The Evidence - What scientific studies have revealed

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Laparoscopic Hysterectomies (keyhole)

The good safety profile of LaSH becomes evident when one compares two major studies of women who underwent hysterectomy. Each study analyzed 1600 hysterectomies  (3200 in total) both using keyhole surgery, but they differed in their approach to the cervix. Column 1, Wattiez A, et al   (Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy, TLH) removed the cervix, Column 2  Bojahr B. et al (LaSH or LSH) kept the cervix intact.

In comparing both these studies it is especially relevant to draw attention to the total complication rate.  The study carried out in column 1 by Wattiez et al. where the cervix is removed revealed a complication rate of 9.5% where as the LaSH method carried out by Bojar et al. in column 2 revealed a complication rate of only 2.5%.  This is not surprising since LASH is less invasive as the cervix is left intact. To date the team of Bojahr et al have experienced no increase in the complication rate have performed now more than 4000 procedures.

Mr von Widekind worked with the team of Dr Bojahr in Berlin from 1988 - 1998 and he is pleased to be able to offer the “Berlin-Methodology” for LASH in the UK at the BMI Three  Shires Hospital in Northampton.

Abdominal Hysterectomies (using Conventional Surgery)

Thakar R, et al carried out a study at St. George’s  Hospital, London, to show the quality of life after conventional surgery for conventional hysterectomy vs. subtotal hysterectomy in the UK and was published in the New England Journal of Medicine NEJM in 2002. This study revealed complications in excess of those found by both Wattiez and Bojahr in the table above. (to read the abstract click on Thakar R, and then click on the orange box to access the text in full. )