Safety of total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a high complexity Hospital in Pereira, Colombia, between 2007 and 2017. Cohort study

To describe intra and postoperative complications of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for benign uterine pathology and to compare with other hospitals with large volumes of laparoscopic hysterectomies. Retrospective cohort study of women who underwent TLH for benign gynecological pathology between 2007 and 2017 in a private high complexity institution that serves populations covered by contributive and state-subsidized insurance in Pereira, Colombia. The procedures were performed by the group of surgeons of the ALGIA training center. Consecutive sampling was used. Sociodemographic and baseline clinical characteristics, intra-operative findings and intra- and post-operative complications are described. Descriptive statistics were used. A total of 1.350 patients were included during the study period. Surgical time was 95 minutes (SD ± 31), blood loss 88 cc (SD ± 66), and average uterine weight was 236 g (SD ± 133); 96.5% of the patients were assessed within the next 30 to 45 days; 3.48% had minor complications and 2.5% had major complications; 3 patients were converted to laparotomy. There were no deaths in the study sample. TLH is a safe procedure and the rate of complications is similar to the best international standards. Further prospective studies using objective criteria are important in order to compare the performance of different groups and institutions offering surgical procedures and training.