The purpose of this study was to assess the operating time of the most comm
on gynaecological laparoscopic procedures. We analysed retrospectively 1000
consecutive operative laparoscopies on a procedure-by-procedure basis. Dia
gnostic laparoscopy and laparoscopic sterilization were specifically exclud
ed from the analysis. The various laparoscopic procedures were grouped and
analysed under six major categories. The average operating time for all cas
es was 76.9 min (range 10-400). In 38 cases (3.8%) the laparoscopic procedu
re was converted to laparotomy. The average operating time for treating ect
opic pregnancy and tubal disease was approximately 60 min (range 13-240). S
urgery for endometriosis and ovarian cysts averaged 72 min (range 10-240).
Laparoscopic myomectomy and hysterectomy averaged 113 and 131 min respectiv
ely (range 25-400). Our results show that while the operating time for most
operative laparoscopies is less than 75 min, the range of operating times
is great. The relative lack of predictability in procedure times means that
the efficient utilization of fixed theatre sessions is difficult.