Resultados de 1.000 cirugías ginecológicas laparoscópicas sucesivas

Objectives

To review the indications and outcomes of 1,000 consecutive laparoscopic surgeries.

Material and methods

We carried out an observational, retrospective study of the first 1,000 gynecological laparoscopic procedures performed in our hospital. Data on complications and conversions were recorded.

Results

Between January 2005 and November 2011, we performed 1000 laparoscopic surgeries: 452 (45.2%) ovarian procedures, 200 (20%) hysterectomies for benign causes, 105 (10.5%) gynecological neoplasms, 88 (8.8%) tubal ligations, 75 (7.5%) diagnostic laparoscopies, 56 (5.6%) myomectomies, 19 (1.9%) sacropexies and 5 (0.5%) appendectomies. There were 22 major complications (2.2%) and 32 conversions to open surgery (3.2%).

Conclusion

The laparoscopic approach to gynecological surgery is safe and effective.     

Pronóstico y resultados en pacientes diagnosticadas de endometriosis a las que se les ha realizado por primera vez una cirugía conservadora por dolor o esterilidad

Objective

To analyze clinical outcomes in patients with suspected endometriosis undergoing conservative surgery. Pain reduction, pregnancy rates, and reinterventions were analyzed.

Material and methods

Patients with suspected endometriosis and symptoms of pain or infertility undergoing conservative surgery for the first time were included (n = 128). Exclusion criteria consisted of incomplete medical histories and interventions indicated for reasons other than pain or infertility.

Results

Surgery was indicated for pain in 70.3% and for infertility in 29.7%. A total of 32.5% of the patients had pain at the first postsurgical visit, 42.5% at 6 months and 58.3% at 1 year. Reintervention was performed in 11.29%. Among reinterventions for pain, there was a higher percentage of intestinal symptoms before surgery (P=.07), as well as episodes of abdominal pain requiring hospital care (P=.08); a higher proportion of these patients had pain in the first visit (P=.05) and at 1 year (P=.03) than patients not undergoing reintervention. Postsurgical medical treatment was less frequent in patients undergoing reintervention (P=.11). Among patients undergoing surgery for infertility, pregnancy was achieved in 65.8%.

Conclusions

Pain was less frequent in the first postsurgical visit than in subsequent visits. Among patients undergoing reintervention for pain, there was a higher percentage of intestinal symptoms and episodes of abdominal pain requiring hospital care prior to the intervention. Pain at the first visit and at 1 year are factors of poor prognosis for reintervention. Patients undergoing reintervention for pain less frequently required postsurgical medical treatment. More than half of patients with interfertility and endometriosis achieved spontaneous pregnancy after surgery.     

Separador semiautomático para intervenciones quirúrgicas en ginecobstetricia en pacientes con peso normal o con obesidad mórbida

Aim

To evaluate the usefulness of automatic surgical retractor in obstetric and gynecological interventions.

Material and methods

Open, prospective, longitudinal, exploratory study to evaluate the retractor in surgical interventions.

Sample

100 patients: 45 patients with previous cesarean sections, 49 patients classified as obese, 36 who were overweight, and 10 with normal weight. Surgical interventions: 82 abdominal, 18 vaginal.

Participating physicians

14 obstetric and gynecological surgeons, and 86 residents in gynecology and obstetric.

Statistical analysis

Was used the SPSS program.

Results

Articulation, disarticulation, collocation and retraction of the retractor was satisfactory in 98 interventions. There was one case of instability, and another of insufficient width. Vaginal interventions required only one operator. The instrument reduced the duration of surgery, blood loss, and the use of anesthetics and other material.

Conclusion

The Soriano surgical retractor was useful in 98% of the patients and improved the quality and time of the surgical interventions.     

Factores psicológicos en mujeres que padecen pelvialgia crónica grave operadas por laparoscopia o laparotomía

Purpose

To analyze the importance of psychological factors, understood as levels of anxiety and depression, among women with chronic pelvic pain and to evaluate the possibility of a relationship between these psychological factors and the persistence of pain after surgery.

Material and methods

We studied 41 women with chronic pelvic pain for more than 6 months who had undergone laparoscopy or laparotomy as a diagnostic-therapeutic method. The results in these women were compared with those in a control group of 86 women attending the clinic for bilateral tubal ligation. These patients were interviewed before surgery to evaluate their depression and anxiety levels using the Beck test and the STAI scale. The persistence of pain after surgery was assessed through a telephone survey.

Results

Levels of depression and anxiety were higher in the chronic pelvic pain group than in the control group but no differences were found in the trait anxiety variable. When interviews were carried out 3 months after surgery, the percentage of patients who continued to have postoperative pain was significantly higher in the chronic pelvic pain group than in the control group.

Conclusion

Quality of life is impaired in women experiencing pelvic pain for more than 6 months, due to increased levels of depression and state anxiety. Persistence of pain 3 months after surgery, despite elimination of its apparent gynecological cause, could be influenced by anxiety and depression.     

Resultados de un programa de cirugía mayor ambulatoria en ginecología

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of an ambulatory surgery program in gynecological diseases.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of patients who underwent surgical hysteroscopy or laparoscopic tubal sterilization from January 2002 to December 2006. Several quality indicators (substitution, cancellation, admission and readmission rates) and the systemic and surgical complications appearing in the first week after surgery were analyzed.

Results

During the study period, 1,214 patients underwent surgery in the gynecology service, with a global substitution rate of 90%. The admission rate after surgery was 1.15%. Severe complications occurred in 10 patients, representing a proportional risk of 1:121. Less severe complications requiring hospital admission occurred in 35 patients. Severe gynecological complications occurred in 2 patients.

Conclusions

Despite compliance with optimal requirements, there was a low rate of postoperative complications of variable severity.     

Histerectomía radical laparoscópica en la cerda utilizada como modelo animal experimental

Objectives

To gain practice in laparoscopic surgery, using the sow as an experimental animal model.

Material and method

The sow was used to practice radical hysterectomy, describing the anatomic-surgical « landmarks » that must be followed to complete this kind of surgery.

Conclusions

Before performing laparoscopic surgery in a woman, surgeons must follow a stepby-step training period that provides confidence and security. These steps can be learnt using animal models. Thus, when helping an oncological surgeon or when performing surgery, surgeons will have already acquired the experience in handling the genitourinary and pelvic-vascular systems. This experience will be highly useful when performing surgery involving these structures.     

Amnioinfusión en rotura prematura de membranas en gestaciones pretérmino

Objective

To study the possibility of prenatal amnioinfusion as a therapeutic measure in premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancies.

Material and methods

We performed serialized transabdominal amnioinfusions in two patients with premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancy. Ringer's solution was instilled by abdominal puncture.

Results

We performed serialized transabdominal amnioinfusions until the 23rd week of pregnancy, after which time both patients showed normal amniotic fluid.

Conclusions

Transabdominal amnioinfusion is a valid therapeutic option in premature rupture of membranes in preterm pregnancy.     

Idoneidad de las indicaciones de cesárea. Una aplicación en la gestión de la práctica clínica

Objectives

To describe the quality management system applied by the Obstetrics and Gynecology Service of the Manacor Hospital, Majorca (Spain) to the process of cesarean section, and to assess the appropriateness of caesarean sections performed in this service between 2004 and 2005.

Subjects and methods

Consensus was reached on evidence-based indications for emergency and elective cesarean sections and on their quality criteria. All clinical records were reviewed to assess the appropriateness of cesarean sections performed from 2004-2005 according to previously established standards.

Results

In all two-monthly periods, appropriateness was achieved according to previously established standards (100% of elective interventions and > 90% of emergency cesarean sections), except in July-August, 2004 and May-June 2005 (appropriateness of elective cesarean sections = 92%), and in July-August 2004 (appropriateness of emergency interventions = 84%).

Conclusions

To reduce unjustified variability in clinical practice, cesarean section indications must be standardized, based on scientific evidence, and regularly assessed.     

Degeneración cerebelosa paraneoplásica en cáncer ginecológico: descripción de 3 casos

Background and objective

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) is a rare neurological complication that develops in patients with cancer and is associated with different antibodies. PCD associated with anti-Yo antibodies usually occurs in patients with gynecological cancer. There is no diagnostic method that would allow early detection and appropriate treatment.

Methods

We describe three patients who presented with subacute cerebellar dysfunction and positive anti-Yo antibodies. After diagnosis and treatment, the patients were monitored to evaluate persistence of the neurological syndrome.

Results

Imaging studies were performed when gynecologic cancer was suspected. In all patients, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/tomography computerized (FDG-PET/TC) was the only imaging test that led to suspicion of the primary lesion. Histological examination confirmed the diagnosis of ovarian carcinoma in two patients and carcinoma of the horn in the third patient. All patients underwent radical surgery and subsequent chemotherapy. Corticosteroids were administered with no improvement of the neurological syndrome in any of the patients.

Conclusion

Oncologic treatment does not improve neurological symptoms. FDG-PET/TC with fluorodeoxyglucose could be useful in cases of PCD in which conventional imaging tests do not identify the underlying malignancy.     

Histerectomía radical laparoscópica total en el cáncer de cérvix. Factibilidad,morbilidad y supervivencia

Objective

To assess feasibility, perioperative morbidity and medium term survival of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer.

Material and methods

A total of 31 consecutive patients diagnosed FIGO clinical stage IA2 (n = 4), IB1 (n = 22), IIA (n = 2) and IB2 (n = 3) in Son Llàtzer hospital (Palma de Mallorca) that were programmed for a total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy were studied. We analyzed tumor histological characteristics, surgical technique, perioperative variables, postoperative complications and mid-term survival results.

Results

Feasibility rate was 96%. The most frequently operative complication was accidental bladder incision (3 cases). Postoperative complications rate was 20% (6 cases) which includes one surgical reintervention. Average operative time was 258 minutes (range: 180-360). Blood transfusion rate was 17% (n = 5) and mean hospital stay was 7.8 days (range: 2-29). After one month after surgery 72% of patients had a normal miccional function. Mean tumoral size was 26.5 mm and lymphatic positive nodes rate was 17% (n = 5). Mean follow-up time was 26 months. Tumor relapse rate was 17% (n = 5) and survival-free disease of 100% for IA2 stage, 82.6% of IB1/IIA stages and 66.7% for IB2 stage.

Conclusions

Total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a feasible technique in most of the patients with cervical cancer. It needs more operative time than abdominal route but it presents less perioperative morbidity, less blood transfusion and less ospitalization days. The medium term survival is comparable with conventional abdominal route.     

La histerectomía laparoscópica: un abordaje posible. Estudio retrospectivo de las histerectomías laparoscópicas realizadas en un hospital público

Objective

To assess the outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy in a public hospital.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of laparoscopic hysterectomies carried out between January 2005 and December 2007. The parameters evaluated were indication, type of hysterectomy, uterine weight, length of hospital stay, and complications.

Results

In the period analyzed, we performed 284 hysterectomies, of which 103 (36.36%) were laparoscopic. The morbidity rate was 9.7% and complications were related to the learning curve. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.56 days.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a safe procedure that requires a learning curve of 30-40 procedures. Due to its advantages, this option should be offered in all gynecology services.     

Útero didelfo y hemivagina ciega. Una causa de dolor abdominal en la adolescencia

Objective

To evaluate didelphic uterus as a cause of abdominal pain.

Material and method

We reviewed 2 cases in adolescents managed by our service from 2002 to 2006.

Results

In both patients, we confirmed the existence of didelphic uterus and septate vagina associated with renal agenesis. Outcome was favorable in both patients after surgery.

Conclusions

The 2 cases described illustrate the need to include congenital abnormalities in the differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain and vaginal mass in adolescents.     

Análisis del dolor en la versión cefálica externa

Objective

To analyze the maternal perception of pain during external cephalic version.

Material and methods

A prospective study was carried out on 71 patients at the Hospital de Cruces between April 2005 and April 2006, based on personal surveys conducted after the version. These surveys included a «numeric pain intensity rating scale» as well as a series of questions regarding the procedure. Results were analyzed in terms of success or failure of the procedure.

Results

The overall success rate was 50.7%. The procedure was well tolerated by all pregnant women, with no complications being observed. The overall median pain stood at 7; 5 in successful versions, as opposed to 8 in unsuccessful versions (P<.01). A total of 83.1% of patients stated that they would be willing to undergo the procedure again in the future, more than 50% of them basing their decision on the benefits of cephalic delivery.

Conclusions

The fact that external cephalic version is a well tolerated procedure is probably due to its brevity, although it must be noted that it is not a pain-free maneuver.     

Riesgo de fracturas no vertebrales en mujeres posmenopáusicas en tratamiento antirresortivo

Objective

To determine the 5-year non-vertebral fracture risk in postmenopausal women on antiresorptive therapy.

Subjects and methods

We performed a cross-sectional multicenter study in 2,111 postmenopausal women receiving antiresorptive therapy in gynecological settings. The risk of fracture was evaluated by means of the FRACTURE Index. The influence of clinical parameters on the main variable was evaluated through linear and/or logistic regression, using the SAS v. 9.1.3 program.

Results

The mean age ± standard deviation was 61.0 ± 7.9 years. Densitometry was available in 60.5% of the women and showed a prevalence of osteopenia of 49.4% whereas that of osteoporosis was 42.4%. Biphosphonates were used in 59.3% of the women. When densitometry was available, 73.4% scored less than 6 points on the FRACTURE Index, and when densitometry was not available, 81.7% scored less than 4 points. The mean risk of non-vertebral fractures was 14.8 ± 5.3% and that of vertebral fractures was 4.0 ± 3.0%.

Conclusions

In this large group of postmenopausal women receiving antiresorptive treatment, the 5-year non-vertebral fracture risk, as assessed by the FRACTURE index, was three times higher than that of vertebral fracture.     

Evaluación del tratamiento médico del embarazo ectópico con metotrexato

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy of medical treatment with methotrexate in ectopic pregnancy.

Material and methods

We performed a prospective observational study of the use and effectiveness of medical treatment with methotrexate in patients diagnosed with ectopic pregnancy in the Ciudad Real University General Hospital from 2008 to 2009. A single intramuscular dose was administered in patients who met the inclusion criteria. Medical treatment was considered to have failed when surgery was required. We analyzed the economic costs of medical and surgical treatment.

Results

We diagnosed 63 cases of ectopic pregnancy. Forty patients (63.5%) were treated with methotrexate, and 23 women (36.5%) who did not meet the criteria for inclusion in the protocol for medical treatment were treated surgically (laparoscopic salpingectomy). Among patients who received methotrexate, 30 (82.5%) required only one dose and 10 (17.5%) required two doses. Methotrexate treatment was successful in 30 patients (75%) and failed in 10 (25%), who underwent a laparoscopic salpingectomy. The cost per case of medical treatment was 580 €, which was less than the cost of laparoscopic surgical treatment (3,465.8 €).

Conclusions

Methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy in selected patients is as effective as the standard treatment with laparoscopy with less cost and with high acceptance by patients.     

Mild hydronephrosis after uncomplicated hysterectomy

Objective

To explore differences in the incidence of hydronephrosis following different hysterectomy methods for benign gynecological disease.

Study design

Retrospective chart review of ultrasound findings on all patients undergoing simple hysterectomy for benign gynecological pathology between July 2004 and September 2008. Elective renal ultrasonography was performed pre-operatively and within 3 days after hysterectomy as part of the routine follow-up in our hospital.

Results

Of 385 eligible patients, six were excluded because of pre-existing hydronephrosis or suspected intra-operative ureteral injury. In the resulting group of 379 patients, abdominal (33.3%), vaginal (11.8%) or laparoscopic hysterectomy (54.9%) was performed. The last group included total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH, 20.3%), laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH, 19.3%), and laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH, 15.3%). Overall, 56.7% of patients showed mild hydronephrosis (5–15 mm pelvicalyceal dilatation) after surgery. Mostly, it occurred unilaterally. The incidence varied according to the type of procedure, the highest being documented following vaginal hysterectomy (64.4%) and the lowest after LASH (46.6%), but this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusion

Mild hydronephrosis is a frequent finding after uncomplicated hysterectomy for benign pathology in otherwise asymptomatic patients. Although not statistically significant, there may be variability of mild hydronephrosis depending on the hysterectomy method.     

Embarazo ectópico: de la cirugía de urgencia al tratamiento médico. Evolución de la terapéutica en nuestro centro

Objective

To analyze changing trends in the management of ectopic pregnancy in the previous 9 years.

Material and methods

We performed a retrospective study of 355 patients with ectopic pregnancy treated at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital from 1998 to 2006. We reviewed and analyzed changes in treatment trends over this 9-year period.

Results

Medical treatment was initiated in 139 patients (39.15%), with a failure rate of 10.07%. Surgery was performed in 230 women (60.85%). Of these, laparoscopy was performed in 121 and laparotomy in 109.

Conclusions

Laparoscopic surgery is currently the first-line therapeutic option in the management of tubal ectopic pregnancy. However, in the last few years, medical treatment has been shown to be safe and effective, allowing a less invasive approach.     

Colposacropexia por laparoscopia en el tratamiento del prolapso genital

Objectives

To analyze the results of laparoscopic colposacropexy and to achieve a long-lasting support system without recurrences.

Material and methods

From March 2001 to March 2007, we performed laparoscopic colposacropexy in 42 patients. The mean age was 56 years (42-70 years).Patients with prior hysterectomy showed complex vaginal vault prolapse while those without hysterectomy showed prolapse affecting more than one compartment. The 28 women with pelvic uterine prolapse underwent hysterectomy (supracervical hysterectomy in 15 and total hysterectomy in 13). The transperitoneal Burch procedure was carried out in eight patients with stress urinary incontinence.

Results

The mean length of follow-up was 3.5 years (range: 1-6). Surgery was successful in 39 patients (92.8%). Anterior compartment recurrence was observed in one patient and severe lumbar pain associated with postoperative spondylodiscitis in another patient. A third patient required posterior trachelectomy. The mean operating time was 180 min (range: 120-240). The mean length of hospital stay was 2.5 days (range: 2-3).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic colposacropexy is a safe and constantly evolving procedure with longterm durability. This procedure provides similar results to laparotomy but produces fewer vaginal complications.