Effect of simultaneous morcellation in situ on operative time during laparoscopic myomectomy.

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is technically difficult and time consuming procedure that requires surgical skill and modifications. The aim of this study was to assess factors which affect operative times in LM. METHODS From March 2003 to June 2007, 174 women, who underwent LM for symptomatic myomas, were enrolled. Standard LM was performed in the first 4 years and simultaneous morcellation in situ (SMI) method was applied in the fifth year. RESULTS The mean myoma weight was 213.5 +/- 190.4 g and the mean operative time was 117.0 +/- 39.6 min. No laparoconversions occurred and there was a 2.3% rate of complications. Total myoma weight increased and operative time declined significantly over time. The surgeon's learning curve and the effect of SMI on operative time were identified by establishing a nonlinear multiple regression model. Model assumptions showed little violation by residual plots. Slopes of the average myoma weight (total myoma weight/number of myoma operated) for describing the operative time declined along with the study year, suggesting that operative experience is a major factor influencing operative time. SMI showed a further 19 min reduction in the predicted operative time. CONCLUSIONS Operative time in LM is dependent on a multitude of factors including surgical experience. Applying SMI during LM is an efficient way to further reduce operative time.