Early metabolic, functional and histological changes in a rat ileal-augmented bladder model.

OBJECTIVE: An animal model of female Wistar species of rats was developed to study the early effects of ileocystoplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bladder augmentation using ileum and a sham operation (cistostomy) were performed in 14 and 6 female Wistar rats, rispectively. Urine was obtained for culture and urinalysis in all rats at the time of operation and at the time of the sacrifice. Seven rats underwent ileocystoplasty and three shams were sacrificed after one and three months. In all rats sacrificed three months after ileocystoplasty, blood sample drawn for serum electrolytes, blood urea, nitrogen creatine and bicarbonate was performed. Post mortem histopathological examination of the ileal patch and of kidneys was performed. RESULTS: The cultures of the urine were positive in 1 out 7 (14.3%) and in 4 out 7 (57%) after one and three months after ileocystoplasty, respectively. Urinary pH of the augmented group was significantly higher in treated rats than in shams (p < 0.05). At sacrifice three months post operatively, the serum chloride concentration was significantly higher in augmented than shams (p < 0.05). Bladder calculi were formed in 28.6% of ileocystoplasty. Histopathological examination of the enteropatch showed urothelialization of the graft and kidneys showed a significant glomerular depletion. CONCLUSION: Our data confirm an early significant enhancement of urinary pH in rats underwent ileocystoplasty and the stone formation is a frequent event. Already three months after ileocystoplasty urothelialization extended from the side of anastomosis towards the central portion of the ileal graft. Moreover, a significant improvement of serum creatine, sign of glomerular overload and progressive glomerular depletion were recorded in treated rats, probably as a consequence of water and electrolyte resoption through the intestinal graft.

Prenatal sonographic evaluation of male genitalia development.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sonographic development of normal fetal male genitalia. METHODS: A longitudinal study was performed on 60 male fetuses. The development of penis, prepuce and presence of testes in scrotum were observed with a high resolution transabdominal ultrasonography between weeks 11 and 40. RESULTS: The overall success of identifying correctly the fetal male gender increased with gestational age from 46% to 80%, and 96% at 12, 13 and 14 week, respectively. The number of the scans performed in relation to the gestational age from week 11 to week 14 improves the ability to assign the male gender and to report the penile length (P<0.05); the earliest observations of descend testis were at 24 weeks. The bilateral observation of testicular descend was at 31 weeks in 98% of fetuses. CONCLUSION: Development of male genitalia is easy evaluated through the pregnancy. This could be useful to early identify male genitalia abnormalities.

The laparoscopic Vecchietti technique for vaginal agenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate surgical, long-term anatomic and functional results of the laparoscopic Vecchietti procedure to treat women with vaginal agenesis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 86 women treated at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at the University of Verona, Italy. Data were analyzed based on surgical results and postoperative sexual satisfaction. Depth and diameter of the neo-vagina was determined. The characteristics of the neo-vaginal mucosa were investigated by vaginoscopy. Patients reported frequency, satisfaction, and any difficulties found at intercourse. RESULTS: Functional success was obtained in 98.1% and anatomic success in 100%. In all patients, at 1 year, the mucosa was pink, trophic, and moist. Two fingers were introduced easily into the neo-vagina in all cases. All patients, which decided to have sexual intercourse, defined these as satisfying within 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic procedure used in this study is simple, safe, and effective. Anatomical and functional results obtained suggest this laparoscopic procedure as the treatment of choice for this syndrome.

Screening of foetal distress by assessment of umbilical cord lactate.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: Studies on umbilical cord blood for determination of lactate indicate that high levels seem to be correlated to foetal metabolism for anaerobic glycolysis taking place in oxygen-deprived tissues of the foetus. These findings may be of particular-deprived clinical importance when foetal distress or foetal hypoxemia is caused by perinatal events. METHODS: The maternal and foetal heart rates, acid-base values measured and the outcome of 94 pregnancies complicated by intrapartum foetal asphyxia have been reviewed, and the maternal and foetal acid-base and lactate levels during the course of labour and at delivery were studied in patients with evidence of metabolic acidosis. Lactate concentrations were measured during labour and at delivery in blood samples obtained from the foetal presenting part and from the umbilical cord with the use of a rapid electrochemical technique. The foetuses were evaluated by means of the Apgar score, intrapartum cardiotocography, observation of the presence of meconium stained amniotic fluid, and clinical features of distress at birth. RESULTS: Evidence of clinical foetal distress was not related to the severity of the asphyxia. An increased lactate level was found in asphyctic infants and a clear correlation between lactic acidosis and foetal distress was documented. Low Apgar scores were observed in infants with moderate or severe asphyxia at delivery. Scalp lactate correlated significantly with umbilical artery lactate, but not with 1-min or 5-min Apgar scores. The lactate concentration was higher in cases of instrumental delivery compared to spontaneous delivery. No perfect correlation was found between lactate level and neonatal outcome but there were not a significant number of neonates with immediate complications. The rate of forceps delivery in the distress group was significantly higher than that of the healthy foetuses, so spontaneous labour was less frequently associated with foetal distress than instrumental delivery. In the distress group, severe variable decelerations were generally recorded in the second stage of labour. The incidence of neonatal Apgar score < or = 7 in neonates with abnormal baseline foetal heart rate (FHR) was higher than in those with severe variable decelerations, mild variable decelerations, and transient tachycardia. Duration of the active second stage of labour was significantly with the presence of foetal lactate at the time of crowning of the foetal head and the presence of lactate in umbilical arterial and vein blood at delivery. Expulsion time > or = 45 minutes, compared with shorter active second stage, and acidaemia at birth implied larger arterial-venous lactate differences. The presence of foetal lactate at crowning was also significantly associated with the level of umbilical arterial-venous lactate difference. CONCLUSION: Lactate and pH values provide the best parameters to distinguish between asphyctic and normal newborns, with lactate having the most discriminating power. The prospective value of the discrimination functions derived from lactate and pH data is good when the foetuses are allocated into normal parameters but poor when an attempt is made to allocate the foetuses into pathologic ones, with a high false-negative rate. However, the discriminating ability is improved when pathologic foetuses are included into one single abnormal group. These results confirm the potential use of rapid foetal blood lactate measurements for the early diagnosis of intrapartum foetal distress.

Clinical, ethical, and medical legal considerations on emergency contraception.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To evaluate how many women required the so-called "emergency contraception" at our outpatient service and what the actual role is of this kind of pharmacological administration in interfering with ovulation and pregnancy, paying particular attention to the ethical and medico-legal aspects of this subject. METHODS: During the period from 1 December 1998 to 30 November 2003, emergency contraception was prescribed to a total of 1,160 women. With regard to the contraceptives used, in most cases (1,132, 97.6%) a combined oral estrogen-progestogen pill (ethinyloestradiol 0.05 mg plus levonorgestrel 0.25 mg) was prescribed; in some cases (20 patients, 1.8%) danazol (400 mg), in four women (0.3%) a progestin-only pill (levonorgestrel 0.75 mg), and in four other women (0.3%) an intrauterine device. RESULTS: It does not come out that there were any pregnancies in our study patients since none of them, who were told to come back for follow-up, were seen at our termination of pregnancy service or delivery room. CONCLUSION: The "Yuzpe regimen" of a combined oral estrogen-progestogen pill has been the most commonly used method for emergency contraception. A new method recently proposed, a progestin-only pill with levonorgestrel 0.75 mg, is having better results than the previous one, with a lower incidence of side-effects and higher efficacy. Moreover, the treatment with this method does not interfere in case of a pregnancy already being carried and cannot interrupt it.

Fetal and neonatal ovarian cysts: what's their real meaning?

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: The management of fetal ovarian cysts is still controversial despite the improvement in prenatal diagnosis with ultrasonography. Some studies suggest an aggressive management, while others opt for a conservative one. The prognosis of the majority of congenital ovarian cysts is good since they have a benign origin. Sometimes, however, complications such as torsion or rupture can occur which often require surgical intervention after delivery. In this paper we report our experience and a brief review of the literature. METHODS: The authors report on 32 pregnant women in whom ultrasonography revealed the presence of an echo-rare or echo-free area in the fetal abdomen suggestive of an ovarian cyst. All women were followed-up during pregnancy with serial ultrasound examinations. Postnatal ultrasound controls confirmed the prenatal diagnosis in all cases. The diameters of the cysts ranged from 2.7 to 7.5 cm. RESULTS: In the 16 cases (50%) in which the cyst diameter was below 4 cm, periodic ultrasound examinations revealed a tendency towards spontaneous regression of the cysts. In the other 16 cases (50%) in which the cyst diameter exceeded 4 cm, cystectomy was necessary due to subsequent complications (torsion in 6 cases, 37.5%, and intracystic hemorrhage in the other 10, 62.5%). CONCLUSION: The most appropriate clinical approach in the management of benign feto-neonatal ovarian cysts is to adopt a wait-and-see policy, assessing the course of the condition by means of periodic ultrasound monitoring. Only when tumefactions measure more than 4 cm in diameter with attendant complications is surgical therapy indicated. Without complications, however, aspiration of the cystic contents is possible even in ovarian cysts exceeding 4 cm in diameter.

Transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of transrectal ultrasonography in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis. METHODS: We compared the findings of transrectal ultrasonographic examination performed before surgery with the operative and pathologic findings in 140 women who underwent laparoscopy or laparotomy for suspected endometriosis. The ultrasonographer was asked to investigate whether any deep endometriotic lesions were present in the rectovaginal septum and to define the lateral extension on the basis of involvement of the uterosacral ligaments. In addition, infiltration of the rectal and vaginal walls was evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-four women had endometriosis infiltrating the rectovaginal septum confirmed by combined operative and pathologic findings. Ultrasonography showed a sensitivity and specificity of 97% and 96%, respectively, in the diagnosis of the presence of rectovaginal endometriosis. The sonographer identified infiltration of the rectal and vaginal walls correctly in all cases in whom it was present, but also reported rectal infiltration in three cases not confirmed by the surgeon and pathologist. The sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of uterosacral ligament infiltration were 80% and 97%, respectively. CONCLUSION: If our preliminary results are confirmed by a larger series, transrectal ultrasonography will be considered a valid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of rectovaginal endometriosis.

A new laparoscopic procedure for creation of a neovagina in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the results of a new laparoscopic technique for the creation of a neovagina in women with Rokitansky syndrome. DESIGN: Open noncomparative clinical study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): Fourteen patients with Rokitansky syndrome, aged 15 to 34 years, desiring to have sexual relations. INTERVENTION(S): The patients underwent creation of a neovagina at laparoscopy by a modification of Vecchietti's technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): At the clinical examinations performed during the follow up (ranging from 6 to 24 months), the patients reported the frequency, satisfaction, and any difficulties found at intercourse. At each examination, the depth and diameter of the neovagina was determined. The characteristics of the neovaginal mucosa were investigated by vaginoscopy. RESULTS(S): No intraoperative and postoperative complications were observed. The patients considered the discomfort caused by the Vecchietti's device and the daily tractions acceptable. In all the patients the mucosa was pink, trophic, and moist 3 months after the operation. Two fingers were introduced easily into the neovagina in all cases, and the mean length was 8.1 +/- 1.1 cm. All but one patient defined their sexual intercourse as satisfying within 6 months from the intervention. CONCLUSION(S): In light of the results obtained in the present series, we consider that, because of its efficacy, rapidity, and safety, the laparoscopic surgical method used by us may be suggested as the treatment of choice to correct Rokitansky syndrome.

Chylothorax in a twin pregnancy of 34 weeks--sonographically diagnosed.

In a twin pregnancy of 34 gestational weeks sonographic follow-up revealed a rapidly spreading hydrothorax in one twin and slight ascites in the other. Analysis of aspirated fluid by intrauterine needle puncture suggested a chylothorax. Pathogenesis of chylothorax is discussed. Differential diagnosis of hydrothorax is presented. Intrauterine puncture is the only method of achieving prenatal diagnosis and therapy.

The Vecchietti procedure for surgical treatment of vaginal agenesis: comparison of laparoscopy and laparotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to describe the outcomes of women with vaginal agenesis who had surgical creation of a neovagina using the Vecchietti technique over a 20-year period. We also sought to determine whether the laparoscopic approach would result in similar outcomes as laparotomy. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of 76 women with vaginal agenesis treated at the University of Verona Hospital between 1976 and 1996 with the Vecchietti procedure. Operative and postoperative records were reviewed, and sexual histories were obtained. Data were analyzed based on surgical approach and postoperative sexual satisfaction. Continuous data were analyzed with student's t-test, and categoric data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULT: Those who underwent the Vecchietti procedure with a laparoscopic approach (N = 7) had similar complication rates (0% vs. 13.0%, P = 0.59) and postoperative neovaginal depth (74.9 mm vs. 73.7 mm, P = 0.93) as those with laparotomy (N = 69). Similar proportions of women reported inadequate vaginal lubrication (28.6% vs. 17.4%, P = 0.61) and sexual satisfaction (100% vs. 78.3%) in the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups as well. Operative complications, neovaginal depth, or degree of lubrication were not good predictors of sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Outcomes in those women who underwent the Vecchietti technique via the laparoscopic approach are comparable to those who underwent laparotomy.

Adenocarcinoma of a neovagina constructed according to the Baldwin-Mori technique.

The Authors describe a case of cancerization of a neovagina constructed according to the Baldwin-Mori technique, occurring 39 years after the initial operation. Description of the clinical case is followed by a number of anatomo-pathological considerations. The risk of cancerization and the adverse events associated with this type of neovagina militate against the use of autologous transplant operations in neovagina construction.

Radical vaginal hysterectomy with extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work was to examine three types of radical vaginal hysterectomy with different degrees of radicality, performed in order to reduce surgical complications and sequelae in different indications, and to test the feasibility of a new simple and quick technique for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy to be used in combination with radical vaginal hysterectomy for treatment of cervical cancer. In this way the advantages of vaginal surgery (e.g.: unnecessary general anaesthesia, reduced surgical trauma, applicability to obese and poor surgical risk patients, fast time-saving procedure) can be preserved. METHODS: We compared retrospectively the long-term results of radical vaginal and radical abdominal operations in a large series of stage IB-IIA cervical cancer patients treated at our institution in Florence from 1968 to 1983. Furthermore, we analysed the results of our experience from 1995 to 1998, when we performed extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy, followed by radical vaginal hysterectomy, on 48 patients affected by cervical cancer. Extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed through two small abdominal incisions (6-7 cm). Twenty-two patients (45%) were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2) and 20 were poor surgical risks. FIGO stage was: IB1 in 18 cases, IB2 in eight, IIA in six, IIB in 12, IIIB in four. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy was given in 12 cases and preoperative irradiation was given in ten. General and regional anaesthesia were used in 30 (62.5%) and in 18 (37.5%) cases, respectively. RESULTS: As for past experience, in stage IB the five-year survival of 356 patients who underwent radical vaginal hysterectomy and that of 288 who had radical abdominal hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy were 81% and 75%, respectively (p<0.05). Surgical complications were fewer with no mortality in the first group. In stage IIA, survival rates were 68% for radical vaginal hysterectomy and 64% for radical abdominal hysterectomy, in 76 and 64 cases, respectively (p=n.s.). As for the more recent experience, median operative time for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was 20 minutes for each side (range 15-36). In each patient a median of 26 lymph nodes were removed (range 16-48). Positive nodes were found in 12 cases (25%). Median operative time for radical vaginal hysterectomy was 40 minutes (range 30-65). Extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy complications included: lymphocyst, five cases (10%) and retroperitoneal hematoma, one (2%); all occurred at the beginning of the experience. Radical vaginal hysterectomy complications included: ureteral stenosis, one (2%) and uretero-vaginal fistula, one (2%). All complications occurred in patients who received radiotherapy or chemotherapy preoperatively. Median hospital stay was ten days (range 6-20). CONCLUSIONS: The results of our work demonstrate that our technique for extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy shows a good applicability to cervical cancer patients submitted to radical vaginal hysterectomy, which has a high rate of cure for stage IB and IIA as shown by our past experience. The procedure of extraperitoneal pelvic lymphadenectomy was quick, easy, and safe, and its realization was not detrimental to the advantages of radical vaginal hysterectomy. Our experience supports the continued use of this combined extraperitoneal and vaginal approach in the treatment of cervical cancer. Moreover, the three classes of radical vaginal hysterectomy allow tailoring the type of the operation to the clinical and physical characteristics of the patients.

[Incidence of genetic alterations in spontaneous abortion. Attempted correlations with beta-HCG values and with the ultrasonic image]. / Incidenza di alterazioni genetiche negli aborti spontanei. Tentativo di correlazione con i valori della beta-HCG e con il quadro ecografico.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The percentage of genetic alterations in spontaneous abortions reported in the literature is between 54% and 76%. The authors felt it was interesting to analyse the frequency of genetic alterations in spontaneous abortions and to establish the correlation between the karyotype and other available data at the time of clinical observation: Beta-HCG values, ultrasonographic imaging, patient's age, parity, week of pregnancy. METHODS: One hundred and twenty samples of trophoblastic tissue taken from spontaneous abortions underwent karyotype analysis. The authors report the correlations between genetic findings and patient age, parity, beta-HCG values, ultrasonographic images and the week of pregnancy. RESULTS: Sixty-two chromosomic anomalies (51.67%) were observed; the other 58 samples (48.33%) were normal. The correlations between chromosome anomalies and the parameters analysed are reported in the other tables and figures. CONCLUSIONS: Neither the ultrasonographic images nor beta-HCG values appear to identify genetic etiology as the cause of spontaneous abortion; this is also true in relation to the week of pregnancy and maternal age. Parity appears to be the sole exception: in this population, spontaneous abortions with a genetic etiology were more frequent in primagravidas compared to other patients. This confirms the fact that hereditary genetic anomalies tend to become evident right from the start of a couple's obstetic history.

[Fetal nutrition: physiopathology and therapeutic possibilities]. / Nutrizione fetale: fisiopatologia e possibilità terapeutiche.

The paper focuses on problems relating to fetal nutrition and its relation to maternal dietary habits. Following a rapid review of the role played by vitamins and oligoelements, the therapeutic value of integrating the diet with vitamin-mineral substances is assessed. The positive action of these substances is counterbalanced by the fact that materno-fetal nutritional phenomena pass through a pool of biochemical activities which depend on the anatomico-functional integrity of the placenta as the necessary condition for therapeutic efficacy.

Transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage: state of the art.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of transabdominal cervico-isthmic cerclage according to the Vecchietti technique in patients with cervico-isthmic incompetency diagnosed by hysterosalpingography. The patient sample consisted of 36 women operated on in the Verona University Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology from 1975 to 1981 and 18 women operated on in the Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lyon. The results in the Verona study population show that in 28 cases (77.7%) the operation was crowned with success by the birth of live, viable neonates; intrauterine death occurred in 2 cases (5.5%), miscarriage in 3 (8.3%) and sterility in 3 (8.3%). The Lyon results show that in 15 cases (83.3%) the pregnancies resulted in the birth of live neonates, while sterility occurred in the other 3 (16.6%). Overall analysis of the 54 patients shows that the abdominal cerclage was successful in 43 cases (79.6%). Only in 11 cases were negative results obtained: 6 cases of sterility (11.1%), 3 miscarriages (5.5%) and 2 intrauterine deaths (3.7%). The data presented demonstrate the validity of the operation when performed in non-pregnant women in the presence of proven cervico-isthmic incompetency.

Modulated Mouchel incision in obstetric surgery.

The Authors present 10 clinical cases in which a modulated Mouchel incision was performed over the period from 1.4.1989 to 1.4.1990 to achieve caesarean section. The postoperative course was uneventful in 9 cases with no complications. The only complication observed was slight left parametric inflammatory infiltrate in one case only. The laparotomy wound healed uneventfully in all 10 cases. Thus, there were no complications contra-indicating the use of Mouchel's technique, which presents demonstrable advantages in the execution of caesarean sections. These consist in rapidity of execution, no need for extensive subfascial detachment, ease of fetal extraction, straightforward reconstruction and an aesthetically valid final result.

Infective-hemorrhagic complications of cesarean section. A case review of 2220 subjects.

The authors consider the hemorrhagic-infective complications associated with cesarean section. The review comprised 2200 subjects undergoing cesarean section from 1983 to 1987 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit (Director: D. Dargent) of the University of Lyon (France). The incidence of cesarean sections was 14.9%, and endometritis was diagnosed in 17% of cases. The incidence of infective complications was 25% of cases and that of major hemorrhage 1%. The authors conclude that the potential complications must be carefully considered whenever contemplating delivery by cesarean section.

Role of ultrasound evaluation of nuchal translucency in prenatal diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: Nuchal translucency (NT) is the ultrasonographic pattern of the accumulation of subcutaneous fluid (> or = 3 mm) behind the fetal neck. The measurement of NT thickness by ultrasound examination at 11-14 weeks of gestation has been associated with maternal age and to be an effective screening tool for trisomy 21; with an invasive method rate of 5%, about 75% of trisomical pregnancies can be identified. With the association of some biochemical markers like maternal serum free beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) to ultrasonography at 11-14 weeks, it is possible to identify about 90% of chromosomal abnormalities. An increase of NT also allows us to identify most other chromosomal abnormalities, a large number of major cardiac defects, skeletal dysplasias, and genetic syndromes. In monochorial twins the discordance in the measurement of NT represents an early sign of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS). METHODS: The objective of our study was to assess the detection of fetal structural defects with an ultrasound scan at 11-14 weeks of gestation. We submitted 3,157 pregnant women to a routine ultrasound examination at 11-14 weeks. The patients were then submitted to ultrasound scan in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. An isolated increased NT thickness was not considered an abnormality, but these patients, nonetheless, were submitted to an early echocardiographic evaluation. Fetal structural abnormalities were classified as major or minor and of early or late onset. RESULTS: A detection rate of 4.3% (135 cases) of abnormalities was found and 22.6% of these (30 cases) were diagnosed by ultrasound scan at 11-14 weeks, including seven cardiac defects associated with increased NT. The antenatal ultrasound detection rate was 73.5%, and 33.2% were diagnosed in the first trimester assessment. A rate of 76.8% of the major defects were diagnosed by the prenatal scan and 35.8% by the scan at 11-14 weeks. Fetal structural defects with the ultrasonography at 11-14 weeks were diagnosed in about 24.3% of the cases, therefore, a second trimester abnormality is important in routine antenatal care to increase the prenatal assessment of fetal anomalies. CONCLUSIONS: As for the introduction of every new technique in routine clinical practice, the operators who perform the ultrasound scan at 11-14 weeks should be submitted to adequate training and to strict quality control.

Umbilical blood flow and placental pathology.

The aim of the study was to establish whether or not placental morphostructural damage correlates with umbilical artery Doppler waveform and neonatal condition. To this end, seriated ultrasonographic monitoring, flowmeter tests on the cord artery and computerized cardiotocography were carried out in a population of 93 pregnant women in the second half of pregnancy. After birth placentas were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination. The Resistance Index showed a good correlation with placental vascular lesions, characterized by a distinct reduction in terminal villi and muscular wall arterioles. Two types of intrauterine growth retardation were discernible, the first of genetic origin with a low-profile growth curve and therefore not amenable to treatment, but with a positive fet l-neonatal prognosis, and the second with a pathologic placental component, presenting a late flattening growth curve with evolution towards fetal distress and a negative fetal-neonatal prognosis.

[Does it make sense to carry out a Vecchietti intervention pelviscopically?]. / Ist es sinnvoll, den Eingriff nach Vecchietti pelviskopisch durchzuführen?

The Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster syndrome is the most frequent cause of vaginal aplasia. There are several operations that can correct this malformation; the most important is that of Vecchietti. The rapid development of the laparoscopic know-how in the last years enables a pelviscopic approach of the laparotomic part of the Vecchietti operation. The question remains whether there are real advantages or whether the choice between laparotomy and laparoscopy should depend exclusively on the personal experience of the surgeon.