Finite element modeling for soft tissue surgery based on linear and nonlinear elasticity behavior.

New surgical techniques require fine control from the surgeon's point of view. Until recently, the necessary experience was only obtainable through traditional training protocols (using cadavers, animals, etc.). However, numerous training simulators have now been developed for use in this area. We present a new approach based on a three-dimensional finite element software and on different kinds of linear and nonlinear elastic constitutive equations that is able to predict realistic results. To classify these equations in terms of accuracy, we performed ex-vivo experimental measurements on lamb kidneys. The software has been applied to soft tissue deformation, namely lamb kidney and human uterus, and the numerical results have been compared to experimental ones.

[Pregnancy in type 1 diabetes: insulin pump versus intensified conventional therapy]. / Grossesse et diabète de type 1: pompe à insuline versus traitement intensifié conventionnel.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the outcome of pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin pump or multiple insulin injections. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-three patients treated with pump, 23 with multiple injections. Were mainly investigated: glycemic control (HbA1C), fetal outcome (congenital malformations, preterm delivery, perinatal mortality), rates of gestational hypertension and cesarean section. RESULTS: HbA1C (1st, 2nd and 3rd trimester) with pump was not significantly different from that obtained with multiple injections (respectively, 7.5 +/- 1.24 vs 7.6 +/- 1.4; 6.34 +/- 0.6 vs 6.6 +/- 0.8; 6.6 +/- 0.7 vs 6.4 +/- 0.7). Fetal prognosis was also similar. The occurrence of gestational hypertension was linked to diabetic complications [OR 5,7, IC95% 1.24-25, p = 0.0025]. The rate of cesarean section (70% in women treated with pump) was influenced by diabetes duration. In planned pregnancy, independently of therapeutic device, HbA1C during organogenesis was better (6.9% +/- 0.78 vs 8.51 +/- 1.3, p < 0.0001) with no perinatal death and no major congenital malformation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Fetal prognosis is not overall significantly different with insulin pump compared with intensified conventional therapy. The initiation of insulin pump therapy should not be systematic. Instead, the benefits risks ratio must be assessed resulting in a tailored prescription according to individual needs. This therapeutic choice should be discussed before conception, as planned pregnancy is a main prognostic factor. Diabetes duration and complications remain key factors for the prognosis.

[Pregnancy and type 2 diabetes: which fetal prognosis?]. / Grossesse et diabète de type 2 : quel pronostic foetal ?

OBJECTIVES: The rise in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in women of childbearing age leads to an increasing number of pregnant women with type 2 diabetes. But published data on fetal outcome are scarce. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study from 1999 to 2002, we assessed fetal outcome (preterm delivery, perinatal mortality, congenital malformations) in 20 pregnancies associated with type 2 diabetes and compared the outcome to 40 pregnancies associated with type 1 diabetes. RESULTS: Women with type 2 diabetes are older (32 +/- 5 vs. 27 +/- 5, P = 0.003), more obese (body mass index: 28.3 +/- 4.8 vs. 22.8 +/- 5.5, P < 0.001) than women with type 1 diabetes. Their pregnancy usually is not planned (10% vs. 55%, P < 0.001). HbA1c during organogenesis is above 8% in 46.6% of type 2 vs. 26.4% of type 1 (P < 0.001). Compared with data obtained in the general population, a fivefold increase in preterm delivery (26.3% vs. 4.7%), a sevenfold increase in perinatal mortality (5% vs. 0.7%) and congenital malformations (15.8% vs. 2.2%) are observed. These results are similar to those obtained in type 1. In planned pregnancy, HbA1c during organogenesis is under 7% with no perinatal death and no major congenital malformation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pregnancy complicated by type 2 diabetes is a high-risk one, as much as in type 1 diabetes. Efficient pre-pregnancy care needs to be strongly encouraged in women with type 2 diabetes who also display many risk factors for adverse fetal outcome.

[Gynecologic laparoscopy and abdominal scars: what approach for the peritoneal cavity?]. / Coeliochirurgie gynécologique et ventre cicatriciel: quel abord de la cavité péritonéale?

To identify and discuss the advantages of the different methods of entry into the peritoneal cavity during gynecological laparascopy in patients who have previously undergone abdominal surgical procedures. Literature review comparing the strengths of each method of entering the peritoneal cavity during gynecological laparoscopic procedures. Adhesions increase the risks of access into peritoneal cavity during laparoscopy. Many techniques or safety rules have recently been described or re-evaluated as an alternative to using the traditional combination "Veress needle and blind introduction of the first trocar". The most relevant were the "open laparoscopy", the use of optical trocar, the double laparoscopy and the use of microlaparoscope. There remains no clear conclusion regarding the optimal form of laparoscopic entry in high risk patients. Relevant data emphasizes that critical to the surgeon's choice of technique is the immediate ability to recognize accidental injury and the capacity to avoid the scarred area. According to the literature review on the procedures used for entering the peritoneal cavity in high risk patients, we conclude that double laparoscopy may indeed be an underused procedure in such cases.

Delayed delivery of second twin: a multicentre study of 35 cases.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to conduct a statistical analysis to determine the outcome of conservative treatment after delivery of a first fetus in multiple pregnancy and thus define new prognostic factors. STUDY DESIGN: Multicentre retrospective study involving 12 centers over a 10-year period. RESULTS: Twenty-eight twin pregnancies and seven triplet pregnancies which were managed conservatively. In twin pregnancies, 79% of the delayed-delivery fetuses survived; only 7% of the first delivered fetuses survived. The mean interval between deliveries was 47 days. No statistical difference was found concerning cerclage, antibiotic therapy, tocolysis and hospitalization. Earlier delivery of the first twin and premature rupture of membranes for the second twin were significantly related to a longer interval between deliveries. CONCLUSION: Delayed delivery in multifetal pregnancies can be successful if there are no contraindications and these pregnancies are managed in a tertiary perinatal center. Publications limited to successful cases have undoubtedly introduced some bias in assessment.

[Update on maternal-fetal infections by hepatitis C, HIV and cytomegalovirus]. / Mise au point sur les infections materno-foetales par l'hépatite C, le V.I.H. et le cytomégalovirus.

Maternal infections with hepatitis C virus, human cutomegalovirus and HIV and their management problems continue to raise concern in obstetrics. What should we recommend to decrease the incidence of hepatitis C virus congenital infection? We know that congenital human cytomegalovirus infection can lead to major neurological disease with sensorineuronal loss. The current lack of trusted prognostic elements to predict impact on the infected fetus makes any prenatal diagnosis questionable. Should we thus track the initial maternal antibody status and the newborn infection? For the last 10 years, HIV mother-to-infant transmission has decreased from 25% to less than 3%. The new problem is how to answer the more and more frequent request for pregnancy from an infected woman. The treatment must be adapted to the pregnancy in order to reduce the risks for the mother and the infant. All these questions emphasize the problems of viral infection which will require answers in the years to come.

Developmental mucin gene expression in the human respiratory tract.

The epithelial surface of the respiratory tract is coated with a protective film of mucus secreted by epithelial goblet and submucosal gland cells. Histology of the airway mucosa and composition of secretions during the second trimester of fetal life are known to differ from the normal adult in that these secretions show similarities with those of hypersecretory disorders. To provide information regarding cell-specific expression of mucin genes and their relation to developmental patterns of epithelial cytodifferentiation, we studied the expression of eight different mucin genes (MUC1-MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, MUC6, MUC7) in human embryonic and fetal respiratory tract using in situ hybridization. These investigations demonstrated that MUC4 is the earliest gene expressed in the foregut at 6.5 wk, followed by MUC1 and MUC2 from 9. 5 wk of gestation in trachea, bronchi, epithelial tubules, and terminal sacs before epithelial cytodifferentiation. In contrast, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC7 are expressed at later gestational ages concomitant with epithelial cytodifferentiation. During this developmental stage, MUC1 and MUC4 mRNAs are located in goblet and ciliated cells, whereas MUC2 mRNAs are located in basal and goblet cells. MUC5AC expression is confined to goblet cells. In the submucosal glands, MUC2 mRNAs are located in both mucous and serous cells, whereas MUC5B and MUC7 mRNAs are expressed in mucous and in serous cells, respectively. These data suggest distinct developmental roles for MUC1, MUC2, MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC7 in the elongation, branching, and epithelial cytodifferentiation of the respiratory tract during ontogenesis. Distinct patterns of mucin gene expression are also likely to play an important role in regulating appropriate epithelial cell proliferation and cytodifferentiation in adult airway mucosa as it is indicated by aberrant expression in hypersecretory disorders.

[Ovarian mucinous tumor of gastric and intestinal type associated with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: in situ hybridization study of apomucin gene transcripts]. / Tumeur mucineuse ovarienne de type gastrique et intestinal associée au syndrome de Peutz-Jeghers; étude en hybridation in situ des transcrits des gènes d'apomucines.

Occurrence of mucinous tumors is favored by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). A case of bilateral ovarian mucinous tumor associated with ovarian mature teratoma occurring in a 22-year-old woman with PJS was reported. Tumor cells included 5 cell types: tall columnar mucinous pale cells with neutral mucins; goblet cells with acidic nonsulfated mucins; non mucinous columnar cells; mucinous cuboidal cells lining small glands; endocrine cells. Expression of the MUC2, MUC3, MUC5AC and MUC6 genes was demonstrated by in situ hybridization according to cell type. Some atypia and numerous mitotic figures were observed in basal glands. Diagnosis was ovarian borderline mucinous tumor with gastric and intestinal phenotype associated with PJS.

[Ultrasonic diagnosis of placenta percreta. Apropos of a case with hemorrhagic complication]. / Diagnostic ultrasonore du placenta percreta. A propos d'une complication hémorragique.

Placenta percreta is a rare but severe disease, which is more and more frequent. The reported case shows that diagnosis can be made with B mode and color Doppler ultrasonography. Extension of high-vascularized placenta to the myometrium, abnormal placental-subplacental complex and vascular flow through the myometrium were suggestive of the diagnosis. Early diagnosis should decrease mortality and morbidity.

[Uterine leiomyosarcomas: a surprising pathology. Review of the literature. Six case reports]. / Léiomyosarcomes utérins: une surprise anatomopathologique. Revue de la littérture. A propos de 6 observations.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical features and laboratory tests which define a population with a high risk of leiomyosarcoma. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of 660 hysterectomies performed between 1989 and 1994 was conducted. There were 414 cases of leiomyoma and 6 leiomyosarcomas (1.4%). RESULTS: The indication for hysterectomy was complication of fibromyomatous uterus in all cases. Diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was never suspected before surgery and the pathology examination. Complimentary radiotherapy was given in 2 patients among the 6 with leiomyosarcoma. Mean survival was 35 months. There were no cases of recurrence or metastasis. None of the laboratory tests performed provided clues to diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of possible misdiagnosis of a leiomyosarcoma when proposing medical treatment of uterine fibroma.