Mini-lap hysterectomy revisited with new concepts and technical modifications

AimTo introduce technical modifications in the performance of mini-lap hysterectomy and report our experience.Patients and MethodsBetween March 2006 and March 2008, two hundred patients with benign uterine disorders requiring hysterectomy underwent mini-lap hysterectomy in a prospective study. The surgical approach was carried out via a 4–5 cm midline incision 1.5 cms above the symphysis pubis. The mean (range) age was 46 (39–66) years. All procedures were completed successfully without any major complications, though three patients needed extension of the incision as in conventional open total abdominal hysterectomy.ResultsThe mean (range) operative time was 30 (20–63) min and the average blood loss was 20 ml. The mean (range) hospital stay was 30 (20–50) h. All patients returned back to routine work within 1 week of surgery. The mean (range) follow-up was 10 (7–20) months.Conclusions1. Mini-lap hysterectomy is an effective, minimally invasive surgical procedure with a low morbidity rate and a short hospital stay. It may well serve as an alternative to the conventional abdominal or laparoscopic hysterectomy in areas which lack these facilities.2. It can be performed with the use of simple instruments thereby reducing the expenses.3. The concept can help in learning and performing this procedure easily and safely.