Vaginal and laparoscopic myomectomy for large posterior myomas: results of a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and complications of vaginal and laparoscopic myomectomy, and analgesic drug consumption. METHODS: We conducted a pilot study involving 24 women with single, large (>5cm) symptomatic posterior uterine leiomyomas. Twelve women underwent vaginal myomectomy and 12 laparoscopic myomectomy. The main outcome measures were the operating time, peri- and post-operative complications, and analgesic drug consumption. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean age, the rate of nulliparity, and the mean size of myomas between the two groups. The mean operating time was shorter in the vaginal group (96+/-38min versus 166+/-78min; P<0.01). There was no difference in mean blood loss or fibroid weight between the two groups. One of the 12 patients in the vaginal myomectomy group required laparoscopic conversion for an inaccessible fundal myoma. Post-operative morphine consumption was lower in the vaginal group (37.2+/-64mg versus 150.8+/-42mg; P<0.003). No post-operative complications occurred in either group. Gas and stool recovery, the length of hospital stay, and the time required to return to normal activity were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Vaginal myomectomy is feasible and safe, and was associated with a shorter operating time and lower morphine consumption than laparoscopic myomectomy.

Results of tension-free vaginal tape in patients with or without vaginal hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess complications and cure rates of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure performed with or without vaginal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective comparison of 41 women with urinary incontinence treated by a TVT procedure alone and 40 combined with vaginal hysterectomy. Objective cure was evaluated by clinical and urodynamic examination and by the contilife questionnaire. All patients were operated under regional anesthesia. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in age, parity, menopausal status and type and severity of incontinence. There was no difference in overall complication rates. In the TVT-hysterectomy group, there was a trend towards more bladder perforation (P=0.09). Post-operative urinary flow was lower in the TVT-hysterectomy group: 14 versus 24 ml/pc (P=0.02). The mean follow-up was similar: 23 and 25 months, respectively. No difference in objective and subjective cure rates was found between TVT group and TVT-hysterectomy group: 97.6% versus 92.5% and 68.3% versus 75%, respectively. CONCLUSION: TVT is a safe and effective surgical treatment of urinary incontinence. The association of the procedure with vaginal hysterectomy gave similar short-term objective and subjective cure rates than TVT technique alone.