Reducing costs of laparoscopic hysterectomy

Abstract Study Objective. To establish the role of laparoscopic hysterectomy using reuseable surgical equipment. Design. Prospective, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting. Tertiary major teaching hospital. Patients. Fifty consecutive women carefully selected for laparoscopic hysterectomy. Interventions. The ultrasonically activated (harmonic) scalpel was used for coagulative cutting of pedicles andligaments attached to the uterus and adnexa, backed by bipolar diathermy. No nonabsorbable material was left in the pelvis at the conclusion of the procedures. Measurements and Main Results. Patient characteristics, uterine weight, histology, operating time, recovery, analgesic requirements, and hospital stay were recorded. Complications were noted and critically assessed for constructive quality assurance appraisal. Outcomes were satisfactory according to both patients and gynecologists. Conclusion. This pilot study suggests that the method is an efficacious, cost-effective, and well-controlled technique of laparoscopic hysterectomy.