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AAGL -- Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide

AAGL Position Statement:  Route of Hysterectomy to Treat Benign Uterine Disease

The AAGL is an organization of gynecologic surgeons that began in the United States more than 40 years ago.  The AAGL vision is to serve women by advancing the safest and most efficacious diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that provide less invasive treatments for gynecologic conditions through integration of clinical practice, research, innovation and dialogue. 

Although minimally invasive alternatives for hysterectomy have been available for decades, the majority of hysterectomies performed in the U.S. and other countries are still performed by the abdominal route.  The AAGL has therefore presented a position statement regarding the preferred route for hysterectomy as a minimally invasive route. 

Physicians who do not perform these minimally invasive procedures should refer patients to surgeons who do.

It is the position of the AAGL that most hysterectomies for benign disease should be performed either vaginally or laparoscopically and that continued efforts should be taken to facilitate these approaches.  Surgeons without the requisite training and skills required for the safe performance of vaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopic hysterectomy should enlist the aid of colleagues who do or should refer patients requiring hysterectomy to such individuals for their surgical care.

To read the entire position statement of the AAGL click here for a PDF version.