Laparoscopic Uterine Artery Occlusion Combined with Myomectomy for Uterine Myomas

We sought to evaluate the clinical feasibility and mid- to long-term effects of laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy in the treatment of uterine myomas. A total of 566 patients with uterine myoma were treated by laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy from October 2001 through July 2007. Mean blood loss was 88.2 ± 52.7 mL (95% CI 82.7–93.8). The highest postoperative temperature was 37.8 ± 0.3°C, and the postoperative morbidity was 5.7% (32/566). Number of days to the return of bowel movement was 1.9 ± 0.5d and in hospital stay after surgery was 7.7 ± 2.5d. Complications included 2 instances of subcutaneous emphysema, 1 of vaginal bleeding, and 3 of mild intestinal obstruction. At a median of 26.3 months (range 6–69 months) of follow-up, the rate of myoma recurrence was 3.0% (15/517), uterus volume reduction was 48.9%, and correction of menstruation abnormality was 97.1% (502/517). Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion before myomectomy can expand myomectomy indications with better results.