Supplementary Material for: Transvaginal versus port-site specimen retrieval after laparoscopic myomectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: To date, there is no robust evidence suggesting whether transvaginal (TVSR) or port-site specimen retrieval (PSSR) after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) may lead to better surgical outcomes. Considering this element, we aimed to compare surgical outcomes of TVSR versus PSSR after LM. Methods: A search (PROSPERO ID: CRD42020176490) of international databases, from 1980 to 2020, in English language, was conducted. We selected studies that included women who underwent LM with TVSR compared with PSSR. Results: We did not find significant differences for operative time (MD=-8.90 [95% CI -30.00, 12.20]; I2=87%), myoma retrieval time (MD=-1.85 [95% CI -13.55, 9.85]; I2=98%), blood loss (MD=-27.62 [95% CI -178.68, 124.43]; I2=91%), intra-operative complication rate (OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.01–23.09; I2=69%) and hospital stay (MD=-0.14 [95% CI -0.43; 0.15]; I2=64%); we found a significant lower post-operative rescue analgesics utilization in the TVSR group compared with the PSSR group (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.16–0.61, I2=0). Conclusion: TVSR and PSSR after LM showed comparable results for operative time and surgery-related complications. However, the need of post-operative rescue analgesics was lower in women who underwent TVSR.