The influence of persistent bleeding after supracervical hysterectomy on depressive and anxious symptoms: a prospective bicenter study.

PURPOSE: Postoperative spotting is a frequent adverse symptom after laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH). The conical excision (eLSH) reduces the postoperative spotting rate, but data in a larger collective are still rare and inconsistent. The influence of persistent bleeding on the anxious and depressive symptoms has not been analyzed yet. METHODS: 311 patients, who underwent a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with conical excision (n = 163), or with straight cervical resection (n = 148) were included. Anxious and depressive symptoms and postoperative spotting were recorded before operation, at 3 month follow-up and at 1 year follow-up in both operative groups using a validated questionnaire (German version of Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-D) and additional questions concerning the frequency and impact of bleeding. Statistical analysis included the impairment of bleeding as well as its impact on depressive and anxious symptoms for both groups. RESULTS: 11.5% after eLSH and 15.5% after LSH reported spotting after 1 year. Supracervical hysterectomy significantly improves depressive and anxious symptoms at 3 and at 12 month follow-up for both groups (p < 0.001) independent on residual spotting. Patients with a preoperative continuous bleeding showed a maximum benefit independent on operative method. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy has a positive effect on anxious and depressive symptoms in the short-term and intermediate-term follow-up. The conical excision of the cervical stump reduces postoperative spotting rate, but has no explicit advantage on symptoms of depression or anxiety, irrespective of residual postoperative spotting.

The influence of conventional and extended supracervical hysterectomy on sexuality and quality of life parameters: a prospective bi-center study with a special focus on postoperative spotting.

PURPOSE: Supracervical as well as total hysterectomy are considered to improve postoperative sexuality as well as quality of life, but the benefit of supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) is impaired in up to 20 percent by postoperative spotting. The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of a conical excision of the cervical stump during supracervical hysterectomy on the postoperative spotting rate and its influence on sexuality and in turn quality of life. METHODS: 321 Patients who underwent a laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with conical excision (extended laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, eLSH, n = 166, Dormagen hospital) or with straight cervical resection (laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, LSH, n = 133, MIC Clinics Berlin) were included. Sexual matters, quality of life parameters and additional questions were recorded before operation, at three months of follow up, and at one year of follow up in both groups using a validated questionnaire (German version of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Vaginal Symptoms Module, ICIQ_VS). Statistical analysis included the impact and impairment of bleeding on sexuality, quality of life in both groups and co-factors such as vaginal symptoms. RESULTS: 11.3% after eLSH and 15.5% after LSH reported spotting after 1 year. Supracervical hysterectomy significantly improves quality of life and sexuality and a conical excision of the remaining stump is associated with a lower but insignificantly reduced spotting rates. Postoperative spotting has no negative influence on sexual matter score of ICIQ_VS, but reduces the postoperative quality of life focusing on vaginal symptoms in a significant way. CONCLUSION: The improvement of ICIQ_VS scores after supracervical hysterectomy is independent of postoperative spotting, but the quality-of-life score is positively influenced by a reduction in the postoperative spotting rate.

Diagnostic value of palpation and ultrasonography for diagnosing breast cancer recurrence after mastectomy--a comparison.

PURPOSE: According to the current interdisciplinary S 3 guideline for breast cancer diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up (1st update 2008), palpation is one of the diagnostic mainstays for follow-up examinations after mastectomy. Although recommended in the manuscript, regular ultrasonographic examinations are neither explicitly mentioned in the statement nor in the follow-up plan. In ambiguous cases, MRI can serve as a supplementary diagnostic method. In order to evaluate the value of palpation and ultrasonography for diagnosing recurrent disease after mastectomy, we analyzed the sensitivity of each method individually and the sensitivity of both methods combined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 12-year time span, histological data from 57 patients suspected to have recurrent disease after mastectomy (benign lesions: n = 15, 26.3% malignant lesions: n = 42, 73.7%) were collected. Prior to biopsy, the benign versus malignant character of all lesions was assessed by palpation and ultrasonography (BI-RADS). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (ppv), negative predictive value (npv), and efficacy were calculated using a contingency table. RESULTS: Palpation had a sensitivity of 85.7 % and a specificity of 6.7% the respective figures for ultrasonography were 90.5% and 46.7%. The sensitivity of palpation and ultrasonography combined was 100%, i. e. 14.3% higher than the sensitivity of palpation alone. Five cases of recurrent disease which remained undetected by palpation were only recognized by ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: In agreement with several other studies, the results of our retrospective study show that ultrasonography is superior to palpation for diagnosing recurrent disease after mastectomy. Prospective multicenter studies are needed to evaluate ultrasonographic follow-up before an amendment of the current S 3 guidelines can be recommended with a high degree of evidence.

A safety and efficacy study of a resorbable hydrogel for reduction of post-operative adhesions following myomectomy.

BACKGROUND: This multicenter, randomized, single-blind study assessed the safety and efficacy of a resorbable hydrogel ('Hydrogel') for the reduction of post-operative adhesion formation following myomectomy. METHODS: Women (n = 71) who were undergoing laparoscopic (67.6%) or laparotomic myomectomy were randomized (2:1) to Hydrogel (sprayed over surgically treated areas prior to wound closure, n = 48) or to control (standard care, n = 23). Patients (38 Hydrogel, 20 control) returned 8-10 weeks later for a second look. Adhesions were graded using a modified American Fertility Society (mAFS) scoring method. The primary efficacy measure was the posterior uterus mAFS score. RESULTS: For Hydrogel and control patients, respectively, mean +/- SD mAFS scores were 0.5 +/- 1.4 and 0.0 +/- 0.0 at baseline, and 1.1 +/- 1.9 and 2.6 +/- 2.2 at the second look. Similarly, mean changes from baseline were 0.8 +/- 2.0 and 2.6 +/- 2.2 (P = 0.01); 95% confidence intervals for these mean changes were (0.16-1.44) and (1.64-3.56). Adverse events were reported by 9.6 and 17.4% of Hydrogel and control patients, respectively. No intra-abdominal infections or post-operative site infections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This 71-patient study provides the first clinical evidence of the safety and efficacy of Hydrogel for the reduction of adhesions following myomectomy. The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT00562471.

The International Endometriosis Evaluation Program (IEEP Study) - A Systematic Study for Physicians, Researchers and Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a heterogeneous disease characterized by a range of different presentations. It is usually diagnosed when patients present with pain and/or infertility, but it has also been diagnosed in asymptomatic patients. Because of the different diagnostic approaches and diverse therapies, time to diagnosis can vary considerably and the definitive diagnosis may be delayed, with some cases not being diagnosed for several years. Endometriosis patients have many unmet needs. A systematic registration and follow-up of endometriosis patients could be useful to obtain an insight into the course of the disease. The validation of biomarkers could contribute to the development of diagnostic and predictive tests which could help select patients for surgical assessment earlier and offer better predictions about patients who might benefit from medical, surgical or other interventions. The aim is also to obtain a better understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis and progression of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To do this, an online multicenter documentation system was introduced to facilitate the establishment of a prospective multicenter case-control study, the IEEP (International Endometriosis Evaluation Program) study. We report here on the first 696 patients with endometriosis included in the program between June 2013 and June 2015. RESULTS: A documentation system was created, and the structure and course of the study were mapped out with regard to data collection and the collection of biomaterials. CONCLUSION: The documentation system permits the history and clinical data of patients with endometriosis to be recorded. The IEEP combines this information with biomaterials and uses it for scientific studies. The recorded data can also be used to evaluate clinical quality control measures such as the certification parameters used by the EEL (European Endometriosis League) to assess certified endometriosis centers.

Indications and Route of Hysterectomy for Benign Diseases. Guideline of the DGGG, OEGGG and SGGG (S3 Level, AWMF Registry No. 015/070, April 2015)

Background: Official guideline "indications and methods of hysterectomy" to assign indications for the different methods published and coordinated by the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG), the Austrian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (OEGGG) and the Swiss Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SGGG). Besides vaginal and abdominal hysterectomy, three additional techniques have been implemented due to the introduction of laparoscopy. Organ-sparing alternatives were also integrated. Methods: The guideline group consisted of 26 experts from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Recommendations were developed using a structured consensus process and independent moderation. A systematic literature search and quality appraisal of benefits and harms of the therapeutic alternatives for symptomatic fibroids, dysfunctional bleeding and adenomyosis was done through MEDLINE up to 6/2014 focusing on systematic reviews and meta-analysis. Results: All types of hysterectomy led in studies to high rates of patient satisfaction. If possible, vaginal instead of abdominal hysterectomy should preferably be done. If a vaginal hysterectomy is not feasible, the possibility of a laparoscopic hysterectomy should be considered. An abdominal hysterectomy should only be done with a special indication. Organ-sparing interventions also led to high patient satisfaction rates, but contain the risk of symptom recurrence. Conclusion: As an aim, patients should be enabled to choose that therapeutic intervention for their benign disease of the uterus that convenes best to them and their personal life situation.

Randomized trial comparing a radially expandable needle system with cutting trocars.

Sharp trocar insertion for laparoscopic procedures carries with it increased risk for vascular and visceral complications and incisional hernia. In a trial, which randomized 87 patients to treatment with either sharp trocars or a radially expanding needle system with blunt dilator, results showed that with the latter system there was statistically improved patient assessment of pain, a lower complications rate, and shorter procedure time. In the group of patients randomized to treatment with conventional trocars, there were a total of six instrument-related adverse events (6/42): four cases (five incidences) of abdominal wall injuries and one small bowel perforation caused by a Veress needle. Of the 45 patients randomized to the blunt dilator/cannula treatment, there was one adverse event (1/45) that was unrelated to the blunt dilator/cannula system: Veress needle injury to abdominal vasculature. The radially expanding access system demonstrates statistically improved patient postoperative comfort and improved patient safety.

Laparoscopic sacropexy: a retrospective analysis of the subjective outcome in 310 cases.

Background and Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the subjective outcome following laparoscopic sacropexy. Methods. We performed a retrospective cohort study among women treated for descensus with laparoscopic sacropexy between January 2000 and December 2007. 310 patients received questionnaires during followup assessing major pre- and postoperative symptoms and overall satisfaction. Results. 214 (69%) patients responded to the questionnaire. Mean followup was 24.5 months. The number of patients with back or lower abdominal pain, foreign body sensation in the vagina and prolapse-related symptoms, urinary symptoms, vaginal and bladder infections, and the need for pessary usage decreased significantly postsurgically. Bowel symptoms increased slightly but not significantly. Two years after surgery, nearly 2 thirds of the women were satisfied or very satisfied with the outcome. Conclusion. Laparoscopic sacropexy is an effective treatment of descensus, with favorable or satisfactory subjective outcomes.

No more abdominal hysterectomy for myomata using a new minimally-invasive technique.

To perform hysterectomy in uterus myomatosus, there are several surgical techniques. For a uterine weight of >1000 g, after a caesarean section and in nullipara per vaginam, the most common surgical technique for hysterectomy in patients is hysterectomy per laparotomiam. A new endoscopical technique developed to treat such patients and to avoid laparotomy is described in this case report: the laparoscopic combined hysterectomy (LACH) using the change-over technique. Adhesiolysis, preparation of the ureters and the bladder and morcellation of the uterus of 2480 g were performed minimally-invasive in two steps, from one side of the patient with a change-over of the OP-team to the other side of the patient. The cervix was removed per vaginam.

[The HELLP syndrome--3 case reports with clinically different course]. / Das HELLP-Syndrom--3 Kasuistiken mit klinisch unterschiedlichen Verläufen.

Three case reports of patients with HELLP-syndrome show how different the clinical courses in HELLP-syndrome may be. A maternal case of death after eclampsia and HELLP-syndrome explains that early diagnosis and immediate therapy are important for success in the treatment of HELLP-syndrome. After delivery--at present the only efficient causal therapy (we recommend a quick cesarean section after making the diagnosis)--an increase of the number of thrombocytes and a normalization of the liver enzymes can be observed within a few days. An intensive co-operation of obstetricians, anesthetists, and pediatricians in the treatment of patients with HELLP-syndrome is necessary.

[During laparoscopy undetected perforation of the small intestine. Modern possibilities for prevention with Visiport and Minioptik]. / Während einer Laparoskopie nicht erkannte Dünndarmperforation. Moderne Präventionsmöglichkeiten mit Visiport und Minioptik.

The postoperative course of a not recognized perforation of the small bowel will be reported. The patient underwent a control-laparoscopy because of ovarian cancer following radical surgery and postoperative chemotherapy. Prevention possibilities with the use of the Minioptik (Storz) and Visiport (Auto Suture) are described.

[Case observations on the significance of early pregnancy factor as a tumor marker]. / Kasuistische Betrachtungen zur Bedeutung des Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) als Tumormarker.

At three patients who have been operated on because of completely different tumours (trophoblast tumour, endodermalsinus tumour of the right ovary and rhabdomyosarcoma as well as adrenal cortex carcinoma) pre-operatively the Early Pregnancy Factor (EPF) could in each case be shown in the serum with the help of the rosette inhibition test. In two cases the EPF already intra-operatively disappeared from the serum. In the third case it could be found until the second day after operation. Since that patient suffered from two histogenetically non-related malignant tumours it was not possible to trace whether the adrenal cortex carcinoma or the rhabdomyosarcoma have been the reason for the EPF-synthesis. The already intra-operative disappearance and the also during further post-operative controls unsuccessful proof of EPF in serum can indicate an opportunity for the early assessment of efficiency of the surgical treatment of tumours which develop EPF or which induce the EPF-synthesis.

[Hysteroscopy versus hysterosalpingography in diagnosis of sterility and infertility]. / Hysteroskopie versus Hysterosalpingographie in der Sterilitäts- und Infertilitätsdiagnostik.

In a prospective study of 68 infertile patients the findings of hysterosalpingography and hysteroscopy have been compared. Hysterosalpingography showed in 3 cases false-negative results and in 10 cases false-positive results. Hysterosalpingography is especially limited for diagnostics of intrauterine adhesions. Hysteroscopy should be a necessary component of diagnostics of sterility, also in case of normal hysterosalpingographical findings.

Laparoscopic removal of a 5-cm subserous pedunculated myoma with small instruments.

A mobile, subserous, pedunculated myoma was located on the anterior surface of the uterus in a 45-year-old woman. Bipolar coagulation was performed on the pedicle, and the myoma was dissected with an electrical morcellator and removed through the umbilicus. This technique required placement of one 5- to 12-mm cannula in the umbilicus and two 2-mm miniports at the pubic hairline. This technique is easy to perform, and the patient benefits from minimal postoperative pain and excellent cosmetic results.

[The value of laparoscopy in diagnosis and therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain]. / Zur Bedeutung der Laparoskopie in der Diagnostik und Therapie bei Patientinnen mit chronischen Unterbauchbeschwerden.

The anamnesis, the preoperative diagnostics, the laparoscopic findings, and the therapeutic management are reported of 303 patients who underwent laparoscopy because of chronic pelvic pain during the years of 1989 and 1993. The most common laparoscopic diagnosis were adhesions of the bowel and omentum (34.7%), adhesions of the genital organs (24.1%) and endometriosis (19.8%). In 31.4% there were normal pelvic findings. In patients with a history of surgical or other gynecological procedures we found significantly more adhesions as compared to nontreated controls; the adhesions were predominantly confined to the bowel and rather than the gynecologic pelvis. PID-Patients had significantly more genital adhesions. The high frequency of surgical laparoscopies and therapeutic recommendations following a diagnostic laparoscopy emphasize the importance of a laparoscopic investigation in patients with chronic pelvic pain.

Early pregnancy factor (EPF) as tumour marker in two patients with trophoblastic tumour.

Two patients with a trophoblastic tumour (one with an invasive mole and one with a choriocarcinoma) had early pregnancy factor (EPF; detected by rosette inhibition test) in serum. In both cases the EPF already disappeared during surgery which suggests that EPF could be a useful and sensitive tumour marker if laboratory technology for its detection could be improved.

Treatment of a torqued hematosalpinx in the thirteenth week of pregnancy using gasless laparoscopy.

Laparotomy and carbon dioxide laparoscopy are relatively traumatic and high-risk operations for patients. They may have negative effects on pregnancy, especially in advanced pregnancy. Gasless laparoscopy was performed on torqued hematosalpinx in a woman in the thirteenth week of pregnancy. After salpingectomy, the pregnancy proceeded normally.

[Uterine abnormality and fallopian tube damage--surgical correction in one session?]. / Uterusfehlbildung und Tubenschaden--operative Korrektur in einer Sitzung?

From 1983 to 1990 15 metroplasties were carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Greifswald. 11 of these operations were combined with a microsurgical tubal operation. For the diagnostics of uterus malformation and tubal damage as many methods as possible (hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy with chromotubation, hysteroscopy and sonography) should be used. A postoperative life birth rate of 62.5% shows that an operative correction of uterus malformation and tubal damage in one session is justified. Metroplasty is also indicated at primary tubal sterility with simultaneous uterus malformation. A caesarean section is not primarily indicated after metroplasty.

[Hysteroscopic treatment of tubal pregnancy by intratubal injection of methotrexate]. / Hysteroskopische Behandlung von Tubargraviditäten durch die intratubare Injektion von Methotrexat.

The treatment of 3 non-ruptured tubal pregnancies by hysteroscopic intratubal injection of methotrexate was reported. In all 3 cases the beta-hCG serum levels decreased after injection during clinical, serological and sonographical control. In 2 patients the tubes were patent at a later control. In selected cases the intratubal administration of methotrexate via hysteroscopy is an alternative minimal invasive treatment.

[Diagnostic laparoscopy with mini-optics--initial experiences]. / Diagnostische Laparoskopie mit der Minioptik--erste Erfahrungen.

The use of a 1.2 mm microendoscope is compared to the conventional laparoscopy technique in this study. In 22 sterility patients and 23 patients suffering from chronic pelvic pain the high diagnostic value of the microendoscope is shown. Only in one case endometriosis (EEC I) is overseen. The diagnostic laparoscopy by the microendoscope is a new minimal invasive procedure which could be important as a screening method in future.