Long-term outcomes for different vaginal cuff closure techniques in robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2017

Publication Title

European journal of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the outcomes of different vaginal cuff closure techniques in robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

STUDY DESIGN: Ninety women undergoing robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign disease were randomized to three vaginal cuff closure techniques: running 2.0 V-Lock™ (Arm 1), 0 Vicryl™ figure-of-eight (Arm 2), and running 0 Vicryl™ with Lapra-Ty ® (Arm 3). Patients’ records were reviewed for age, body mass index, smoking status and relevant co-morbidities. Operative times for vaginal closure and total length of surgery, estimated blood loss, and peri-operative complications were collected. Patients were evaluated at 2 and 6 weeks post-operatively, and interviewed 1 year following surgery by a telephone survey. Outcomes evaluated were vaginal cuff dehiscence, pain, dyspareunia and bleeding.

RESULTS: The study arms did not differ with respect to estimated blood loss (50mL in each arm; p=0.34), median vaginal cuff closure time (14.5, 12 and 13min, respectively; p=0.09) or readmission (p=0.55). In the 1-year follow-up (54/90 respondents; 60%), there were no significant differences among study arms for vaginal bleeding, cuff infection or dyspareunia. Only women belonging to arm 3 reported vaginal pain (0%, 0% and 23%, respectively; p=0.01). No cases of vaginal cuff dehiscence were observed.

CONCLUSIONS: The type of closure technique has no significant impact on patient outcomes. In the absence of a clear advantage of one technique over the others, the decision regarding the preferred method to close the vaginal cuff in robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy should be based on surgeons' preference and cost effectiveness.

Medical Subject Headings

Adult; Female; Humans; Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Middle Aged; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Suture Techniques

PubMed ID

27923167

Volume

210

First Page

7

Last Page

12

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