Single-port Laparoscopic Hysterectomy versus Conventional Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: a Prospective Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare transumbilical single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy (TSPLH) with traditional four-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). METHODS: Patients with benign uterine disease were assigned to receive either TSPLH (n = 52) or TLH (n = 56). Duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, conversion rate, time to first flatus, duration of immobilization, postoperative analgesia requirement, port site infection, port hernia, duration of hospital stay, postoperative fever rate and percentage patient satisfaction were recorded. RESULTS: TSPLH and TLH were both performed successfully. TSPLH was associated with significantly longer duration of surgery, shorter duration of immobilization, lower rate of port site infection and higher patient satisfaction than TLH. There were no other significant differences between the two groups. All subjects recovered fully and no postoperative complications occurred during a 6-month (minimum) follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: TSPLH was found to be a feasible and safe approach for laparoscopic hysterectomy.