Routine Versus Selective Ureterolysis During Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy for Benign Conditions

Hysterectomy is one of the most commonly performed major gynecological procedures worldwide, with approximately 600,000 procedures performed annually in the United States alone and similar rates observed globally when adjusted for population size.1 Over the past two decades, there has been a paradigm shift in surgical approach, with minimally invasive techniques, particularly total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), increasingly replacing traditional open surgery.2 This transition has been driven by compelling evidence demonstrating significant advantages of the laparoscopic approach, including reduced postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster return to normal activities, improved cosmetic outcomes, and lower overall morbidity compared to abdominal hysterectomy.2

Ureteric injury represents one of the most serious potential complications during TLH which occurs in 0.2 to 6 % of cases due to the close anatomical relation with the ureter, which is higher than abdominal hysterectomy in which ureteric injury occurs in 0.03 to 2 % of cases.3 Ureteric injury has potentially devastating consequences for patients including renal impairment, prolonged hospitalization, need for additional surgical interventions, and long-term morbidity.4

Ureterolysis during TLH helps to reduce the incidence of ureteric injury.5 Ureterolysis is infrequently practiced by gynecologists however, it is necessary during complex surgery.6 The American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) practice guidelines for laparoscopic hysterectomy state that "identification of the ureters should be undertaken when the anatomy is unclear or when risk factors for injury are present," but acknowledge that "some surgeons advocate routine ureterolysis for all laparoscopic hysterectomies.7

Surgeons who perform ureterolysis as a routine approach justify it due to :

• The additional operative time (10-15 minutes) is justified by improved safety.8
• When performed correctly, ureterolysis does not significantly increase risk of direct injury.8
• The technique preserves periureteric blood supply when proper tissue planes are followed.8
• Routine practice ensures surgical proficiency.8
• Patient outcomes are improved when injuries are prevented rather than managed after they occur.8 In this study we aim to compare between routine approach and selective approach for ureterolysis during laparoscopic hysterectomy

Inclusion criteria

Women aged 35-70 years

Scheduled for TLH for benign indications:

Symptomatic fibroids, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Adenomyosis, Endometrial hyperplasia, Pelvic organ prolapse requiring hysterectomy, Chronic pelvic pain, Uterine size ≤16 weeks

Exclusion criteria

• Previous pelvic radiation
• Known ureteric abnormalities or pathology
• Severe cardiopulmonary disease precluding laparoscopy
• Inability to provide informed consent
• Known retroperitoneal pathology
• Emergency surgery
• Uterine size > 16 weeks