Laparoscopic restaging of early stage invasive adnexal tumors: a 10-year experience.

UNLABELLED: Surgical staging of apparent early stage adnexal carcinoma provides indispensable information. A significant number of patients are referred to tertiary centers with inadequate staging information. We report on our experience with late results of laparoscopic restaging procedure in uncompletely managed early adnexal carcinomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1991 to 2001, 53 laparoscopic restaging operations were performed: 42 patients were restaged early after initial surgery for an ovarian carcinoma (OC) in 35 of them, and for fallopian tube carcinomas (FTCs) in 7 others. Eleven patients were assessed as a second-look procedure, after six courses of platinum-based chemotherapy indicated for a high-risk tumor. The procedure systematically followed the guidelines of laparotomy. RESULTS: All except one (adhesions) procedures were successfully completed. Operative room time averaged 238 min and hospital stay 3.1 days. Only one major complication required laparotomy (1.8%). In the primary restaging group, eight patients were upstaged (19%) and were given chemotherapy. After a 54-month median follow-up, 3 out of the 34 remaining patients diagnosed as stage IA grades 1-2 (6.4%) recurred and died. In the group of 11 second-look operations, 4 were found positive after chemotherapy. One of the positive patient recurred and died. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy seems to be an acceptable technical option to perform restaging of apparently early adnexal carcinomas. It spares the patients the discomfort of repeat laparotomy. Long-term outcome results suggest that laparoscopic staging, provided it meets the standards, accurately detects the patients who need chemotherapy and safely select the patients who can be proposed surgery only.

[Postoperative adhesions following para-aortic lymphadenectomy by laparotomy with as compared to without Intergel. Experimental animal study]. / Comparaison des adhérences postopératoires après lymphadénectomies para-aortiques par laparotomie avec versus sans Intergel: étude expérimentale animale.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced cancers of the cervix are treated by external radiotherapy within range limits which depend on the para-aortic ganglion metastases found during surgical staging. The presence of postoperative intraperitoneal adhesions increases the risk of postradical enteritis. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of an anti-adhesive substance (Intergel) undergoing para-aortic lymphadenectomy by laparotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conduced a prospective, randomized study on 60 pigs divided into 2 groups (with and without Intergel) undergoing para-aortic lymphadenectomy by laparotomy to compare the efficacy of an anti-adhesive substance using an adhesion scoring system based on density and surface area in question. RESULTS: There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of duration of surgery, number of ganglia removed, postoperative mortality and per and postoperative morbidity, especially the adhesion process. CONCLUSION: Administration of an anti-adhesive substance such as Intergel does not reduce the adhesion process after para-aortic lymphadenectomy in animals. However, perhaps we can not interpret these results because of the too much quantity of anti-adhesive substance for the animal weight, and because of the too precocious control.

Long-term results of the Burch procedure combined with abdominal sacrocolpopexy for treatment of vault prolapse.

The aim of the study was to determine the long-term results of Burch procedures combined with vault prolapse repair by abdominal sacrocolpopexy. Between 1986 and 1997 82 women (mean age 46.0 years, range 27-79) underwent sacrocolpopexy combined with a Burch procedure. All patients presented with urinary incontinence and vault prolapse. The surgery consisted of a Burch procedure using non-absorbable suture material, and abdominal sacrocolpopexy with a non-absorbable mesh. The mesh was placed anteriorly and posteriorly in 66 cases, posteriorly (rectovaginal) in 12, and anteriorly (vesicovaginal) in 4. Additional procedures included hysterectomy (34 cases), enterocele repair (79 cases), and posterior repair with perineorrhaphy (65 cases). Failure was defined as the presence of persistent or worsened postoperative stress urinary incontinence (SUI). At a mean follow-up of 86 months (range 24-133) 34% (28/82) of patients were dry, and another 46% (38/82) were improved compared to their preoperative status. The postoperative SUI rate (persistent, worsened) after the placement of a single anterior mesh (4 failures out of 4) was higher than the postoperative SUI rate after combined meshes (41 failures out of 66) (log rank P = 0.05). All the patients with a history of prior surgery had worsened or persistent stress urinary incontinence (7/7), but 63% (47/75) of those with no prior surgery for stress urinary incontinence had worsened or persistent stress urinary incontinence (log rank P = 0.01). One case of recurrent rectocele was observed (after 20 months) and treated by transvaginal Richter sacrospinous fixation. At a mean follow up of 7 years, the Burch procedure combined with abdominal sacrocolpopexy appears to be less effective than previously published long-term results for the Burch procedure alone.

[Peritoneovaginal fistula after vaginal hysterectomy]. / Fistule péritonéo-vaginale après hystérectomie vaginale.

Peritoneovaginal fistula is a rare complication of hysterectomy. A patient with pelvic pain and vaginal discharge due to peritoneovaginal fistula, 6 months after hysterectomy, is presented. The laparoscopic approach with an intravaginal blue-test, provided the evidence of the peritoneovaginal fistula. The transvaginal approach offered a surgical closure of the fistula and a resolution of the symptoms. In addition, we have reviewed the literature, the symptoms, the differential diagnosis and the management of this problem.

[Marfan syndrome and pregnancy. Apropos of 4 cases]. / Syndrome de Marfan et grossesse. A propos de quatre cas.

OBJECTIVES: To create a follow-up protocol for pregnant patients with Marfan syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of patients who delivered in the Jeanne de Flandre University Hospital between June 1996 and June 1999. Four pregnant patients with Marfan syndrome were identified. RESULTS: Three of these patients had Bentall procedure. One of them had vaginal delivery and the two others underwent cesarean section. One of these two patients developed aortic valve thrombus at 14 weeks of amenorrhea. The fourth patient did not have surgery and had two vaginal deliveries. DISCUSSION: According to our results and after reviewing literature pregnant patients with Marfan syndrome were divided into two groups. The 1st group was comprised of patients who underwent Bentall procedure. The 2nd one was comprised of patients who did not undergo any surgical procedure. The possibility of vaginal delivery for patients who underwent Bentall procedure (one case) and the interest of Propanolol and anticoagulant treatment are emphasized. CONCLUSION: The multivariant approach of pregnant patients with Marfan syndrome is stressed out with special reference to the potential complications of this syndrome such as aortic dissection and to the problems related to the anticoagulant treatment.

Anatomic study of arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomy of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two fixed female cadaver pelvises (88 and 66 years old) were dissected. RESULTS: The arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis is a 10-cm-long fibrous thickening of the pelvic fascia which is medial to the obturator internus muscle and lateral to the peritoneum. It is inserted on the ischiatic spine and courses downward and anteriorly to the pubovesical ligament. The posterior third of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis is fused with the posterior third of the arcus tendineus musculus levatoris ani, forming a curve with upward and anterior concavity. This portion of the arcus tendineus is thick and easy to recognise upon palpation. It is located 1cm slightly above and anterior to the ischiatic spine and 2 cm from of the pudendal vessels, which course around the posterior inferior margin of the ischiatic spine. The superior margin of the median part of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis is crossed laterally by vessels for the obturator internus muscle arising from the internal iliac vessels. CONCLUSION: In genital prolapse cure, sutures must be placed through the anterior or median parts of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis. In any case, they must remain anterior to the posterior part of the arcus tendineus fasciae pelvis to avoid injury to the pudendal vessels.

[Cure of cystocele with vaginal patch]. / Cure de cystocèle par plastron vaginal.

OBJECTIVE: To describe an original technique for transvaginal cystocele repair and to report the anatomical and functional results of the first 47 patients operated by this technique. The operation combines suspension, by six sutures to the tendinous arches of the pelvic fascia, of a vaginal patch measuring 6 to 8 cm long by about 4 cm wide left in contact with the cystocele. The vaginal patch is then buried under the anterior colporraphy suture. Spinal fixation, hysterectomy, levator myorrhaphy or urinary incontinence repair are also performed as necessary. METHODS: Descriptive retrospective study of 47 patients undergoing transvaginal repair of prolapse between October 1997 and June 1998. All patients presented external prolapse with grade III cystocele, associated with urinary incontinence in 38.3% of cases and hysterocele or vaginal prolapse in 87% of cases. The mean age of the patients was 69 years. The uterus was preserved in two cases, but hysterectomy was performed in the other 45 patients, together with Richter spinal fixation in 44 cases An associated levator myorrhaphy was performed in every case. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 16.4 months (range: 6 to 26 months) in 46 patients. The cystocele was considered to be cured in 93% of patients, one patient had an asymptomatic grade I cystocele and surgery was unsuccessful in two patients who developed recurrent grade II cystocele. CONCLUSION: The technique presented here is a curative treatment for grade III cystocele in menopaused women associated with Richter spinal fixation, and prevents the risk of cystocele described after transvaginal treatment of prolapse by spinal fixation alone (10 to 20%). The short-term results are encouraging, but they need to be confirmed by a follow-up of at least 5 years.

[Vaginal hysterectomy in nulliparous women: indications and limitations]. / Hystérectomie vaginale et nulliparité: indications et limites.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine whether nulliparity is a limiting factor for vaginal hysterectomy performed for benign lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective study in 1604 patients who underwent hysterectomy for a benign lesion between 1991 and 1998. We studied a subgroup of this population constituted by 128 nulliparous women, i.e. 8% of the patients. RESULTS: Vaginal hysterectomy was performed at first intention in 54.7% of the cases, after laparoscopic preparation in 14%, and by first intention laparotomy in 31.3% for each type of approach we compared: history of pelvic surgery, duration of the operation, final weight of the uterus, peroperative complications, association or not with adnexectomy in patients aged 45 years or older, frequency of a reduction procedure in the vaginal group and duration of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Nulliparity is not a contraindication for vaginal hysterectomy which can be proposed as a first intention procedure, sometimes in association with laparoscopic preparation in case of prior pelvic surgery or concomitant adnexal disorders.

The vaginal patch plastron for vaginal cure of cystocele. Preliminary results for 47 patients.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a new surgical technique (the vaginal plastron) for the treatment of cystocele by the vaginal route. The technique is based on bladder support by a vaginal strip (6-8cm in length and 4cm in width), isolated from the anterior colpocele, left attached to the bladder, associated with a suspension of this strip by its fixation to the tendinous arch of the pelvic fascia by six lateral sutures (three on each side of the plastron). The vaginal plastron is then covered by tucking it under the anterior colporraphy. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated the short-term functional and anatomical results of the first 47 patients to have undergone this treatment between October 1997 and June 1998. The average age of the patients was 69 years. Cystoceles were associated with urinary stress incontinence in 38.3% of cases, with hysterocele or prolapse of the vaginal dome in 87.2% of cases, with an elytrocele in 19.1% of cases and a rectocele in 70.2% of cases. Of the 45 patients having had a hysterectomy combined with the vaginal plastron or in their past history, 44 (99.77%) had a Richter sacro-spino-fixation and 17 (38%) had a Campbell procedure combined with the vaginal plastron. All patients underwent a posterior perineorraphy with myorraphy of the elevators. RESULTS: Average follow-up was 16.4 months with extremes of 6-26 months and concerned 46 patients (one patient was unavailable). Ninety-three percent of the cystoceles were considered treated. One case of imperfect anatomical outcome was noted (persistence of stage 1 cystocele in one patient) together with two other cases of failure of the treatment of cystocele (relapse to stage 2 cystocele). CONCLUSION: Proposed as a curative treatment of cystocele and combined with the Richter fixation, the plastron provides a surgical solution to the problem of cystocele relapse arising after vaginal treatment of prolapse by sacro-spino-fixation alone (10-20% according to Richter). Short-term results are encouraging, however, medium- to long-term results (36-60 months) are necessary in order confirm the usefulness of this surgical technique.

[Arcus tendineus fascia pelvis: anatomical study]. / L'arc tendineux du fascia pelvien: étude anatomique.

OBJECTIVE: To reveal the anatomy of arcus tendineus fascia pelvis. MATERIAL: and methods. 2 fixed female cadaver pelvises (88 and 66 years old) were dissected. RESULTS: The arcus tendineus fascia pelvis is a fibrous recess of the pelvic fascia which is 10 cm long, laterally to the obturator internus muscle and medially to the peritoneum. It reaches the ischial spine lower and anteriorly to the pubo-vesical ligament. The third posterior part of the arcus tendineus of the pelvic fascia is commun with the posterior part of the arcus tendineus of the levator ani. This third posterior part is like a curve concave anteriorly. This curve is thick and easy to recognize by the palpation. This third posterior curve is 1cm in front of the ischial spine and 2cm in front of the pudendal vessel which took place behind the ischial spine. The vessels of the obturator internus muscle originated from the internal iliac vessel and crossed laterally the median part of the arcus tendineus of the pelvic fascia. CONCLUSION: Sutures must be placed through the anterior and median part of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis, in front of the posterior part of the arcus tendineus fascia pelvis to avoid any injury to the pudendal vessels.

MR-guided balloon angioplasty of stenosed aorta: in vivo evaluation using near-standard instruments and a passive tracking technique.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance (MR)-guided balloon angioplasty of a stenosed aorta on an open low-field magnet using a passive tracking technique. Visualization of vessels and position of instruments were realized by using a fast low-angle shot (FLASH) sequence. Catheters and guidewire were prepared for susceptibility-based MR visualization. Standard balloon catheters were inflated with diluted gadolinium, and nitinol guidewires were modified by incorporation of iron oxide markers into their walls. After validation on a flow phantom, balloon angioplasty was performed on an in vivo model of arterial stenosis. Creation of abdominal aorta stenosis was realized in five piglets. MR-guided balloon angioplasty of the aorta was performed with success in all but one. In one of them, stent implantation was achieved in the descending aorta. Balloon angioplasty using a passive tracking technique is a simple concept that can be realized with near-standard instruments and any MR imaging system. This represents an advance toward MR-guided vascular interventions in the future.

De novo adhesions with extraperitoneal endosurgical para-aortic lymphadenectomy versus transperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy: a randomized experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the risk of adhesion formation and the site of postoperative adhesions after transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted on 66 pigs, randomly allocated to 2 groups of 33 animals that underwent transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 techniques in terms of operating time, number of lymph nodes removed, and intraoperative and postoperative morbidity. More lymphoceles were observed in the extraperitoneal laparoscopy group (P =.0002). The overall adhesion rates were 76% in the transperitoneal group and 43.33% in the extraperitoneal group (P =.04). The adhesion score specific to the operative site was lower in the extraperitoneal group (P =.0005). A stereolocalization study showed that almost all adhesions after transperitoneal laparoscopy were situated in the para-aortic external irradiation field, whereas adhesions after extraperitoneal laparoscopy were predominantly situated outside this field. CONCLUSION: Extraperitoneal laparoscopy generates significantly fewer adhesions in the para-aortic irradiation field.

[Comparison of transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy: randomized experimental study]. / Comparaison des lymphadénectomies para-aortiques endoscopiques par voie transpéritonéale ou extrapéritonéale: étude expérimentale randomisée.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the risk of adhesion formation and the site of postoperative adhesions after transperitoneal versus extraperitoneal laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective randomized trial was conducted on 66 pigs, submitted to transperitoneal (n = 33) or extraperitoneal (n = 33) laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The efficacy and the intra and postoperative morbidity (adhesion score taking into account the number of adhesions and the surface area involved) of each approach were compared. The site of postoperative adhesions in relation to a simulated external irradiation field was determined by a stereo-localization system (Syslav) on 20 pigs. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two techniques in terms of operating time, number of lymph nodes removed, and intra and postoperative morbidity except for lymphoceles and adhesions. No case of lymphocele was observed in the transperitoneal group versus 13 cases (43.33%) in the extraperitoneal group (P = 0.0002). Final total adhesion score was 76% (n = 22) in the transperitoneal group versus 63.33% (n = 19) in the extraperitoneal group. Adhesion score specific to the operative site was 76% (n = 21) in the transperitoneal group versus 43.33% (n = 13) in the extraperitoneal group (P = 0.04). A statistically significant difference was observed between the two approaches in terms of final total adhesion score (P = 0.008) or adhesion score specific to the operative site (P = 0.0005). The stereolocalization study showed that almost all adhesions were situated in the paraaortic external irradiation field after transperitoneal laparoscopy, while adhesions were predominantly situated outside this field after extraperitoneal laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal laparoscopy generates significantly fewer adhesions in the paraaortic irradiation field and should have a risk of radiation enteritis less important than transperitoneal laparoscopy.

[Role of laparoscopy in the management of uterine cervix cancer]. / Rôle de la coeliochirurgie dans la prise en charge des cancers du col utérin.

At the turn of this century, the evidence of the benefits of a concurrent chemo-radiotherapy in locally advanced tumors and the development of mini-invasive surgery (laparoscopic and radical vaginal surgery) are the two main advances in the management of cervical carcinomas. From a personal experience of 304 cervical carcinomas, the different techniques of laparoscopy used in cervical carcinomas are addressed and discussed. Their long-term results when involved in the management protocols of cervical carcinomas at different stages are reported. From this series, some conclusions are drawn: 1) laparoscopy can spare a laparotomy in early-stage node-negative patients with low tumoral volume; 2) it can spare a systematic extended-field radiation therapy in high-risk patients with node-negative para-aortic exploration; 3) it can spare surgery in patients with a centro-pelvic advanced stage or recurrence, possibly candidates for an exenterative procedure, if occult spread is found in the intra- or retroperitoneal areas. The more and more frequent combination of the mini-invasive surgery for staging and treatment and radiotherapy or chemotherapy explains the need for new protocols of a more and more complex and specialized management.

[Endoscopic para-aortic dissection by the extraperitoneal approach: clinical study of 37 patients]. / Curage para-aortique endoscopique par voie extrapéritonéale: étude clinique à propos de 37 patientes.

OBJECTIVE: To give the preliminary results of a series of 37 operations for a para-aortic endoscopic curage by the extraperitoneal passage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-seven patients, with an average age of 45.8 +/- 12 years, were operated on for cervical cancer, with an average tumor diameter of 4.9 +/- 1 cm. The indications were: the tumor's diameter > or = 4 cm (N = 24), one FIGO stage > or = IIb distal (N = 10), N+ pelvic (N = 3). The irradiation was pelvic (if N-) or abdominopelvic (if N+). RESULTS: The operation lasted 125.3 +/- 36.8 min, and the average number of ganglions removed was 21.2 +/- 10.2. The upper limit of the curage was submesenteric for nine patients and subrenal for 28. The immediate postoperatory complications were: a retroperitoneal hematoma, an acute intestinal occlusion treated by laparotomy, and a ureteral wound on a fixed ganglion, treated by an endoprosthesis. The number of N+ was ten in all, of which three were macroscopic: 0/1 for stage Ib1; 2/12 (16.7%) for Ib2; 4/14 (28.6%) for IIb proximal; 4/10 (40%) for IIb distal or more. There were 6/26 (23.1%) N+ microscopic cases for subrenal curages, versus 1/8 (12.5%) for submesenteric. (Excluding 3 N+ microscopic cases). All were given postoperatory radiotherapy except for one, who had a widened hysterectomy (N-). After an average follow-up of 9.5 +/- 5.9 months, there were two pelvic recurrences and six at a distance (of which four died). We had a lymphocele superinfection at six weeks on the diverticular sigmoiditis. There was an enteritis in a patient who had an abdominal irradiation after a laparotomy for acute occlusion. CONCLUSION: Out of 36 patients having postoperatory radiotherapy, para-aortic extraperitoneal curage diagnosed seven N+ microscopic cases, allowing 26 uniquely pelvic irradiations.

Positive margins after conization and risk of persistent lesion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate a method to reduce the frequency of uterine reoperation with no persistent lesion and to identify factors predictive of persistent or recurrent lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 505 conizations performed by the same surgeon, 71 had positive margins (average patient age = 35.7 +/- 7.7 years). The patients underwent either immediate reoperation or monitoring with a Pap smear and colposcopy. RESULTS: Histologic assessment of the cervical cone after conization showed positive margins in 14.1% of cases [endocervical and exocervical margins affected in 50 of 505 (9.9%) and 21 of 505 (4.2%) cases, respectively]. Of 59 of these patients (83.1%) who underwent follow-up monitoring over an average of 35.2 months (range: 2.6-180. 8), 12 patients (average age: 40.8 +/- 6.4 years) underwent immediate hysterectomy and 47 (average age 34.0 +/- 7.4 years) benefited from monitoring first [secondary discovery of 19 persistent lesions within 6 months and 9 recurrences within 18 months on average (range: 8.8-48 months)]. Of the 9 patients with recurrent lesions, 7 underwent reintervention and 2 monitoring. Of the 19 patients with persistent lesions, 18 underwent reintervention and 1 monitoring. Normal histology was observed in 29.4% of patients undergoing secondary reoperation for an abnormal smear compared with 66.7% of patients undergoing immediate reoperation (P = 0.04). Severity of lesion and age of patients could not be used to predict the incidence of a persistent or recurring lesion. Seventy-nine percent of conizations had positive endocervical margins in patients with a recurring or persistent lesion compared with 48% in patients with normal follow-up (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Cytology and colposcopy follow-up in cases of positive conization margins may help to establish justification for the choice of reoperation, thereby limiting morbidity following repeated surgery.

Learning curves for transperitoneal laparoscopic and extraperitoneal endoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare learning curves for paraaortic lymphadenectomy by extraperitoneal endoscopic approach with those for transperitoneal laparoscopy. DESIGN: Randomized, long-term study (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: Animal laboratory. SUBJECTS: Sixty-six pigs. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic and endoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy, 33 pigs in each group, performed by two surgeons competent in laparoscopic surgery but without experience in endoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The duration of the procedure, number of lymph nodes removed, and number of residual nodes revealed learning curves that stabilized after the tenth procedure for each surgeon and for each approach. Vascular trauma depended on experience, occurring during the first 10 procedures for each surgeon. Efficacy and operative morbidity were comparable for the two procedures. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic extraperitoneal lymphadenectomy has a steep learning curve similar to that for transperitoneal laparoscopy.

[Electroconization with loop diathermy. A retrospective series of 307 cases]. / Electroconisation à l'anse diathermique. A propos d'une série rétrospective de 307 cas.

The electroconization with diathermic loop is a good procedure in the cervical dysplasia because there is a respect of the cervical tissue with a low cost, low complications, easy and quickly technic and a precise histological analysis of the histologic specimen. The indications are represented by high grade lesions, cyto-histologic discordance and endocervical squamo-columnar junction with a low grade lesion. The authors proposed a retrospective study about 307 cases of the electroconization with diathermic loop realised between January 1993 and June 1998.