Laparoscopically assisted myomectomy: a report of a new technique in 57 cases.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of a combined operative laparoscopy and minilaparotomy technique to remove single and multiple large leiomyomas.

PROCEDURE: Laparoscopy was used to treat associated pelvic pathology, to identify the leiomyoma(s) and bring it to a minilaparotomy incision and to remove by irrigation blood clots and debris at the end of the procedure. Through this incision, the leiomyoma(s) is grasped, shelled, morcellated, and the uterine defect is repaired in layers.

RESULTS: We retrospectively evaluated the records of 57 women who underwent this procedure. The uteri ranged from 8 to 26 weeks' gestational size. The weight of the leiomyomas ranged from 28 g to 998 g (mean, 247 g); operative time ranged from 40 to 285 minutes (mean 127 minutes) and blood loss from 50 mL to 1,600 mL (mean, 267 mL). All procedures were completed without full laparotomy. Complications included one case of Klebsiella pneumonia requiring several days of antibiotics, and an incisional hernia at the minilaparotomy site. Forty-one patients were discharged on or before the first postoperative day, 12 on day 2, and four after 72 hours. Most women resumed normal activity within 3 weeks.

CONCLUSION: We found laparoscopically assisted myomectomy to be a safe alternative to myomectomy by laparotomy. It is technically less difficult than laparoscopic myomectomy, allows better closure of the uterine defect, and may require less time to perform.