Background : Laparoscopy has more advantages than laparotomy, including minimally invasive access, better cosmetic results, and faster recovery. Thus, it has become widely used in the surgical treatment of uterine fibroids. However, obtaining an adequate operative field can be challenging, especially with fibroids in the lower uterus. In this study, we evaluated the usefulness of the traction-thread method (TTM).
Methods : TTM is straightforward to perform ; it involves only applying a traction thread to the uterine fibroid obstructing the surgical field. We examined 63 patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for uterine fibroids between 2018 and 2020. We then compared the nine patients for whom TTM was used (TTM group) with the 54 patients for whom it was not used (no TTM group).
Results : All patients in the TTM group had large fibroids in the lower uterus. Total blood loss, operative time, and uterus weight were significantly higher in this group. However, no patient in this group needed blood transfusion, experienced complications, or required conversion to laparotomy.
Conclusion : During TLH for treating lower uterine fibroids, TTM may be helpful to complete the surgery safely.
