A NEW UTERINE MANIPULATOR FOR OPERATIVE LAPAROSCOPY AND LAPAROSCOPIC HYSTERECTOMY

A new, reusable uterine manipulator was developed to facilitate pelviscopic surgery and laparoscopic hysterectomy. The device is weighted to hold the uterus in an anteverted position and allow easy access to the cul-de-sac. It is spring loaded to create a tight seal for tubal insufflation. The instrument is calibrated in centimeters and has a sliding cervical plug that allows it to be inserted into the fundus to a depth of 15 cm for uterine manipulation during laparoscopic hysterectomy. The spring-loading mechanism holds the device firmly to the cervical tenaculum regardless of the depth of penetration, and rotates 180 degrees for use in the retroverted uterus.