Prognostic Factors for Morcellation During Vaginal Hysterectomy

Abstract

Objective: To determine prognostic factors associated with cold-knife morcellation during vaginal hysterectomy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating all consecutive patients undergoing a vaginal hysterectomy between January 1, 2009, and August 31, 2014. The primary outcome was the utilization of uncontained vaginal morcellation performed using cold-knife wedge resection at the time of vaginal hysterectomy. Secondary outcomes included perioperative data. Significant factors were included in a multivariate logistic regression model to the binary variable vaginal morcellation at the time of vaginal hysterectomy.

Results: A total of 743 women met study inclusion criteria and underwent vaginal hysterectomy with intact uterine removal (n=383) or with uterine morcellation (n=360) with and without other vaginal procedures. A nonparametric Wilcoxon-rank-sum test and χ test were used to compare the cohorts of patients with and without morcellation. Characteristics associated with significantly increased likelihood of morcellation included younger age, non-Caucasian race, American Society of Anesthesiologists class 1 or 2, lower parity, lower number of prior vaginal deliveries, absence of prolapse, presence of leiomyoma, and an enlarged uterus. A multivariate logistic model utilizing factors most likely associated with morcellation revealed lack of prolapse (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.87, P<.001), leiomyoma (adjusted OR 2.77, P=.035), and larger uterine weight (adjusted OR 7.25, P<.001) increased the likelihood of morcellation. Prior vaginal delivery was associated with a decreased likelihood of morcellation (adjusted OR 0.79, P=.005).

Conclusion: Vaginal hysterectomy with morcellation is associated with the following factors: absence of prior vaginal delivery, absence of prolapse, presence of leiomyoma, and a uterus larger than normal size.