Trophoblastic peritoneal implants after laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

Persistent trophoblastic activity after salpingostomy for ectopic pregnancy implies the presence of intra-abdominal trophoblastic tissue, usually within the fallopian tube. We report a case of disseminated trophoblastic peritoneal implants, presenting as hemoperitoneum three weeks after laparoscopic salpingectomy. Only 23 such cases have been reported. Surgical treatment of ectopic pregnancy, especially by the laparoscopic technique, may cause intraperitoneal spread and reimplantation of trophoblastic tissue. Precautions for minimizing this complication are discussed.

Safety of extraovular catheter insertion for second-trimester abortion.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of second-trimester abortions using transcervical catheter insertion and extraovular prostaglandin (PG) administration. METHODS: Ninety women admitted for terminations of pregnancy at 17-24 weeks' gestation had transcervical catheters inserted and extraovular PGE(2) administered. Success rates were recorded, measured by induction of abortion within 24 hours, need for a complement uterine curettage, and complications. RESULTS: The technique induced abortion in 67 women (74.4%). The induction-to-abortion median interval was 12 hours (7 and 22 hours, fifth and 95th percentiles, respectively). Thirty-seven women needed uterine curettages because of incomplete abortions or excessive uterine bleeding after fetal and placenta expulsion. One woman had shivering, weakness, and nausea attributed to systemic absorption of PG, and nine women developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome associated with transcervical catheter insertion. Two of those women had septic shock, one of whom deteriorated to a life-threatening situation. CONCLUSION: Transcervical catheter insertion for extraovular PG administration is effective for inducing second-trimester abortions. Although the method is considered safe, with generally few mild, treatable complications, we observed a high rate of systemic inflammatory response syndrome, bacteremia, and sepsis caused by transcervical catheter insertion before PG administration. A reconsideration of this method's safety is warranted.

The bright edge of the endometrial polyp.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of sonographic detection of endometrial polyps using a new ultrasound marker denoted 'the bright edge of the polyp'. METHODS: The ultrasound scans of the uterus were examined for the presence of the bright edge in two groups of women. The first, a retrospective group, included 40 women in whom both a histological diagnosis of endometrial polyps and sonographic scans were available for evaluation. The second, a prospective group, included 80 women scheduled for operative hysteroscopy because of endometrial irregularities detected by sonography. In this group the hysteroscopical and histological results of the removed endometrial tissue were correlated with the sonographic diagnosis. RESULTS: In the retrospective group, the bright edge marker, indicative of the presence of a polyp, was detected in 30 out of 40 scans available for evaluation. In the prospective group this marker was detected in 60 women out of 80. Endometrial polyps were confirmed in 56 of these 60 women. In three cases a submucosal myoma was found and in one case the histology showed simple cystic hyperplasia. Two polyps were found in 20 cases where the bright edge had not been detected. This marker has a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 82%, positive predictive value of 93%, and negative predictive value of 90% in this group at high risk for endometrial abnormalities. CONCLUSION: The bright edge of the polyp is an accurate sonographic marker for the detection of endometrial polyps in women with endometrial irregularities demonstrated on ultrasound.

Minilaparoscopic hysterectomy.

Minilaparoscopic surgery was performed in a 38-year-old woman scheduled for hysterectomy and ovarian cystectomy. Image resolution was similar to that of conventional laparoscopy. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications. Since it has many advantages and few complications, minilaparoscopy appears to be an attractive way to decrease morbidity associated with conventional laparoscopy. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 5(4):97-100, 1998)

Minilaparoscopy in gynecology.

During the past several years technological advances have led to the development of small diameter endoscopes (minilaparoscopes) which facilitate the performance of laparoscopy under local anesthesia. Minilaparoscopy promises many advantages and less complications. Today, indications of minilaparoscopy are mainly diagnostic and minimal interventions but technological development and clinical studies might reveal it as a substitute for conventional laparoscopy.

Post-traumatic vulvar endometriosis.

We report a case of vulvar endometriosis presenting as a vulvar mass following trauma in a 12 years old, 3 months post-menarcheal girl. The presumptive etiology is the direct implantation of endometrial cells. Painful swelling of the vulvar mass appeared gradually during menses. Excision of suspected vulvar endometriosis is suggested as the definite treatment.

Human chorionic gonadotropin: pharmacokinetics of subcutaneous administration.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) following different regimens of subcutaneous and intramuscular single-dose administration. Two hypogonadotropic hypogonadal volunteers received hCG injections without prior ovarian stimulation. The regimens included a single dose of 10,000 IU hCG either subcutaneously or intramuscularly, or 5000 IU hCG intramuscularly. Serum beta-hCG concentrations were measured periodically up to 13 days after hCG administration. Each of the three regimens exhibit a similar pharmacokinetic profile and the highest serum beta-hCG concentrations were achieved with a dose of 10,000 IU administered subcutaneously. Seven days after hCG administration beta-hCG was detectable only after subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of 10,000 IU, but not after a single intramuscular injection of 5000 IU. From the preliminary results of the study it is suggested that a single intramuscular dose of 5000 IU hCG might be sufficient to trigger ovulation, but for luteal-phase support a higher dose may be needed. Subcutaneous administration of hCG for the induction of ovulation or luteal-phase support in gonadotropin-induced cycles is feasible and might offer a better tolerance and cost-effectiveness of infertility treatments, leading to their further simplification.

Sonographically guided aspiration of ovarian cyst with simple appearance.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of sonographically guided aspiration of simple ovarian cysts. During the period from 1985 through 1992, 107 ultrasonographically guided punctures of apparently simple ovarian cysts were performed. The group included 76 premenopausal and 31 postmenopausal women who were followed for 1 to 6 years (mean, 2.7 years) after initial cyst puncture. In 42 cases, cyst aspiration constituted the definitive therapy. In 65 cases the cyst recurred and in this group, 38 women (with complete recurrence) were operated on whereas 27 women with a cyst less than 5 cm (incomplete recurrence) were allocated to a follow-up group. Overall, in 69 cases (65%) surgery was avoided. No major complications were encountered. In our experience, aspiration of simple ovarian cysts is a suitable alternative in the management of this problem. Close follow-up is necessary to detect recurrence and perform surgical intervention when indicated.

Is intertwin birth weight discordance predictable?

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of intertwin difference in abdominal circumferences (ACs) and estimated fetal weight (EFWs) to predict birth weight discordance in twin gestations. METHODS: Ninety pairs of twins with sonographic measurements of AC and femur length, performed within 2 weeks before delivery, were included in the study. The EFW was calculated (Hadlock's formula). We used Bayes' theorem and the Mantel-Haenszel chi 2 test to calculate and compare the rates of false-positive and false-negative prediction of the cutoff values of 15, 20, and 25% intertwin birth weight discordance by the intertwin EFW difference and an intertwin AC difference of > or = 18 mm. RESULTS: There were no significant difference between the two methods to predict birth weight discordance at 15-25% discordance (p = 0.254, OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 1.45-0.24) and at > 25% discordance (p = 0.112, OR 0.18, 95% CI = 0.03-1.34). CONCLUSIONS: Both the intertwin AC difference (> or = 18 mm) and intertwin EFW difference have similar negative predictive values and the same efficacy to exclude discordant growth. Because of the relatively low positive predictive values, birth weight discordance cannot be accurately predicted by either method.

Echogenicity of fibroadenoma and carcinoma of the breast. Quantitative comparison using gain-assisted densitometric evaluation of sonograms.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of ultrasonography in differentiation between the echogenic characteristics of carcinoma and those of fibroadenoma of the breast. Two mathematical transformations of the measured density on a sonographic image of the breast lesion at three different system gain settings were used in cases of carcinoma (n = 16) and fibroadenoma (n = 31) to provide standardized density values. A significant correlation was found between the tumor and the surrounding tissue densities in both carcinomas (r = 0.77, P = 0.0004) and fibroadenomas (r = 0.79, P < 0.000001. The mean standardized density of the tumor was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) than the surrounding tissue in both carcinomas (2.03 +/- 0.64 D versus 1.23 +/- 0.38 D) and fibroadenomas (2.09 +/- 0.48 D versus 1.33 +/- 0.3 D). However, the differences between density values of carcinoma and fibroadenomas were not significantly different. The data suggest that it may not be possible to differentiate breast carcinoma and fibroadenomas on the basis of the echogenicity of solid breast masses.

The intrauterine ponderal index in relation to birth weight discordance in twin gestations.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the relationship between the fetal ponderal index and birth weight discordance in twins. METHOD: The fetal ponderal index (estimated fetal weight divided by femur length3) was calculated in 86 pairs of twins delivered within 2 weeks of the last sonography and analyzed in relation to birth weight discordance. RESULTS: A weak but significant correlation between fetal ponderal index and birth weight (r = 0.26, P < 0.0007) but no correlation with gestational age (r = 0.035, P = 0.65) were found. Members of concordant pairs (< 15% birth weight difference) had a significantly higher fetal ponderal index compared with members of mildly (15-25%) discordant pairs (P < 0.02), but not as compared with members of severely discordant (> 25%) pairs. CONCLUSION: The characteristics of the fetal ponderal index in twins are similar to those in singletons. Fetal size seems to be diminished in severe but not in mild discordants. However, in its present form, the fetal ponderal index is a poor predictor of discordant growth and therefore should be employed cautiously in twin gestations.

Quantitative comparison of two distinct echogenic structures appearing on the same image using gain-assisted densitometric evaluation of sonograms (GADES).

Gain-assisted densitometric evaluation of sonograms with two distinct echogenic structures appearing on each image was performed to establish if their density-gain setting curves have similar inclinations. We used the breast model (n = 67) in which hyperechoic masses were compared to the surrounding hyperechoic tissue at the optimal gain (Gopt) and at Gopt + 5. Both structures had significantly different film-corrected densities and showed a linear decline of density as the system gain increased from Gopt - 5 to Gopt + 5. The least squares regression lines were almost parallel. The density-gain unit decrease from Gopt - 5 to Gopt was not different, but the decrease from Gopt to Gopt + 5 reached statistical significance. The data suggest that skewed values are theoretically possible in comparing two distinct echogenic structures. However, within the gain intervals used in GADES, these differences are negligible and comparisons are as accurate as with the assessment of a single echogenic structure.

A prospective randomized clinical trial comparing a new oral sustained-release ritodrine with conventional tablets.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of maternal metabolic and cardiovascular responses to treatment with the new sustained-release oral ritodrine as compared with the conventional tablets. METHOD: Thirty-two pregnant patients who had successful intravenous tocolysis were randomly assigned to treatment with either ritodrine tablets or sustained-release capsules. After 5 days of the randomly determined first oral treatment each patient was shifted to the alternate ritodrine formulation for a further 5-day course. Each patient underwent metabolic and non-invasive hemodynamic evaluation. RESULTS: Echocardiographic parameters during treatment with ritodrine tablets were not significantly different from during sustained-release capsules. Mean systolic blood pressure increased significantly during peak drug activity in patients treated with ritodrine tablets and not during treatment with the sustained-release form. Fasting plasma glucose levels were higher in patients on conventional tablets therapy than in patients on sustained-release ritodrine therapy (88.9 +/- 9 mg/dl vs. 78.7 +/- 8 mg/dl, P < 0.05) while levels following a 50-g oral glucose challenge test did not differ significantly (135 +/- 32 mg/dl vs. 124.5 +/- 27 mg/dl) CONCLUSIONS: Because of fewer metabolic and cardiovascular side-effects, the new oral therapy offers some advantages over the presently available tablets.

The accuracy of endometrial Pipelle sampling with and without sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of Pipelle endometrial sampling with and without sonographic measurement of endometrial thickness. METHODS: We studied prospectively 176 consecutive patients (23% after and 77% before menopause) scheduled for D&C. Sonographic measurement of the endometrium and endometrial biopsy with the Pipelle were performed before the curettage. RESULTS: In 159 cases (90%), the endometrial histologic results of curettage agreed with those of the Pipelle biopsy. All three cases of endometrial cancer were identified by Pipelle aspiration. In seven cases (4%), the Pipelle aspiration failed to detect hyperplasia. Sonographic endometrial thickness of more than 5 mm slightly increased the sensitivity and slightly decreased the specificity of Pipelle aspiration from 82 to 92% and from 99 to 96%, respectively. In postmenopausal patients admitted for bleeding, the sensitivity and specificity reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that normal Pipelle aspirates in premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding are highly accurate. In postmenopausal patients with sonographic endometrial thickness of 5 mm or less, the accuracy reached 100%.

Evaluation of two rapid tests for detection of maternal endocervical group B streptococcus: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gram stain.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the reliability of two rapid tests for detection of group B streptococcus, the new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the Gram stain. In addition, we wished to determine whether the combination of these tests would increase test sensitivity. METHODS: During a 2-year period, cervical secretions from 660 patients who presented with either premature rupture of membranes or preterm labor at a gestational age of 37 weeks or less were tested by three methods: the Equate ELISA test, a Gram stain smear, and a culture for group B streptococcus. Results of the rapid tests were compared with the corresponding culture results. RESULTS: Cultures were positive for group B streptococcus in 50 patients, a prevalence of 7.5%. The sensitivity for the Equate ELISA test was 24% and for the Gram stain, 20%. Specificity was 95 and 89%, respectively. When results of these tests were combined, the sensitivity increased to 26%. Both rapid tests yielded a high rate of false positives. In more than 50% of false-positive cases, bacteria other than group B streptococcus were isolated. CONCLUSION: Neither the Gram stain nor the Equate ELISA test is sensitive enough to be used as a screening test for the identification of group B streptococcus. Furthermore, the combination of both rapid tests yielded only a slight increase in sensitivity. The high false-positive rate of the ELISA test seems to be related to a cross-reactivity of the anti-group B streptococcal antibody with other cervical bacteria.

Interrupted extra-ovular infusion may not be reversible.

Late abortion ensued 9 days after discontinuation of extra-ovular PGE2 infusion for mid-trimester termination of pregnancy in a 15-year-old unmarried primigravida. This observation, which has no precedent in the literature, may suggest that once extra-ovular PG infusion has been started, its discontinuation may not be considered reversible.

The importance of the endopelvic fascia repair during vaginal hysterectomy.

During 1985 to 1989, 177 vaginal hysterectomies were performed in the Department of Gynecology, Kaplan Hospital, Rehovot, Israel, using the Porges technique with some modifications. Ninety patients had some degree of loss of the pelvic support--anterior or posterior wall relaxation, enterocele or uterine prolapse in various degrees. The patients were allocated to two groups, in which two different techniques were compared: group 1, with repair of the pubocervical and pararectal fascia and group 2 without the repair. The repair of the pubocervical and pararectal fascia after vaginal hysterectomy prevented vaginal vault prolapse (zero versus 15 percent, p < 0.01) and reduced the incidence of recurrent rectocele (23 versus 55 percent, p < 0.05) and recurrent cystocele (14 versus 45 percent, p < 0.005). Recurrent genuine stress incontinence was found in 9 percent of patients in group 1 and 18 percent of patients in group 2 (not statistically significant; p = 0.163). Optimal management of relaxation of the vaginal wall during vaginal hysterectomy requires clinical suspicion and precise preoperative diagnosis and therapeutic plan. In the present study, the need for careful repair of the pubocervical and pararectal fascia during vaginal hysterectomy to prevent vaginal vault prolapse is emphasized. This procedure does not prolong the operation significantly (92 +/- 15 versus 84 +/- 17 minutes) and has no deleterious postoperative complications.