Vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is one of the most common major gynecological operations. There are several different techniques for performing it, and if it is indicated, the appropriate operative approach, vaginal or abdominal, must be chosen. The advantages and disadvantages of the two approaches, the uterine size and mobility, previous operations, the surgeon's experience, and the local operating conditions should all be considered. Vaginal hysterectomy has advantages compared with abdominal hysterectomy: The operating time is shorter, it is safer, and the hospital stay and recovery time are shorter as well. Therefore, a vaginal approach should be preferred in patients with benign diseases. Vaginal uterine extirpation is the first operative choice in patients with uterus myomatosus and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The integration of new technical possibilities, such as bipolar coagulation forceps, has improved haemostasis and produces less blood loss and less postoperative pain. © 2008 Springer Medizin Verlag.