Guideline choice for CTG analysis influences first caesarean decision.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intrapartum cardiotocography (CTG) analysis in case of first caesarean section (CS) for non-reassuring CTG according to international guidelines. METHODS: Four ObGyns retrospectively analysed first CS for non-reassuring CTG during labour blind to neonatal outcome. CTG were analysed according to French National College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (CNGOF) and to the FIGO guidelines. First, CTG analysis was done without obstetrical context, then secondly, it was given. ObGyns stated if CS was justified or not. Inter-operator ObGyn agreement was analysed. RESULTS: Among 587 CS, 100 women met the inclusion criteria with a first CS for non-reassuring CTG. The overall inter observer agreement was low but fair. ObGyns were significantly more concordant using the FIGO than the CNGOF guidelines (kappa coefficient = 0.331 [0.27-0.39] versus 0.209 [0.16-0.26] p < 0.001). Without obstetrical context 70% of CS were considered as unjustified. This rate decreased to 16% with the knowledge of the obstetrical context and the use of a classification (p < 0.001). Two-third of the unjustified CS were carried out during night hours (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The FIGO guidelines are more reproducible than CNGOF guidelines. The overall inter-observer agreement was low but fair. The guideline choice could have an impact on first CS decision.

Cervical preparation with laminaria tents improves induction-to-delivery interval in second- and third-trimester medical termination of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to determine whether cervical preparation with laminaria tents would improve the procedure of second- and third-trimester medical termination of pregnancy (TOP) in terms of duration of abortion and hospitalization. STUDY: A retrospective comparative study of two historical periods of women undergoing second- and third-trimester medical TOP at a single tertiary care center from September 2004 to December 2006 was conducted. During Period A, patients received oral mifepristone and vaginal misoprostol, while during Period B, laminaria tents were added. Main outcome measures included initiation-to-delivery (ITD) time, induction-to-delivery interval and hospitalization time. RESULTS: Of 186 eligible women, 174 were enrolled in the study: 91 patients during Period A and 83 patients during Period B. The ITD time was reduced during Period B compared to Period A (43.2+/-6.2 h and 48.5+/-13.2 h, respectively; p=.001). Similarly, the induction-to-delivery interval was significantly shorter during Period B (7.5 h) compared to Period A (12.7 h; p=.001). A significant reduction in total hospital stay was observed during Period B (3 days) versus Period A (4 days; p<.001). CONCLUSION: Cervical preparation with laminaria tents significantly shortens the duration of medical TOP that uses mifepristone-misoprostol without adverse events or serious complications.

Value of laparoscopic assistance for vaginal hysterectomy with prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare morbidity for women undergoing laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy (LAVHO) and vaginal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy without laparoscopic assistance (VHO). STUDY DESIGN: Between April 1, 2002, and February 1, 2004, a prospective randomized study at Marseille University Hospital (La Conception) included 48 patients who underwent a hysterectomy with prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy for benign uterine conditions. These patients were allocated to 2 groups (LAVHO vs VHO). The study variables were duration of surgery and of hospitalization and surgical and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the duration of surgery between the LAVHO and VHO groups (100.2 +/- 27.9 vs 83.9 +/- 34.6, P = .08). The rate of complications was significantly higher in the LAVHO group (13/24 [54.1%] vs 6/24 [25%], P = .039). CONCLUSION: The overall complication rate was higher with LAVHO than VHO. It thus appears that laparoscopic assistance is not useful in performing vaginal hysterectomies with prophylactic bilateral oophorectomies in patients without other related disorders (endometriosis, adhesions, adnexal anomalies).

Laparoscopic removal of a remaining myoma after vaginal hysterectomy: a case report.

We report on an uncommon postoperative complication of vaginal hysterectomy--a remaining myoma--diagnosed and treated by laparoscopy. This procedure was performed for a remaining myoma 3 months after vaginal hysterectomy for fibroid uterus. Laparoscopy may be helpful to diagnose and treat this complication.

Risk of bladder injury during vaginal hysterectomy in women with a previous cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of bladder injury during vaginal hysterectomy in women with a previous cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: Analysis of selected studies found through a MEDLINE search from 1980 to 2003. RESULTS: Four comparative studies (women with or without a previous cesarean section) were selected and analyzed. Risk of bladder injury was significantly increased in only 1 study. Analysis of cumulative data did not find a significant difference (8 of 430 [1.86%] vs. 11 of 1,227 [0.89%], p = 0.12). CONCLUSION: The risk of bladder injury during vaginal hysterectomy does not seem to be increased in women with a previous cesarean section.