The Utility of Hand-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery (HALS) in Giant Pelvic Masses.

The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of a series of patients who underwent hand-assisted laparoscopy surgery for benign giant pelvic masses, including ovarian cysts and uterine myomas. We reviewed the records of all patients who underwent laparoscopic or hand-assisted laparoscopy surgery for a variety of benign gynecological conditions. Demographic, clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information was analyzed. Twelve patients have undergone hand-assisted laparoscopy for giant pelvic mass, including four hand-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy, four oophorocystectomy, and four salpingo-oophorectomy. The median age was 35.5 (19-55). The median BMI was 22.05 (19.8-26.7 kg/m(2)). The median diameter of adnexal mass was 21 (17-24 cm). The median diameter of uterine myoma was 18.5 (16-19 cm). The median length of hand-assisted (HA) incision was 5 cm (2-6 cm). The median operation time was 100 min (70 to 180 minutes), and median estimated blood loss was 60 mL (30 to 800 mL). The median length of stay was 3 days (3-5 days). There was no case of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery is safe and feasible in the management of patients with benign giant pelvic masses. Additional studies are needed to further investigate potential advantages and outcomes of the technique.