Abstract
AIM: To compare the safety protocols and operative outcomes of women undergoing laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy (LAM) by the same surgeons at a freestanding ambulatory surgery center (ASC) versus a hospital outpatient setting. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of all women ≥18 years old with symptomatic leiomyoma, who underwent LAM with uterine artery occlusion or ligation for blood loss control, at a freestanding ASC between 2013 and 2017, and an outpatient hospital setting between 2011 and 2013, both serving the metropolitan Washington, DC area. The procedures were performed by two minimally invasive gynecologic surgical specialists from a single practice. The safety protocols of each setting were reviewed to identify similarities and differences. RESULTS: A total of 816 LAM cases were analyzed (ASC = 588, hospital = 228). The rate of complications was comparable across settings, as was the average myoma weight (ASC = 396.2 g; hospital = 461.5 g; P = 0.064). Operative time was significantly shorter at the ASC: 68 min (95% CI 66-70) versus 80 min at hospital (95% CI 76-84), P < 0.0001. Ambulatory surgery center and hospital protocols differed in limits of preoperative hemoglobin (minimum 9.0 g/dL, 7.5 g/dL respectively), lower nurse/patient ratio in PACU, and were similar in intraoperative surgical safety standards. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic-assisted myomectomy can be performed safely and effectively by skilled surgeons at a freestanding ASC, even in patients with morbid obesity or large leiomyoma.