Scalpel Morcellation During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Large Uterine Fibroids. Is It a Safe Alternative to Power-Morcellation?

Abstract

Abstract Background Laparoscopic hysterectomy has many surgical advantages. Specimen retrieval options after a laparoscopic hysterectomy include laparotomy or “mini-laparotomy,” vaginal delivery, and removal through a laparoscopic port using intracorporeal power morcellation. Patients and Methods Fifty-two lady patients underwent (manual) scalpel morcellation of the uterus through the anterior abdominal wall after laparoscopic hysterectomy for large uterine fibroids, to facilitate specimen delivery through the vagina without employing any abdominal incisions; this study was done in the Department of Surgical Oncology, Oncology Center, Mansoura University, Egypt. Results The mean operative time was 140 min; the mean scalping time was 17.21 min. The estimated blood loss was 105.29 ml. Extensive intraoperative adhesions were noted in 67.3% of the patients. The postoperative uterine weight had a median of 450 g (range 320–740 g). The median uterine length was 14 cm (range 9–23 cm), while its width was 9 cm (range 6–18 cm). Leiomyoma was the common postoperative pathology in most of the cases (96.15%) with a median size of 8 cm (range 5–12 cm). Conclusion Scalpel morcellation of large uterine leiomyomas after laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe and cheap method. Its merits include no intraperitoneal dissemination, spillage, and intact specimens’ delivery for proper postoperative pathological examination.