Barrel index of bulky cervical tumours and intrauterine fluid determined by MRI as additional prognostic factors for survival.

OBJECTIVE: to investigate whether morphologic characteristics determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can discriminate between bulky cervical tumours with a favourable or worse prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI examinations were performed in 24 patients with cervical cancer Stage >or= 1B2. The ratio between tumour width and length (barrel index: BI) and the presence of intrauterine fluid retention were related to survival in a multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: BI and intracavital fluid were predictors of survival, independent from tumour diameter and other known important factors for survival. A cut-off value of 1.40 for the BI proved to be the best prognostic factor with respect to recurrence and death: the hazard ratios of BI > 1.40 as compared to BI

The use of distilled water in the achievement of local hemostasis during surgery.

Distilled water is used worldwide to check on hemostasis at the end of pelvic oncological operations. Nevertheless, reports about this method are lacking. The aim of this study was to explain the method and to discuss possible side effects. After the addition of distilled water to the surgically exposed pelvis, rapid lysis of erythrocytes results in a transparent fluid in which a small source of bleeding is easily recognizable. A possible side effect of the lavage might be contribution to the formation of peritoneal adhesions by confusing the abdominal defence system. Systemic side effects are not to be expected. Although tumour cells might suffer from hypotonic distilled water lavage, the current use of distilled water at the end of surgery is probably not effective to lyse tumour cells. Our findings support the ongoing use of distilled water lavage to achieve hemostasis after extensive pelvic surgery.

A randomised comparison of vaginoscopic office hysteroscopy and saline infusion sonography: a patient compliance study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare patient discomfort during saline infusion sonography (SIS) and office hysteroscopy performed according to a vaginoscopic approach. DESIGN: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: University hospital. POPULATION: Women with an indication for further investigation of the uterine cavity. METHODS: A total of 100 women randomly allocated to either SIS or vaginoscopic office hysteroscopy in an outpatient clinic. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scores on a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and a present pain intensity (PPI) scale, conclusiveness and success rate. RESULTS: The patients' pain scores on both the VAS and the PPI were lower for SIS when compared with office hysteroscopy (P < 0.05). However, in cases of severe pain (VAS > 7 or PPI > 2), there was no statistically significant difference between both groups. The success rate, defined as adequate inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity, was 94% for SIS compared with 92% for office hysteroscopy (P = 0.633). SIS, multiparity, shorter procedure time and position of the uterus in anteversion decreased pain scores among women studied. CONCLUSIONS: Both SIS and office hysteroscopy are successful procedures and well tolerated by women. SIS induces significantly less discomfort than office hysteroscopy and should therefore be considered the method of choice.

The difficult patient in gastroenterology: chronic pelvic pain, adhesions, and sub occlusive episodes.

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) with or without adhesions and symptoms of intestinal occlusion is a complex but relatively common complaint. The etiology and pathophysiology of CPP and adhesions are unclear, as is their possible relation. However, it is evident that continuous abdominal pain leads to evident suffering and disability. Unfortunately, there is little proof or evidence of success for many of the currently used diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Laparoscopy is neither the ultimate evaluation nor the panacea for CPP or intra abdominal adhesions. An integral approach to CPP has shown beneficial results. In this multidisciplinary approach dealing with the pain is far more important than finding an organic cause and cure for the pain. Equal and simultaneous attention is paid to psychosocial, sexual and somatic aspects. The treatment of adhesions depends on the extent of symptoms and complaints. Because of the questionable relation between adhesions and pain, and the probability of reformation and de novo adhesion formation after surgery, adhesiolysis should be avoided. Even for patients with signs and symptoms of small bowel obstruction a conservative treatment is often justified. These patients require careful evaluation and management. Frequent reassessment is important to rule out impending strangulation, complete obstruction or perforation. Water soluble contrast can be useful to justify prolongation of conservative treatment and by that postpone unnecessary surgery. Most adhesive small bowel obstructions resolve following conservative treatment. The unsolved questions about etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prevention, and the great individual and community burden of CPP and adhesions clearly show that further research is needed.