ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) has been proposed as an alternative to prenatal diagnosis (PND). This study compares the attitudes towards PGD of four groups of parents in Saudi Arabia: two groups at genetic risk for different conditions but with no experience of PGD procedures and two groups who had experience, either of PGD or of in vitro fertilisation (IVF) for infertility. METHODS: One hundred and eighty four participants attending the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre (KFSH&RC) in Riyadh were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire: 49 had children affected by a haemoglobin disorder, 48 had children with non-syndromic deafness, 37 were attending the PGD service and 50 were attending IVF services for infertility. RESULTS: Opinions in the two genetic groups were very similar: families were enthusiastic about PGD and relatively unconcerned about its technical limitations or the desirability of a confirmatory PND. The technical limitations of PGD and the moral status of embryos were of greatest concern to the PGD group. Waiting for the pregnancy result was the most commonly mentioned concern in the PGD and IVF groups. CONCLUSION: PGD might be considered for a range of conditions in Saudi Arabia. However, it is not an easy option, and couples must be selected and counselled appropriately.
Subject(s)
Deafness/genetics , Hemoglobinopathies/genetics , Preimplantation Diagnosis/psychology , Prenatal Diagnosis/psychology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Cross-Sectional Studies , Deafness/diagnosis , Female , Fertilization in Vitro , Hemoglobinopathies/diagnosis , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Pregnancy , Saudi Arabia , Surveys and Questionnaires , Young AdultABSTRACT
The Pomeroy method is a most widely practiced and most familiar form of tubal ligation. It traditionally requires laparotomy or multiple-puncture laparoscopic suturing, which is not a realistic option for the average endoscopist. We designed a 5-mm device, the Endosquid, to reproduce Pomeroy tubal ligation laparoscopically using a single 5-mm accessory puncture site. It is able to ligate, transect, and remove a loop of isthmic tube. We tested the Endosquid in a porcine model by ligating 25 bicornuate uterine horns and aortas. Ligation times averaged less than 5 minutes for each application. Gross and histologic evaluation of ligation specimens performed at necropsy confirmed correct placement. Blood loss was negligible and there were no operative complications.
