MYOMECTOMY USING LASER IN A PRIVATE PRACTISE Akinwuntan AL, Osinowo OS, Olutayo AA, Iwuh UE, Olaleye A Premier Specialists Medical Center, Victoria Island, Lagos

Introduction Traditional myomectomy for uterine fibroids is one of the commonest gynaecological procedures in most gynaecological practice in Nigeria However the use of laser is not common, hence the reporting of these cases within our practice

PATIENTS PATIENT 1 – 36 YEARS – NULLIPARA PATIENT 2 – 34 YEARS – NULLIPARA

Objective To report the use of laser for myomectomy

Methods Laser techniques were used in the opening of the rectus sheath, the peritoneum and the enucleation of the fibroid nodules as against traditional cold knife or electrocautery A tourniquet was applied at the uterine isthmus The traditional repairs were done following rehydration of the tissues Protective goggles were worn during the procedures

Results Two nulliparous women with a mean age of 35 years Mean duration of surgery was 57.5mins and average blood loss of 250mls The average duration of hospital stay was 4 days

Conclusion The use of laser for myomectomy is very recent in our practice Haemostatsis seems better with less tissue damage Further reviews in our practice would compare outcomes with similar cases using traditional cold knife