Vaginal length and incidence of dyspareunia after total abdominal versus vaginal hysterectomy

Objective

To evaluate the vaginal length and incidence of dyspareunia after total abdominal hysterectomy compared to vaginal hysterectomy.

Study design

This is a prospective observational study. Sixty-six patients were invited to participate in the study who were already planned to undergo abdominal or vaginal hysterectomy for different benign indications in the OB/GYN department, Sohag University Hospital, during the period from March 2007 till April 2009. Patients were classified into two groups. Thirty-six patients who were planned to undergo total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) represented the first group, and 30 patients who were planned to undergo vaginal hysterectomy (VH) represented the second group. Vaginal length was obtained just before the operation and three times postoperatively. Pre- and post-operative dyspareunia was reported.

Results

The mean pre-operative and post-operative vaginal lengths in the TAH group were nearly the same (10.5 ± 2.1 cm vs. 10.2 ± 1.8 cm) without statistically significant difference. In the VH group, there was a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-operative vaginal length (10.1 ± 1.9 cm vs. 8.4 ± 1.6 cm). In the TAH group, 2 patients (5%) reported a newly developed post-operative dyspareunia. In VH group, 6 patients (20%) developed dyspareunia after surgery.

Conclusion

Postoperative dyspareunia is more common after vaginal hysterectomy compared to abdominal hysterectomy. This may be attributed to postoperative shortening of the vagina secondary to excessive trimming of the vaginal walls especially if VH was done for utero-vaginal prolapse.     

Traction on the cervix in theatre before anterior repair: Does it tell us when to perform a concomitant hysterectomy?

Objective

To evaluate the surgical outcome of uterine preservation during anterior colporrhaphy, in women with apparent uterine descent, after the application of validated cervical traction under anaesthesia.

Study design

This study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in the United Kingdom. Thirty five patients with symptomatic anterior compartment prolapse (stage 2 or more) with the cervix, pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POPQ) point C, at or higher than −3 cm (stage 1), who had requested surgical repair, were recruited. In all patients there was no evidence of apical descent, with point D at −8 cm or above. All patients had a validated ‘cervical traction’ force applied intra-operatively to the cervix, and if the cervix, point C, did not come down further than ‘stage 2’ (+1 cm) the uterus was conserved. These patients had an anterior repair, without a vaginal hysterectomy or apical support procedure, and were reviewed 3 months postoperatively. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-vaginal symptoms (ICIQ-VS) and POP-Q scores were completed pre- and post-operatively, with another POPQ performed intraoperatively during validated cervical traction. The Wilcoxon test was used to look at differences in vaginal descent and also to compare specific items of the ICIQ.

Results

In all 35 women, there was cervical descent below −1 cm (stage 2) when a validated amount of cervical traction was applied. When examined at follow up, however, the cervix (point C) had returned to its preoperative, asymptomatic level (stage 1) in all except one patient. There was no significant change in the position of point C pre- and 3 months post- operatively. Only one of the 35 women required a subsequent vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse (2.86%, 95% CI 0.07-14.91%). Significant improvements in ICIQ-VS scores were observed following anterior repair with uterine conservation.

Conclusion

The degree of uterine descent with cervical traction under anaesthesia has not been shown to be helpful in assessing the need for vaginal hysterectomy at the time of vaginal repair. The ‘cervical traction’ test is therefore unnecessary, and the decision as to whether to perform a concomitant vaginal hysterectomy should be based on the clinical findings on examination in the clinic.     

Rate of vaginal cuff separation following laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy

Objective

Vaginal cuff separation is a rare but serious complication following hysterectomy. The goal of our study was to determine the rate of vaginal cuff separation and associated risk factors in patients undergoing laparoscopic or robotic hysterectomy.

Methods

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent a minimally invasive simple or radical hysterectomy at one institution between January 2000 and 2009. Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test and multiple logistic regression were used to determine associations between variables and increased risk of separation.

Results

A total of 417 patients underwent laparoscopic (n = 285) or robotic (n = 132) hysterectomy during the study period. Three hundred and sixty-two underwent simple hysterectomy (249 laparoscopic, 113 robotic) and 57 underwent radical hysterectomy (36 laparoscopic, 19 robotic). Seven (1.7%) patients developed a cuff complication and all had a diagnosis of malignancy. Three (1.1%) patients in the laparoscopy group suffered a vaginal cuff evisceration (n = 2) or separation (n = 1). Four patients in the robotic group (3.0%) had a vaginal evisceration (n = 1) or separation (n = 3). There was no difference based on surgical approach (p = 0.22). Vaginal cuff complications were 9.46-fold higher among patients who had a radical hysterectomy (p < 0.01). Median time to presentation of vaginal cuff complication was 128 days (range, 58-175) in the laparoscopy group and 37 days (range, 32-44) in the robotic group.

Conclusions

The overall risk of vaginal cuff complication was 1.7%. There appears to be no difference in cuff complication rates based on surgical approach. Radical hysterectomy, however, was associated with a 9-fold increase in vaginal cuff complications.     

Induction of labor with vaginal misoprostol plus oxytocin versus oxytocin alone

Objective

To compare the effect of an oxytocin infusion alone or preceded by an intravaginal application of misoprostol for labor induction in women with term pregnancies and a low Bishop score.

Methods

This study randomized 100 multiparous women with singleton pregnancies over 38 weeks and a Bishop score less than 6 to receive either a single 50-µg dose of misoprostol intravaginally 3 hours before initiation of the oxytocin infusion or only an oxytocin infusion. The time from induction to delivery, the route of delivery, and maternal and fetal outcomes were analyzed.

Results

The mean time from induction to delivery was 9.36 ± 1.97 hours in the misoprostol plus oxytocin group and 11.08 ± 3.23 in the oxytocin alone group (P = 0.002). The rates of vaginal delivery, 1- and 5-minute Agpar scores, placental abruption, and postpartum hemorrhage were similar between the 2 groups, as were the rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. There were no cases of perinatal asphyxia.

Conclusion

A 50-µg intravaginal application of misoprostol before starting the oxytocin infusion is a more effective method of labor induction than an oxytocin infusion alone for our study population.     

Bilateral uterine artery ligation via minilaparotomy for heavy menstrual bleeding

Objective

To assess the safety and short-term efficacy of bilateral uterine artery ligation (UAL) via minilaparotomy for the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB).

Methods

A prospective study of 30 women with HMB who underwent UAL. The primary outcome was cumulative treatment failure 12 months after the procedure. Treatment failure was defined as the need for hysterectomy during the follow-up period.

Results

At 12 months, 6 women had undergone hysterectomy for bleeding, for a cumulative failure rate of 20% (95% CI, 9%-38%). The number of bleeding days was significantly reduced by 11.9 ± 1.5 days (P < 0.001) and hemoglobin level significantly increased by 1.3 ± 0.15 g/dL (P < 0.001). Of the 30 women, 24 (80%) were satisfied with the results. No major complications were reported during the procedure or median follow-up period of 13.2 months.

Conclusion

Bilateral UAL is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure that can provide an alternative treatment for HMB.     

A comparison of vaginal, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal, and minilaparotomy hysterectomies for enlarged myomatous uteri

Objective

To compare the operative data and early postoperative outcome of vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), and minilaparotomy hysterectomy (MiniLPT).

Methods

A total of 150 women who required hysterectomy for enlarged myomatous uteri were randomly allocated into 3 treatment groups: VH (n = 50), LAVH (n = 50), and MiniLPT (n = 50). The primary outcome was hospital discharge time. The secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, paralytic ileus, postoperative pain, and intraoperative and early postoperative complications.

Results

Mean hospital discharge time was longest with MiniLPT, and shortest with VH (P < 0.01). VH was the fastest operating technique, was associated with less blood loss, and resulted in shortest duration of paralytic ileus (P < 0.01). No intraoperative complications occurred.

Conclusion

VH should be the preferred surgical approach in patients with enlarged myomatous uteri. When VH is not feasible, LAVH should be considered an alternative to MiniLPT. Further controlled prospective studies are required to confirm these results.     

A pilot study of pre-operative misoprostol in reducing operative blood loss during hysterectomy

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of a single pre-operative dose of sublingual misoprostol on reducing blood loss in abdominal hysterectomies performed for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.

Study design

A cohort of 64 women undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of sublingual 400 mcg misoprostol (n = 32) or placebo containing 20 mg vitamin B₆ (n = 32) 30 min before the operation. The primary outcome was the operative blood loss. The secondary outcomes were requirement for blood transfusion, change in haemoglobin level after operation, and the incidence of side effects.

Results

Women who had misoprostol were found to have similar operative blood loss to those who had placebo (570.9 ± 361.3 ml versus 521.4 ± 297.4 ml, for misoprostol and placebo group respectively; P = 0.803). This study with a sample size of 64 was sufficient to have 80% power at the 5% level of significance to detect a reduction of blood loss greater than or equal to 30%. There were no observed differences in the need for post-operative blood transfusion (25% versus 15.6%, for misoprostol and placebo group respectively; P = 0.536), the change in haemoglobin level after the operation, and the side effects profiles between the two groups.

Conclusion

A single pre-operative dose of sublingual misoprostol is not effective in reducing intra-operative blood loss and need for post-operative blood transfusion after total abdominal hysterectomies for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.     

Reproductive outcome following resectoscope metroplasty in women having a complete uterine septum with double cervix and vagina

Objective

To evaluate reproductive outcomes in women with complete uterine septum with double cervix and vagina following resectoscope metroplasty.

Methods

The pregnancy outcomes of 21 women who underwent vaginal and uterine septum resection were compared with those of 15 untreated women with similar clinical characteristics. The Fisher exact test and the Mann-Whitney test were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Cycle fecundity was better (33.4% ± 28.5% vs 12.2% ± 4.7%; P = 0.046), the rate of term delivery significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the rate of spontaneous abortion decreased (P < 0.05) in the treatment group.

Conclusion

Resectoscope metroplasty was found to improve the pregnancy outcomes of women having primary infertility or a history of pregnancy loss associated with a complete uterine septum with double cervix and vagina.     

Does medical debulking with gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist facilitate vaginal hysterectomy with a moderate enlarged uterus? A randomized control study

Background

Vaginal hysterectomy is considered the method of choice for removal of the uterus but most gynecologists still prefer the abdominal route for removal of benign uteri >14 weeks in size. Conversion of an abdominal to a potential vaginal hysterectomy by uterine size reduction would be advantageous. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists can reduce uterine bulk by up to 50%.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of the preoperative administration of a GnRH agonist for women with enlarged non-prolapsing uteri in order to facilitate vaginal hysterectomy, in comparison with patients with enlarged uteri who underwent direct total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) for the same indication (menorrhagia).

Study design

Randomized controlled study. Women scheduled for hysterectomy for menorrhagia with a non-prolapsing uterus of ≥14 weeks size (by clinical and sonographic assessments) were offered a trial of vaginal hysterectomy after pre-treatment with a GnRH agonist (goserelin) for 3 months (study group = Group 1 = 40). A group of women with uteri of comparable size who underwent abdominal hysterectomy for similar indications served as controls (Group 2 = 40). Pre- and post-operative data such as hemoglobin, myoma size, uterine weight, duration of procedure and complications, pain score and length of hospital stay were collected prospectively.

Results

The weight of the uterine specimen was significantly lower in Group 1 (511.7 ± 217 g) compared to Group 2 (736.8 ± 212 g); P < 0.001. The mean objective decrease in clinical uterine bulk preoperatively in Group 1 was 20.1%. The duration of surgery was nearly 1.5 times as long in vaginal (119.6 ± 41.7 min) compared to abdominal hysterectomy (81.1 ± 34.1 min), P < 0.001, but analgesia use and the length of inpatient stay were significantly lower in Group 1 (2.6 ± 1.3 days) compared to Group 2 (4.12 ± 1.7 days), P < 0.001. There was no significant difference between the two groups as regards the rate of occurrence of surgical complications.

Conclusions

In women with ≥14 week size uteri, treatment with a GnRH agonist reduces uterine size sufficiently to allow safe vaginal hysterectomy. Although duration of surgery was longer, women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy required less analgesia and had a shorter inpatient stay.     

Abdominal electromyography may predict the response to tocolysis in preterm labor

Objective

To determine whether abdominal electromyography can predict the response to tocolysis in pregnant women in preterm labor.

Study design

This study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Menofyia University Hospital in Egypt. Fifty pregnant women in preterm labor who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Baseline abdominal electromyography was performed. Tocolysis in the form of hexoprenaline sulphate infusion was started for all women and electromyography was repeated after 24 h in responders but only after 6 h in non responders. The receiver operating characteristics curve was drawn to calculate specificity of the electromyography at 100% sensitivity. Results were tabulated and statistically analyzed.

Results

Forty women responded to tocolysis by delaying delivery for more than 48 h. There was a significant reduction in the frequency of uterine contractions after tocolysis (3.76 ± 0.92 versus 2.32 ± 2.05 contractions per 10 min; P < 0.001). Similar significant reductions affected the duration and amplitude of uterine action potentials (25.08 ± 9.74 versus 14.4 ± 17.16 s; P < 0.001, 40.8 ±  25.89 versus 28.32 ± 29.38 mV; P < 0.001). At a sensitivity of 100% and using ROC curve, abdominal electromyography of amplitude of 82 mV lasting for 30 s or more had a specificity of 90%, positive and negative predictive values of 67% and 95%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 88% in predicting preterm labor.

Conclusion

Abdominal electromyography may predict the response to tocolysis in preterm labor.     

Bilateral uterine artery ligation plus B-Lynch procedure for atonic postpartum hemorrhage with placenta accreta

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women with atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta.

Method

This protocol was followed in 26 women undergoing cesarean delivery for placenta accreta.

Results

Two women died from disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. In the remaining 24 women, placental remnants completely disappeared within 8 months and ovulation resumed after a mean ± SD of 51.6 ± 3.2 days. Moreover, 18 women (75%) became pregnant within 12 months.

Conclusion

Atonic postpartum hemorrhage and placental site bleeding due to adherent placenta accreta can be safely controlled by bilateral uterine artery ligation followed by B-Lynch compression suturing in women who desire to remain fertile.     

Change in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels

Objective

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the changes in the ovarian environment after hysterectomy based on ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels.

Study design

Ovarian arterial blood flow indices (pulsatile and resistance indices) by Doppler ultrasonography and serum AMH levels were measured at baseline and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after hysterectomy in 32 women ranging in age from 38 to 49 years, or at the time of screening in 21 age-matched controls. The study subjects underwent hysterectomy with conservation of both ovaries for benign diseases of the uterus (laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy [LAVH], n = 26; and total abdominal hysterectomy [TAH], n = 6). The study subjects and controls were analyzed using a t-test or one-way analysis of variance.

Results

No differences existed in demographic profiles, ovarian arterial blood flow indices, and serum AMH levels at baseline between the hysterectomy and control groups. Ovarian arterial blood flow indices did not change before and after surgery, and there were no serial changes in the mean levels of serum AMH at each time point (1.80 ± 1.81 ng/mL [pre-operatively], 1.69 ± 1.62 ng/mL [1 week post-hysterectomy], 1.42 ± 1.34 ng/mL [1 month post-hysterectomy], and 1.52 ± 1.72 ng/mL [3 months post-hysterectomy]; p = 0.805). In addition, no significant differences in ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels existed between the LAVH and TAH groups.

Conclusion

This preliminary study suggests that hysterectomy does not affect the ovarian environment for up to 3 months post-operatively, as assessed by ovarian arterial blood flow indices and serum AMH levels.     

Influence of birth mode on early neurological outcome in infants with myelomeningocele

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine whether route of birth affects early neurological outcome in infants with myelomeningocele.

Study design

In a retrospective cohort study, 95 neonates with myelomeningocele evaluated at the Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre between 1990 and 2006 were reviewed. The effect of delivery mode on early neurological outcome was assessed as the difference between the functional neurological level of the defect and the X-ray level (ΔFAX).

Results

Early neurological outcome was better in the vaginally delivered infants (ΔFAX 0.96 ± 2.1) than in those delivered by cesarean section (ΔFAX 0.20 ± 2.5). After correction for confounders, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that vaginal delivery was associated with significantly better early neurological outcome as compared to cesarean section (β = 1.21; 95% CI 0.16; 2.27; p = 0.03) for infants in vertex and breech position combined. Subgroup analysis revealed a non-significant trend towards better outcome after vaginal delivery that was more pronounced in infants in breech position than in vertex position.

Conclusion

In infants with myelomeningocele, born in either vertex or breech position, there is no clinical evidence that early neurological outcome is improved by cesarean section.     

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization versus systemic methotrexate for the management of cesarean scar pregnancy

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness/safety of systemic methotrexate (MTX) treatment versus transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using different embolic agents for termination of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP).

Methods

Women with CSP were randomized to receive intravenous infusion of MTX (group 1, n = 13), or chemoembolization with MTX and either gelatin sponge (GS; group 2, n = 15) or polyvinyl alcohol (PVA; group 3, n = 16) particles. Uterine suction curettage followed all procedures. Bleeding volume, time until resolution of serum β-hCG, and length of hospital stay were recorded as outcome endpoints.

Results

Bleeding volume was smaller in groups 2 (mean ± SD, 73 ± 20 mL) and 3 (63 ± 22 mL) than in group 1 (952 ± 471 mL) (P < 0.001). Time until resolution of β-hCG was shorter in groups 2 (29 ± 16 days) and 3 (30 ± 19 days) than in group 1 (57 ± 25 days) (P < 0.01). Length of hospital stay was shorter in groups 2 (13 ± 4 days) and 3 (12 ± 3 days) than in group 1 (36 ± 8 days) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization was more effective than systemic MTX treatment for termination of CSP. Large cohort studies are warranted to compare effectiveness between PVA and GS particles.     

A simple procedure to prevent chronic vaginal colpotomy wound bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy

Objective

To determine whether injecting the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin decreases vaginal bleeding after laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH).

Methods

In this prospective controlled study 100 patients who underwent LAVH from July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007, were randomized to receive an injection of vasopressin (n = 50) or normal saline (n = 50) solution in the colpotomy wound.

Results

In the vasopressin group, bleeding from the colpotomy wound occurred for more than 7 days in 9 patients (18%), and none was bleeding after 1 month; in the control group, the corresponding values were 29 (58%) and 2 (4%). Compared with the study group, the control group had a significantly higher rate of chronic bleeding from the colpotomy wound for more than 7 days and for more than 14 days after LAVH (P < 0.001 for both).

Conclusion

Infiltrating the colpotomy wound with diluted vasopressin was found to prevent chronic vaginal bleeding, which frequently occurs following LAVH.     

A prospective cohort study of pelvic support changes among nulliparous, multiparous, and pre- and post-menopausal women

Objective(s)

To evaluate whether vaginal delivery affects maternal pelvic support beyond the puerperium by comparing pelvic support changes between nulliparas and multiparas, and whether menopause predisposes women to develop prolapse that protrudes beyond the hymen by comparing its occurrence between pre- and post-menopausal subjects.

Study design

Women who presented to our gynecology clinic for routine care and returned for follow-up after 36 ± 3 months were evaluated for pelvic support changes using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification, which measured changes in 1-cm increments. Exclusion criteria were women who were seen in the urogynecology clinic or had hysterectomy, vaginal repair, continence procedure, childbirth during the study period, or radiation therapy.

Results

The proportion that experienced a 1-cm (21/101 vs. 27/164, p = 0.374) and at least a 2-cm (5/101 vs. 9/164, p = 0.849) descent of the leading edge of prolapse was similar between our 101 nulliparous and 164 multiparous subjects. At the initial examination, nine multiparas and one nullipara had prolapse outside the hymen (9/164 vs. 1/101, p = 0.056). The proportion that developed pelvic support defect, which protruded beyond the hymen, was similar between the two groups (1/100 vs. 5/155, p = 0.243). Eighty-five of our 265 subjects were post-menopausal while 180 were pre-menopausal. The proportions that developed a 1-cm (18/85 vs. 30/180, p = 0.374) and at least a 2-cm (7/85 vs. 7/180, p = 0.140) descent of the leading edge of prolapse were similar between the two groups. Eight post-menopausal and two pre-menopausal women had prolapse outside the hymen at the initial examination (8/85 vs. 2/180, p = 0.002). More post-menopausal subjects developed support defect, which protruded beyond the hymen, than their pre-menopausal counterparts (5/77 vs. 1/178, p = 0.010). Logistic regression showed that menopause (p = 0.019) is an independent risk factor for developing prolapse which protruded outside the hymen, while parity (p = 0.168) and interaction between menopause and parity (p = 0.606) are not significantly associated with its occurrence.

Conclusion(s)

Vaginal birth has little effect on the pelvic support changes beyond the puerperium while menopause predisposes women to prolapse their pelvic organ outside the hymen.     

Vaginal danazol for women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment with vaginal danazol in improving the pain symptoms caused by rectovaginal endometriosis that persist after insertion of a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD).

Methods

This pilot observational study included 15 women with rectovaginal endometriosis and pain symptoms persisting after LNG-IUD insertion. Vaginal danazol (100 mg per day) was self-administered for 6 months. The intensity of pain symptoms and the volume of rectovaginal endometriotic nodules were evaluated.

Results

Twelve women were satisfied or very satisfied with the treatment. After treatment with vaginal danazol for 3 months, there was a significant decrease in the intensity of pain symptoms compared with their intensity before the administration of danazol. The intensity of pain symptoms decreased further at 6-month follow-up. The volume of the rectovaginal nodules decreased after treatment with vaginal danazol for 6 months (1.7 ± 0.8 cm³) compared with the baseline volume (2.3 ± 0.9 cm³; P < 0.001). Adverse effects of the treatment were minimal and well tolerated.

Conclusion

Although a placebo effect cannot be excluded, the results indicate that vaginal danazol decreases the severity of endometriosis-related pain symptoms after LNG-IUD insertion.     

Changes in levator ani muscle after vaginal hysterectomy and prolapse repair using the Total Prolift procedure

Objective

To assess changes in the levator plate angle (LPA), anteroposterior length of the levator hiatus (H-line), and pelvic floor descent (M-line) after vaginal hysterectomy and prolapse repair using the Gynecare Prolift Total Pelvic Floor Repair System.

Methods

Before and after the intervention, 20 women with pelvic floor prolapse underwent dynamic magnetic resonance imaging in supine position during the Valsalva maneuver to measure the LPA, H-line, and M-line. Paired t tests were performed and Pearson correlation coefficients calculated from values obtained using the pelvic organ prolapse quantification system.

Results

After the intervention the LPA was smaller (46.92° vs 55.39°, P < 0.05), the H-line was shorter (53.70 cm vs 60.46 cm, P < 0.05), and the M-line was shorter (19.58 cm vs 25.27 cm, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These changes suggest an efficient reconstruction and reinforcement of the pelvic floor after the surgery.     

Risk factors for vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy

Objective

To identify risk factors for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and their influence on the occurrence of vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy.

Methods

Medical records from 2 groups of women who had undergone hysterectomy were reviewed retrospectively. The study group was 82 women who had undergone surgery for vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy; the control group was 124 women who had undergone hysterectomy with no diagnosis of vaginal prolapse by the time of the study. All hysterectomy procedures had been performed for benign gynecological disease, including POP. Both groups of women completed a self-administered questionnaire to obtain additional information on the occurrence of POP.

Results

The incidence of vaginal prolapse after hysterectomy was significantly higher in women with a higher number of vaginal deliveries, more difficult deliveries, fewer cesareans, complications after hysterectomy, heavy physical work, neurological disease, hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse, and/or a family history of pelvic organ prolapse. Premenopausal women had vaginal prolapse corrected an average of 16 years after hysterectomy, and postmenopausal women 7 years post hysterectomy.

Conclusion

Before deciding on hysterectomy as the approach to treat a woman with pelvic floor dysfunction, the surgeon should evaluate these risk factors and discuss them with the patient.     

Preliminary uterine artery ligation versus pericervical mechanical tourniquet in reducing hemorrhage during abdominal myomectomy

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of preliminary uterine artery ligation versus pericervical mechanical tourniquet in reducing hemorrhage during myomectomy.

Methods

A total of 103 patients undergoing myomectomy were randomly allocated to undergo preliminary uterine artery ligation (52 patients) or pericervical tourniquet (51 patients). The primary outcome measure was estimated blood loss. Secondary outcomes included duration of the operation, duration of hospital stay, postoperative hemoglobin, and the need for postoperative analgesia.

Results

Operative blood loss was significantly less with uterine artery ligation compared with tourniquet (433.80 ± 285.21 vs 823.23 ± 237.33 mL, P < 0.001). The mean duration of the operation was lower in the uterine artery ligation group compared with the tourniquet group (50.5 ± 8.7 vs 76.3 ± 9.4 minutes, P < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the uterine artery ligation group compared with the tourniquet group (4.1 ± 0.1 vs 5.1 ± 0.2 days; P < 0.001). Postoperative hemoglobin concentrations and the need for postoperative analgesia were higher in the uterine artery ligation group (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Uterine artery ligation was more effective than pericervical tourniquet as a preliminary step in reducing blood loss during abdominal myomectomy.