Laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign diseases.

Despite more than 1000 publications on laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), its role remains difficult to define. LH is not there to replace vaginal hysterectomy, but may be an alternative for abdominal hysterectomy when there are (relative) contraindications for vaginal hysterectomy, including concomitant oophorectomy, previous pelvic surgery and/or risk for adhesions, the larger uterus and nulliparity, and some oncological indications. Randomized trials have demonstrated that, compared to abdominal hysterectomy, LH shortens hospital stay and induces less postoperative pain and quicker recovery at the expense of a longer operation time. LH carries a higher risk for adjacent organ injury, and may be cost-effective, despite higher direct costs, because of the shorter hospital stay and quicker recovery.