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Meta-analysis: Temporary uterine artery ligation reduces blood loss in myomectomyTemporary uterine artery ligation reduces blood loss during fibroid surgery

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Key Takeaway
Consider TUAL as an adjunct to laparoscopic myomectomy to reduce blood loss, but note increased operative time and need for more data.

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the addition of temporary uterine artery ligation (TUAL) to laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) for uterine myomas. The analysis included 857 women across multiple studies. The primary outcomes were intraoperative estimated blood loss and perioperative change in hemoglobin.

Pooled results showed that TUAL plus LM significantly reduced intraoperative blood loss compared with LM alone, with a mean difference of -84.7 mL (95% CI: -89.0 to -80.0). Postoperative reduction in hemoglobin level was also less with TUAL, with a mean difference of -0.4 g/dL (95% CI: -0.7 to -0.2). However, operative time was longer in the TUAL group, with a mean difference of 16.5 minutes (95% CI: 3.4 to 29.6).

The authors note several limitations: the need for further studies with larger sample sizes, long-term follow-up, and stratification of outcomes based on ligation technique. Data on recurrence, complication rates, and other secondary outcomes were not pooled or not reported in sufficient detail.

Clinically, TUAL appears to be a possible adjunct to LM for selected patients to reduce blood loss, but the increase in operative time and lack of long-term safety data should be considered. The evidence is limited by small sample sizes and short follow-up, and further research is warranted.

This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at 857 women who had surgery for uterine myomas, also known as fibroids. The researchers compared laparoscopic myomectomy alone with the same surgery plus temporary uterine artery ligation. They wanted to see if adding the ligation step changed how much blood was lost during the operation or how hemoglobin levels changed afterward.

The analysis showed that adding temporary uterine artery ligation led to a reduction in estimated blood loss during surgery. It also resulted in a smaller drop in hemoglobin levels after the procedure. However, the time spent in the operating room was slightly longer when the ligation was used.

The study notes that more research with larger groups of patients and longer follow-up is needed. Further studies are also required to look at results based on different ligation techniques. Because of these gaps, this finding should be seen as a possible option for selected patients rather than a standard rule.

What this means for you:
Adding temporary uterine artery ligation may reduce blood loss during fibroid surgery, but more research is needed.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedMay 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of temporary uterine artery ligation (TUAL) in reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is uncertain, despite increased use as an adjunct to improve surgical safety. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TUAL in LM for the management of uterine myomas. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies evaluating LM with and without TUAL. Electronic databases were searched up to October 7, 2024. Eligible studies were randomized controlled trials or observational comparative studies published in English that reported at least one primary outcome. The primary outcomes were intraoperative estimated blood loss and perioperative change in hemoglobin. Secondary outcomes included operative time, number and size of myomas removed, length of hospital stay, recurrence, and complication rates. Data extraction and analysis were performed using a random-effects model. This review was registered prospectively with PROSPERO (CRD42024595684). RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, comprising five randomized controlled trials and two retrospective case-control studies, with a total of 857 women (352 undergoing LM with TUAL and 505 undergoing LM alone). TUAL was associated with a reduction in intraoperative estimated blood loss (mean difference [MD]: -84.7 mL; 95% Cl: -89.0; -80.0) and postoperative reduction in hemoglobin level (MD: -0.4 g/dL; 95% Cl: -0.7; -0.2) compared with LM without TUAL. However, TUAL was associated with increased operative time (MD: 16.5 min; 95% Cl: 3.4; 29.6). CONCLUSIONS: TUAL appears to be a possible adjunct to LM for selected patients in the management of uterine myomas. Our study demonstrated that TUAL with LM could be associated with a reduction in estimated blood loss, despite an increase in operative time. Nonetheless, further studies with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up, as well as stratification of outcomes based on ligation technique, are warranted to elucidate the benefits of TUAL.
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