Feasibility and complications in bipolar resectoscopy: preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the new bipolar resectoscope (BR) 22 Fr (Karl Storz) represents a reliable improvement in operative hysteroscopy and to compare the new device to the 26 Fr BR (Karl Storz). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational study. From June 2010 through May 2011, 158 consecutive patients treated with bipolar resectoscope 22 Fr and 26 Fr for endocavitary pathologies were registered. Data analysis included patients'characteristics, surgical indications, operative time and complications. 140 patients were eligible. RESULTS: 115/140 (82.1%) patients were treated by BR 22; 55 (39.2%) metroplastics, 34 (24.2%) polipectomies, 25 (17.8%) myomectomies and one (0.71%) sinechiolisis were performed. 25/140 (17.8%) patients were treated by BR 26; 6 (4.2%) polipectomies and 19 (13.5%) myomectomies were performed. Mean time of cervical dilatation by Hegar series was 57 sec for BR 22 Fr and 102 sec for BR 26 Fr (p = 0.034). 4/25 (16%) with 26BR and 1/115 (0.8%) with 22BR complications were observed (p = 0.002) : One uterine perforation, two post operative bleedings > 7 days, one intravasation syndrome and one cervical laceration. CONCLUSION: Bipolar resectoscopy is feasible and safe. The new device BR 22 Fr is preferable to 26 Fr because it requires lower cervical dilatation limiting operative time and complications.

Three-step model course to teach intracorporeal laparoscopic suturing.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy requires a set of skills such as intracorporeal stitching and knotting. The aim of this study is to present an effective specialized training course for the laparoscopic suturing technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We designed a specialized 5-day training course for laparoscopic suturing skills with theoretical and practical sessions on inanimate pelvic training. The "gladiator rule" was the method used to teach intracorporeal suturing using the right and left hand from a lateral and suprapubic access. Data on sense of depth, coordination, dexterity, traction power, and posture at the beginning and at the end of the course were compiled. Three practical evaluations were performed by each course participant. Follow-up on subsequent live laparoscopic application of intracorporeal suturing was obtained. RESULTS: We enrolled 44 consecutive trainees: 33 men and 11 women. We found a significant statistical improvement during the course in coordination (P=.001), dexterity (P=.000), traction power (P=.002), and posture (P=.003). Men were better than women in coordination (P=.002), dexterity (P=.000), and traction power (P=.014). No significant statistical difference in suturing skill was found in relation to age, gender, previous courses, surgical training (surgeon or resident), and dominant hand. Twenty-nine of 40 (72.5%) trainees after the course began to apply intracorporeal sutures in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates the utility of a 5-day suturing course in teaching laparoscopic suturing technique. The "gladiator rule" is a useful and reproducible theory to teach intracorporeal knotting. The three-step model allows the majority of the trainees to apply laparoscopic suturing in vivo.

Clinical outcomes associated with surgical treatment of endometrioma coupled with resection of the posterior broad ligament.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the resection of both endometrioma and posterior broad ligament (PBL) among women with PBL adhesion associated with endometrioma. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2009 at the Villanova Hospital, Florence, Italy, a prospective trial was conducted on 99 consecutive patients with unilateral or bilateral endometrioma who underwent laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy by a stripping technique and homolateral PBL resection where PBL adhesion was associated with endometrioma. The prevalence of PBL adhesion and endometriosis, the association between PBL endometriosis and pain, and the recurrence of endometrioma and pain were evaluated. All data were analyzed with Prism software. RESULTS: Among 124 endometriomas treated by concomitant PBL resection, the PBL was not affected by adhesions in only 2% of patients. PBL endometriosis was superficial in 36 (29.5%) and deep in 86 (70.5%) of the histologic preparations; deep endometriosis correlated with preoperative pain. At 1-year follow-up, endometrioma had recurred in 7 patients; the main symptom reported was mid-cycle pain (24 patients, 24%; P=0.0007). CONCLUSION: Ovarian endometriosis was often (98%) associated with PBL endometriosis; deep endometriosis of PBL correlated with pain symptoms. Although PBL resection increased the incidence of mid-cycle pain, it was associated with low recurrence of endometrioma.