Objective: This study was undertaken to check the feasibility of the vaginal route as the primary route for all hysterectomies, in the absence of uterine prolapse, for benign conditions. Methods: During 2005 to 2007 an effort was made to perform as many hysterectomies vaginally with or without oophorectomy in women with benign or premalignant conditions in the absence of prolapse. Severe endometriosis, immobility of the uterus, uterine size more than 18 weeks and malignancy were excluded. Patients were classified into two groups -Group I -uterine size up to 12 weeks, with no risk factors and Group II -uterine size 12-18 weeks or with confounding factors like, mild to moderate endometriosis, nulliparity or LSCS in the past. The outcome was compared between the two groups and abdominal hysterectomies done for benign conditions. Statistical analysis was done by SE(d) between mean and proportion. Results: A total of 164 cases nondescent vaginal hysterectomies were done. Of these, 92 (56.1%) were in group I and 72 (43.9%) in group II. The operation time in Group II was significantly more than in group I (81.3 minutes with SD of 31.4 s. 62.6 minutes SE(d) between 2 means-7.49). Debulking techniques were required in 58.7% of the cases in group II compared to 2.1% in group I. Both the groups had one conversion each. The peroperative blood loss, pain score, hospital stay and return to normal activity, was comparable in both the groups of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and significantly superior to those undergoing abdominal hysterectomies for benign conditions.Conclusion: The vaginal approach is possible in most benign conditions requiring hysterectomy and is superior to the abdominal route with respect to recovery and complication rates.

Objectives To review the limitations, major complications, and conversion rates associated with non-descent vaginal hysterectomy (NDVH); and develop a scoring system to predict the possibility of successful NDVH.Methods The risk analysis of conversion rates from vaginal to abdominal route while attempting NDVH was applied to formulate a scoring system for the assessment of successful NDVH. Parameters were selected based on Kovacs guidelines to determine the route of hysterectomy.Results From April 2005 to December 2008, NDVH was attempted in 364/1,378 women undergoing hysterectomy for benign conditions (Gp-I). Eight out of 364 cases (2.1 %) either had to be converted to the abdominal route or had major complication. Endometriosis and repeated sections had the highest risk. Scoring system was developed based on the risk analysis. Validity of this scoring system was tested in 1,177 women from January 2009 to September 2012 (Gp-II). 460 women with a score of 16 or less underwent NDVH successfully with a conversion rate of 0.2 %. Conclusion Careful assessment by a simple scoring system can help in deciding the feasibility of performing NDVH.

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