Perioperative Duloxetine for Pain Management After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of perioperative duloxetine on pain management in patients recovering from laparoscopic hysterectomy. DESIGN: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. SETTING: A university hospital. PATIENTS: Of 100 patients enrolled, 80 were randomized 1:1 to receive perioperative duloxetine (n = 40) or placebo (n = 40). INTERVENTIONS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions from November 2017 through March 2018 received 2 doses of 60 mg duloxetine or placebo 2 hours before and 24 hours after surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The Quality of Recovery (QoR)-40 questionnaire was completed by participants after discharge. Study and control groups were compared in terms of questionnaire scores, opioid analgesic use, and hospital length of stay. The baseline characteristics of the groups were comparable; median total QoR-40 scores were 111 of 200 and 112 of 200 for duloxetine and the placebo group, respectively; the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = .91). Although the physical independence subcomponent of the recovery questionnaire was improved in favor of duloxetine, none of the subcomponents reached statistical difference between groups. The groups did not differ in terms of postoperative narcotic analgesic use and hospital length of stay (p >.05). CONCLUSION: Perioperative duloxetine did not reduce pain, need for narcotic analgesia, or hospital length of stay following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Laparoscopic Management of Huge Myoma Nascendi.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic management of a huge myoma nascendi. DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical procedure (Canadian Task Force classification III-C). SETTING: Uterine myoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the female reproductive tract, with an estimated incidence of 25% to 30% at reproductive age [1,2]. Patients generally have no symptoms; however, those with such symptoms as severe pelvic pain, heavy uterine bleeding, or infertility may be candidates for surgery. The traditional management is surgery; however, uterine artery embolization or hormonal therapy using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or a selective estrogen receptor modulator should be preferred as the medical approach. Surgical management should be performed via laparoscopy or laparotomy; however, the use of laparoscopic myomectomy is being debated for patients with huge myomas. Difficulties in the excision, removal, and repair of myometrial defects, increased operative time, and blood loss are factors keeping physicians away from laparoscopic myomectomy [1,2]. INTERVENTIONS: A 35-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with complaints of chronic pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Her medical history included multiple hospitalizations for blood transfusions, along with a recently measured hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dL and a hematocrit value of 29%. She had never been married and had no children. Pelvic ultrasonography revealed a 12 × 10-cm uterine myoma located on the posterior side of the corpus uteri and protruding through to the cervical channel. This was a huge intramural submucous myoma in close proximity to the endometrial cavity and spreading through the myometrium. On vaginal examination, the myoma was found to extend into the vagina through the cervical channel. Laparoscopic myomectomy was planned because of the patient's desire for fertility preservation. Abdominopelvic exploration revealed a huge myoma filling the posterior side of the corpus uteri and extending to the isthmus uteri and cervical channel. A myomectomy was performed using standard technique as described elsewhere. A vertical incision was made using a harmonic scalpel. The myoma was fixed with a corkscrew manipulator and enucleated. During the procedure, the endometrial cavity was torn and was closed with 2-0 Vicryl separately. Total intraoperative blood loss was 250 mL, the total weight of the myoma was 245 g, and the operation lasted about 120 minutes. The patient experienced no intraoperative complications. She was discharged on postoperative day 1 and did not exhibit any problems at follow-up. The final histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of huge myomas in difficult locations appears to be a feasible and safe surgical option, especially in experienced hands.

Laparoscopic Management of Huge Cervical Myoma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic management of a huge cervical myoma. DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical procedure (Canadian Task Force classification III-C). SETTING: Uterine myoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the female reproductive tract, with an estimated incidence of 25% to 30% at reproductive age [1,2]. Patients generally have no symptoms; however, those with such symptoms as severe pelvic pain, heavy uterine bleeding, or infertility may be candidates for surgery. The traditional management is surgery; however, uterine artery embolization or hormonal therapy using a gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist or a selective estrogen receptor modulator should be preferred as the medical approach. Surgical management should be performed via laparoscopy or laparotomy; however, the use of laparoscopic myomectomy is being debated for patients with huge myomas. Difficulties in the excision, removal, and repair of myometrial defects, increased operative time, and blood loss are factors keeping physicians away from laparoscopic myomectomy [1,2]. INTERVENTIONS: A 40-year-old gravida 0, para 0 woman was admitted to our clinic with complaints of chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and infertility. Her health history was unremarkable. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a 14 × 10-cm myoma in the cervical region. On bimanual examination, an immobile solid mass originating from the uterine cervix and filling the pouch of Douglas was palpated. The patient was informed of the findings, and laparoscopic myomectomy was recommended because of her desire to preserve her fertility. Abdominopelvic examination revealed a huge myoma filling and enlarging the cervix. Myomectomy was performed using standard technique as described elsewhere. A transverse incision was made using a harmonic scalpel. The myoma was fixed with a corkscrew manipulator and enucleated. Once bleeding was controlled, the myoma bed was filled with Spongostan to prevent possible bleeding from leakage. Owing to the anatomic structure of the cervical region, the incision was closed in a monolayer with 0 Vicryl. Total intraoperative blood loss was 300 mL, the total weight of the myoma was 670 g, and the operation lasted approximately 140 minutes. The patient experienced no intraoperative complications. She was discharged on postoperative day 1 and did not exhibit any problems at follow-up. The final histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of uterine leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic management of huge myomas in difficult locations such as the cervical region seems to be a feasible and safe surgical option, especially in experienced hands.

Laparoscopic Management of Heterotopic Istmocornual Pregnancy: A Different Technique.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To present a modified technique for laparoscopic cornual resection for the surgical treatment of heterotopic istmocornual pregnancy. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the surgery using video (Canadian Task Force Classification III-c). SETTING: Heterotopic pregnancy is the coexistence of pregnancy in both the intrauterine and extrauterine sides. The incidence is 1 in 30 000 in spontaneous pregnancies; however, the incidence increased to 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 pregnancies with the increasing number of artificial reproductive technologies [1,2]. Although management is controversial, there are 2 main approaches classified as surgical and nonsurgical. The administration of potassium chloride, methotrexate, and/or hyperosmolar glucose is a nonsurgical intervention; however, there are some limitations such as systemic side effects and the possible adverse effect on a live fetus [1-3]. For this reason, surgical intervention involving cornual resection is the main treatment option. CASE REPORT: A 32-year-old patient was admitted to our clinic with sudden-onset pain at the left groin. She was at the 11th week of gestation. She had a diagnosis of infertility for 7 years, and she became pregnant after an in vitro fertilization cycle. At sonographic examination, 2 gestational sacs were detected, 1 with a live fetus settled into the uterus and the second (20-mm length) on the left cornual side without a yolk sac and embryo and the left adnexa accompanied with coagulated blood. Immediate laparoscopic surgery was planned. At the laparoscopic exploration, left istmocornual pregnancy that was ruptured and bleeding were observed. We performed a modified technique for laparoscopic cornual resection in which the uterine corn was tightened with the noose twice, and the corn was sutured circularly to avoid excessive bleeding. Initially, the mesosalpinx was coagulated and transected with bipolar energy. Afterward, the uterine corn was tightened with the noose twice, and the fallopian tube was removed. To reduce the bleeding during remnant cornual tissue extraction, a permanent 0 monofilament suture was passed deep into the myometrium and tightened to achieve better hemostasis. Then, the remnant cornual tissue was extracted with harmonic scissors, and the uterine wound was repaired with continuous suture to reduce the risk of uterine rupture during the ongoing pregnancy. Depot progesterone was administered just before the surgery and the day after. She was discharged on the first postoperative day. At the follow-up, she did not experience any problems during pregnancy, and she was delivered with cesarean section at 39 weeks' gestation. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of heterotopic pregnancy, and control of bleeding can be achieved better with our modified technique.

Single-Port Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy in a Patient With Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To present the feasibility of single-port laparoscopic surgery at patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis. DESIGN: Step by step explanation of the surgery using videos (Canadian Task Force classification III-c). SETTING: Single-port laparoscopic surgery is an emerging technique and an option for improving the benefits of laparoscopic surgery. The goals of single-port laparoscopic surgery is to further enhance the cosmetic benefits of minimally invasive surgery and minimize the potential risk and morbidity associated with multiport surgery [1,2]. This procedure is not without challenges, however, such as instrument crowding and clashing, ergonomic difficulties, loss of instrument triangulation, and the need for advanced laparoscopic skills [1,2]. Despite these challenges, technical advances in optics and instrumentation have led to the widespread use of single-port laparoscopic surgery to treat such gynecologic disorders as endometriosis, uterine myomas, and cancers [2,3]. INTERVENTIONS: A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our clinic with a complaint of chronic pelvic pain dysmenorrhea and deep dyspareunia. Her medical history revealed a cesarean section delivery and a diagnosis of endometriosis. Despite treatment of her endometriosis with dienogest, there has been no decline at her complaints. Ultrasound examination performed at admission revealed a 6 × 6 cm right adnexal mass compatible with endometrioma, with a normal left ovary and uterus. Rectovaginal examination detected no endometriotic nodules. Although all treatment options were explained and discussed and laparoscopic excision of right ovarian endometrioma was recommended, the patient strongly desired removal of the uterus and the ovaries to avoid recurrence of endometriosis and related complaints. Thus, laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were planned. Under general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, the patient was placed in low lithotomy position with the arms tucked. An orogastric tube and a Foley catheter were placed. Abdominal access was performed following an open Hasson technique with a 2.0- to 2.5-cm vertical umbilical incision and a 4-channel (with two 10-mm and two 5-mm channels) access port was placed into the peritoneal cavity. On pelvic examination, a 6 × 6-cm right ovarian endometrioma adherent to the pelvic sidewall was detected, along with severe adhesions on the left side between the left adnex and the pelvic sidewall. The uterus was normal. The adhesion on the left side was released using a Harmonic scalpel (Ethicon Endosurgery, Cinncinnati, OH). The pelvic sidewall peritoneum was opened, and the ureters were identified and isolated at the pelvic brim and followed toward the true pelvis. The internal iliac artery, uterine and obliterated umbilical artery, and infundibulopelvic ligament were dissected and identified. The paravesical, pararectal, and rectouterine spaces were opened. Deep infiltrating endometriosis implants on the right side located in the uterosacral ligment and pararectal space were dissected and excised. After restoration of pelvic anatomy, hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy were performed. The vaginal cuff was closed with intracorporeal knots. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 1, and reported no problems at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Single-port laparoscopic hysterectomy appears to be a safe and feasible option in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, especially when performed by well-experienced surgeons.

Single-port Robotic Pelvic Bulky Lymph Node Resection: A Case Report.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility of bulky pelvic lymph node resection with robotic-assisted single-port laparoscopy in a patient with cervical cancer before chemoradiation therapy. DESIGN: Resection of pelvic bulky lymph nodes with a narrated video of da Vinci single-port platform surgery (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA) (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Although not enough evidence exists to reveal that single-site surgery is better than traditional endoscopic surgery, several studies have suggested that single-site robotic surgery has certain advantages such as less postoperative analgesic use, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery. Furthermore, robotic single-site surgery has evolved single-site procedures. Compared with the single-port laparoendoscopic procedure, the robotic-assisted single-port laparoscopic procedure offers some advantages to minimally invasive surgery such as greater dexterity, 3-dimensional visualization, and fewer instrument clashes. These advantages make robotic single-port surgery more preferable; nevertheless, the lack of articulating instruments and the low quality of optical exposure are still challenges. Robotic single-port pelvic lymphadenectomy was first described by Tateo et al [1] in an endometrial carcinoma patient. We present a robotic single-port pelvic bulky lymph node resection in an advanced cervical cancer patient. Even though current data are controversial about removing bulky lymph nodes in patients with advanced cervical cancer, some studies have recommended that debulking of tumor-involved lymph nodes before chemoradiation may be benefical for these patients (Leblanc et al [2], Marnitz et al [3]). In our case, the patient underwent robotic-assisted single-port laparoscopy using the da Vinci Single-Site platform. The abdominal cavity was insufflated from a 3-cm umblical incision, and a 5-lumen single port was inserted. Then, an 8.5-mm 3-dimensional camera was inserted through the port, and for dissection and resection 5-mm bipolar fenestrated forceps and a monopolar hook were used. After resection, the bulky lymph nodes were taken out with an endoscopic bag through the assistant port lumen. Additionally, it is important to remember that single-site procedures are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for lymphadenectomy. PATIENTS: A 46-year-old patient diagnosed with advanced-stage cervical cancer (Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique stage IIIB) presented with bilateral pelvic lymph node metastasis revealed by pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The patient had no history of prior surgery or comorbidity. We decided to perform resection of the pelvic lymph nodes with a robotic-assisted single-site laparoscopic procedure before chemoradiation threapy. INTERVENTIONS: Excision of pelvic bulky lymph nodes using robotic-assisted single-port laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The total operating time was 170 minutes (from docking to the end of the extubation), the estimated blood loss was 30 mL, and no complications occurred. The patient was discharged the day after surgery. The histopathologic examination revealed squamous cell carcinoma metastasis. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted single-port surgery seems to be an applicable and alternative technique to perform the resection of bulky pelvic lymph nodes in patients with advanced cervical cancer before chemoradiation therapy.

Laparoscopic assisted robotic myomectomy of a huge myoma; Does robotic surgery change the borders in minimally invasive gynecology?

Today, the adoption of minimal invasive gynecologic procedures is expanding their routine use in clinical practice. Until recently, a diameter of 8 cm was the recommended maximal size for laparoscopic removal of fibroids. However, robot-assisted laparoscopy improved the capacity and the feasibility of the many gynecologic procedures. Here, we report a video of robotic myomectomy of a huge myoma.

Oral Mass of a Fetus Incidentally Found during Second Trimester: Ultrasound Survey and Postnatal Prognosis of the Baby.

Ultrasound (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to detect and evaluate the face and neck tumors during the in-utero period. We reported and discussed an oral mass which was diagnosed incidentally at mid-trimester exam and managed successfully.

Symptoms and Health Quality After Laparoscopic and Robotic Myomectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To compare the symptom severity and health quality outcomes of women who underwent laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy. METHODS: This was a prospective nonrandomized cohort study. The Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Health Related Quality of Life Questionnaire was administered to 33 laparoscopic myomectomy and 31 robotic myomectomy patients before and year after surgery. Symptom severity and health quality scores were compared between the preoperative and postoperative periods for laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy procedures. RESULTS: The mean age, operation time, estimated blood loss, body mass index, largest fibroid diameter, length of hospital stay, and number of fibroids removed were comparable for both groups (P > .05). Symptom severity scores decreased significantly for both laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy patients at year after surgery (P < .05), and health-related quality of life scores increased significantly in both groups at 1 year after surgery (P < .05). Improvement in symptom severity and health quality was higher in the laparoscopy group; however, this was not statistically different from the robotic myomectomy group (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic and robotic myomectomy provide significant reductions in fibroid-associated symptom severity and significant improvement in quality of life at 1 year after surgery. The rate of improvement was comparable for both procedures.