News: ACOG 2008 Meeting Highlights: Comparing readmission rates for lap and abdominal hysterectomy

Readmission for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) are more than twice that seen after total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH), according to a retrospective study of more than 2,700 hysterectomies performed at Ochsner Medical Center from 2000 to 2007 (1.2% for TAH vs. 2.7% for TLH).

The investigators could not connect the differing readmission rates to differences in operative time, adhesions, diabetic status, prior cesarean, prior open or laparoscopic procedures, or postop antibiotic use. They did, however, notice that patients readmitted after TLH were more likely to experience cuff dehiscence and cuff cellulitis.

Judd JP, Byrd K. Postoperative readmissions after laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;111(April Suppl):2S-3S.