ACOG Committee Opinion. Number 311, April 2005. Appropriate use of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Abstract

The technique used for hysterectomy should be dictated by the indication for the surgery, patient characteristics, and patient preference. Most patients requiring hysterectomy should be offered the vaginal approach when technically feasible and medically appropriate. If specific additional procedures that can be completed laparoscopically are anticipated before surgery, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy may be an appropriate alternative to abdominal hysterectomy. The benefits of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy must be weighed against the potentially increased risk and expense of two distinct operative procedures, laparoscopy and vaginal hysterectomy.