To compare clinical results of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy for uteri weighing 500 g or more with less than 500 g. And we compared clinical results between laparoscopic coagulation of uterine vessel (LH) and conventional LAVH.

We reviewed medical records of 296 patient who underwent LAVH from February 2004 to May 2006. They were divided into two groups, uteri weighing greater than 500 g and less than 500 g. And each group was divided into two groups, LH and conventional LAVH. Each groups were compared by operative time, hemoglobin change, complication, transfusion and hospital days.

Operation time ,hemoglobin change on the 1st postoperative day and transfusion were significant greater in the uteri > or =500 g group than in the <500 g. However, there was no significant difference in hospital days, hemoglobin change on the 4th postoperative day and complication. In the <500 g group, LH group was lower than conventional LAVH group in operative time, hemoglobin change on the 1st and 4th postoperative day. In the > or =500 g group, there was no signicant difference in hospital days, operative time, hemoglobin change on the 1st postoperative day. However, hemoglobin change was smaller in the LH group than conventional LAVH group on the 4th postoperative day.

This study demonstrates that despite the increased operating time and blood loss, LAVH can be safely performed for large uterus. However, surgeons need to be aware of high risk of blood transfusion. Modification of surgical method can decrease operating time and blood loss in LAVH.