Three conservative approaches to treatment of interstitial pregnancy

Interstitial pregnancy is among the most dangerous types of ectopic pregnancy. Four such pregnancies in three women were treated by three conservative modalities with favorable results. A 10-week interstitial pregnancy was successfully treated by laparoscopic-guided local methotrexate (MTX) injection into the gestational sac. Six years later the same woman had a repeat unruptured interstitial pregnancy at 9 weeks' gestation, with the gestational sac located in the same location as the previous one. Laparoscopic cornuostomy was performed. An asymptomatic woman in the eighth week of an interstitial pregnancy was treated with systemic MTX, but despite decreasing beta-human chorionic gonadotropin levels, cornual rupture occurred. The patient was successfully treated by laparoscopic cornuostomy. The final patient was admitted in hypovolemic shock and hemoperitoneum and was treated successfully for ruptured 8-week interstitial pregnancy by laparoscopic cornuostomy. (J Am Assoc Gynecol Laparosc 8(1):154-158, 2001)     

Cornuostomy and Cornuectomy: Laparoscopic Management of Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancies

ObjectiveTo demonstrate and contrast 2 techniques of laparoscopic management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies.DesignStepwise demonstration of the technique with narrated video footage.SettingTertiary referral center in Manchester, United Kingdom.InterventionsNontubal ectopic pregnancies typically involve the cervix, ovary, myometrium, cesarean scar, and the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube. Interstitial ectopic pregnancies account for 2% of all ectopic pregnancies [1] and are caused by implantation of a fertilized embryo within the proximal and intramural portion of the fallopian tube [2]. They represent specific challenges in diagnosis and management and are associated with increased morbidity and mortality when compared with tubal ectopic pregnancies [3].The techniques for minimal access surgical management includes laparoscopic cornuectomy and cornuostomy. We present 2 cases of interstitial ectopic pregnancies managed laparoscopically using the 2 different techniques.Case 1: A 33-year-old women, para 2+1, presented at 8 weeks’ gestation with lower abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and an episode of loss of consciousness. An ultrasound scan showed a gestational sac lateral and posterior to the endometrial cavity with the interstitial line sign present. A yolk sac and a 2-mm fetal pole were noted with fetal heart action present. At laparoscopy, an 800 mL hemoperitoneum was noted, and a laparoscopic cornuectomy was performed (Fig. S1). Operating time was 80 minutes, and she was discharged on day 1 postoperation.Case 2: A 34-year-old women, para 1, presented at 6 weeks’ gestation to her local hospital with symptoms of vaginal bleeding and intermittent abdominal pain. A diagnosis of an interstitial ectopic pregnancy was suspected on the ultrasound scan, and conservative management was started because the diagnosis was uncertain. A follow-up scan 7 days later confirmed the diagnosis of a live interstitial ectopic pregnancy, and after consultation, she presented herself to a tertiary referral unit. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin was greater than 11 000 IU/L and 2-dimensional ultrasound scan confirmed the presence of a gestational sac with a yolk sac and fetal pole within the left interstitial space. A slow fetal heart action was seen. A diagnosis of a left interstitial ectopic pregnancy was further confirmed on 3-dimensional ultrasound scan. A laparoscopic cornuostomy was performed as demonstrated in the attached video (Figs. S2-S3). Operating time was 38 minutes with minimal blood loss. At day 7, serum human chorionic gonadotropin level was 364 IU/L.ConclusionAlthough more research is needed to determine the optimal surgical technique for the management of interstitial ectopic pregnancies, the potential risks and benefits of different techniques should be discussed with the patient, and an individual decision should be made. This decision often depends on the desire for future fertility and previous gynecologic history.     

Successful treatment of ruptured interstitial pregnancy with laparoscopic surgery. A report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is generally considered contraindicated in women with ruptured interstitial pregnancy as it is associated with profound bleeding and hypovolemic shock. CASES: Two cases of ruptured interstitial pregnancy were treated with laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic cornuostomy and removal of products of conception were performed in 1 case and laparoscopic cornual resection in the other. Laparoscopic tubal occlusion performed 4 and 6 months later showed the cornu region to be well healed in both cases. CONCLUSION: With increasing experience with the laparoscopic technique, ruptured interstitial pregnancy can be managed safely and successfully with laparoscopic surgery.     

Interstitial pregnancy treated by transcervical aspiration of the gestational sac combined with systemic and local administration of methotrexate

Interstitial pregnancy, which is a rare form of tubal ectopic pregnancy, can grow larger than those within the fallopian tube because the surrounding myometrium is more expandable than the tube; many cases are advanced and treated with surgical resection or a large amount of methotrexate (MTX). This report presents a case of an advanced interstitial pregnancy treated with systemic MTX and laparoscopic local MTX injection combined with transcervical aspiration of the gestational sac. A 27-year-old nulliparous female presented with an interstitial pregnancy. Serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level was 90000 IU/L. MTX was given systemically (50 mg/m(2) i.m.) and the gestational sac was aspirated transcervically under laparoscopic guidance followed by local injection of 25 mg MTX. The patient received a total of only 95 mg MTX. The gestational sac disappeared and serum hCG became undetectable. The patient became pregnant spontaneously six months later, and delivered a live 2482-g infant in good condition by planned cesarean section at 36 weeks and 3 days of gestation. No defect of the myometrium was seen during the surgery. This therapy may be effective for interstitial pregnancy and can be performed safely with laparoscopy.     

Interstitial Pregnancy after Ipsilateral Salpingectomy: Analysis of 46 Cases and a Literature Review

Study ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between previous ipsilateral salpingectomy and interstitial pregnancy and report on our experience of laparoscopic cornuostomy for interstitial pregnancy.DesignSingle-center, retrospective review.SettingUniversity-based hospital.PatientsAll patients who had undergone ipsilateral salpingectomy previously, diagnosed with interstitial pregnancy and treated between July 2010 and September 2018.InterventionsLaparoscopy or laparotomy as a treatment for interstitial pregnancy after ipsilateral salpingectomy.Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 414 cases of interstitial pregnancy were identified, of which 46 (11.1%) were after ipsilateral salpingectomy. Of the 46 patients, 20 (43.5%) became pregnant by in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer. Ipsilateral salpingectomy was the result of an ectopic pregnancy in 40 patients, hydrosalpinx in 5 patients, and torsion of an ovarian tumor in 1 patient. The laparoscopic approach was used to treat 78.3% of patients with history of previous salpingectomy. Patients who underwent ipsilateral salpingectomy by laparoscopy previously had a shorter interval from salpingectomy to interstitial pregnancy (24 months vs 60 months; p = .038) compared with patients who underwent ipsilateral salpingectomy by laparotomy. Laparoscopic cornuostomy was performed in 38 patients (82.6%); 12 had fetal cardiac activity, 15 had ruptured masses, and 16 used prophylactic methotrexate (MTX) intraoperatively. The median size of the ectopic mass was 2.5 cm (1.0–5.0 cm). At the time of laparoscopic cornuostomy, more patients with interstitial pregnancies with intact ectopic masses were administered prophylactic MTX (81.3% vs 45.5%; p = .043). Only 1 patient with a ruptured ectopic mass, high preoperative human chorionic gonadotropin levels, and without prophylactic MTX administration experienced a persistent ectopic pregnancy.ConclusionPatients with a history of ipsilateral salpingectomy should be cautioned regarding the possibility of interstitial pregnancy. Laparoscopic cornuostomy appears to be an appropriate treatment for interstitial pregnancy in patients wishing to preserve fertility, and the use of concomitant prophylactic MTX may reduce the risk of persistent ectopic pregnancy, especially in patients with ruptured masses and high human chorionic gonadotropin levels.     

输卵管间质部妊娠高危因素及诊治进展

输卵管间质部妊娠在异位妊娠中所占比例较小,但一旦破裂,可出现致命性大出血。其发病高危因素有输卵管病变、盆腔炎性疾病、盆腔炎性疾病病史、异位妊娠史、输卵管手术史等。输卵管间质部妊娠的术前诊断主要依靠超声检查或MRI,宫腔镜和腹腔镜是诊断输卵管间质部妊娠的最直接和最可靠的方法。除少数病例适合药物治疗外,腹腔镜手术是输卵管间质部妊娠治疗的主要方法,常用的有宫角切除及缝合术(宫角楔形切除术)和宫角切开及缝合术两种术式。     

Measurement of trocar insertion force using a piezoelectric transducer

We attempted to establish a model to measure the force required for trocar insertion at laparoscopy. A 3-cm, circular transducer was constructed from piezoresistive material that changes its impedance as force is exerted on its surface. The transducer is connected by an interface box to a personal computer to record surface contact pressure digitally (pressure = force/area) profile continuously during trocar insertion. Each subject had three trocars inserted: a 10-mm trocar at the umbilicus after creation of pneumoperitoneum, and 5-mm trocars at corresponding sites on the left and right sides of the lower abdomen. All insertions were performed by the same operator using reusable trocar with a conical tip. Each subject acted as her own control. Recordings were successfully obtained from eight women. There was no instance of transducer failure. The mean (SE) peak contact surface pressure for the 10-mm and 5-mm left and right trocars were 5.3 (0.32), 6.4 (0.51), and 6.81 (0.27) pounds/square inch, respectively. Placement of the 10-mm trocar required less insertion force than placement of the 5-mm trocars. There was a strong negative correlation (r = -0.97, p < 0.001) between body weight and peak insertion force for the 10-mm trocar.     

Single dose methotrexate therapy: application to interstitial ectopic pregnancy

A woman with a small (6-mm gestational sac) interstitial pregnancy had complete resolution after medical therapy alone. A single cycle of methotrexate 50 mg/m² was used as outpatient treatment without any operative procedure either for diagnosis or intervention. The guidelines that have evolved for selection of women for single dose methotrexate treatment for both intrauterine and tubal ectopic pregnancies may be applicable to interstitial ectopic pregnancy as well. A suggested framework for treatment decisions is presented.     

Management of ruptured corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy occurring in a 15-year-old girl by laparoscopic surgery with intraoperative autologous blood transfusion

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with many advantages. However, laparoscopic treatment of ruptured corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy with massive hemoperitoneum occurring in a young girl has not previously been reported. CASE: A 15-yr-old girl presenting with acute abdomen and hemoperitoneum was referred to our department. A urinary pregnancy test was positive and an ultrasound revealed a gestational sac in the uterine cavity, the preoperative differential diagnosis was narrowed to either intrauterine pregnancy with ruptured corpus luteum cyst or heterotopic pregnancy. Emergency laparoscopic surgery was performed to investigate the cause of hemoperitoneum and a diagnosis of ruptured corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy was established. After retrieving pooled blood in the abdominal cavity for intraoperative autologous blood transfusion, the rupture site with active bleeding was laparoscopically sutured and hemostasis was achieved. At the same time, intrauterine pregnancy was electively terminated at the request of the patient and her family. The postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: Ruptured corpus luteum cyst of pregnancy manifesting massive hemoperitoneum is a rare but life-threatening disorder that can occur even in a young girl. Ovarian conservative treatment can laparoscopically be performed with intraoperative autologous blood transfusion.     

Randomized double-masked comparison of radially expanding access device and conventional cutting tip trocar in laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative wound pain associated with the radially expanding access device and the conventional disposable cutting-tip trocar. METHODS: Our randomized, double-masked, self-controlled study involved 34 women scheduled for laparoscopic adnexal surgery. In each, a 10-mm radially expanding access device was inserted laterally on one side of the lower abdomen and a size-matched disposable cutting-tip trocar was placed on the other side, using random assignment. Postoperative pain for each studied wound and patient satisfaction toward the wounds were assessed using a visual analog scale. Any bleeding complication associated with insertion of the trocar was also recorded. RESULTS: The radially expanding access device was associated with significant reduction in severity (median 1.4 versus 5.0, P <.001) and duration (median 11 versus 21 days, P <.001) of postoperative wound pain, shorter wound scars (14 versus 17 mm, P <.001), a lower incidence of wound induration (0 versus 9, P <.01), and a higher patient satisfaction (median 9.7 versus 6.2, P <.001). There were four inferior epigastric artery injuries, all at the conventional trocar wound. CONCLUSION: The radially expanding access device was associated with less postoperative wound pain and more patient satisfaction than the conventional cutting-tip trocar.     

腹腔镜保守性手术治疗输卵管妊娠的效果及其影响因素分析

目的 探讨腹腔镜保守性手术治疗输卵管妊娠的效果及其影响因素.方法 2003年1月至2008年12月,对北京安贞医院妇产科226例输卵管妊娠者行腹腔镜保守性手术治疗,152例于术后3～6个月行子宫输卵管造影,其中6例接受了再次腹腔镜探查,以评价手术侧输卵管是否通畅.第1次腹腔镜手术成功207例,手术失败19例;术后3～6个月行子宫输卵管造影,第1次腹腔镜手术成功的207例患者中,患侧输卵管通畅者89例(A组);第1次腹腔镜手术失败、术中及术后改行输卵管切除术(19例)及手术后随访检查患侧输卵管不通者(63例)共计82例(B组).再以妊娠包块最大径线5 cm或血清人绒毛膜促性腺激素(hCG)水平≤2000 IU/L,>2000～<5000 IU/L,≥5000 IU/L为界,分别计算输卵管通畅率.两组患者年龄、孕次、停经时间、输卵管妊娠的侧别及部位、是否破裂、是否合并盆腔粘连等方面比较,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05).结果 226例患者中,207例患者第1次腹腔镜手术成功,手术成功率为91.6%(207/226),术后3～6个月随访152例,失访55例.A、B组患者术前血清hCG中位水平分别为980(55～12 000)、3150(570～40 000)IU/L,两组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);A、B组患者输卵管妊娠包块最大径线分别为(3.4±1.3)、(5.0±1.7)cm,两组比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0.01).A组患者术前中位腹腔内出血量为200(0～1500)ml,B组为300(0～1600)ml,A组活胎率为2%(2/89),B组为11%(9/82),两组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).两组共171例患者中,妊娠包块最大径线<5 cm者103例,术后患侧输卵管通畅率为65%(67/103),妊娠包块最大径线≥5 cm者68例,术后患侧输卵管通畅率为32%(22/68),两者比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01);血清hCG水平≤2000 IU/L、>2000～<5000 IU/L、≥5000 IU/L者术后患侧输卵管通畅率分别为72%(73/102)、29%(12/42)和15%(4/27),3者分别比较,差异也有统计学意义(P<0.05);logistic回归分析结果显示,术前血清hCG水平(OR=0.277,P<0.01)、输卵管妊娠包块最大径线(OR=0.577,P<0.01)、腹腔内出血量(OR=0.999,P<0.05)均为手术成功率的影响因素.结论 腹腔镜保守性手术对输卵管妊娠希望保留输卵管功能的患者具有安全性和可行性;术前血清hCG水平、输卵管妊娠包块大小及腹腔内出血量是影响手术效果的重要因素.     

Comparison of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Four cases of interstitial pregnancy that showed characteristic ultrasonographic and MRI findings were studied. All cases received cornual resection, and the presence of interstitial pregnancy was confirmed by pathologic examination. RESULTS: Three of four cases had a gestational sac in the uterine cornu or a protruding cornual mass and myometrium between the sac and uterine cavity on both USG and MRI. In the remaining case, preoperative diagnosis was inconclusive because no gestational sac was demonstrated by USG or MRI. Color flow mapping was conducted in three cases and revealed prominent peritrophoblastic blood flow. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that USG combined with color flow mapping is the first choice in the early diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy. MRI, which is an extremely expensive imaging technology, should be used only if transvaginal USG with color flow mapping is inconclusive in ruling out the diagnosis of interstitial pregnancy.     

Interstitial ectopic pregnancy: A more confident diagnosis with three-dimensional sonography

ObjectiveTo present a confident tool for the diagnosis of interstitial ectopic pregnancy. 3-Dimensional US helps to reach a more proper diagnosis and enables to arrange therapeutic and surgical strategies.Case reportA 36-year-old, gravida 4 para 2, woman was referred from the local medical department in the suspicion of ectopic pregnancy. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed an empty uterine cavity but an 8-week-old gestational sac located eccentrically on the right side of the uterine fundus. The Three-dimensional sonography (3D US) demonstrated a gestational sac (GS) over the right cornual region separated from the endometrial cavity. Interstitial pregnancy was impressed. Laparoscopic surgery was then arranged. After entering the pelvic cavity, a bulging mass was found over the utero-tubal junction, compatible with interstitial pregnancy. The wedge resection of interstitial ectopic pregnancy and right salpingectomy were undertaken. The patient was discharged within 2 days after the surgery.ConclusionThe conventional sonography still remained the primary tool to diagnose the ectopic pregnancy, but 3D US played an indispensable role in demonstrating the precise location of GS. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy was symptomatically late in gestation and rupture of an interstitial pregnancy causes catastrophic consequence due to massive bleeding, so prompt and accurate diagnosis was definitely life-saving. Appropriate therapy or surgical intervention could be arranged.     

Diagnosis and laparoscopic management of 11 consecutive cases of cornual ectopic pregnancy

Objective  To determine the pre-operative diagnosis by two dimensional ultrasound scan and the outcome of the laparoscopic management of cornual ectopic pregnancy. Design  Prospective database cohort study. Setting  Whipps Cross University Hospital, UK (District General Hospital). Patients  Eleven patients with cornual ectopic pregnancy presenting in our hospital between January 2003 and December 2007. Interventions  Laparoscopic cornuostomy or cornual resection. Outcome measures  Pre-operative diagnosis by ultrasound scan, conversion rate to laparotomy, successful laparoscopy (not requiring further treatment), complication rate and duration of hospital stay. Results  The mean gestational age was 8 ± 2 weeks. All 11 patients presented with abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding and two (18%) patients became haemodynamically unstable before laparoscopy. There were five (45%) patients with risk factors for ectopic pregnancy. The mean serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hcg) was15,263 ± 12,045 μm/ml. One patient did not have a transvaginal scan as it was decided to proceed to surgery on clinical grounds. The diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was correct at initial scan in nine (90%) of the ten patients who had transvaginal scans as one patient was misdiagnosed at the first scan. However, an ectopic pregnancy was diagnosed on a second ultrasound scan assessment. Initial laparoscopy was negative in one of the nine patients diagnosed as having an ectopic pregnancy. The diagnosis was later confirmed following serial serum β-hcg monitoring, a repeat scan and a second laparoscopy. Ten (91%) of the 11 patients had successful operative laparoscopy as one (9%) patient had conversion to laparotomy. Among patients who had laparoscopic surgery, cornuostomy was performed in three (30%) patients while cornual resection was performed in the other seven (70%) patients. One (10%) of the patients who had laparoscopic surgery needed further treatment with systemic methotrexate. This patient had a cornual resection and was the only complication following laparoscopic surgery. The mean hospital stay was 2 days. Conclusion  This presentation of one of the larger series of patients with cornual ectopic pregnancy managed by laparoscopic surgery reveals that experience at ultrasonography and laparoscopic technique can lead to earlier diagnosis and few cases requiring laparotomy or further treatment. In addition laparoscopic surgery for cornual ectopic is safe and lends itself to conservative approach (cornuostomy) in selected cases.     

Laparoscopic treatment of cornual heterotopic pregnancy

A woman with spontaneous heterotopic pregnancy at approximately 7 weeks' gestation, diagnosed by ultrasound, was treated by laparoscopic cornuostomy. Intrauterine pregnancy continued to develop uneventfully. Two days after laparoscopic surgery, the patient decided to terminate the intrauterine pregnancy. Pathology report confirmed cornual pregnancy, and showed a partial molar gestation of the terminated pregnancy.     

Laparoscopic Transabdominal Cerclage for Cervical Incompetence: A Feasible and Effective Treatment in 10 Steps

Study ObjectiveTo demonstrate the surgical technique of laparoscopic cerclage (LAC) in nonpregnant women with a clinical diagnosis of cervical incompetence. In this video, the authors describe the complete procedure in 10 steps to standardize and facilitate the comprehension and performance of the procedure in a simple and safe way.DesignStep-by-step video demonstration of the surgical technique.SettingPrivate hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.InterventionsThe patient was 32 years old (gravidity and parity, G3A3; late progressive miscarriage), had no comorbidities, and had a radiologic diagnosis of cervical incompetence. The main steps of LAC are described in detail. A complete laparoscopic approach was performed. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in the 0-degree supine decubitus position with arms alongside her body. The operative setup included a 15-mm Hg pneumoperitoneum created using the closed Veress technique and 4 trocars: a 10-mm trocar at the umbilicus for a 0-degree laparoscope; a 5-mm trocar in the right iliac fossa; a 5-mm trocar in the left iliac fossa; and a 5-mm trocar in the suprapubic area. After systematic exploration of the pelvic and abdominal cavities, the procedure began. Step 1 involved identification of anatomic key landmarks and exposure of the operation field. Step 2 involved opening of the anterior peritoneum. The anterior peritoneal reflection was opened over the peritoneum uterovesicalis and then extended laterally until the uterine artery could be clearly identified on both sides. Step 3 involved dissection of the avascular space on each side of the uterus. The vesical-cervical avascular space was created, and the bladder was pushed down, away from the isthmus area. Step 4 involved preparation for a perfect stitch placement. A 5-mm Mersilene suture (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) with a straight needle was introduced by a suprapubic trocar into the abdominal cavity before a complete identification of uterine vessels at both the sides using atraumatic graspers. Step 5 involved identification of the perfect space in the posterior aspect for Mersilene suture placement. Step 6 was to make a perfect anterior stitch. For this, the needle was grasped at the proximal portion in a 90-degree angle. In posterior position and when helped by a cranial and posterior uterine mobilization, the needle passed through the right, broad ligament in the avascular space created on the anterior leaf and medially from the uterine artery until the tip of the needle was seen on the posterior face above the uterosacral ligament. All steps were possible by synchronic uterine mobilization. Step 7 was to make a perfect posterior stitch. The procedure was then repeated contralaterally following the same anatomic and technical precepts but from posteriorly to anteriorly. Step 8 involved correct positioning and orientation of the Mersilene suture far away from the ureter and medial to the uterine arteries 2 cm over the uterosacral ligaments. Step 9 involved fixation of the Mersilene suture with an adequate blocking sequence. Step 10 involved fixation of the Mersilene suture and reperitonealization. The tape was knotted with an adequate blocking intracorporeal suturing sequence at the cervicoisthmic junction, and a Monocryl 2-0 stitch (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ) was made to fix the knot and left it horizontally. Finally, the procedure was ended with anterior reperitonealization, covering all the plica uterovesicalis and mesh, leaving it completely extraperitoneal. The surgery ended without any intraoperative complications and within 30 minutes. Patient was discharged on the first day postoperatively and became pregnant 6 months after surgery, with a C-section delivery of a healthy term newborn at 39 weeks of gestational age.ConclusionLAC in nonpregnant women with a diagnosis of cervical incompetence is safe and feasible in experienced hands, adding all the intrinsic advantages of minimally invasive surgery and providing better obstetric outcomes. In this patient, the procedure was performed without any intra- or postoperative complications, and the patient had an uneventful term pregnancy in the follow-up period. We must remember that adequate standardization of surgical procedures will help reduce the learning curve.     

Trocar-assisted sling suspension for stress urinary incontinence

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To introduce a new approach in trocar-assisted sling suspension (TASS) for genuine stress incontinence. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-four women with genuine stress incontinence. INTERVENTION: TASS. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After standard preparation and under general endotracheal anesthesia, the periurethral space and thicker part of pubocervical fascia was opened from the vagina. An 0.5-cm incision was made on both sides of the lower abdomen 4 cm lateral to the linea alba and 2 to 3 cm above the pubic bone. A trocar was used to penetrate the incision site to the space of Retzius. A folded polypropylene mesh, 2 cm wide and 30 cm long, inside the vagina was pulled outside the trocar with laparoscopic forceps. All procedures were completed as planned. Average blood loss was less than 50 ml and operating time was 20 to 90 minutes. One woman had voiding difficulty and two had detrussor instability, but no bladder injury occurred (overall complication rate 12.5%). At 2-year follow-up, 23 of 24 women were satisfied with the results. CONCLUSION: TASS is a feasible surgical procedure for managing stress incontinence. Since urinary incontinence surgery is usually combined with other gynecologic procedures, the laparoscopic trocar that is used during TASS can be used for concurrent surgery.     

Successful laparoscopic management of early splenic pregnancy: case report and review of literature

Splenic pregnancy is the least common form of ectopic pregnancy. A 32-year-old woman, gravida 5, para 2, had not menstruated for 46 days, and had spotty bleeding for 6 days and lower abdominal pain for 2 days. The initial β-human chorionic gonadotropin concentration was 38,913.3 IU/L. Transvaginal ultrasound examination demonstrated an empty uterine cavity, and a gestational sac 4.3 × 4.0 mm in diameter, with no fetal pole or yolk sac, located just adjacent to the splenic region. Laparoscopic surgery demonstrated intact pelvic organs and an ectopic mass on the spleen. The splenic pregnancy was successfully treated via laparoscopic embryo methotrexate injection, with preservation of the uterus and spleen. As evidenced in this case, laparoscopic embryo methotrexate injection is a minimally invasive and effective method of diagnosis and treatment of early splenic pregnancy.     

宫角妊娠的治疗及对术后生育能力的影响分析

目的：分析比较宫角妊娠不同治疗方案的临床效果及对术后生育能力的影响。方法：对我院2012年1月-2015年12月收治的95例宫角妊娠患者进行回顾性分析,按照治疗方法将其分为5组：清宫术组（n=21）、开腹探查手术组（n=27）、腹腔镜手术组（n=33）、减胎术组（n=5）、药物治疗组（n=9）。分析比较不同治疗方案的临床效果及对术后生育能力的影响。结果：手术患者均获得成功,术后均未发生明显不良反应。开腹探查手术组的术中出血量最多,清宫术组最少,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;清宫术组手术时间短于开腹探查手术组和腹腔镜组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）,而腹腔镜手术组与开腹探查手术组的手术时间比较,差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）;术后3 d人绒毛膜促性腺激素β亚单位（β-hCG）下降程度清宫术组显著优于开腹探查手术组和腹腔镜组,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）;术后住院时间比较,清宫术组最短,开腹探查手术组最长,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。药物治疗组的9例患者中,有8例孕囊完全排出,孕囊排出时间3~5.5 h,平均（4.1±1.2）h;阴道出血时间5~8 d,平均（7.2±1.4）d;其余1例因不完全流产转行清宫术。随访至治疗后1年,除减胎术组5例成功分娩外,其余90例患者中,计划妊娠81例,再次宫内妊娠者41例,药物治疗组再妊娠率最高,开腹探查手术组最低,差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）。结论：对于宫角妊娠应根据患者的病情,妊娠包块大小、位置及是否破裂,患者的意愿,以及医师的实践经验和手术技巧综合考虑,力求对患者创伤程度最低,对术后再生育能力影响最小。