Can the application of a temporary uterine tourniquet during an abdominal myomectomy reduce bleeding?

Abstract

Objective: Uterine fibroids are common benign uterine tumours. The three most common surgical treatment approaches for uterine fibroids are laparoscopic, robotic and abdominal myomectomies. Bleeding is a risk with all three approaches. The present study compared post-operative and pregnancy outcomes in patients with bilateral uterine artery occlusion who underwent an abdominal myomectomy, with or without a temporary uterine tourniquet. Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 84 patients with intra-mural fibroids (≥ 5 cm) who underwent an abdominal myomectomy. The patients were divided into two groups according to the use (n = 36) or non-use (n = 48) of a temporary uterine tourniquet, and post-operative and pregnancy outcomes in the tourniquet use and non-use groups were then compared. The association of uterine fibroid removal number (≤ 3 and > 3) with laboratory parameters were also evaluated. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the groups with > 3 myomas removed and with a uterine tourniquet applied and not applied in terms of haemoglobin (Hb) drop, haematocrit (Hct) drop, transfusion amounts, operation times and lengths of hospitalization in favour of the uterine tourniquet use group (p = 0.019, p = 0.023, p = 0.012, p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively). Bilateral uterine arterial occlusion using a temporary uterine tourniquet had no negative effects on pregnancy outcomes. Conclusion: A temporary uterine tourniquet may be an effective method for reducing the amount of perioperative bleeding in patients with multiple, large-sized myomas located close to vascular structures.