Transumbilical single-port access versus conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy: surgical outcomes

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to compare surgical outcomes and postoperative pain between transumbilical single-port access total laparoscopic hysterectomy (SPA-TLH) and conventional 4-port total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). STUDY DESIGN: We retrospectively reviewed 157 patients who underwent SPA-TLH (n = 52) or conventional TLH (n = 105). A single-port access system consisted of a wound retractor, surgical glove, 2 5 mm trocars, and 1 10/11 mm trocar. RESULTS: The SPA-TLH group had less intraoperative blood loss (P < .001), shorter hospital stay (P < .001), and earlier diet intake (P < .001) compared with the conventional TLH group. There was no difference in perioperative complications. Immediate postoperative pain score was lower in the SPA-TLH group (P < .001). Postoperative pain after 6 and 24 hours was lower in SPA-TLH with marginal statistical significance. CONCLUSION: SPA-TLH is a feasible method for hysterectomy with lower immediate postoperative pain and better surgical outcomes with respect to recovery time compared with conventional TLH.