Comparison of transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and dilatation and curettage in the diagnosis of abnormal vaginal bleeding and intrauterine pathology in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and dilation and curettage (D&C) in the evaluation of women with perimenopausal and postmenopausal bleeding. DESIGN: Descriptive study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Seven outpatient clinics. PATIENTS: One thousand two hundred eighty-six women. INTERVENTION: Transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and D&C. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of our patient population, 29 (2.26%) had a histologic diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma; in 2 of them (7.14%) endometrial thickness was 5 mm or less. In 10 women (34.5%), endometrial carcinoma was missed by hysteroscopy (sensitivity 65.52%, specificity 99.92%). Complication rate of D&C was 1.4%. CONCLUSION: In women with perimenopausal and postmenopausal bleeding neither transvaginal ultrasound nor hysteroscopy as a single diagnostic tool is suitable to rule out endometrial cancer.

Grids and high kilo-volt-peak-setting in bedside chest radiographic examinations.

Bedside chest radiographic examinations in intensive care units with grids are impaired by artefacts caused by angulation of the grid (grid cut-off). Two different grids--a grid with a high strip density of 70 lines per cm and the "InSight portable imaging system"--were examined in an intensive care unit with respect to their susceptibility to angulation, image quality and handling of the grid. Five radiologists compared 50 radiographs of each grid considering ten image quality criteria. Using the "InSight portable imaging system" major artefacts were undetectable even at an angulation of 10%; no adjustment of the grid was required, which reduced the amount of time needed to take the radiograph by 26%. The increase in dosage demanded by the employment of the grids at low kilovolt peak setting could be partially compensated by the use of high kilovolt peak setting. The image quality of the "InSight portable imaging system" together with a high kilovolt peak setting is satisfactory, and due to its simplified handling, the portable imaging system has proved to be suitable for bedside chest radiography in intensive care.

Transcostal Access with the Veress Needle in Women with Several Previous Surgeries

Establishing pneumoperitoneum using the classic umbilical port in women who have had several previous surgeries is risky, life threatening, and a diabolic challenge for the surgeon. Open laparoscopy is one alternative, with a risk factor for bowel injury of 0.5%. Since 1992 we have preferred the transcostal approach. A stab incision is made between the ninth and tenth ribs in the left medioclavicular line and a disposable Veress needle is pushed into the coelomic cavity. Passing the needle only in this area of strongly attached peritoneum, the typical needle click is heard and its intraabdominal position is confirmed by an insufflation pressure below 5 mm Hg. After insufflation of 0.5 L, percussion in the right hypochondric quadrant ensures correct distribution of the gas. A contraindication for this port is a prior splenectomy. No complications occurred in our series of 64 patients.

[Aspects of peritoneal fascia closure after surgical laparoscopy]. / Aspekte des Peritoneal-Faszienverschlusses nach operativer Laparoskopie.

Following laparoscopic surgery using trocar ports of 10 mm and more Richter's hernia and incarceration of bowel are reported. To prevent this wound closure of all layers is a must. Newly developed techniques are described. Fascia closure is accompanied by serious pain. Pain management is achieved by local anesthesia.

Gynecologic laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in a day clinic: trends and perspectives.

We have increased the performance of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery from about 15% to 20% of operations a year, especially hysteroscopies and laparoscopies, many of which are performed in a free-standing ambulatory unit. In 1992 our team performed 8057 outpatient operations, significantly more than in 1991. As the techniques are developed, the number of indications for these operations expands. By maintaining high standards, even with major endoscopic procedures, we have a very low complication rate.