Urethral diverticula: evaluation by urethral pressure profilometry, cystourethroscopy, and the voiding cystourethrogram.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of urethral pressure profilometry with that of cystourethroscopy and the voiding cystourethrogram in the evaluation and management of urethral diverticula. METHODS: Twelve women with signs or symptoms of a urethral diverticulum were referred. The initial evaluation included cystourethroscopy and a voiding cystourethrogram. All then underwent urethral pressure profilometry. RESULTS: Nine of 12 patients had urethral diverticula, two had Skene duct cysts, and one had genuine stress incontinence. Both cystourethroscopy and voiding cystourethrography demonstrated diverticula in all patients who had them. Excision was the preliminary surgical plan in these women. Urethral pressure profilometry demonstrated a pressure depression or biphasic curve in all nine cases with diverticula. Stress incontinence was noted in one of these nine women. A biphasic curve was also noted in one woman with a Skene duct cyst and in the one who had genuine stress incontinence only. According to preset criteria for profilometry, excision was the planned operative procedure for all. CONCLUSIONS: Cystourethroscopy and voiding cystourethrography were satisfactory techniques for diagnosing urethral diverticula and planning appropriate surgical treatment. The urethral pressure profile confirmed the presence of a diverticulum, but noted pressure depressions in cases other than diverticula. Profilometry did not change the surgical plan for treating diverticula, but allowed the planning of additional incontinence surgery in one patient.

Single-dose methotrexate for treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Methotrexate treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy is safe and effective and preserves reproductive potential. Previous protocols have required multiple methotrexate doses with or without citrovorum rescue. The purpose of this study was to determine whether patients with an unruptured ectopic pregnancy 3.5 cm or less in greatest dimension could be treated with single-dose intramuscular methotrexate (50 mg/m2) without citrovorum rescue. Thirty-one patients were eligible for this outpatient treatment protocol. One patient withdrew from follow-up, leaving 30 patients (96.8%) in the study group. Patients had a mean age of 28.5 years (range 18-37) and a mean gravidity of 3.0 (range 1-8); nine of 30 (30%) had previously undergone a salpingectomy for ectopic pregnancy. Pre-treatment hCG titers ranged from 130-16,700 mIU/mL (mean 4558). Pre-treatment transvaginal sonography visualized the ectopic in 28 of 30 patients (93.3%) and revealed cardiac activity in six patients. Patients were monitored with hCG titers three times per week for the first week, and then weekly until the hCG was less than 15 mIU/mL. A complete blood count and liver enzymes were obtained before treatment and on day 7. All patients had a continued rise in hCG titer for at least 3 days after methotrexate injection, although all levels began to decline by day 7. No patient required a second dose of methotrexate and no patient experienced any side effects. Twenty-nine of 30 patients (96.7%) were successfully treated. Six of 30 (20%) experienced an increase in lower abdominal pain between days 5-10, and two were hospitalized overnight for observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Use of GnRH agonist before hysterectomy: a cost simulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the potential savings in cost of care derived from performing vaginal hysterectomies instead of abdominal hysterectomies in selected women with fibroid uteri equivalent in size to a 14-18 week gestation. METHODS: Women 35-46 years of age undergoing hysterectomy for fibroid uteri were selected to allow application of conversion rates gained in a separate randomized study using leuprolide acetate depot 3.75 mg. Statewide public data for North Carolina's hospital discharges provided relative rates of hospital charges and leiomyomas for all hysterectomies, by age. Professional charges were omitted from the analysis. Estimated savings were projected to the national level. RESULTS: During 1992 in North Carolina, 18,110 inpatient hysterectomies were performed for women of all ages; 28.1% of these were for uterine leiomyomas. For women 35-46 years old (12.7% of all hysterectomies), there were 1904 abdominal and 390 vaginal hysterectomies; the mean total charge for abdominal hysterectomy was $5590, and $4732 for the vaginal alternative. These statewide data provide missing elements to allow a national estimate of the potential savings of using GnRH agonist preoperatively. The projected national savings, if 1987 utilization data are used, was $4.6 million, nearly 1.4% of the inpatient charges. The 1992 value of these savings is $6.7 million. CONCLUSION: The use of preoperative GnRH agonist therapy before hysterectomy for patients with a uterine size equivalent to a 14-18 week gestation represents a significant cost-saving alternative, increasing the use of vaginal hysterectomy and resulting in potential savings in direct inpatient medical care charges.

Attitudes of mothers of children with Down syndrome concerning amniocentesis, abortion, and prenatal genetic counseling techniques.

Mothers of children with Down syndrome were surveyed by questionnaire concerning their attitudes about amniocentesis, prenatal genetic counseling, and abortion. Of the 101 who responded, 40 had borne children after giving birth to a child with Down syndrome. Half had amniocentesis in subsequent pregnancies but only half of these said they would abort the pregnancy if Down syndrome was confirmed. Extreme variations in opinions were noted among the replies. Recognizing patient ambivalence and attempting to provide counseling that represents both positive and negative data about Down syndrome may help physicians avoid conflicts with patients who request prenatal genetic counseling.

Endometrial sampling prior to hysterectomy.

Many gynecologists use routine endometrial sampling prior to hysterectomy to detect an unsuspected endometrial carcinoma. Gynecologists who formerly performed uterine curettage under anesthesia before hysterectomy now often use an outpatient endometrial sampling technique. Although safe, this procedure is complicated by discomfort, cost, and the risk of infection or uterine perforation. The purpose of this study was to determine the utility of pre-hysterectomy endometrial sampling. Between 1981-1985, 619 patients undergoing hysterectomy had preoperative endometrial sampling using Vabra aspiration, the Novak curette, or D&C. The endometrial sampling histology was compared with that in the hysterectomy specimen. There were 30 instances in which the endometrial sampling failed to identify either endometrial hyperplasia or carcinoma. In the two cases of endometrial carcinoma, D&C was the sampling method used. The findings of this study indicate that these three techniques of endometrial sampling are equal in their diagnostic capabilities. The results confirm the need for biopsy in patients with postmenopausal bleeding or with abnormal uterine bleeding at age 35 years or older. Our findings do not support routine endometrial sampling prior to hysterectomy.

Hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain of presumed uterine etiology.

This study evaluates the long-term outcome of 99 women who underwent hysterectomy for pelvic pain of at least 6 months' duration. All had symptoms and physical examination findings suggestive of disease confined to the uterus. Patients were excluded if there was previously documented extrauterine pelvic disease, extrauterine pelvic disease at the time of surgery, or uterine weight exceeding 200 g. Histopathologic analysis revealed leiomyomata in 12 (12.1%), adenomyosis in 20 (20.2%), and both leiomyomata and adenomyosis in two (2.02%). The average uterine weight was 91.1 g (range 24-198). Patients were followed after hysterectomy for an average of 21.6 months (range 15-64), with 77 of 99 (77.8%) showing significant improvement and 22 (22.2%) having persistent pelvic pain. Despite preoperative history and physical findings suggesting and histologic findings confirming uterine disease, nearly a quarter of the patients had persistent pelvic pain after hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain. These findings should have a significant impact on the therapeutic choices recommended by gynecologists and may alter the informed consent that patients give in such cases.

Vaginal cuff closure at abdominal hysterectomy: comparing sutures with absorbable staples.

To compare two methods of vaginal cuff closure during abdominal hysterectomy, 60 patients were randomized to one of two cuff-closure methods. The vaginal cuff was closed with three interrupted 0-Dexon sutures in 30 and with absorbable staples in 30. Both groups were similar with respect to age, gravidity, parity, preoperative indication, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The operative technique and quantity of irrigation used was standardized. Operative blood loss was calculated by the weight method and an unactivated, medium flat Jackson-Pratt drain was left in place for collecting postoperative cuff cultures at 24 and 48 hours. The mean operative times in the suture group (97.4 minutes) and staple group (93.4 minutes) were not significantly different (P greater than .05). Cuff-closure time was more rapid (P = .0001) in the staple group (5.8 minutes) than in the suture group (9.3 minutes). Intraoperative cultures were positive in eight of 30 suture patients (26.7%) and eight of 30 staple patients (26.7%). Postoperative cultures at either 24 or 48 hours were positive in four women (13.3%) in the suture group and six (20%) in the staple group. Febrile morbidity occurred in six (20%) in each group. Three staple and two suture subjects developed a vaginal cuff abscess or hematoma, one of whom was readmitted to the hospital for intravenous antibiotics and draining of the vaginal cuff abscess. The presence of a positive vaginal cuff culture did not predict clinical outcome. Based on these observations and the increased cost of the stapling device, we conclude that there is no significant clinical advantage of surgical staples over traditional sutures for vaginal cuff closure at abdominal hysterectomy.

Discrepancy of cervical cytology and colposcopic biopsy: is cervical conization necessary?

The purpose of this study was to determine whether diagnostic cervical conization is necessary in the patient with a discrepancy between the Papanicolaou smear and the colposcopically directed biopsy(s). Patients eligible for the study had at least a two-degree discrepancy, eg, CIN III cytology and CIN I or less on colposcopic biopsies, or CIN II cytology with biopsies showing no dysplasia. Of the 786 records reviewed, 87 (11.1%) had such a discrepancy. Twelve of 87 patients (13.8%) were pregnant and ten of 87 (11.5%) failed to return after their initial colposcopic evaluation, leaving 65 patients in the study group. Of these, 20 of 65 (30.8%) were treated medically, nine (13.8%) had cryotherapy, and 36 (55.4%) underwent diagnostic cervical conization. Of patients undergoing cervical conization, three had microinvasive carcinoma of the cervix. Following medical therapy, only two of 20 patients (10%) had negative cytology, two (10%) had CIN I, five (25%) received additional therapy, and 11 (55%) were lost to follow-up. Seven patients did not return for follow-up Papanicolaou smear after medical treatment, and four did not return after their initial posttreatment Papanicolaou smear revealed persistent dysplasia. Of the nine patients treated with cryotherapy, six (66.7%) had a negative Papanicolaou smear at the time of their initial follow-up. The results of this study emphasize the importance of proceeding with diagnostic or therapeutic conization if a two-stage or greater discrepancy exists between the colposcopically directed biopsies and the cervical cytology. The risk of not diagnosing a microinvasive or invasive cervical carcinoma far outweighs the risk of conization.

Methotrexate treatment of unruptured ectopic pregnancy: a report of 100 cases.

In an ongoing clinical trial, 100 patients with an unruptured ectopic pregnancy of 3.5 cm or less in greatest dimension were treated with an outpatient protocol of methotrexate and citrovorum factor chemotherapy. Methotrexate and citrovorum were given on alternating days until the hCG titer had decreased by 15% on 2 consecutive days. The patients ranged in age from 16-40 years, gravidity from 1-8, and parity from 0-5. Twenty-three patients had a previous ectopic pregnancy. Of the 100 patients, 96 (96%) received methotrexate/citrovorum as primary therapy and four (4%) were treated for persistent hCG titers after a conservative surgical procedure. The tubal pregnancies of patient nos. 1-50 were confirmed by laparoscopy, whereas patient nos. 51-100 were diagnosed according to a nonlaparoscopic algorithm. Four patients of 100 failed medical therapy and required surgery. Of these, one had an ectopic pregnancy with cardiac activity, one ruptured after intercourse, and the remaining two cases had no specific identifiable risk factors. Of the ectopic pregnancies with cardiac activity, 80% were successfully treated. Five patients (5%) had methotrexate-related side effects, all after the fourth dose, but none required treatment for these side effects. Hysterosalpingograms done on 58 patients subsequently demonstrated tubal patency in 84.5% on the involved side. To date, 37 pregnancies have occurred in this group, of which 31 (89.2%) were intrauterine and four (10.8%) were recurrent ectopic pregnancies. We conclude that methotrexate/citrovorum is safe, effective, and helps to preserve reproductive performance when used as primary therapy for unruptured ectopic pregnancy and for treatment of persistent disease following a conservative surgical procedure.

Pipelle endometrial sampling in patients with known endometrial carcinoma.

The purpose of this prospective clinical trial was to determine the reliability of the Pipelle endometrial biopsy instrument in recovering adequate tissue for confirmation of the diagnosis of endometrial cancer in patients with known endometrial carcinoma, and to compare endometrial histology of the sampling specimen with that of the subsequent hysterectomy specimen. Forty patients were enrolled in this study. All biopsies were performed in the office without anesthesia. The patients had a median age of 62 years (range 40-83). Discomfort was reported by the patient as mild, moderate, or severe; only two patients (5.0%) reported severe pain. There were no complications experienced with endometrial sampling. Thirty-nine of 40 specimens (97.5%) confirmed endometrial carcinoma; therefore, this study yielded a 97.5% sensitivity for the Pipelle endometrial sampling device. Comparing Pipelle and hysterectomy histology for individual patients, the histologic grade was the same in 29 (74.4%), while the Pipelle demonstrated a more advanced degree of differentiation in five (12.8%) and a lesser degree in five (12.8%). There was no residual tumor identified in one hysterectomy specimen (2.5%). Among the 12 patients who had a D&C for diagnostic purposes before referral, the Pipelle biopsy correlated with the D&C histology in ten of 12 (83.3%) and revealed a more advanced grade of tumor in one (8.3%) and a more differentiated grade in one (8.3%). In one patient, the D&C histology was adenocarcinoma grade 1, with the Pipelle demonstrating atypical hyperplasia and the hysterectomy specimen interpreted as endometrial adenocarcinoma in situ. This study demonstrates the Pipelle to be an accurate device for endometrial sampling in patients with endometrial carcinoma.

Serial endovaginal sonography of ectopic pregnancies treated with methotrexate.

Methotrexate therapy is a newly established treatment modality for ectopic pregnancy. We performed this study to determine the time frame for resolution of the sonographically identifiable mass during such therapy and to determine the role of sonography in the management of these patients. Eighteen patients treated with methotrexate for laparoscopically proven ectopic pregnancy consented to long-term follow-up with endovaginal sonography. These 18 patients constitute the study group. The time required for sonographic resolution of the mass was variable, although poor patient compliance with sonographic follow-up affected the conclusions regarding resolution time. One hundred eight days was the longest period accurately known for resolution of a mass. In seven patients, the mass persisted after a negative hCG titer. Enlargement of the adnexal mass during therapy did not necessarily predict treatment failure, as only two of ten such patients required surgery for rupture. Serial sonography did not alter the management of most patients and appears not to be warranted on a routine basis. Follow-up sonography was most useful when complications were suspected. All patients considered for methotrexate therapy should first have an endovaginal sonogram, as cardiac activity remains a relative contraindication to this treatment. We have determined that the mass of an ectopic pregnancy may remain after the hCG is negative. Therefore, a persistent mass should not be interpreted as treatment failure.

GnRH agonist and iron versus placebo and iron in the anemic patient before surgery for leiomyomas: a randomized controlled trial. Leuprolide Acetate Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of leuprolide acetate depot plus iron compared with iron alone in the preoperative treatment of anemia due to prolonged or excessive bleeding associated with uterine leiomyomas. METHODS: This was a phase III, stratified, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, 12-week multicenter study. Enrolled patients had hemoglobin levels of 10.2 g/dL or less and/or hematocrit values of 30% or less. Patients were entered into one of two strata based on their pre-study hematocrit level: stratum A, hematocrit less than or equal to 28%, and stratum B, hematocrit greater than 28%. Patients within each stratum were randomized to one of three treatment arms: leuprolide acetate depot 7.5 mg, leuprolide acetate depot 3.75 mg, or placebo. All patients received iron orally. Response was defined as a hemoglobin level of 12 g/dL or more and a hematocrit value of 36% or greater. RESULTS: Three hundred nine patients were entered into the study, of whom 265 were evaluated. Using our response criteria, a significantly greater number of patients in both leuprolide acetate groups (combined strata) responded to therapy than did those in the placebo group: 74% in each leuprolide acetate group versus 46% in the placebo group (P < .001). Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist-treated patients had a significant reduction in uterine and myoma volume when compared with the placebo group (P < .01). Hot flashes and vaginitis were reported significantly more often (P < .001) in the leuprolide acetate-treated groups than in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Both dosages of GnRH agonist plus iron were more effective than iron alone in treating the anemia of patients with uterine leiomyomas, in reducing uterine-myoma volume, and in alleviating bleeding and other leiomyoma-related symptoms.

Peritoneal closure at vaginal hysterectomy: a reassessment.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who underwent vaginal hysterectomy with or without peritoneal closure. METHODS: This study was a randomized trial. Using computer-generated numbers, all patients undergoing vaginal hysterectomy without oophorectomy were randomized to either no peritoneal closure (n = 57) or routine peritoneal closure (n = 49). Patients were followed-up for a minimum of 1 year for development of complications and postoperative dyspareunia. At 4-6 postoperative weeks, the distance between the ovaries and the vaginal cuff was measured by ultrasound. RESULTS: Postoperative complications were similar in both groups. The incidence of deep-thrust dyspareunia at 6 and 12 months was also similar. No statistical differences between the two groups were noted in the ovary to vaginal cuff distances either overall or when patients with dyspareunia were considered separately. CONCLUSION: The data in this study do not support the use of reperitonealization on a routine basis. However, because of a lack of statistical power, larger studies will be required to confirm this theory.

A model for resident surgical training in laparoscopic sterilization.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the effects of a specific instructional program designed to teach residents laparoscopic sterilization. METHODS: The teaching module consisted of a 40-minute videotape and monograph, which each resident studied 1-3 days before beginning a 4-5-week rotation on which he or she performed laparoscopic sterilization procedures. The change in knowledge was measured by comparing pre- and post-test assessments. Twenty-three PGY-2 gynecology residents were administered the peer-reviewed and validated pre-test, which consisted of 31 multiple-choice questions covering the following aspects of laparoscopic sterilization: 1) indications and complications, 2) general aspects of sterilization, 3) sterilization methods, and 4) technical aspects of occlusive device application. A post-test, which consisted of the identical 31 items with the question order changed, was administered after the teaching module was completed. RESULTS: The mean number of correct answers on the post-test (27.2 +/- 2.3, range 22-31) was significantly higher (P < .05) than the mean number of correct answers on the pre-test (17.9 +/- 3.4, range 13-24). There was no difference in residence scores if the module was completed early or late in the academic year or during the first or second year that the program was in effect. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that knowledge of a specific surgical technique can be measured and that structured learning packages can be effective. Efforts to teach residents a specific curriculum can have a significant effect on their fund of knowledge. Other specially designed programs may be applicable to procedures commonly performed by gynecologic residents.

Chromopertubation at laparoscopic tubal occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of chromopertubation following laparoscopic sterilization in terms of occlusive device displacement, infectious complications, and sterilization failures. METHODS: Five hundred consecutive women scheduled for laparoscopic sterilization were randomized to rings, electrocoagulation, or clips for tubal occlusion. Subjects were further randomized to chromopertubation or no chromopertubation. At chromopertubation, any occlusive device displacement or dye spillage was noted. Patients were followed postoperatively for sterilization failure or infectious complications. Statistical analysis used the chi 2 test. RESULTS: At chromopertubation, no device dislodgment, change in position, or dye spillage from the occlusion site was noted. Dye spillage from the end of the fallopian tube occurred in five patients, and immediate repeat tubal occlusion was performed. Six true sterilization failures occurred during the follow-up period. Despite elimination of five apparent failures in the chromopertubation group, there was no significant difference between the no-chromopertubation and chromopertubation groups with regard to failure rate. There were also no significant differences in postoperative wound infections or development of pelvic inflammatory disease. CONCLUSION: Chromopertubation at sterilization is associated with minimal complications but has limited value in eliminating sterilization failures.

Practice management in obstetrics and gynecology residency curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the current level of instruction in practice management in obstetrics and gynecology residency programs; review recommendations of medical school practice management executives and current and former residents on design of practice management instruction programs; and develop recommendations for future management instruction by residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology. METHODS: A questionnaire was sent to 101 practice plan executives of obstetrics and gynecology departments at medical schools in the United States and Canada. A modified version was sent to 44 current obstetrics and gynecology residents and 72 former residents from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. RESULTS: The response rates were 71% (practice executives), 93% (current residents), and 81% (former residents). There were no formal management programs at 87% of responding institutions, although most respondents (62%) thought there should be mandatory participation in management programs, probably given by organizations outside the university. Potential subjects that received high ratings were current procedural terminology and diagnosis coding, managed care, billing procedures, contractual agreements between medical doctors, patient record management, and practice economics. CONCLUSION: Residency programs should establish formal practice management instruction programs and make participation mandatory. Funding should come from the medical school and university. Instructional help should come from extradepartmental organizations and individuals.

A multicenter randomized comparison of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy in abdominal hysterectomy candidates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy among patients who are not eligible for vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: Study subjects were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy or standard abdominal hysterectomy. Intraoperative and postoperative management was similar for each group. Surgical characteristics, complications, length of hospital stay, charges, and convalescence were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixty-five women at three institutions underwent laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (n = 34) or abdominal hysterectomy (n = 31). Three patients in the laparoscopic group required conversion to abdominal hysterectomy. Mean operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (179.8 versus 146.0 minutes). There were no differences in blood loss or incidence of intraoperative complications. There was a higher incidence of wound complications in the abdominal hysterectomy group, but no significant difference in the frequency of postoperative complications. Laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy required a significantly shorter mean hospital stay (2.1 days) and convalescence (28.0 days) than abdominal hysterectomy (4.1 days and 38.0 days, respectively). There were no significant differences in mean hospital charges between the study groups (laparoscopic $8161, abdominal $6974). CONCLUSION: Except for operating time, there are no differences between laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy and abdominal hysterectomy regarding intraoperative characteristics among abdominal hysterectomy candidates. Postoperatively, laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy requires a shorter hospital stay and convalescence. Hospital charges are similar between the procedures. A larger number of cases will help determine the indications for laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy.

Gross and histologic examination of tubal ligation failures in a residency training program.

A previous study from this institution revealed laparoscopic tubal sterilization failure rates of 26.5 per 1000 and 45.5 per 1000, respectively, for the tubal ring and spring-loaded clip in procedures performed by residents in training. In an effort to identify potential anatomical reasons for this unacceptably high failure rate, 20 patients becoming pregnant after laparoscopic tubal occlusion underwent bilateral salpingectomy. Gross and histologic evaluation of the surgical specimens demonstrated improper application of the occlusive device in all cases. Seventeen patients were found to have nonoccluded or partially occluded tubes on one or both sides, with all occlusive devices located in the infundibular segment. Two patients were missing tubal rings on one side, and the remaining patient had a tubal ring misapplied to the round ligament. Sixteen residents who had completed a 1-month rotation on the ambulatory surgery service were given a standardized interview to assess their knowledge of proper sterilization techniques as well as their training experience. The frequency of incorrect responses given to four specific questions concerning proper placement of the tubal ring and spring-loaded clip ranged from 43.8-81.2%. The sterilization failure rate at this institution appears to be directly related to the resident surgeon's lack of understanding of the operative technique. Realizing that our institution is not unlike most other resident training programs, we developed a standardized education program including formal instruction of residents in proper sterilization technique and have altered supervisory guidelines for attending surgeons.

Randomized comparison of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with standard vaginal hysterectomy in an outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outpatient laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with standard outpatient vaginal hysterectomy. METHODS: Fifty-six women scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to undergo either a laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with endoscopic staples (N = 29) or a standard vaginal hysterectomy (N = 27). There were no differences between the study groups with regard to age, gravidity, parity, preoperative indications, and previous operations. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 29 laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomies and all 27 vaginal hysterectomies were completed without incident. When indicated, unilateral or bilateral oophorectomies were completed. The mean operating time was significantly longer for laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (120.1 versus 64.7 minutes). Fifty-three of the 55 patients completing surgery were discharged home by 12 hours from the time of admission. Complications with laparoscopic hysterectomy were related to the technical aspects of laparoscopy. The incidence of febrile morbidity was similar in the groups. Although patients having laparoscopy-assisted hysterectomy required statistically significantly more pain medication and had lower postoperative hematocrit measurements, this did not make a clinical difference in the postoperative courses. The mean hospital charge for laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy was $7905 and for vaginal hysterectomy $4891. CONCLUSION: Other than cost, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and standard vaginal hysterectomy appear comparable in patients who could otherwise undergo a vaginal hysterectomy.

Comparison of silastic rings and electrocoagulation for laparoscopic tubal ligation under local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare objectively the pain associated with tubal occlusion by Silastic rings versus electrocoagulation during laparoscopic tubal ligation under local anesthesia. METHODS: Consecutive patients scheduled for laparoscopic tubal ligation under local anesthesia were randomized to Silastic rings (N = 50) or electrocoagulation (N = 52) as the method of tubal occlusion. Sterilization was performed under local anesthesia in a standard fashion. Bupivacaine 0.5% was used as the local anesthetic agent. Operative pain was measured based on intraoperative anesthesia requirements and a modified McGill pain questionnaire. This questionnaire was used to assess pain at 15 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours postoperatively. RESULTS: Demographics were similar for the two groups. Operative time was shorter in the Silastic-ring group (16.7 versus 21.8 minutes; P = .001), and this group also required less intraoperative anesthesia (P = .004). There were no statistical differences between the groups in self-reported pain intraoperatively or postoperatively. No patient in either group required antiemetics or pain medication in the recovery room. CONCLUSION: Silastic rings appear preferable to bipolar electrocoagulation for laparoscopic tubal sterilization under local anesthesia when long-acting local agents are used for tubal anesthesia.