Songkla Uterine Manipulator
HATERN TINTARA, M.D.*, MONGKOL CHANTAPAKUL, M.D.**
Affiliation : *Division of Laparoscopy, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, **Gynecological Laparoscopic Center, Charoenkrung Pracharak Hospital, Department of Medical Services, Bangkok Metropolitan, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.
The Songkla Uterine Manipulator (SUM) was developed for laparoscopic procedures. Its
shaft consists of two stainless steel rods, which pivot a head and locking system. The obturator has
a plate and is connected to the pivot head with a screw. The obturator has a diameter of 4.7 mm with
three standard lengths of 6, 8, and 10 em and there is a spring hook to retain it with the tenaculum.
The SUM allows antevertion of the uterus up to 95 degrees and lateral motion of about 45 degrees
bilaterally. From December 1996 to December 1999, the SUM was used successfully in 150 laparo-
scopic procedures, including 51 tubal sterilizations, 42 cases of adnexal surgery, 12 total lapa-
roscopic hysterectomies and 45 1aparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies. The visualization of
pelvic organs including both adnexae was good in all cases without trauma to the vagina, cervix or
uterus.
Conclusion : The simplified low cost uterine manipulator was developed. Early results
were good but more modifications are needed, such as mechanism to retain it to the cervix
without the tenaculum and sealing of gas leakage from the vagina during laparoscopic hysterec-
tomy.
Keywords : Uterine Manipulator, Uterine Elevator, Laparoscopic Surgery
