Trocar injuries in laparoscopic surgery.

BACKGROUND: Disposable trocars with safety shields are widely used for laparoscopic access. The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors associated with injuries resulting from their use as reported to the Food and Drug Administration. STUDY DESIGN: Manufacturers are required to report medical device-related incidents to the Food and Drug Administration. We analyzed the 629 trocar injuries reported from 1993 through 1996. RESULTS: There were three types of injury: 408 injuries of major blood vessels, 182 other visceral injuries (mainly bowel injuries), and 30 abdominal wall hematomas. Of the 32 deaths, 26 (81%) resulted from vascular injuries and 6 (19%) resulted from bowel injuries. Eighty-seven percent of deaths from vascular injuries involved the use of disposable trocars with safety shields and 9% involved disposable trocars with a direct-viewing feature. The aorta (23%) and inferior vena cava (15%) were the vessels most commonly traumatized in the fatal vascular injuries. Ninety-one percent of bowel injuries involved trocars with safety shields and 7% involved direct-view trocars. The diagnosis of an enterotomy was delayed in 10% of cases, and the mortality rate in this group was 21%. In 41 cases (10%) the surgeon initially thought the trocar had malfunctioned, but in only 1 instance was malfunction subsequently found when the device was examined. The likelihood of injury was not related to any specific procedure or manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that safety shields and direct-view trocars cannot prevent serious injuries. Retroperitoneal vascular injuries should be largely avoidable by following safe techniques. Bowel injuries often went unrecognized, in which case they were highly lethal. Device malfunction was rarely a cause of trocar injuries.

Ovarian remnant syndrome after laparoscopic oophorectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To report the surgical history, clinical characteristics, and operative technique used in patients with ovarian remnant syndrome after laparoscopic oophorectomy. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Teaching hospital and private practice office. PATIENT(S): Nineteen patients with documented history of unilateral or bilateral laparoscopic oophorectomies with histologic confirmation of ovarian remnants. INTERVENTION(S): Operative laparoscopy for resection of ovarian remnants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Risk factors and surgical technique contributing to ovarian remnant syndrome. RESULT(S): The patients underwent a mean of 4.7 previous surgical procedures (range, two to nine): 12 had bilateral oophorectomy, and seven had unilateral oophorectomy. The infundibulopelvic ligament had been secured with bipolar desiccation in 11 patients, pretied surgical loops in six, and a linear stapler in two. Cystic ovarian remnants were identified by pelvic sonography in 12 women and by computed tomography (CT) scan in one. Six women underwent reoperation, two for ovarian remnants in different sites. CONCLUSION(S): With laparoscopic oophorectomy there is risk of ovarian remnant due to improper tissue extraction or misapplication or improper use of pretied surgical loops, linear stapler, or bipolar electrodesiccation on the infundibulopelvic ligament, especially in women with a history of multiple pelvic surgeries, adhesions, or endometriosis.

Laparoscopic adhesiolysis and relief of chronic pelvic pain.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term results of laparoscopic enterolysis in patients with chronic pelvic pain following hysterectomy. METHODS: Forty-eight patients were evaluated at time intervals from 2 weeks to 5 years after laparoscopic enterolysis. Patients were asked to rate postoperative relief of their pelvic pain as complete/near complete relief (80-100% pain relief), significant relief (50-80% pain relief), or less than 50% or no pain relief. RESULTS: We found that after 2 to 8 weeks, 39% of patients reported complete/near complete pain relief, 33% reported significant pain relief, and 28% reported less than 50% or no pain relief. Six months to one year postlaparoscopy, 49% of patients reported complete/near complete pain relief, 15% reported significant pain relief, and 36% reported less than 50% or no pain relief. Two to five years after laparoscopic enterolysis, 37% of patients reported complete/near complete pain relief, 30% reported significant pain relief, and 33% reported less than 50% or no pain relief. Some patients required between 1 and 3 subsequent laparoscopic adhesiolysis. A total of 3 enterotomies and 2 cystotomies occurred, all of which were repaired laparoscopically. CONCLUSION: We conclude that laparoscopic enterolysis may offer significant long-term relief of chronic pelvic pain in some patients.

Laparoscopic management of ovarian dermoid cysts: ten years' experience.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic management of ovarian dermoid cysts based upon our ten years' experience. METHODS: Charts of 81 patients who underwent laparoscopic removal of dermoid cysts since March 1988 at Stanford University Medical Center or the Center for Special Pelvic Surgery in Atlanta were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Ninety-three dermoid cysts with a mean diameter of 4.5 cm were removed in 81 patients. Operative techniques used were cystectomy for 70 cysts, salpingooophorectomy for 14, and 9 salpingo-oophorectomy with hysterectomy. Fifty-three cysts were treated via enucleation followed by cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy and removal through a trocar sleeve. Twenty-two were treated via enucleation and removal within an impermeable sack. Nine were treated via enucleation and removal by posterior colpotomy. Nine were removed via colpotomy following hysterectomy. We had a total of 39 spillages. Spillage rates varied with removal method: 32 (62%) for trocar removal without an endobag, 3 (13.6%) for removal within an endobag, and 4 (40%) with colpotomy removal. No spillage occurred for the nine patients who had a colpotomy done for hysterectomy. Mean hospital stay after surgery was 0.98 days, and there were no intraoperative complications. In one case, there was a postoperative complication of an incisional infection in the umbilicus. CONCLUSION: Including this and 13 other studies, review of the literature reveals a 0.2% incidence of chemical peritonitis following laparoscopic removal of dermoid cysts. Thus, we conclude that laparoscopic management of dermoid cysts is a safe and beneficial method in selected patients when performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon.

Laparoscopic management of a unicornuate uterus with two cavitated, non-communicating rudimentary horns: case report.

An 18 year old nulligravid woman presented with severe dysmenorrhoea secondary to stage IV (revised American Fertility Society) endometriosis, right haematosalpinx, right endometrioma, unicornuate uterus and two cavitated, non-communicating rudimentary uterine horns. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a unicornuate uterus accompanied by two rudimentary horns. Operative video-laparoscopy proved a successful approach for treating this previously unreported variant of congenital Müllerian anomaly. A review of the world literature confirms the uniqueness of this case while demonstrating laparoscopy to be a viable alternative to laparotomy for management of congenital Müllerian anomalies. The case presented may help to elucidate Müllerian duct embryology further.

Pregnancy following laparoscopic myomectomy: preliminary results.

The objective of this study was to assess the outcome of pregnancy in a series of women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. A total of 115 women underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for pressure and pain (76.5%), abnormal bleeding (52.2%) and/or infertility (29.6%). Follow up data were obtained either by reviewing the patient's chart or returned questionnaire. Of the 115 women, there were 42 pregnancies in 31 patients. Two women were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 40 pregnancies, six ended with vaginal delivery at term. Caesareans were performed in 22 cases, including 21 at term and one at 26 weeks gestation. Two pregnancies were associated with a normal delivery, but the mode of delivery is unknown. Eight resulted in first trimester pregnancy loss, one was an ectopic pregnancy, and one patient underwent elective termination. Spontaneous uterine rupture was not noted during pregnancy or at term in any of the cases. Average length of follow-up from the date of surgery was 43 months, with a range of 9-99 months. Our series did not confirm the hypothesis that laparoscopic myomectomy is associated with an increased risk for uterine dehiscence during pregnancy. However, a larger series is needed to make a conclusive judgement.

Laparoscopic vesicopsoas hitch for infiltrative ureteral endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To report the technique and outcome of a laparoscopic vesicopsoas hitch used for the treatment of infiltrative ureteral endometriosis. DESIGN: Case report. SETTING: A tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): A 36-year-old woman with infiltrative endometriosis of the ureter. INTERVENTION(S): A laparoscopic vesicopsoas hitch. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The return of normal ureteral function as measured by IV pyelography and ultrasonography. RESULT(S): After partial ureteral resection, it was noted that a tension-free anastomosis to the bladder was not possible. Thus, a laparoscopic vesicopsoas hitch was performed. CONCLUSION(S): A vesicopsoas hitch can be performed successfully by laparoscopy.

Recurrence rate after laparoscopic myomectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the recurrence rate of myomas after laparoscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: One hundred fourteen women (age 25-51 yrs, median 38 yrs) who were followed for an average of 37 months (range 6-120 mo). INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic myomectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Follow-up data were obtained by chart review and from returned questionnaires. Variables were date of surgery, first diagnosis of recurrence, and last follow-up visit. There were 38 (33.3%) recurrences after an average interval of 27 months. Twenty-four of these women did not require treatment. Eight underwent a second laparoscopic myomectomy, and one had a third. One patient had myomectomy and then hysterectomy, and six patients chose hysterectomy to treat the first recurrence. Cumulative risk of recurrence (Kaplan-Meier curve) was 10.6% after 1 year, 31.7% after 3 years, and 51.4% after 5 years. CONCLUSION: Although laparoscopic myomectomy is associated with less morbidity than removal by laparotomy, our results suggest that recurrence of myomas may be higher with the laparoscopic approach. Of 38 women with recurrent myoma, however, only 14 (36.8%) required additional surgery.

Laparoscopic treatment of type IV rectovaginal fistula.

Fistulas between the anorectum and vagina may arise from several causes. Treatment depends on their etiology and location, as well as the surgeon's experience. Operative laparoscopy was successful in two women with type IV (mid)rectovaginal fistula in whom previous surgical attempts failed. Our experience suggests that mid and high rectovaginal fistulas can be effectively treated by laparoscopy in the hands of experienced endoscopic surgeons.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic presacral neurectomy for the treatment of central pelvic pain attributed to endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term pain reduction achieved by laparoscopic presacral neurectomy. METHODS: One hundred seventy-six women with median (range) age 30 (18-45) years underwent presacral neurectomy combined with excision and vaporization of endometriotic lesions and were observed, using structured questionnaires, for up to 72 months postoperatively. The study included a convenience sample of the first 100 questionnaires returned. Forty of the women were studied for 12-23 months, and 60 for 24-72 months. The main outcome measures were reduction of pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia after surgery. RESULTS: Pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and dyspareunia were reportedly reduced by more than 50% in 74, 61, and 55 patients, respectively, more than 12 months after laparoscopic presacral neurectomy. More than 50% reduction in pelvic pain was reported by 69.8%, 77.3%, 71.4%, and 84.6% of the patients, respectively, with endometriosis stages I-IV, using the revised classification of the American Fertility Society. Comparatively, more than 50% reduction in dysmenorrhea was reported by 52.8% of the patients with stage I endometriosis, 68.2% with stage II, 71.4% with stage III, and 69.2% with stage IV. Reduction of dyspareunia by more than 50% was reported by 54.7% of the patients with stage I endometriosis, 50.0% with stage II, 28.6% with stage III, and 61.5% with stage IV. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcome of laparoscopic presacral neurectomy is satisfactory in the majority of patients. The stage of endometriosis is not related directly to the degree of pain improvement achieved.

Laparoscopic management of pelvic pathology during pregnancy.

Advanced operative laparoscopy is being performed increasingly for various indications and in diverse patient populations, including gravid women. In the United States approximately 1.6% to 2.2% of pregnant women require nonobstetric surgery for abdominal and pelvic pathology. Increasing numbers of case reports suggest the feasibility and safety of operative laparoscopy during pregnancy. We identified certain management issues specific to these procedures based on our experience with nine cases of operative laparoscopy in women with gestations up to 22 weeks.

Laparoscopy during pregnancy: a literature review.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature regarding the role of laparoscopy during pregnancy, particularly adnexal mass and non-obstetric surgery, incorporating the results of a series of 9 cases of laparoscopy during pregnancy at our centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Medline search was performed to review the literature, and the reference lists provided by those articles were further explored for citations regarding laparoscopic adnexal surgery, appendectomy, and cholecystectomy. Our series of 9 patients consisted of pregnant patients with adnexal mass or acute abdomen who would otherwise have undergone exploratory laparotomy. Follow-up data for these 9 cases were collected by office visits, inquiry to the primary referring physicians, and telephone calls to the patient. RESULTS: The literature search yielded 42 additional cases of operative pelvic laparoscopy and 51 cases of abdominal operative laparoscopy (cholecystectomy and appendectomy). The publications, particularly regarding cholecystectomy, were supportive of the laparoscopic approach during pregnancy. All of the patients in our series had favorable outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced operative laparoscopy has been successfully performed for certain indications during pregnancy.

Is hormonal treatment efficacious in the management of ovarian cysts in women with histories of endometriosis?

In a controlled, randomized study, we evaluated the effectiveness of various hormonal regimens in treating 70 women (mean age 34.7 +/- 5.7 years) who had unilateral of bilateral ovarian cysts presumed to be physiological (functional) and a history of endometriosis. The patients were assigned randomly to one of the following groups: group I (control), no treatment; group II, oral contraceptives (35 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol and 1 mg norethindrone); group III, oral contraceptives (50 micrograms ethinyl oestradiol and 1 mg norethindrone); group IV, danazol 800 mg/day. Serum CA-125 concentrations were measured in 32 women. All medications were taken continuously for 6 weeks. Subjects were re-evaluated by pelvic examination and transvaginal ultrasound. Those with persistent cysts were offered diagnostic and possible operative laparoscopy. As 11 patients did not complete the study and five did not follow-up, the final study population comprised 54 women. At 6 weeks follow-up, complete resolution of cysts was found in: group I, 12 out of 18 (66.7%); group II, five out of none (55.6%); group III, eight out of 14 (57.1%); and group IV, seven out of 13 (53.9%). Two of the 22 women with persistent cysts opted for 6 weeks further medical therapy and achieved complete resolution; 19 underwent laparoscopy, and one was lost to follow-up. All laparoscopic findings revealed benign masses. We found no statistically significant effect when hormonal treatment was compared with expectant management. There was no correlation between serum CA-125 concentrations and the persistence of resolution of cysts.

Laparoscopic retropubic cystourethropexy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic retropubic urethrovesical suspension. DESIGN: Retrospective review of charts of 62 women over a follow-up period ranging from 8 to 30 months. SETTING: A suburban hospital in a major metropolitan area. PATIENTS: Sixty-two women, age 34 to 69 years, gravidity 0 to 8, and parity 0 to 7, with gynecologic abnormalities requiring surgical intervention and with pure genuine urinary stress incontinence. INTERVENTIONS: Each patient underwent a Burch or Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz procedure, modified to be performed at laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Success was measured subjectively and objectively. Subjective success, determined by the lack of need to wear pads, was 100%. Objective success was assessed using several criteria: comparison of preoperative and postoperative symptom diaries; questionnaires; urine characteristics by straight catheter (office dipstick for nitrate, leukocyte estrace, bacteria, and white cell blood count, if suspicious urine culture and sensitivity); postvoid residual volume (<100 ml was considered complete); urethrovesical junction angle as determined by catheter or Q-Tip placement (upward, downward, or straight); bladder support; and negative standing stress test. All women reported satisfactory relief of symptoms, with subjective and objective improvement. None have noted urinary leakage during activities similar to those preoperatively associated with this condition. CONCLUSION: To date, the outcomes have been acceptable, although the limited numbers and relatively short follow-up prohibit any definitive conclusions.

Laparoscopic segmental bladder resection for endometriosis: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: The proper treatment of bladder endometriosis is unknown. CASE: Two women with endometriosis involving the full thickness of the bladder wall experienced persistent hematuria during menstruation. They had not responded to previous conservative medical or surgical therapy, so we performed laparoscopic segmental resection, with satisfactory results. CONCLUSION: Hematuria during menstruation due to endometriosis of the bladder is uncommon. In the two cases presented, good results followed laparoscopic segmental resection.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and laparoscopically assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy with pelvic and paraaortic node dissection.

Nineteen women underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal radical hysterectomy, with pelvic node dissection and paraaortic node dissection when indicated. One procedure was converted to laparotomy due to equipment failure (at The University of Puerto Rico). There were two minor postoperative complications. The first, febrile morbidity resulting from a urinary tract infection, responded to medical therapy. The second was incisional bleeding, which was controlled with sutures applied using a local anesthetic. No major postoperative complications were noted, there have been no incidents of recurrence, and the follow-up results are encouraging.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with paraaortic and pelvic node dissection.

We report the first case of a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and paraaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy to treat a stage IA2 carcinoma of the cervix. To our knowledge, a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with laparoscopic paraaortic lymphadenectomy has not been previously described.

Videolaseroscopy. The CO2 laser for advanced operative laparoscopy.

A specific technique of advanced operative laparoscopy, known as videolaseroscopy, using the CO2 laser and videomonitor, is described. Operating room setup, anesthesia considerations, and specific applications to pelvic disease are elaborated.

Adhesion reformation after reproductive surgery by videolaseroscopy.

After initial videolaseroscopy for the treatment of endometriosis-associated infertility, 157 patients underwent a second-look laparoscopy to evaluate and treat recurrence of disease and/or adhesions. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 135 patients who underwent second-look laparoscopy for persistent infertility and/or recurrence of pain. Group 2 consisted of 22 patients who achieved pregnancy after initial surgery and underwent second-look laparoscopy for evaluation of ectopic pregnancy or in association with uterine evacuation for first trimester spontaneous abortion. Both groups of patients demonstrated a significant reduction in adhesion scores involving the ovaries, tubes, posterior cul-de-sac, anterior cul-de-sac, and omentum/bowel. Although the initial mean adhesion scores were similar for both groups, at second-look laparoscopy the mean adhesion scores were significantly lower for group 2, particularly for ovarian and tubal adhesions. None of the patients formed de novo adhesions. From these results we may conclude that videolaseroscopy: (1) is effective in reducing peritoneal adhesions; (2) is associated with a low frequency of postoperative adhesion recurrence; and (3) appears to completely avoid de novo adhesion formation.