Transvaginal versus Port-Site Specimen Retrieval after Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: To date, there is no robust evidence suggesting whether transvaginal retrieval (TVSR) or port-site specimen retrieval (PSSR) after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) may lead to better surgical outcomes. Considering this element, we aimed to compare surgical outcomes of TVSR versus PSSR after LM. Methods: A search (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020176490) of international databases, from 1980 to 2020, in English language, was conducted. We selected studies that included women who underwent LM with TVSR compared with PSSR. Results: We did notfind significant differences for operative time (MD = -8.90; 95% CI: 30.00,12.20; I-2 = 87%), myoma retrieval time (MD = -1.85; 95% CI: 13.55, 9.85; I-2 = 98%), blood loss (MD = -27.62; 95% CI: 178.68, 124.43; I-2 = 91%), intra-operative complication rate (OR 0.51; 95% CI: 0.01-23.09; I-2 = 69%), and hospital stay (MD = -0.14; 95% CI: 0.43, 0.15; I-2 = 64%); we found a significant lower postoperative rescueanalgesics utilization in the TVSR group compared with the PSSR group (OR 0.31; 95% CI: 0.16-0.61; I-2 = 0). Conclusion: TVSR and PSSR after LM showed comparable results for operative time and surgery-related complications. However, the need of postoperative rescue analgesics was lower in women who underwent TVSR. (C) 2022 S. Karger AG, Basel

Automated summary

Comparing surgical outcomes of transvaginal retrieval (TVSR) and port-site specimen retrieval (PSSR) after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), there were no significant differences in operative time, myoma retrieval time, blood loss, intra-operative complication rate, and hospital stay. However, there was a lower need for postoperative rescue analgesics in women who underwent TVSR.