Evaluation of the benefit of indocyanine green as an educational and practical tool for ureteral identification in laparoscopic pelvic surgery: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Indocyanine green (ICG) is a visible near-infrared fluorescent dye. Several studies have reported its benefit in identifying important anatomical structures, tissue vascularization, and sentinel lymph nodes in the case of tumors. Studies have shown that ICG is critical and safe in gynecologic surgeries. However, research on how ICG dye can help surgeons in laparoscopic surgeries correctly identify the course of the ureter has yet to be further investigated. METHOD: This cross-sectional study enrolled 62 gynecology attending and resident surgeons who were asked to identify the course of the ureter on images of laparoscopic surgeries. The results were then compared with images in which ICG dye highlighted the course of the ureter. The purpose of this study was to detect the ability of surgical assistants and residents to adequately identify the course of the ureter in laparoscopic pelvic surgeries. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in terms of year of residency, years of experience, number of laparoscopic procedures attended, and correct identification of ureter course. ICG proved useful in identifying the correct ureteral trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: ICG can be a valuable tool to improve the correct identification of ureters and improve surgical outcomes.

Laparoscopic Management of Rudimentary Uterine Horns in Patients with Unicornuate Uterus: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: Unicornuate uterus is a rare Müllerian anomaly. Its potential association with a rudimentary uterine horn can cause a diagnostic delay. The most common consequences are pelvic pain, hematometra, and endometriosis. Diagnosis of a unicornuate uterus is usually done by imaging combining ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this systematic review is to assess the role of laparoscopic approach in the management of this rare condition. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases prior to 1 May 2022 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA). The inclusion criteria were: cases of rudimentary horn managed through laparoscopy only; laparoscopic treatment of communicating or noncommunicating uterine horn. RESULTS: The search strategy identified 45 articles. After this first screening, 37 studies were evaluated. The full text of remaining articles was examined. 35 studies were finally included in this article. All included studies were case reports, due to the rarity of this condition. Rudimentary horns were noncommunicating in all cases. CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic removal of a rudimentary uterine horn could be considered a feasible therapeutic option. An accurate preoperative evaluation is mandatory to assess anatomic variants and to select the optimal and tailored surgical approach, based also on the symptoms complained by the patient.

A review of monkeypox infection during pregnancy.

The present study aimed to review monkeypox infection during pregnancy: its epidemiology and etiology, transmission, clinical manifestations and complications, diagnosis, management, antenatal testing and delivery, prevention, awareness, and recommendations. Monkeypox can spread via vertical transmission. The usual clinical symptoms include fever, rash (vesicles, crust), new genital lesions, or sore throat. It is only recommended to use cidofovir in pregnant patients when they are severely infected with monkeypox. All woman who are at high risk of exposure for monkeypox need to be vaccinated with the smallpox vaccine regardless of their pregnancy status. Monitoring includes regular non-stress test monitoring in addition to ultrasound performed at various stages of pregnancy. High index of suspicion, informed physicians, reporting of cases, and support of research are all needed for the management of monkeypox infection during pregnancy.