Vaginal hysterectomy in non-prolapsed uteruses: 6-year experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the applicability of the technique of vaginal hysterectomy in non-prolapsed uterus. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study with 220 patients submitted to vaginal hysterectomy from January 2004 to July 2010 by the Vaginal Surgery and Pelvic Floor Team. Patients mean age was 44.4 years and they had on average three births (0-10 deliveries). The surgery was performed even in cases of previous abdominal surgery, and cesarean section was prevalent in 54.6% of patients. RESULTS: The mean uterus weight was 278.9g. The mean operative time was 93 minutes, and length of hospital stay was 24 hours after surgery in 65% of cases. There were no cases of visceral injury. The mean postoperative complication was cellulitis of the vaginal vault that occurred in 11 cases (5%) that received antibiotics. Mean blood loss corresponded to 1.4g/dL hemoglobin. From the analyzed sample, vaginal hysterectomy by vaginal route was feasible in 96.8% of patients, and abdominal conversion was necessary in 3.2%. CONCLUSION: Vaginal hysterectomy is a minimally invasive surgery, with fewer complications, and low morbidity. We believe that this procedure should be indicated to treat gynecological benign diseases.