Mini-plus percutaneous setting in total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to analyze the preliminary experience of a mini-plus percutaneous instrument (MpPc) setting in total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three women who underwent a mini-plus percutaneous total laparoscopic hysterectomy at a tertiary-care university-based teaching hospital and academic affiliated private hospital between May 2017 and 2018 were included. MpPc-TLH was performed through one optical trans-umbilical 5-mm trocar, one 5-mm ancillary port on the right side, either one 2.4-mm percutaneous endoscopic instrument or 3-mm mini-laparoscopic port on the right upper quadrant and if required one 3-mm ancillary port on the left lower quadrant. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were included, with a median age of 48 years (range, 38-71 years). Indication for surgery included uterine myomas (n = 20), benign adnexal mass (n = 7), endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 6), endometrial cancer (n = 5), adenomyosis with abnormal bleeding (n = 3), and high-grade cervical dysplasia (n = 2). The median operating time was 100 min (range, 60-180 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 30 ml (range, 20-60ml). The median postoperative abdominal pain Visual Analog Scale score was 3 (range, 0-6). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary data suggest that MpPc approach is a feasible and safe surgical modality for total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Primary Retroperitoneal Müllerian Adenocarcinoma: Report of Two Cases Treated With Radical Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Primary retroperitoneal Müllerian adenocarcinoma (PRMA) is a very rare type of primary retroperitoneal tumour. CASE 1: A 45-year-old woman presented with left lower extremity swelling and pain. Imaging revealed that the tumour had invaded the left common iliac vein and artery, internal and external iliac arteries, sciatic and obturator nerves, and pelvic wall. CASE 2: A 37-year-old was admitted with pelvic pain. Imaging showed the tumor at the left iliac bifurcation infiltrating the internal iliac artery and left sciatic, obturator, and femoral nerves. Both of these patients were treated with radical surgery that achieved no visible tumour at the end of the operation. CONCLUSION: There is no guideline for the diagnosis and management of this entity due to its rarity. These cases should be managed at highly specialized centres with expertise in radical surgery.

Step-by-step colpotomy in total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a technique to avoid apical support damage to the upper vagina

The purpose of this video article is to demonstrate our colpotomy technique that enables maximal protection of the cervical ring, helps to prevent the ureteral injury by distancing, and avoids shortening of the vagina at total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Step-by-step explanation of the colpotomy technique is presented using educational video setting in university-affiliated private hospital. After the uterine artery transection, a VECTEC surgical uterine manipulator (VECTEC, Hauterive, France) was inserted into the vagina in place of the sharp curette. The plastic rotating blade of uterine manipulator was strongly pushed forward into the anterior vaginal fornix. Colpotomy incision was started from the uppermost middle point of an anterior vagina, and extended to both sides with a monopolar L-hook electrocautery at 40 watts cutting mode. Then the manipulator's blade was maneuvered into the right lateral fornix, and THUNDERBEAT platform (Olympus Medical Systems Corp, Tokyo, Japan) was chosen as the modality of energy for the transection of the rest of the vagina. At the posterior part of colpotomy, the vaginal wall was cut from the uppermost part of uterosacral ligaments, as well. Finally, the left lateral fornix was cut by the same principles, and colpotomy was completed circumferentially. In conclusion, maximal preservation of paracervical ligaments with this technique preserve the apical support of vagina, and avoids shortening of vaginal length. The technique also minimizes the ureteral injury by distancing.

Unidirectional barbed suture for vaginal cuff closure without backward stitch in total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of unidirectional barbed suture technique for vaginal cuff closure in total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). METHODS: In a retrospective chart review, data were analyzed from 165 patients who underwent a TLH with an unidirectional barbed suture technique for vaginal cuff closure from January 2012 to June 2016 at tertiary-care university-based teaching hospital and academic affiliated hospital. Vaginal cuff was closed by single layer 3/0 V-Loc unidirectional 9″, 180 day Absorbable Wound Closure Device (Covidien Healthcare, Mansfield, MA) and the suture was not stitched backward to secure distal end. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included and the median age was 50 years (range, 35-84 years). The median completion time for hysterectomy time was 100 min (range, 40-240 min) and the median vaginal cuff closure time was 7 min (range, 4-15 min). The median estimated blood loss was 87.8 mL (range 30-250 mL) and the median uterine weight was 200 g (range, 40-900 g). Intraoperative complication included bladder perforation (1.2%) and postoperative complications were vaginal cuff dehiscence (1.8%), cuff cellulitis (0.6%), vesicovaginal fistula (0.6%) and unexplained fever (0.6%). CONCLUSION: According to the results of current study, the use of unidirectional barbed suture without backward stitching appears to be safe for the vaginal cuff closure in TLH.

Intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound guidance for laparoscopic excision of invisible symptomatic deep intramural myomas.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound guidance for excision of symptomatic deep intramural myomas that are not otherwise visible at laparoscopy. Seventeen patients with symptomatic deep intramural myomas who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound guidance were followed up and reported. All myomas were removed successfully. The endometrium was breached in one patient. All patients were relieved of their symptoms and three patients presenting with infertility conceived. There were no short- or long-term complications associated with the procedure. One patient who had multiple myomas necessitated intravenous iron treatment prior to discharge. Laparoscopic removal of small symptomatic deep intramural myomas is facilitated by the use of intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound that enables exact localisation and correct placement of the serosal incision. Impact statement What is already known on this subject: When the myoma is symptomatic, compressing the endometrium, does not show serosal protrusion and is not amenable to hysteroscopic resection, laparoscopic surgery may become challenging. What do the results of this study add: The use of intraoperative endoscopic ultrasound under these circumstances may facilitate the procedure by accurate identification of the myoma and correct placement of the serosal incision. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Intraoperative ultrasound should be more oftenly used to accurately locate deep intramural myomas to the end of making laparoscopy feasible and possibly decreasing recurrence by facilitating removal of otherwise unidentifiable disease.

Parasitic Myomas and an Adenomyoma Obstructing the Ureter After Power Morcellation of Myomas and Endometriotic Nodule Resection.

BACKGROUND: The use of power morcellation (PM) in abdominal and pelvic surgery has been discouraged and even banned in some institutions because of the risk of spreading malignant cells, although some authorities maintain that PM can be an appropriate tool for selected patients deemed to be at low risk of malignancy. CASE: A 42-year-old woman developed parasitic myomas and an adenomyoma obstructing the right ureter after laparoscopic excision of multiple myomas and deep infiltrating endometriosis using PM. Laparoscopic excision of the parasitic myomas and removal of the adenomyoma relieved the obstruction of the ureter. CONCLUSION: Although there is reasonable concern about the use of PM spreading malignant disease, benign disease can also be spread by PM and can cause significant complications. Use of PM should be restricted as much as possible.

Laparoscopic Repair of Cesarean Scar Defect "Isthmocele".

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the technique of laparoscopic repair of a large cesarean scar defect (isthmocele). DESIGN: Case report (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING: Cesarean scar defect, also known as an isthmocele, is the result of incomplete healing of the isthmic myometrium after a low transverse uterine incision performed for cesarean section. Although mostly asymptomatic, it may cause menstrual abnormalities (typically postmenstrual spotting), chronic pelvic pain, and secondary infertility. Scar tissue dehiscence, scar pregnancy, and abnormally adherent placenta are some of the obstetric complications associated with this defect. No standardized treatment has yet been accepted. Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are the minimally invasive approaches currently used to repair the defect. INTERVENTION: A 40-year-old patient, G2P2, presented with postmenstrual spotting and secondary infertility for the past 2 years. She had a history of 2 previous cesarean deliveries. Transvaginal ultrasound revealed a large (2.5 × 1.5 cm) niche. Thickness of the myometrium over the defect was 3 mm. Laparoscopic repair of the uterine defect was performed. The bladder that was densely adherent to the lower uterine segment was freed by careful dissection. The defect was then localized with a sharp curette placed transcervically into the uterus. The curette was pushed anteriorly to delineate the margins of the defect and puncture the ceiling of the isthmocele cavity. The fibrotic tissue that formed the ceiling and the lateral borders of the defect was excised using laparoscopic scissors. Reapproximation of the edges was done with continuous nonlocking 3-0 V-Loc sutures. The procedure took 90 minutes, and there were no associated complications. Postoperative ultrasound performed in the second month after the operation showed a minimal defect measuring 0.5 cm, with a residual myometrial thickness of 7 mm. At the time of this writing, the patient was free of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair, although not standardized, is a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed to treat uterine scar defects. Mobilization of the overlying bladder, resection of the isthmocele margins and secondary suturing of the remaining myometrial tissue appears to be an effective treatment option for affected patients.

Rudimentary uterine horn pregnancy: a mystery diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the importance of complete ultrasonographic evaluation during the first trimester of pregnancy. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: Obstetric unit in a training and research hospital. PATIENT(S): A 27-year-old primigravida woman who reached 37 weeks' gestation with a noncommunicating rudimentary horn pregnancy. INTERVENTION(S): The accurate diagnosis of a noncommunicating rudimentary horn pregnancy was made after cesarean section at 37 weeks' gestation. Rudimentary horn excision and ipsilateral salpingectomy were performed during exploration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Early diagnosis using sonography to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality. RESULT(S): A female baby with a 7/10 apgar score was delivered successfully. The patient and her baby were both discharged in good health. CONCLUSION(S): Rudimentary uterine horn pregnancy should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy in a bicornuate uterus. A thorough ultrasonographic examination should be performed on the aspects of the pregnancy and the pelvic anatomy. Lack of knowledge of and experience with müllerian anomalies still makes these anomalies difficult to recognize even with laparoscopy.