Laparoscopic Versus Vaginal Uterosacral Ligament Suspension in Women With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Literature.

OBJECTIVE: Uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) is one of the most frequently used operations for the restoration of apical support in women with uterovaginal prolapse. However, existing studies are inconclusive as to whether and which surgical access route is superior. The aim of the present meta-analysis is tentatively to compare the efficiency and the postoperative complications of laparoscopic USLS (L-USLS) and vaginal USLS (V-USLS), highlighting that current evidence remains inconclusive regarding the superiority of either surgical access route. DATA SOURCES: We performed a systematic literature review of 5 major databases (Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Clinicaltrials.gov) from inception till April 2023. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: No language restrictions were applied. All comparative studies that compared L-USLS and V-USLS for the management of women with uterovaginal prolapse were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data from 6 retrospective cohort studies on 856 patients were extracted and analyzed. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the risk of bias in nonrandomized studies of interventions tool and ranged between moderate to serious. The pooled results suggest that L-USLS was associated with a potentially decreased incidence of ureteral compromise (odds ratio [OR], 0.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.89; p = .04) and seemingly lower objective (OR 0.47; 95% CI 0.23-0.97; p = .04) and subjective recurrence rates (OR 0.46; 95% CI 0.23-0.92; p = .03). There were no significant differences between the rates of postoperative pain from USLS sutures, postoperative pelvic hematomas, the suture exposure/granulation tissue formation, and the prolapse recurrence retreatment among the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The present meta-analysis indicates that L-USLS is possibly associated with significantly fewer ureteral compromise rates and decreased subjective and objective recurrences rates compared to V-USLS. Nevertheless, given the limitations in data quality and heterogeneity of the included studies, these findings should be interpreted with caution. Large-scale randomized studies are essential to more definitively determine the relative merits of the laparoscopic versus vaginal approach.

Laparoscopic Discoid Excision of Bowel Endometriosis Using Sutures for Closure.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the technique of discoid excision of bowel endometriosis followed by closure of the bowel defect using sutures, without the application of the transanal stapler device. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage. SETTING: Bowel endometriosis is a common pattern of deep endometriosis [1]. Discoid excision is 1 of the 3 surgical interventions applied to manage this pathologic entity, with shaving and segmental resection being the other 2 [2]. When discoid excision is performed, a transanal stapler device is used for bowel closure in most cases [3,4]. Only a few studies so far have reported the application of sutures for this purpose [5]. This video highlights the technique of bowel suturing after discoid excision. INTERVENTIONS: This video presents the technique of bowel discoid excision with the application of sutures to close the bowel defect (Supplemental Video 1). The key surgical steps are as follows: 1. Dissection of both ureters and development of pararectal spaces. 2. Recognition and preservation of the inferior hypogastric plexus and the hypogastric nerve. 3. Detachment of the nodule from the cervix. 4. Detachment of the nodule from the bowel, beginning with deep shaving and followed by discoid excision. 5. Thorough description of the bowel closure using 2 layers of Vicryl 3-0 sutures, the first being interrupted and the second continuous. CONCLUSION: The described technique of bowel closure using sutures may be a safe and effective alternative to the transanal stapler. Its advantage is that it can be performed when the pathology is located higher than 15 cm from the anal verge or the diameter of the nodule is more than 30 mm.

The Effect of Postoperative Gum Chewing on Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Gynecological Surgery. A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of postoperative gum chewing on gastrointestinal function in women following laparoscopic gynecological surgery for benign indications. DATA SOURCES: We screened 5 major databases (Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov) from inception till February 2023. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: No language restrictions were applied. We included randomized controlled trials comparing the postoperative bowel function between patients who chewed and patients who did not chew gum postoperatively after laparoscopic gynecological procedures for benign indications. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: Data from 5 studies on 670 patients were extracted and analyzed by 3 independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4 software (Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Center, The Cochrane Collaboration, 2020), with mean differences (MDs), pooled risk ratios, and random-effects model. Postoperative gum chewing significantly reduced the time to first bowel sounds and the time to first passage of flatus (MD -2.58 hours 95% confidence interval (CI) -4.12 to -1.04 p = .001 and MD -3.97 hours 95% CI -6.26 to -1.68 p <.001, respectively). The time to first defecation, the time to first postoperative patients' mobilization, the length of hospital stay, and the risk of postoperative bowel obstruction showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups. When subgroup analysis was performed according to the type of the laparoscopic procedure, it failed to reveal a positive impact of postoperative gum chewing in both the times to first passage of flatus and first defecation following laparoscopic hysterectomies (MD -5.35 hours 95% CI -10.93 to 0.23 p = .06 and MD -15.93 hours 95% CI -40.13 to 8.28 p = .20, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of the present meta-analysis support that postoperative gum chewing following laparoscopic gynecological procedures seems to have a positive effect on the early mobilization of the gastrointestinal tract. However, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the small number of the included randomized controlled clinical trials.

Wireless Cystoscope the Future of Cystoscopy (With Video).

Background: The first modern cystoscope was developed with the invention of rod lens and optical fibers in the 1960s. Since then, many advances have been made in functionality and camera image analysis. The cost of purchasing equipment and volume of the endoscopic tower remains a challenge and a barrier to the spread of cystoscopy. Urinary tract injury is a significant complication in women undergoing gynecologic surgery. Selective intraoperative cystoscopy at laparoscopic hysterectomy or complex pelvic surgery is valuable for recognizing lower urinary tract injuries. We have developed a novel wireless cystoscope for performing diagnostic and operative cystoscopy. Methods: The new wireless cystoscopic setup consists of a rigid cystoscope 4 mm, 30° that joins a modified action camera to a c-mount adapter f 18-35 mm and a portable led light source. Results: The new setup has so far been effectively used in more than 50 diagnostic cystoscopies and pigtail catheter replacements without complications. Two cases performed with the new setup are presented in the video. Conclusions: The new cystoscopic setup has the advantage of a wireless video camera, 4K ultraHD, and is easy setup. Due to its low cost and portability, the wireless cystoscope is easy to obtain and use. Also, it is invaluable and ergonomic in managing the integrity or pathology of the bladder, urethra, and ureters.

The Emerging Role on the Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma Products in the Management of Urogynaecological Disorders.

Background: The regenerative efficacy of platelet-derived products has been recently investigated in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). We aimed to synthesize the current evidence of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) products used in urogynaecological disorders including vaginal atrophy, pelvic organ prolapse (POP), urinary incontinence, vaginal fistulas and vaginal mesh exposure. Methods: A meticulous search of the currently available literature on the use of PRP for the management of PFDs was performed using 3 electronic databases. Results: PRP could be a feasible alternative modality for the management of vaginal atrophy with favourable outcomes in vaginal atrophy parameters and patients' satisfaction, especially when hormone therapy is contraindicated. In patients with POP, an increase in collagen concentration after PRP application was observed while the use of PRP resulted in improvement of stress urinary incontinence symptoms. A considerable proportion of vesicovaginal fistulas were treated after application of PRP-based injections. Conclusions: There is only limited evidence of the use of PRP for PFDs. Platelet-rich plasma appears to be a promising, easy to apply, cost-effective and feasible alternative therapeutic modality for the management of various urogynaecological disorders. Future randomized trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of PRP in the treatment of urogynaecological disorders.

Do techniques of surgical management of ovarian endometrioma affect ovarian reserve? A narrative review.

Endometriotic ovarian cysts are one of the more common gynecological disorders found in reproductive-aged and infertile women. The aim of this review is to summarise information regarding the effect of surgical treatment of endometrioma on ovarian reserve. In women with endometrioma ovarian reserve is decreased compared to similarly aged healthy women and surgical management techniques cause an additional reduction. Evidence suggests that laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy via stripping is the preferable surgical technique for management of endometrioma, compared with excisional/ablative techniques, in the fields of pain improvement, spontaneous pregnancy rates, and ovarian cyst recurrences. Ablation techniques, combined technique and three-step approach demonstrate a less decline in anti-Müllerian hormone postoperatively. A successful operation involves not only removal of ovarian pathology, but also maintenance of ovarian function and future reproductive potential. Patients should be counselled about the risks of surgery and the management plan should be individualised to patient's symptoms and reproductive goals.

Fertility outcomes after treatment with intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (IPC) administration has been added to the therapeutic protocols of cancers, confined to the abdominal cavity. Since, a survival benefit in patients treated with adjuvant IPC has been demonstrated, fertility questions are raised in these patients. A comprehensive search of the English literature of PubMed/MEDLINE, EmBase and Google Scholar databases was conducted, from their inception until April 2021, following the MOOSE guidelines. Twelve out of 473 studies were included in the final review and analysis. After treatment with IPC for peritoneal carcinomatosis, 19 women, who underwent fertility-sparing surgery, with 20 successful pregnancies were reported. The mean interval time between IPC and pregnancy was 38.4 months (range 9-168 months). In 16 cases, conception was spontaneous, three required in vitro fertilisation, whereas one pregnancy was achieved through intrauterine insemination. Mean disease-free survival was 76 months (range 24-177 months). Childbearing is a feasible approach in selected patients, after treatment with IPC. When future pregnancy is desirable, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, gynaecologists, oncologists and reproductive specialists is required, to inform the patient thoroughly about the fertility preservation alternatives, without endangering patient's survival.

Myomectomy during pregnancy; diagnostical dilemmas: two case reports and a systematic review of the literature.

Myomectomy in pregnancy, until this day, remains very controversial. We present two cases of successful antepartum myomectomies performed in the second trimester of gestation. In both cases, the initial suspected origin of these tumours was the ovaries. However, as it was shortly after confirmed, since both women underwent laparotomy, the diagnosis of these masses was uterine fibroids. Both cases resulted on the live birth of two healthy infants via caesarean section. Secondarily, we conducted a thorough review of current data of myomectomies performed during pregnancy, including the characteristics and diagnosis of the myomas of pregnant women, the surgical details and complications, along with the outcomes of these gestations. Overall, the analysis of cases published in international literature, suggests that the surgical removal of myomas during pregnancy can be considered safe, given certain indications and considerations. Our review comprises of 71 women undergoing excision of fibroids during pregnancy. Only three cases ended in a miscarriage while the remaining 68 resulted in a second or third trimester delivery. However, the data concerning the safety of the procedure are scarce and originate mostly from case reports. Thus, conclusions on the exact maternal and obstetrical complication rates cannot be drawn.

Pelvic floor reconstructive surgery under local anesthesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: The decision on the appropriate type of anesthesia for pelvic floor repair depends on a variety of factors including patients' age, performance status, comorbidities, cost-effectiveness and personal preferences. We aim to review the literature on urogynecological procedures performed under local anesthesia (LA). METHODS: A systematic search of four electronic databases was conducted for articles published up to May 2020. Studies reporting outcomes of women who underwent pelvic floor reconstructive surgery under LA with or without sedation, were considered eligible. RESULTS: Nineteen studies (14 noncomparative and 5 comparative), including 1626 cases of urogynecological procedures under LA were recruited. Meta-analysis revealed significantly lower mean pain scores in LA group compared to general-regional anesthesia one (GA/RA) at both 4-6 h and 8-18 h postoperatively (160 patients; mean difference [MD], -1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.12, -0.28; p = 0.02 and 160 patients; MD, -0.72; 95% CI: -1.17, 0.27; p = 0.002, respectively). Pain scores at >24 h did not differ among the two groups (160 patients; MD, -0.28; 95% CI: -0.60-0.05; p = 0.10). Intra- and postoperatively morphine use was not different among patients who received LA and GA during prolapse surgery while nausea rates were significantly lower in LA group compared to RA group 8 h postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LA with or without sedation represents a safe and efficient alternative anesthetic technique for urogynecological procedures with improved pain scores in up to 18 h postoperatively especially in patients who underwent surgery for SUI. LA is feasible and could be offered to patients undergoing pelvic floor surgery allowing a prompt postoperative recovery.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: Report of a delayed diagnosed case with video presentation of the operative technique of vaginal septum resection.

Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich (HWW) syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly of Mullerian duct development characterized by uterus didelphys with blind hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis. We present a case of a 29-year-old nulliparous woman, who was referred to our hospital complaining of chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, and a palpable mass in her vagina. At the age of 12, she underwent surgery because of a didelphys uterus diagnosis. Subsequently, she was operated on twice for endometriomas. At our institution, clinical and imaging findings revealed an obstructed hemivagina setting the diagnosis of HWW syndrome. Some of the various syndrome types may go unnoticed for months or even years after the onset of menstruation. Early diagnosis, followed by proper surgical treatment, is the key to avoid potentially severe complications.

Mechanical bowel preparation before gynecologic laparoscopic procedures: Is it time to abandon this practice?

AIM: To examine the influence of mechanical bowel preparation on surgical field visualization and patients' quality of life during benign gynecologic laparoscopic procedures. METHODS: A single blind, randomized, controlled trial was undertaken with laparoscopic gynecologic surgical patients to one of the following three groups: liquid diet on the preoperative day; mechanical bowel preparation with oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution; minimal residue diet for 3 days. Primary outcomes included assessment of the condition of small and large bowel and the overall quality of the surgical field. Additional measures included assessment of patients' preoperative symptoms, tolerance of the preparation method and compliance to the protocol, postoperative symptoms and bowel function. RESULTS: One hundred forty-four patients were randomized as follows: 49 to liquid diet, 47 to mechanical bowel preparation, and 48 to minimal residue diet. Most characteristics were similar across groups. The intraoperative surgical view and the condition of large and small bowel were equal or inferior at the patients who received mechanical bowel preparation compared with the other groups. The 4-point Likert scale scoring for small bowel (2.51 vs. 2.72 vs. 2.81, p = 0.04), large bowel (2.26 vs. 2.38 vs. 2.48, p = 0.32) and overall operative field quality (2.34 vs. 2.67 vs. 2.67, p = 0.03) demonstrated no advantage from the use of preoperative mechanical bowel preparation over liquid diet and minimal residue diet, respectively. Preoperative discomfort was significantly greater in the mechanical bowel preparation group. CONCLUSION: Mechanical bowel preparation before gynecologic laparoscopic operations for benign pathology could be safely abandoned. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry, https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN59502124 (No 59502124).

Misoprostol vs vasopressin as a single hemostatic agent in laparoscopic myomectomy: Comparable, or just better than nothing?

AIM: Laparoscopic myomectomy may be associated with considerable blood loss, especially in patients in whom no specific hemostatic measures are used. We conducted this retrospective comparative study to investigate whether misoprosol is an effective and safe alternative to vasopressin when used as single hemostatic agent in laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: Two hundred cases undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy (-ies), were included. Of these, 50 pre-treated with vaginal misoprostol 400mcg 1 h before surgery (group 1), were compared with two historic consecutive groups: 100 patients treated with intraoperative intra-myometrial injection of dilute vasopressin (20 IU/100 mL normal saline) (group 2), and 50 treated without use of any hemostatic agent (group3). RESULTS: Mean procedure length did not differ significantly between the three groups (127.9 vs 100.6 vs 130.8 min). Mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 179.7 ± 200.0 mL in group 1, compared with 147.8 ± 171.8 mL in group 2 (P = 0.793) and 321.8 ± 246.0 mL in group 3, respectively (P < 0.001). EBL was lower in group 2 in most of the study's subgroups of patients stratified according to size and number of fibroids compared with group 1, with the exception of patients with ≥4 fibroids, and ≥7 cm in size. In these subgroups, misoprostol appeared more effective. Neither agent was associated with serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Vaginal misoprostol can be effective in reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. Although rates of EBL are, in general, higher compared with those obtained with vasopressin, they are significantly reduced compared with those observed when no hemostatic agent is used. In extended procedures, vaginal misoprostol, due to its prolonged uterotonic action, may be associated with reduced blood loss compared with vasopressin.

Vasopressin during Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Does It Really Extend Its Limits?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Τo investigate whether the use of vasopressin played an important role in the safe expansion of the indications of laparoscopic myomectomy in our practice. DESIGN: A retrospective comparison of prospectively collected data (Canadian Task Force classification II2). SETTING: A gynecologic endoscopy unit in a tertiary university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy; 50 were treated without the use of any vasoconstrictive agent (group 1), and 100 were treated with intraoperative intramyometrial injection of dilute vasopressin (20 IU/100 mL normal saline) (group 2). INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic myomectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We compared the 2 groups in terms of size, number, and type of myomas; estimated blood loss (EBL); procedure length; transfusion rates; laparoconversion rates; and rates of complications. Two cases in group 1 (4%) were laparoconverted versus none (0%) in group 2. Overall, the mean EBL was 321.8 ± 246.0 mL in group 1 compared with 147.8 ± 171.8 mL in group 2, respectively (p <.001). Additionally, EBL was significantly lower in the vasopressin group in all of the study's subgroups of patients stratified according to the size and number of myomas. Procedure length did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (130.8 ± 49.5 vs 115.6 ± 49.4 minutes, p = .078). The risk factors for prolongation of the procedure included size and number of myomas independently of vasopressin. The rates of hypercapnea and subcutaneous emphysema were higher in group 1. The risk factors for hypercapnea and subcutaneous emphysema included the size and intramural position of the largest myoma. Vasopressin was not associated with serious cardiovascular adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Vasopressin is effective in reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. Although experienced surgeons may achieve comparable operation times without vasopressin, even in the most challenging cases, blood loss may still be considerable. The occurrence of hypercapnea is higher in untreated cases and may contribute to laparoconversion.

Using a Mobile Smartphone to Perform Laparoscopy.

Laparoscopy has gradually expanded its use in gynecologic surgery over the last 3 decades. In this report, a new laparoscopic setup is presented using a mobile smartphone that allows for a low-cost, portable laparoscopic viewing system. The setup was created with the coupling of a rigid 0-degree, 10-mm-diameter laparoscope via a commercially available adapter with a smartphone. The light source used was also a portable and rechargeable light-emitting diode cold light source. We completed 17 diagnostic laparoscopies for different pathologies such as ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, a luteal hemorrhagic cyst, and disseminated ovarian cancer. Five operations were converted from diagnostic to operative laparoscopy. The diagnosis was right tubal pregnancy, salpingectomy was performed, and the new setup was used for the entire operation, allowing the surgeon to complete the surgery successfully. This is the first report of the application of mobile technology used to facilitate a laparoscopic operation. It is our intention that this experience coupled with future hardware improvements will lead to future studies to expand the use of mobile technology in the laparoscopic setting.

Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence-A Randomized Trial.

IMPORTANCE: Urinary incontinence affects millions of women worldwide. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of periurethral platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center, double-blind, randomized sham-controlled trial. Fifty participants with SUI and urodynamic stress incontinence were randomized in 2 equally sized groups. Women in the PRP group received 2 PRP injections at 3 levels of the urethra at 4- to 6-week intervals. Women in the sham group were injected with sodium chloride 0.9%. At baseline, participants underwent urodynamic studies and a 1-hour pad test and completed the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS), the Patient Global Impression Scale of Improvement, and the King's Health Questionnaire. At follow-up visits (1, 3, and 6 months), women underwent the 1-hour pad test and completed the King's Health Questionnaire and the ICIQ-FLUTS. Primary outcome was the subjective evaluation as indicated by the response to question 11a of the ICIQ-FLUTS questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included scores of questionnaires and urine loss assessed on the 1-hour pad test. The level of discomfort during injections and any adverse events were also evaluated. RESULTS: During follow-up, the mean score of the 11a question decreased significantly in the PRP group compared with sham. Subjective cure was significantly higher in the PRP group (32% vs 4%, P < 0.001). A significant reduction of urine loss assessed on the 1-hour pad test was observed in the PRP group compared with the sham group at 6-month follow-up. No adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Periurethral PRP injections were superior to sham injections in improving SUI symptoms with an excellent safety profile.

Restoration of Pulmonary Compliance after Laparoscopic Gynecologic Surgery Using a Recruitment Maneuver.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the hypothesis that an alveolar recruitment maneuver can restore lung compliance to initial values after laparoscopic gynecological surgery. METHODS: A total of 31 patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecological surgery were enrolled. Protective mechanical ventilation was applied, and the radial artery was catheterized in all patients. An alveolar recruitment maneuver (incremental and decremental positive end-expiratory pressure) was applied ten minutes after the release of pneumoperitoneum. The respiratory mechanics and blood gas results were recorded at eight different time points: after induction of anesthesia (T1), in the lithotomy position (T2), in the Trendelenburg position (T3), 10 and 90 min after insufflation of carbon dioxide (T4 and T5), in the supine position (T6), after desufflation (T7), and 10 min after an alveolar recruitment maneuver at the end of surgery (T8). RESULTS: Pneumoperitoneum and the Trendelenburg position caused a decline of 15 units in compliance (T7 vs. T1; p < 0.05) compared to baseline. After the alveolar recruitment maneuver, compliance increased by 17.5% compared with the mean value of compliance at time T1 (T8 vs. T1; p < 0.05). The recruitment maneuver had favorable results in patients with low initial compliance (41.5 mL/cmH2O, IQR: 9.75 mL/cmH2O), high Body Mass Index 30.32 kg/m2 (IQR: 1.05 kg/m2), and high initial plateau airway pressure (16.5 cmH2O, IQR: 0.75 cmH2O). CONCLUSIONS: Lung compliance does not return to initial values after performing laparoscopic gynecological procedures. However, after the release of pneumoperitoneum, an alveolar recruitment maneuver is beneficial as it improves compliance and gas exchange.