Value of clinical and laboratory inflammation factors in the postoperative period after laparoscopic urogynecological surgery.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Leukocytes and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are often used to detect infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic and screening validity of leukocytes and CRP levels as well as body temperature >38° C to predict infections after laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy. METHODS: The study included 287 patients suffering from genital prolapse higher than POP-Q I. In addition to the sacrocolpopexy, a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy was performed in cases of preexisting uterus (n = 171). Leukocytes and CRP levels were analyzed preoperatively and 4 days after surgery. Early and late onset of infections was documented. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection was identified as the most frequent early postoperative complication (11.4%). Early wound infections were found in 2.8% of the patients (8/287). Late onset of infections was found in 1% of patients (3/287). Areas under ROC curves were low for both leukocytes (0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.66) and CRP levels (0.60, 95% CI: 0.44-0.77). CONCLUSION: Our findings question the benefit of routine determination of leukocytes and CRP levels 4 days after surgery. The sensitivity and specificity of leukocytes and CRP levels are probably more significant after normalization of the initial tissue response (days 8-10).

The incidence of complications by hysterectomy for benign disease in correlation to an assumed preoperative score.

BACKGROUND: Hysterectomies are preformed abdominally, vaginally, laparoscopic or with robotic assistance. When choosing the route of hysterectomy, the physician should take into consideration the safest and most cost-effective route to fulfill all needs of the patient. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 953 patients who underwent hysterectomy between 2002 and 2010 for benign indications at UKSH, Germany. Preoperative risk scores were assigned to patients. The data were statistically evaluated to investigate relationship between the occurrence of the complication and the preoperative score at the time of the hysterectomy. For the preoperative score, patients who had undergone a previous laparoscopy were assigned 1 point; those who had undergone a previous Pfannenstiel laparotomy were assigned 2 points; those who had undergone 1 cesarean delivery were assigned 3 points; those who had undergone 2 cesarean deliveries were assigned 4 points; those who had undergone 3 cesarean deliveries were assigned 5 points; and those with no previous operations were assigned 0 points. The preoperative score was recorded for 785 patients. RESULTS: Of the 785 women with complete data, the mean preoperative score was 1.09 ± 1.51 for AH, 0.75 ± 0.96 for VH, 1.04 ± 1.30 for LSH, 1.0 ± 1.40 for LAVH, and 1.38 ± 1.52 for TLH. The prevalent scores in the VH were 0 and 1, the LASH and TLH showed a prevalence over VH in the preoperative scores 3 and 4 and AH showed a prevalence over the other methods in the preoperative score 3-8. Intraoperative complications were recorded in 28 of 953 (2.9 %) cases: 10 (35.7 %) cases of VH; 13 (46.4 %) cases of AH; 3 (10.7 %) cases of LSH; 1 (3.6 %) case of LAVH; and 1 (3.6 %) case of TLH. The intraoperative complications appeared to be more frequently with heavier uterine weight showing a significant statically correlation (P < 0,001). Major postoperative complications occurred in 17 of 953 (1.8 %) cases. Minor postoperative complications were recorded in 56 of 953 (5.9 %) hysterectomies. Operation duration, hospital stay and hemoglobin decline correlated significantly with preoperative score (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The suggested preoperative score is apparently successful in screening out the high-risk patients, despite the low incidence of intra and postoperative complications. The usefulness of the preoperative scoring system is worthy of further development and evaluation. The AH was favored as the 'fallback option' with high preoperative score.

Surgical therapy of ovarian endometrioma: recurrence and pregnancy rates.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The study was designed to analyze preoperative clinical and surgical findings at enucleation of ovarian endometrioma with their impact on recurrence and pregnancy rates. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of 550 histologically verified ovarian endometriomas operated on at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Kiel, Germany, between 1995 and 2004. Preoperative data, surgical findings, and postoperative outcomes of 289 cases were analyzed. The average follow-up period was 12.9 years. RESULTS: Ovarian endometriomas recurred in 23.9% of patients. Risk factors identified for recurrence of endometriomas were preoperative pain (P=.013), dysmenorrhea (P=.013), larger cyst size (>8 cm), younger age (<25 years), and preoperative cyst rupture. Factors associated with postoperative dysmenorrhea were younger age<25 years (P<.001), nulliparity (P=.020), and lager cyst size>8 cm (P=.048). Recurrence of pain was influenced by previous surgery of endometrioma (P<.05). Laparoscopy had a higher percentage of symptom-free patients than laparotomy did (49.0% vs 33.3%). Additional postoperative hormonal treatment resulted in a higher spontaneous pregnancy rate (41.4% vs 12.6%; P<.001) but a lower recurrence-free interval rate (70.5% vs 82.6%; P=.050) when compared with surgery only. CONCLUSIONS: We identified preoperative and intraoperative findings associated with higher risk of recurrence of endometrioma, pain, and dysmenorrhea. Patients desiring pregnancy benefited from postoperative hormone treatment, but no favorable results from combined therapy were observed with regard to recurrence rate.

Hysterectomy trends over a 9-year period in an endoscopic teaching center.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate trends in the performance of hysterectomy at a single certified endoscopic teaching center. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from 953 patients who underwent hysterectomy between 2002 and 2010 for benign indications at UKSH, Germany. Preoperative risk scores were assigned to patients. RESULTS: The most frequent indications for hysterectomy were uterine myoma, adenomyosis, prolapse, endometrial hyperplasia, menstrual disorders, and endometriosis. The shortest operating time was recorded for vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and the longest for laparoscopically assisted VH (LAVH). The average uterine weight was highest for abdominal hysterectomy (AH) and lowest for VH. The major postoperative complication rate was 11.8% for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) and 23.5% for AH. The highest intraoperative complication rate occurred with AH (46.4%) and the lowest with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH; 3.6%). The minor postoperative complication rate was 5.9%. The mean preoperative score was 1.09±1.51 for AH, 0.75±0.96 for VH, 1.04±1.30 for LSH, 1.0±1.40 for LAVH, and 1.38±1.52 for TLH. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hysterectomies have become more common and were associated with decreased complication rates, despite the higher preoperative risk score of these patients.

Laparoscopic hysterectomy and prolapse: a multiprocedural concept.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Today, laparoscopic intrafascial hysterectomy and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy are well-accepted techniques. With our multimodal concept of laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications, preservation of the pelvic floor as well as reconstruction of pelvic floor structures and pre-existing prolapse situations can be achieved. METHODS: The multimodal concept consists of 3 steps: 1. Intrafascial hysterectomy with preservation of existing structures. A. Technique 1: Primary uterine artery ligation. B. Technique 2: Classic intrafascial hysterectomy. 2. A technique for the stable fixation of the vaginal or cervical stump. 3. A new method of pectopexy to correct a pre-existing descensus situation. RESULTS AND CONCLUSTION: This well-balanced concept can be used by advanced endoscopic gynecologic surgeons as well as by novices in our field.

Impact of surgical approach on blood loss during intracapsular myomectomy.

BACKGROUND: Myomectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in gynecology and has implications on fertility and subsequent pregnancies. We compared the impact of surgical approach on blood loss during laparoscopic and abdominal intracapsular myomectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The evaluation comprised 124 fertile women with subserous or intramural myomas: 66 patients treated by laparoscopy and 58 patients treated by laparotomy. The intracapsular myoma enucleation technique was similar for both approaches. All procedures were analyzed for the evaluation of intra- and post-surgical blood loss and intra- and short-term post-operative surgical outcomes. RESULTS: The operating time for laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy was longer (95 ± 7.2 min vs. 63 ± 5.6, p < 0.0001), but was associated with reduced intra- (65 ± ml vs. 105 ± 5, p < 0.0001) and post-surgical blood loss (30 ± 5 vs. 60 ± 5 ml, p < 0.0001), as well as diminished application of pain relief medication (8 patients vs. 17, p < 0.05), compared to open intracapsular myomectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical approach did not substantially affect the technique of intracapsular myomectomy; however, laparoscopy significantly reduced intra- and postoperative blood loss and resulted in better short-term outcomes than after open surgery. Our results underscore the advantages of trying to reduce the rate of laparotomic myomectomy, one of the leading surgical interventions associated with infertility and sterility.

The past, present and future of minimally invasive endoscopy in gynecology: a review and speculative outlook.

Over the last twenty-five years, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has evolved in a relatively short period of time to overtake the centuries-old visionary and pioneering groundwork of our outstanding colleagues in all surgical disciplines. This overview on the development of gynecological endoscopy, at the invitation of SMIT, highlights past achievements and describes present challenges. It emphasizes future opportunities and possibilities to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and integrate emerging endoscopic, imaging and stereotactic surgical technologies to improve patient safety, enhance quality of care and advance surgical education. This article will introduce younger colleagues to the exciting world of contemporary gynecologic endoscopy and help them appreciate the immense technology-laden opportunities that the future holds for those who are prepared to follow in the footsteps and aspirations of our founding surgical colleagues.

Clinical diagnosis and treatment of ectopic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Implantation of the zygote outside the uterine cavity occurs in 2% of all pregnancies. The product of conception can be removed safely by laparoscopic surgery and be submitted for histological examination. The rate of ectopic pregnancies has increased from 0.5% in 1970 to 2% today. The prevalence of ectopic pregnancy in all women presenting to an emergency department with first-trimester bleeding, lower abdominal pain, or a combination of the 2 is between 6% and 16%. DESIGNATION: Workup of all localizations of ectopic pregnancies at a university department of obstetrics and gynecology. METHODS: Comparison of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities from the surgical laparoscopic approach to nonsurgical, medical options. SURGICAL TREATMENT: Tubal pregnancies: (1) to preserve tubal function, salpingotomy, partial salpingectomy followed by laparoscopic anastomosis, or fimbrial milking is performed. (2) Tubectomy or salpingectomy is performed only in severely damaged or ruptured tubes or if the patient does not desire further pregnancies. Nontubal ectopic pregnancies (ovarian pregnancy, ectopic abdominal pregnancy, interstitial or cornual pregnancy/rudimentary horn, intraligamental and cervical pregnancies) all require their own specific treatment. MEDICAL TREATMENT: The predominant drug is methotrexate, but other systemic drugs, such as actinomycin D, prostaglandins, and RU 486, can also be applied. COMPLICATIONS: Tubal rupture is a complication of late diagnosed tubal pregnancy that is more difficult to treat conservatively and often indicates tubectomy or segmental resection. In 5% to 15% of treated ectopic pregnancy cases, remnant conception product parts may require a final methotrexate injection. CONCLUSIONS: This article is a review to aid clinical diagnosis of ectopic pregnancies that now can be diagnosed earlier and treated effectively by laparoscopic surgery.

Combined surgical and hormone therapy for endometriosis is the most effective treatment: prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate 3 therapy strategies: hormone therapy, surgery, and combined treatment. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University-based teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Four hundred fifty patients with genital endometriosis, aged 18 to 44 years, before first laparoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: hormone therapy, surgery, or combined treatment. Patients were reevaluated at second-look laparoscopy, at 2 to 2 months after 3-month hormone therapy in groups 1 and 3 and at 5 to 6 months in group 2 (surgical treatment alone). Outcome data were focussed on the endometriosis stage, recurrence of symptoms, and pregnancy rate. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All treatment options, independent of the initial Endoscopic Endometriosis Classification stage, achieved an overall cure rate of ≥50%. A cure rate of 60% was achieved with the combined treatment, 55% with exclusively hormone therapy, and 50% with exclusively surgical treatment. Recurrence of symptoms was lowest in patients who received combined treatment. Significant benefit was achieved for dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia. An overall pregnancy rate of 55% to 65% was achieved, with no significant difference between the therapeutic options. CONCLUSION: In the quest to find the most effective treatment of genital endometriosis, this clinical randomized study shows the lowest incidence of recurrence with combined surgical and medical treatment and improved pregnancy rate in any medically treated patients with or without surgery. The highest cure rate (Endoscopic Endometriosis Classification stage 0) for endometriosis was also achieved in the combined treatment group.

Cross-linked sodium hyaluronate, an anti-adhesion barrier gel in gynaecological endoscopic surgery.

OBJECTIVES: In the context of common adhesion prevention in laparotomic, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery this article details the effects of a cross-linked sodium hyaluronate anti-adhesion barrier gel. The observed adhesion score is expressed in the following three measurements: Severity, extent and incidents of adhesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a total of 85 patients treated by laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, a second look endoscopic procedure could be performed in 35 cases. RESULTS: Our preliminary, short evaluation of 35 patients submitted to a second look laparoscopy or hysteroscopy revealed the beneficial effect of the applied HYAcorp endo gel, showing only a minimal amount of adhesions at the second look observation. CONCLUSION: Cross-linked sodium hyaluronate is highly effective in the prevention of adhesions at laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery.

Principles and safety measures of electrosurgery in laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Electrosurgical units are the most common type of electrical equipment in the operating room. A basic understanding of electricity is needed to safely apply electrosurgical technology for patient care. METHODS: We reviewed the literature concerning the essential biophysics, the incidence of electrosurgical injuries, and the possible mechanisms for injury. Various safety guidelines pertaining to avoidance of injuries were also reviewed. RESULTS: Electrothermal injury may result from direct application, insulation failure, direct coupling, capacitive coupling, and so forth. CONCLUSION: A thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of electrosurgery by the entire team in the operating room is essential for patient safety and for recognizing potential complications. Newer hemostatic technologies can be used to decrease the incidence of complications.

Perinatal management of pregnancies with severe fetal heart defects and epigenetic aspects.

OBJECTIVE: To describe pregnancies with severe fetal heart defects (CHD) with respect to perinatal complications and management. To discuss epigenetic factors with respect to maternal body mass index (BMI) and assisted reproduction treatment (ART). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis in a single centre for prenatal diagnostics. Data were collected with respect to pre- and postnatal diagnoses of CHD, preterm labour and deliveries, maternal risk factors and postnatal outcome. RESULTS: Between 2009 and 2011 we treated 116 patients with severe fetal heart defects. Prenatal diagnoses were: Hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) in 50 fetuses (43.1%), conotruncal heart defects (CTM) in 43 (37.1%), atrial ventricular septal defects in eight cases (7.8%).There were 11 (9.9%) twin pregnancies. Premature labour occurred in 11.2%, premature deliveries 12.9%. Nine pregnancies (7.8%) were achieved by assisted reproduction treatment (ART). A body mass index (BMI) > 25 occurred in 54.3% with 3% morbid obesity. Advanced maternal age >35 was found in 33.5%. Accuracy of the prenatal diagnosis was 97%. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ART pregnancies may be referred to fetal echocardiography. Maternal obesity poses a diagnostic problem, the incidence of CTM may be higher due to epigenetic factors. This requires further studies. As premature labour and delivery is a frequent complication, perinatal management of these pregnancies must be reserved to specialized centers.

Complications of Uterine Fibroids and Their Management, Surgical Management of Fibroids, Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy versus Hysterectomy, Haemorrhage, Adhesions, and Complications.

A critical analysis of the surgical treatment of fibroids compares all available techniques of myomectomy. Different statistical analyses reveal the advantages of the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic approach. Complications can arise from the location of the fibroids. They range from intermittent bleedings to continuous bleedings over several weeks, from single pain episodes to severe pain, from dysuria and constipation to chronic bladder and bowel spasms. Very seldom does peritonitis occur. Infertility may result from continuous metro and menorrhagia. The difficulty of the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic myomectomy lies in achieving satisfactory haemostasis using the appropriate sutures. The hysteroscopic myomectomy requires an operative hysteroscope and a well-experienced gynaecologic surgeon.

Laparoscopic sacropexy: a retrospective analysis of perioperative complications and anatomical outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcomes and complications of laparoscopic sacropexy with regard to 3 varying mesh attachment points: the vaginal stump, the cervical stump, and the posterior side of the cervix in the case of uterus preservation. METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted among 310 women treated for descensus with laparoscopic sacropexy between January 2000 and December 2007. Information was obtained from medical files and follow-up examinations. RESULTS: Sacropexies with mesh attachment to the cervical stump, to the vaginal stump, and with uterus preservation were performed in 213, 67, and 30 cases, respectively. In 40 cases, no concomitant interventions were necessary. One perioperative conversion and 2 terminations occurred. Short-term complications included fever in 15 cases and urinary incontinence in 7 cases. Average follow-up was 7.9 mo with 211 patients completing followup. Prolapse recurrence rate was 10.4%; the reoperation rate was 4%. No significant differences between groups were detected for cystocele recurrence. Rectocele recurrence was significantly higher (P < .05) for sacropexy with vaginal mesh attachment. A reduction of incontinence was observed, which was significant (P < .05) for those patients treated with simultaneous or previous hysterectomy. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic sacropexy shows good short-term results with low reprolapse and complication rates.

Imaging in gynecologic surgery.

The technical development of instruments for endoscopic surgery started in the field of gynecology. In the early 1970s, with the improvement of optics and instruments for laparoscopic surgery, gyne-endoscopic surgery developed and set milestones for all other surgical fields. However, the general surgeons propagated the advantages of 2D or 3D imaging surgery much better than the conservative gynecologists. Surgery on a 2D screen without direct vision is regarded as more advantageous than open surgery and has achieved wide acceptance. Several schools of gynecologic endoscopy in Europe (in Kiel, Giessen, Clermont Ferrand and Strasbourg) have set guidelines for gyne-endoscopic surgery. Our catalog of indications in the areas of gyne-endoscopic surgery, published in 2002, reveals the broad application of these techniques today. 3D vision, robotic instruments and systems, such as the da Vinci(®) Surgical System from Intuitive Surgical, Inc. (CA, USA), round up the picture of endoscopic surgery. The advantages of endoscopic surgery over open surgery (more precision, less trauma, less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery period) are becoming more accepted. The present healthcare systems and hospital administrations understand the challenges of imaging in surgery, particularly in endoscopic surgery.

Organ-preserving management of ovarian pregnancies by laparoscopic approach.

This article discusses the possible etiology and the preoperative, operative, and postoperative management of five ovarian pregnancies based on the initial nonspecific signs and symptoms and the high risk of hemoperitoneum and/or hypovolemic shock of a ruptured ovarian pregnancy with the associated diagnostic problems. The advances made in transvaginal ultrasonography and monitoring of serum ß-hCG levels in blood samples, as well as the substantial progress made in diagnostic pelviscopy and operative laparoscopy, have led to an early minimal invasive surgical management with the main emphasis on an organ-preserving procedure, i.e., a simple enucleation of the gestational sac with the utmost protection of the surrounding ovarian tissue.

Precarious preoperative diagnostics and hints for the laparoscopic excision of uterine adenomatoid tumors: two exemplary cases and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To present two exemplary cases of adenomatoid tumors. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Two laparoscopic centers in Germany. PATIENT(S): Two women of reproductive age with uterine adenomatoid tumors. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic tumor excision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Differential diagnostics of uterine masses. RESULT(S): Intraoperatively, tumor excision is difficult because of the missing capsule that allows simple enucleation of fibroids. Adenomatoid tumors need to be cut out of the myometrium because they are densely adherent, with no clear plane of cleavage. Definite exclusion of a malignant tumor is only possible by histologic workup. CONCLUSION(S): The above might lead to an intraoperative dilemma in the case of young women because a malignant tumor would implicate a more radical operative strategy. Nevertheless, owing to the benign nature of adenomatoid tumors and the lack of recurrence, simple resection with conservation of the surrounding tissue is the treatment of choice. The proper laparoscopic handling of such cases is illustrated and placed in context within the existing literature.

Laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy: comparison of single versus multiple fibroids removal. An institutional experience.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare single versus multiple laparoscopic myomectomy with an intracapsular method. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 335 laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomies were compared. They were subdivided into two groups. Group I included 195 patients with myoma; group II, 140 patients with multiple myomas, 4-9 cm in diameter. Laparoscopic procedures were compared with respect to intraoperative complications, postoperative compliance, and general surgical feedback. Results were analyzed using SAS software (version 8), considering a P-value of <0.05 as significant. RESULTS: No differences (P>0.05) between groups were observed with respect to the following: intraoperative blood loss (98 ± 4.7 mL of group I versus 106 ± 6.8 mL of group II), catheter inside pelvis for postsurgical drainage (40% versus 36.4% women), analgesic administration for the first 24 hours (41.5% versus 40% patients), postoperative fever after 24 hours (11.2% versus 9.2% women), postoperative therapeutic antibiotics administration (8.2% versus 6.4% patients), and hospitalization and postoperative ultrasound (US) intramyometrial hematoma detection (6.6% versus 5.7% of group II). The only surgical statistical difference (P<0.05) was in the mean total laparoscopic time (60 ± 7.2 minutes for group I versus 97 ± 8.9 minutes for group II). CONCLUSIONS: Intracapsular laparoscopic myomectomies, performed in the same session on a single or on multiple fibroids, seem to preserve myometrial integrity and allow the restoration of uterine scar, with few early and late surgical complications.

Early detection of a twin tubal pregnancy by Doppler sonography allows fertility-conserving laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Vital twin tubal gestation is a rare complication in pregnancy. CASE: An asymptomatic gravida 1 female presented with increasing beta-HCG levels without an intrauterine gestation. Doppler sonography revealed cardiac motion of unilateral tubal twins. The patient was treated laparoscopically by partial tubectomy allowing a subsequent tubal re-anastomosis. CONCLUSION: Doppler sonography may detect vital ectopic pregnancies early enabling fertility-conserving surgery.