Laparoscopic ligation of hypogastric arteries using the Hulka clip to arrest massive vaginal bleeding due to stage IIb cervical carcinoma

A woman experienced severe vaginal bleeding from an exophytic, eroded cervical carcinoma. When vaginal tamponade and blood transfusion were ineffective in stopping the hemorrhage, bilateral laparoscopic ligation of the hypogastric arteries was performed. A Hulka clip was used to collapse the artery walls. Two months post-operatively a second, minor episode of bleeding occurred. This might have been avoided by ligating the ovarianuterine anastomosis.     

Combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection for conservative management of cervical pregnancy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection may eliminate unexpected and uncontrolled massive uterine bleeding without compromising future fertility in women with cervical pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. PATIENTS: Three women. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three cases of cervical pregnancy were diagnosed by ultrasound at 6, 7, and 9 weeks' gestation. After treatment, all three women experienced intermittent vaginal bleeding, but none required transfusion. Levels of b-human chorionic gonadotropin returned to normal within 7 weeks, and patients resumed normal menstruation within 11 weeks after treatment. One woman conceived an intrauterine pregnancy 3 months after restoration of normal menstruation, and was delivered at term. CONCLUSION: The combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection appears to be effective in preventing unexpected massive uterine bleeding in patients with cervical pregnancy, and does not compromise future fertility.     

Ligadura de arterias hipogástricas proximales y tronco posterior bilaterales como profilaxis en histerectomía

Although the outcome of bilateral hypogastric artery ligation is good, and effective in controlling postpartum bleeding for the preservation of the uterus, few cases have been published, and the incidence is low. In this case report, the patient presented with menometrorrhagia of two years onset. With no improvement using conventional medical treatment, a bilateral ligation of hypogastric arteries was performed as well as the posterior trunk bilaterally, obtaining an adequate improvement. Bilateral posterior trunk ligation is a procedure that was performed as a complement to hypogastric artery ligation and could result in a decrease in surgical time and risk of bleeding in patients.     

Complete Bladder Gangrene Caused by Bilateral Hypogastric Artery Ligation during Laparoscopic Radical Hysterectomy

Ischemic complications are extremely rare after radical pelvic surgery because of the collateral blood supply in the pelvis. We report a case of complete bladder gangrene 3 weeks after a laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral hypogastric artery ligation in a 70-year-old woman with cervical cancer.     

Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels to manage delayed postpartum hemorrhage

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a big challenge for obstetricians. Fertility-preserving procedures are encouraged, especially in young women. Bilateral hypogastric (internal iliac) artery ligation, bilateral uterine artery ligation after vaginal delivery or after cesarean delivery, and uterine artery embolization are well documented vascular occlusive methods for treating PPH. To our knowledge, the laparoscopic approach to uterine artery ligation has not been reported. A 29-year-old woman experienced delayed PPH. Although curettage of the uterine cavity to remove retained placenta was performed, bleeding did not stop. We successfully performed a relatively new method--laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels--to stop bleeding and preserve the uterus.     

不同手术方式对宫颈癌根治术后疲劳综合征和免疫功能的影响

目的:比较腹腔镜手术和开腹手术对早期宫颈癌子宫全切术术后疲劳综合征(POFS)和免疫功能的影响。方法:选取2014年1月—2015年12月第三军医大学大坪医院妇产科收治的78例早期宫颈癌患者,按手术方式分为腹腔镜组(43例)和开腹组(35例),比较2组的手术情况,采用Christensen评分法评价术前1 d、术后1 d、3 d和7 d的疲劳程度,并检测各个时间点患者的血清免疫球蛋白IgA、IgG、IgM水平、血浆自然杀伤(NK)细胞计数、T细胞亚群CD4^+、CD8^+、CD4^+/CD8^+水平。结果:腹腔镜组手术时间长于开腹组,但术中出血量和术后住院时间少于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。2组患者术后的POFS评分均显著高于术前1 d,且随着术后时间延长,POFS评分均逐渐降低;腹腔镜组各个时间点的POFS评分和恢复效果均显著好于开腹组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。术后2组患者的免疫球蛋白水平和T细胞亚群计数均较术前1 d显著下降,但腹腔镜组下降程度低于开腹组,恢复效果好于开腹组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:腹腔镜子宫全切术治疗早期宫颈癌对患者创伤小,对免疫功能抑制轻微,POFS程度轻,手术效果好,临床恢复快,值得临床推广应用。     

Feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging for locally advanced cervical carcinoma in a gynecologic oncology fellowship training program

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Feasibility of laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging for locally advanced cervical carcinoma in a gynecologic oncology fellowship training program. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (II-2) of all patients who underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging at Women and Children's Hospital for locally advanced cervical cancer between June 2002 and June 2005. SETTING: Gynecologic oncology fellowship training program at a University-County Hospital PATIENTS: Thirty-two patients with clinical stage IIB-IVA cervical carcinoma were identified. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging for clinical stage IIB-IVA cervical cancer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 32 cases of laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging for locally advanced cervical cancer performed by fellows-in-training were identified. Fellows were first assistant surgeon in 10 cases, and operating surgeon in 22 cases. Each fellow was mentored an average of 5 cases as first assistant surgeon. As operating surgeon, all 22 fellow cases (100%) were successfully performed without conversion to laparotomy. Fellow mean operative time was 163 minutes. Fellow mean aortic nodal count was 14. Fellow mean blood loss was 42 mL. The mean hospital stay was 1.6 days. Overall, 2 patients (6.2%) experienced a complication from the procedure. Over one half (53%) of the patients reported a prior abdominal surgery. No lymphedema has been reported in patients who underwent laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging with a median follow-up of 10 months. Surgical comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity were common in the study group. A steep surgical learning curve for the fellows was demonstrated by comparing mean operative times to academic year. Aortic nodal metastasis was detected in 25% of cases, and 14% were occult. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible to teach laparoscopic extraperitoneal surgical staging to fellows-in-training. Our data suggest that by the end of training, fellows can become proficient with the procedure and are capable of surgical outcomes and complication rates comparable to reported literature.     

Image in reproductive medicine. Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy

Bilateral hypogastric artery ligation followed by dilatation and evacuation under laparoscopic guidance was successful in the treatment of an advanced cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. This case presents images of ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, and gross anatomy unique to cesarean scar pregnancy.     

Robotics and Gynecologic Oncology: Review of the Literature

The objectives of this article were to review the published scientific literature about robotics and its application to gynecologic oncology to date and to summarize findings of this advanced computerenhanced laparoscopic technique. Relevant sources were identified by a search of PUBMED from January 1950 to January 2009 using the key words Robot or Robotics and Cervical cancer, Endometrial cancer, Gynecologic oncology, and Ovarian cancer. Appropriate case reports, case series, retrospective studies, prospective trials, and review articles were selected. A total of 38 articles were identified on the subject, and 27 were included in the study. The data for gynecologic cancer show comparable results between robotic and laparoscopic surgery for estimated blood loss, operative time, length of hospital stay, and complications. Overall, there were more wound complications with the laparotomy approach compared with laparoscopy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy. There were more lymphocysts, lymphoceles, and lymphedema in the robotic-assisted laparoscopic group compared with the laparoscopy and laparotomy groups in patients with cervical cancer. Infectious and lung-related morbidity, postoperative ileus, and bleeding or clot formation were more commonly reported in the laparotomy group compared with the other 2 cohorts in patients with endometrial cancer. Computer-enhanced technology may enable more surgeons to convert laparotomies to laparoscopic surgery with its associated benefits. It seems that in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons, final outcomes are the same with or without use of the robot. There is good evidence that robotic surgery facilitates laparoscopic surgery, with equivalent if not better operative time and comparable surgical outcomes, shorter hospital stay, and fewer major complications than with surgeries using the laparotomy approach.     

Update on the role of laparoscopy in the treatment of gynaecological malignancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update the available information and to report on how the recent literature has better defined the role of laparoscopy for the management of gynaecological malignancies. RECENT FINDINGS: When compared with laparotomy, laparoscopy provides a similar outcome with a shorter hospitalization, an earlier recovery, and an improved quality of life for the treatment of endometrial cancer. Recent reports in the literature on cervical cancer management now include follow-up data; however, only one study included a control group. These studies confirm the feasibility of radical hysterectomy by laparoscopy. The 2-year disease-free and overall survivals were similar in patients treated by laparoscopy and laparotomy in the study that included a control group. The role of laparoscopy for early ovarian cancer is limited by the absence of available data on upstaging. For advanced ovarian carcinoma, new applications of laparoscopy, such as laparoscopic fluorescence detection after intraperitoneal application of 5-aminolevulinic acid, have been reported but the real utility needs further investigation. One of the challenges for the development of laparoscopic surgery is the difficulty for physicians of acquiring advanced laparoscopic surgical skills. SUMMARY: The feasibility and safety of laparoscopy for most of the surgical procedures that are used for gynaecological malignancies are now established from cohort or case-control analytical studies. The absence of large phase III studies needs to be balanced by the relatively low incidence of cervical and ovarian cancer.     

Primary management of postpartum vulvovaginal hematomas by angiographic embolization

Three cases of large postpartum vulvovaginal hematomas are reported. After conservative measures including incision and drainage, ligation of bleeding sites, vaginal packing and replacement of volume and coagulation factors failed to control the bleeding in each, pelvic angiography was performed. Brisk arterial bleeding demonstrated on arteriography was controlled by Gelfoam embolization in all three cases. Intra- or postpartum hematologic evaluation revealed a previously undiagnosed coagulation disorder in each patient. The authors suggest that angiography be considered before hypogastric artery ligation whenever possible in patients with large postpartum hematomas and that all such patients be evaluated for coagulopathy.     

Pelvic vascular bed isolation chemotherapy in the management of hemorrhage caused by advanced cervical cancer: A report of four clinical cases

Four cases of severe genital hemorrhage due to advanced cervical cancer were treated with pelvic vascular bed isolation followed by single infusion of anticancer drugs into the hypogastric arteries with good results. In three, the hemorrhage occurred before radiotherapy, while in one, it occurred in the middle of a course of radiotherapy.The bleeding was so heavy that all the patients fell into a state of shock or preshock. This paper contains four case reports of the hemorrhagic patients who were treated with the isolation chemotherapy, and one of the illustrations of the isolation surgery.     

Hypogastric artery ligation for obstetric hemorrhage

Ligation of the hypogastric arteries has been recommended for control of obstetric hemorrhage. However, specific information regarding its effectiveness is lacking. The hospital charts of 19 patients undergoing bilateral hypogastric artery ligation for the control of otherwise intractable obstetric hemorrhage were reviewed. Indications included uterine atony (15), lateral extension of a low-transverse uterine incision (three), and placenta accreta (one). This procedure was effective in controlling bleeding in eight of 19 patients (42%). Hysterectomy was necessary in the remaining 11 patients. In these patients, blood loss, operating time, and intraoperative morbidity was increased when compared with a group of 59 patients undergoing emergency hysterectomy for obstetric hemorrhage without prior ligation of the hypogastric arteries. Surgical approaches to hypogastric artery ligation are discussed.     

Ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the external iliac artery in an advanced cervical cancer patient treated by endovascular covered stent placement

The formation of pseudoaneurysms in patients with gynecologic malignancies is rare. We describe a patient with locally advanced cervical cancer who had life-threatening rectal bleeding due to a ruptured pseudoaneurysm of the right external iliac artery, which was successfully treated by emergent endovascular covered stent placement. This 56-year-old woman had received concurrent chemoradiation, salvage hysterectomy and systemic chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer. About 25 months after her diagnosis of cervical cancer, she suffered from acute life-threatening rectal bleeding. Angiography revealed active extravasation from a pseudoaneurysm of the right external iliac artery. A covered stent was placed across the pseudoaneurysm via an endovascular approach to stop the bleeding. The patient recovered well without any sequelae. We believe that this technique might also be useful in other irradiated gynecologic cancer patients, especially when direct surgical repair is difficult to perform due to pelvic irradiation or tumor recurrence.     

腹腔镜与开腹手术在宫颈癌腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫术的安全性和生存结局比较

目的:探讨腹腔镜与开腹手术在宫颈癌腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫术的安全性和生存结局比较。方法:回顾分析2015年1月至2016年12月于武汉大学人民医院行腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫的86例宫颈癌患者的临床资料。其中50例行腹腔镜术(腹腔镜组),36例行开腹术(开腹组)。比较两组患者的手术时间、术中出血量、腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫数、术中及术后并发症、术后肛门排气时间、总住院时间、预后情况。结果:两组患者的手术时间比较,差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。与开腹组比较,腹腔镜组的术中出血量明显减少,术后肛门排气时间早,术后总住院时间短,淋巴结清扫数多,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。两组的术中输尿管损伤、血管损伤、术后淋巴囊肿、尿潴留、肠梗阻、深静脉血栓、呼吸系统感染发生率比较,差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。开腹组切口液化4例,腹腔镜组无切口液化,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。腔镜组与开腹组患者的远期临床预后并无明显差异。结论:腹腔镜下腹主动脉旁淋巴结清扫手术用于宫颈癌治疗有较好的安全性,值得临床推广。     

子宫颈癌患者腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术联合淋巴结切除术的临床效果评估

目的 评估腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术联合盆腹腔淋巴结切除术用于治疗子宫颈癌的临床效果。方法 对57例Ⅰa～Ⅱb期的子宫颈癌患者,施行腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术联合盆腔及腹主动脉周围淋巴结切除术。其中子宫颈鳞状细胞癌48例,腺癌7例,腺鳞癌2例。结果 除2例外,所有患者均在腹腔镜下完成手术,平均手术时间为186min(150～320min),术中平均出血168ml(120～700ml),切除盆腔和腹主动脉周围淋巴结数量平均为18．6个和8．2个;8例患者淋巴结为阳性。所有切除组织边缘大体检查均为阴性。术中2例膀胱损伤、1例静脉损伤,均于镜下修补成功;2例中转开腹。术后肛门排气时间平均为2．3d,恢复自主排尿时间平均为10．2d。手术后每3个月随访1次,发现轻度输尿管狭窄1例,尿潴留2例,阴道残端复发3例,病情未控1例。结论 腹腔镜下广泛子宫切除术联合盆腹腔淋巴结切除术j治疗子宫颈癌手术创伤小、并发症少、术后恢复快,是一种治疗子宫颈癌的理想方法。     

Role of Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ovarian Cancer

The standard treatment of ovarian cancer includes upfront surgery with intent to accurately diagnose and stage the disease and to perform maximal cytoreduction, followed by chemotherapy in most cases. Surgical staging of ovarian cancer traditionally has included exploratory laparotomy with peritoneal washings, hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy, multiple peritoneal biopsies, and possible pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy. In the early 1990s, pioneers in laparoscopic surgery used minimally invasive techniques to treat gynecologic cancers, including laparoscopic staging of early ovarian cancer and primary and secondary cytoreduction in advanced and recurrent disease in selected cases. Since then, the role of minimally invasive surgery in gynecologic oncology has been continually expanding, and today advanced laparoscopic and robotic-assisted laparoscopic techniques are used to evaluate and treat cervical and endometrial cancer. However, the important question about the place of the minimally invasive approach in surgical treatment of ovarian cancer remains to be evaluated and answered. Overall, the potential role of minimally invasive surgery in treatment of ovarian cancer is as follows: i) laparoscopic evaluation, diagnosis, and staging of apparent early ovarian cancer; ii) laparoscopic assessment of feasibility of upfront surgical cytoreduction to no visible disease; iii) laparoscopic debulking of advanced ovarian cancer; iv) laparoscopic reassessment in patients with complete remission after primary treatment; and v) laparoscopic assessment and cytoreduction of recurrent disease. The accurate diagnosis of suspect adnexal masses, the safety and feasibility of this surgical approach in early ovarian cancer, the promise of laparoscopy as the most accurate tool for triaging patients with advanced disease for surgery vs upfront chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy, and its potential in treatment of advanced cancer have been documented and therefore should be incorporated in the surgical methods of every gynecologic oncology unit and in the training programs in gynecologic oncology.     

Hypogastric artery ligation for severe hemorrhage in obstetric patients

Ligation of the hypogastric arteries (HAL) was first introduced into surgery by the end of the 19(th) century to control intractable hemorrhage from the uterus of women with advanced cervical cancer. At present, HAL is one in a spectrum of operative methods to control life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage before hysterectomy. Bilateral ligation of the internal iliac artery does not result in complete blockage of but to a significant decrease in blood supply to the female pelvic organs. Soon after ligation three previously existent collateral circulations will develop. Due to the smaller caliber of these arteries, the arterial pulse and pulse pressure are virtually eliminated. The effectiveness of HAL in avoiding hysterectomy for postpartum hemorrhage has been reported in up to 50% of cases. HAL has no adverse effect on subsequent fertility or pregnancy outcome, however, assessment for intrauterine fetal growth restriction is recommended. This safe and effective procedure should be taught during obstetric and gynecologic training.     

Heparin therapy in postcesarean septic pelvic thrombophlebitis

Eleven cases of septic pelvic thrombophlebitis and persistant fever following cesarean section and cesarean hysterectomy are presented. Addition of heparin to the antibiotic regimen of these patients produced a clinical response within 1--5 days, except in two patients who developed septic pulmonary emboli, which finally resolved with continued heparin therapy. An incidental finding was a high incidence of pelvic thrombophlebitis following hypogastric artery ligation. The results justify a trial of heparin therapy, before resorting to exploratory laparotomy, in postpelvic surgery patients who have unexplained fever.     

Bleeding caused by the trocar insertion through the umbilicus as a rare complication of laparoscopy

The report of case in which bleeding from the anterior abdominal wall vessels occurred after the trocar insertion through the umbilicus. Directly after trocar removing there was insignificant bleeding from the trocar incision. Despite initial hemostasis with a suture ligation a postoperative blood loss and peritonitis syndrome necessitated transfusion and diagnostic laparoscopy. No vessel injury was localised during the subsequent laparoscopy. The bleeding originated from the trocar incision--a small artery was injured. The hemostasis suture was fastened. The reported case is a unique example of a laparoscopic complication. The umbilicus seemed to be a very safe localisation for the first trocar insertion--there are no reports of appearance of abdominal vessels within the umbilicus. Besides the suture ligation usually ensures an effective hemostasis--the diagnostic laparoscopy or laparotomy is are performed in exceptional situations.