing the disorders and determines management strategies and prognosis.

Microlaparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. A preliminary report.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical possibility of using a microlaparoscope in laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-five women with different indications for hysterectomy and a uterine size < 14 weeks' gestation underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy using a microlaparoscope and 2-mm instruments. RESULTS: Microlaparoscopic procedures included coagulation and separation of infundibulopelvic or uteroovarian round ligaments, vesico-uterine-visceral peritoneal fold dissection, and anterior and posterior colpotomy. The mean operative time, blood loss and length of hospital stay were 84.40 +/- 16.85 minutes, 262.00 +/- 112.99 mL and 3.08 +/- 0.64 days, respectively. No patients developed serious complications, but there were two minor ones. CONCLUSION: Microlaparoscopy appears to be an efficacious alternative treatment option in well-selected patients undergoing laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.