What Is the Learning Curve for Single-Port Access Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy?

A Randomized Comparison of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site Hysterectomies: Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy Versus Laparoscopically Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy

“…The LESS-LAVH procedure used in our treatment protocol has been previously reported. 16 In brief, either the infundibulopelvic ligaments or utero-ovarian ligaments were secured and divided by the LigaSure system or with unipolar and bipolar electrosurgical units, depending on whether or not the ovary was preserved. When the round and broad ligaments were transected bilaterally and bleeding was controlled, surgery commenced via a vaginal approach.…”

Single-Port Access Laparoscopy-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy: Our Initial Experiences with 100 Cases

“…We used homemade, single-port, three-channel system using the Alexis wound retractor (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, USA), surgical glove, two 10 mm trocars, and one 5 mm trocar [ 7 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…An approximately 1.5 2 cm-sized skin incision was sufficient to install the three-channel, single-port system, because of the elasticity of the skin and the tissue beneath it, which can be dissected as long as required [ 16 , 17 ].…”

Laparoendoscopic single-site versus conventional laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy for benign or pre-invasive uterine disease

“…We think that LESS is the preferred surgical approach for hysterectomy than conventional laparoscopic surgery in patients with benign or pre-invasive uterine disease because it is associated with decreased early postoperative pain score and analgesic requirement despite of the technical difficulty. Some surgeons reported the learning curve of LESS LAVH [14,17]. The proficiency which is defined as the point at the slope becomes less steep in the learning curve was achieved after 24 cases [14] and 25 cases [17] in these reports.…”

“…Some surgeons reported the learning curve of LESS LAVH [14,17]. The proficiency which is defined as the point at the slope becomes less steep in the learning curve was achieved after 24 cases [14] and 25 cases [17] in these reports. Therefore, the learning curve of LESS LAVH is short for surgeons who are experienced in conventional laparoscopic surgery.…”