Plastic suction curette as uterine manipulator at combined laparoscopic sterilization: a prospective study of 531 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a plastic suction curette (PSC) as uterine manipulator during combined surgical abortion and laparoscopic sterilization. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted between January 1996 and December 2003 in a university teaching hospital and a district hospital. All cases of combined first trimester surgical abortion and laparoscopic sterilization were performed under general anaesthesia in the day surgery unit. A straight or curved PSC with a diameter of 7-12 mm was used for surgical abortion and, afterwards, to manipulate the uterus at laparoscopic sterilization. The negative pressure of 600 mmHg or -80 kPa was maintained during manipulation. Any intra-operative trauma or difficulties in identifying the tubes and blood loss during sterilization were noted. RESULTS: A total of 531 cases of combined abortion and laparoscopic sterilization were performed. There was no failure to identify the tubes nor any uterine perforation; blood loss was minimal. No patient required hospital admission because of direct surgical complications. CONCLUSION: The plastic suction curette is a safe and efficient uterine manipulator at combined laparoscopic sterilization procedure.