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. 2022 May;65(3):283-285.
doi: 10.5468/ogs.21358. Epub 2022 Jan 26.

Technique for transvaginal removal of large specimen using an Alexis Contained Extraction System during laparoscopic hysterectomy

Iori Kisu  1   2 , Kouji Banno  2 , Asahi Tokuoka  1 , Keigo Yamaguchi  1 , Kunio Tanaka  1 , Tetsuro Shiraishi  1 , Kanako Nakamura  1 , Hiroshi Senba  1 , Kiyoko Matsuda  1 , Nobumaru Hirao  1
Affiliations

Technique for transvaginal removal of large specimen using an Alexis Contained Extraction System during laparoscopic hysterectomy

Iori Kisu et al. Obstet Gynecol Sci. 2022 May.

Abstract

Objective: Transvaginal removal of large specimens during laparoscopic hysterectomy can be a complex surgical procedure that poses a risk of organ injury and tissue spillage into the abdominal cavity and is associated with extraction of the specimen and manual morcellation. Our objective was to demonstrate a technique for transvaginal removal of large specimens using the Alexis Contained Extraction System (CES) in laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Methods: The technique used for transvaginal removal of large specimens using the Alexis CES was presented in this video. Surgery was performed at a tertiary hospital.

Results: Following resection of the specimen during laparoscopic hysterectomy, the Alexis CES was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the umbilical trocar wound. The specimen was placed in a bag to prevent tissue spillage. The ring retractor was guided to the vagina and pulled out transvaginally. By repeatedly turning the ring retractor, tension was applied to the specimen bag, and the vaginal wall was unfolded all around to enable a secure surgical field. During manual morcellation of the specimen in the bag, the retractor was pulled and additionally turned to roll and re-tension the specimen bag when the bag was loosened. The specimen was pushed out of the vagina and safely and effectively extracted without concerns about tissue spillage in the abdominal cavity or related organ injuries.

Conclusion: The technique for transvaginal removal of large specimens using the Alexis CES enables simple, effective, and safe tissue extraction with contained manual morcellation during laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Keywords: Hysterectomy; Laparoscopy; Morcellation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

We declare no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Transvaginal removal of the specimen using the Alexis Contained Extraction System (CES) during laparoscopic hysterectomy. The Alexis CES enables effective and safe tissue specimen extraction by maintaining a secure surgical field and applying tension to the specimen bag.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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