Laparoscopic versus microlaparotomy or modern minilaparotomy hysterectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate whether modern minilaparotomy hyst erectomy might be a reasonable alternative to laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in selected patients unable to undergo vaginal hystere ctomy. Seventy-two patients suspected of having benign uterine disease with relative contraindications for vaginal surgery underwent hysterectomy by m odern minilaparotomy or microlaparotomy, The operative time, hospital stay, estimated blood loss, and complications in these patients were compared wi th those in the 48 patients who underwent LAVH during the same period. If t he vaginal route is not feasible, minilaparotomy may be a valid alternative to both standard and laparoscopic-assisted hysterectomy.