Endoscopic management of uterine myoma

This study was undertaken to evaluate the various gynecologic endoscopic surgical techniques including resectoscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy, and laparoscopy assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) used in the treatment of uterine myomas. The medical records of 136 cases of uterine myomas treated using one or more of the gynecologic endoscopic surgical techniques in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Yonsei University were retrospectively reviewed from March 1997 to September 1998. Of the 136 cases reviewed, there were 40 submucosal myomas and 96 intramural and subserosal myomas. For statistical analysis, Student's t-test was used. Submucosal myomectomy using the resectosope was performed in 35 cases (mean age: 39 ± 1.5 years), laparoscopic myomecotmy in 35 cases (mean age: 36 ± 1.9 years), and LAVH in 66 cases (mean age: 42 ± 1.1 years). In cases of huge myomas, the GnRH agonist was used prior to surgery, and in cases of heavy uterine bleeding, angioblock of the uterine artery was undertaken before the endoscopic procedures. The mean operating time was significantly shorter in resectoscopic myomectomy (41 ± 12 min), followed by laparoscopic myomectomy (85.0 ± 10.3 min) and LAVH (123 ± 5.3 min). The mean hospital stay for resectoscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic myomectomy, and LAVH was 1.9 ± 0.5, 2.5 ± 0.5, and 3.4 ± 0.8 days (p < 0.001), respectively. There were 3 cases of complications including pulmonary edema and uterine perforation in the resectoscopic myomectomy group, and 4 cases of complications including bladder, ureter, and epigastric vessel injury in the LAVH group. In conclusion, the therapeutic effect of various gynecologic endoscopic surgical techniques can be maximized in terms of shorter operation time, shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, and less blood loss by the appropriate management of uterine myoma in well-chosen patients.