The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
13021 East Florence Avenue
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Telephone: (800) 554-2245 or (310) 946-8774; Facsimile: (310) 946-9204
(Santa Fe Springs, CA) A promising membership survey conducted by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) recently reported a 0.06% death rate in laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). The survey reveals what many endoscopists have felt all along--endoscopic technology is progressing as a safe and effective alternative to total abdominal and vaginal gynecologic surgery for women.
Endoscopy, or minimally invasive surgery through tiny abdominal holes employing the use of endoscopes, results in dramatically less scarring, a faster return to work and, often, cost savings for the patient.
Inferior epigastric injury (a minor blood vessel laceration in the front abdominal wall) was the most common injury reported (368 occurrences out of 14,911 procedures by 767 physicians). Conversely, only one death per 14,911 procedures was reported.
The survey asked members of the AAGL to anonymously report their experiences with LAVH. The author, Jaroslav Hulka, M.D., explains that the scope of the survey was very specific. "A questionnaire was mailed to all members of the AAGL to determine the current performance of LAVH, and to assess the relative frequencies of techniques and complications."
Interestingly, the survey also revealed a reduction in the number of total abdominal hysterectomies (TAH) performed. "LAVH is replacing abdominal hysterectomy among physicians who have learned the technique," noted Hulka. "These observations further justify comparative studies of TAH and the procedure displacing it, LAVH."
This year's survey received more than 1,100 responses and the detailed statistics will be printed in the February 1997 Journal of the AAGL. "It is a continuation of our efforts to document trends in operative endoscopy by AAGL members," said Jordan M. Phillips, M.D., Chairman of the Board.
For a free copy of the Journal or for more detailed information (now available) please call:
The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, Telephone: 800/554-2245 or 562/946-8774; Facsimile: 562/946-0073; BBS: 310/946-4179 (8N1); E-Mail: mail@aagl.com; World Wide Web: http://www.aagl.com