Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy: impact of body mass index and uterine weight

Obesity is a risk factor for the development of uterine fibroids and dysfunctional uterine bleeding which may require hysterectomy. Vaginal hystectomy for enlarged uteri due to fibroids can be difficult and challenging while abdominal hysterectomy increases the risk of infection and bleeding. This prospective study was conducted to compare the operative outcome of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy in women with high body mass index (BMI) with enlarged or normal sized uteri. Patients were divided in to four groups according to body mass index and uterine weight. Group 1 included patients with BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) and uterine weight of >= 280 g, group 2 included patients with BMI >= 25 kg/m(2) and uterine weight of <280 g, group 3 (BMI <= 25 kg/m(2) and uterine weight >= 280 g) and group 4 (BMI <= 25 kg/m(2) and uterine weight of <= 280 g) were not included in the final analysis. There was no conversion to laparotomy, any intraoperative complications or difference in the mean duration of hospital stay in both groups. However, the operative time and blood loss in group 1 was more as compared to group 2. Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy is feasible and can be safely performed regardless of BMI or uterine weight.