Over-the-counter oral analgesia for postcesarean pain

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient satisfaction for oral analgesia for postcesarean pain management. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was conducted on women who underwent cesarean section with regional analgesia. Women were treated with ibuprofen 400 mg in liquid-filled capsules on the first postoperative day by two modes of drug administration: on patient demand (n = 60) and at predetermined regular intervals (n = 54). Pain intensity and satisfaction were self-evaluated by the patients with use of a visual analog scale. RESULTS: Patients in the fixed time interval group had lower pain scores (by 38%-54%, P <.001) compared with the on-demand group. Satisfaction scores in both groups were high but superior in the fixed time interval group (87.5 +/- 18.8, median 94.5, vs 78.6 +/- 21, median 85, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Oral, nonnarcotic, postcesarean analgesia provides satisfactory pain relief. Patient satisfaction can be further enhanced by providing the medications in fixed time intervals rather than leaving it to patient request.     

Patient-Controlled Epidural Analgesia After Caesarean Section Using a Disposable Deviee

Summary: We have evaluated the use of a disposable device, the Patient Controlled Epidural Infusor, for patient-controlled epidural analgesia (PCEA) using pethidine, for pain relief in the first 24 hours after elective Caesarean section. Patients using the Patient Controlled Epidural Infusor (n = 20) were compared with a control group (n = 20) who received PCEA using a standard electronic device. Efficacy, as assessed by visual analogue scores, was comparable to that achieved in the control group. Patient and nursing satisfaction was high and similar to that in die control group. There was a low incidence of side-effects with both devices. Patients using the disposable device used less pethidine than patients using the electronic device (median (interquartile range) 181 (100–275) mg versus 238 (213–375) mg; p = 0.035). Use of this disposable device is an acceptable alternative to more expensive and bulkier electronic devices for PCEA after Caesarean section.     

Preoperative core needle biopsy as an independent risk factor for wound infection after breast surgery

OBJECTIVE: Diverging findings concerning the rate of postoperative wound infections in patients undergoing breast surgery have been reported, and little is known regarding the possible risk factors for these infections and their relative importance. We assessed risk factors for wound infection, placing particular emphasis on the influence of preoperative procedures such as core needle biopsy. METHODS: In a prospective evaluation of 326 patients undergoing breast surgery, we identified risk factors for wound infections by univariate analysis and subsequent step-wise multiple logistic regression. Assessment of wound infection was based on a simple wound scoring system. RESULTS: Of the 326 patients, 50 (15.3%) developed wound infections. As expected, after univariate analysis a higher proportion of postsurgical infections was observed in patients with diabetes (33.3% versus 14.3%; odds ratio [OR] = 3.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.109, 8.157; P =.03) and malignant tumors (21.2% versus 6.8%; OR = 3.716, 95% CI 1.762, 7.849; P <.001). Patients with wound infections were significantly older than those without (mean age 63.73 versus 51.44 years, P <.001). Surprisingly, patients who underwent core needle biopsy, which in most cases was performed within 1-3 days before breast surgery, were also at significantly higher risk for developing a wound infection (22.3% versus 9.6%; OR = 2.718, 95% CI 1.454, 5.076; P =.001). This effect remained unchanged when controlled for potential confounders by step-wise multiple logistic regression. CONCLUSION: In breast surgery, the independent risk factors for wound infections are older age and preoperative core needle biopsy.     

Preoperative CA 125 levels: an independent prognostic factor for epithelial ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE:To estimate the association of preoperative CA 125 levels with outcome in primary ovarian cancer patients.METHODS:One hundred forty-two patients with epithelial ovarian cancer, who had a serum CA 125 level drawn before surgery, were retrospectively evaluated. The relationship of preoperative CA 125 levels and various preoperative and postoperative variables was evaluated. CA 125 levels were determined using a solid-phase immunoassay.RESULTS:The median CA 125 value for all patients was 582 U/mL (range 7-52,930 U/mL). Preoperative CA 125 values did not correlate with increasing age (P =.40), but were found to be significantly associated with serous histology compared with other histology (median CA 125 of 870 versus 334 U/mL, P =.02), high-stage (III/IV) compared with low-stage (median CA 125 of 893 versus 174 U/mL, P <.001), high tumor grade (3) compared with grade 1 or 2 (median CA 125 of 928 versus 323 U/mL, P <.001), and the presence of ascites compared with absence of ascites (median CA 125 of 893 versus 220 U/mL, P <.001). Suboptimal cytoreduction (more than 1 cm residual) was associated with significantly higher CA 125 levels (1067 U/mL) compared with individuals with optimal cytoreduction (399 U/mL, P <.001). Preoperative CA 125 values less than 500 U/mL had a positive predictive value for optimal cytoreduction of 82%, but a poor negative predictive value of 48%. After adjusting for covariates, there was a significant association between CA 125 levels and disease-specific survival. As preoperative CA 125 levels increased, the risk of death increased except at the highest values of CA 125.CONCLUSION:Preoperative CA 125 is an independent risk factor for death due to disease in ovarian cancer, but not a reliable predictor of optimal cytoreduction.     

Local analgesia in laparoscopy: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether local infiltration of bupivacaine reduces postoperative pain at trocar sites during gynecologic laparoscopy. METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial, using patients as their own controls. For each patient, 2 opposite trocar sites were infiltrated. One site was randomly chosen to receive 0.5% bupivacaine, and the other received 0.9% saline. In addition, patients were randomized into 2 cohorts to receive either preincision or postsurgical infiltration. Surgeons, patients, and interviewers were blinded toward the exposure. Postoperative pain was evaluated at 1 hour, 4 hours, and 24 hours after surgery using a 100-mm visual analog scale. Patients rated their pain at each of the infiltrated trocar sites. A 20-mm difference between pain scores was considered clinically significant. A paired t test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Infiltration of bupivacaine at completion of surgery resulted in significantly decreased pain at 1 hour postoperatively (mean pain score 25.8 versus 48.6, P = .02). Mean pain scores at 4 hours and 24 hours were decreased, but not statistically different. Patients receiving bupivacaine before surgery did not have a statistically significant decrease in pain scores. CONCLUSION: Infiltration of bupivacaine at completion of gynecologic laparoscopic surgery decreases pain at trocar sites in the immediate postoperative period.     

Midline rectovaginal fascial plication for repair of rectocele and obstructed defecation

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the efficacy of midline fascial plication of the posterior vaginal wall in women with rectoceles and obstructed defecation. METHODS: Prospective evaluation of 38 consecutive women with symptomatic rectoceles (stage II or greater) and obstructed defecation included pre- and postoperative standardized pelvic floor questions, pelvic organ prolapse quantification measurements, validated bowel function questionnaires, defecating proctogram, and patient satisfaction. Reviews were conducted by nonsurgical coauthors. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 12.5 months (range 2.5-26 months). The subjective success rates were 97% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.83-1.00%) at 12 months and 89% (95% CI 0.55-0.98%) at 24 months. The objective success rates were 87% (95% CI 0.64-0.96%) at 12 months and 79% (95% CI 0.51-0.92%) at 24 months. The average points, Ap and Bp, were significantly reduced from -0.1 (range -2 to 3) and 1.1 (range -1 to 8), preoperatively, to -2.6 (range -3 to -1) and -2.5 (range -3 to 0), postoperatively, respectively (P <.001). Depth of rectocele also reduced postoperatively on defecating fluoroscopy (P <.001). The correction of the anatomical defect was associated with improved functional outcome, with 33 women (87%) no longer experiencing obstructed defecation, and there was a significant reduction in postoperative straining to defecate, hard stools, and dyspareunia (P =.001). The improved anatomical and functional outcomes were reflected in the fact that 97% of the women reported very high patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Midline fascial plication is effective in correcting anatomical and functional outcomes associated with symptomatic rectoceles and obstructed defecation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III     

A Multi-institutional Assessment of Multimodal Analgesia in Penile Implant Recipients Demonstrates Dramatic Reduction in Pain Scores and Narcotic Usage

IntroductionDespite the pain associated with inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) implantation, there has been a lack of standardized, nonopioid pain control regimens described to date.AimTo assess the effectiveness of a multimodal analgesic regimen in patients undergoing implantation of an IPP compared with patients treated with an opioid-only regimen.MethodsA large, multicenter patient cohort undergoing IPP implantation whose pain was managed using a multimodal analgesia (MMA) protocol (preoperative and postoperative acetaminophen, meloxicam orcelecoxib, and gabapentin and intraoperative dorsal and pudendal nerve blocks) was compared with a matched cohort of patients managed via an opioid-only protocol. Both groups were compared with respect to visual analog score (VAS) and opioid usage (total morphine equivalents [TME]) in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), postoperative day 0 (POD0) and postoperative day 1 (POD1), and in the immediate postdischarge period. Narcotic usage on discharge and follow-up were assessed and compared.Main Outcome MeasurePostoperative pain scores and narcotic usage are the main outcome measures.Results203 patients were eligible for final analysis: 103 (50.7%) patients receiving MMA medication and 100 (49.3%) patients receiving opioids only. The VAS was significantly lower in the multimodal group in PACU (median 0.0 vs 2.0, P = .001), POD0 (median 3.0 vs 4.0, P = .001), and POD1 (median 3.0 vs 4.3, P = .04). Patients in the multimodal group also used fewer narcotics in PACU (median 0.0 vs 4.0 TME, P = .001), POD0 (median 7.5 vs 12.5 TME, P < .001), and POD1 (median 7.5 vs 13.5 TME, P = .01). Despite being discharged with fewer narcotics (median 20.0 vs 30.0 tablets, P < .001), a smaller proportion of patients in the MMA cohort required narcotic refills (10.7% vs 28.0%, P = .001). There were no narcotic- or MMA medication–related side effects in the entire cohort.Clinical ImplicationsMMA confers significant improvement in pain management while also providing a significant reduction in narcotic usage in patients undergoing implantation of IPP.Strength & LimitationsThis is the 1st large multi-institutional assessment of a multimodal analgesic regimen in urologic prosthetic surgery. The analgesic regimen targets several pain pathways that provide excellent pain control throughout the recovery process. Limitations include retrospective design and lack of standardization of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug type within the multimodal analgesic regimen.ConclusionThe use of a MMA protocol significantly reduces postoperative pain measures in penile implant recipients and further reduces both inpatient and outpatient narcotic usage without any discernable side effects.Lucas J, Gross M, Yafi F, et al. A Multi-institutional Assessment of Multimodal Analgesia in Penile Implant Recipients Demonstrates Dramatic Reduction in Pain Scores and Narcotic Usage. J Sex Med 2020;17:518–525.     

Measurement of the force necessary for laparoscopic trocar entry

A study was designed to measure the force necessary for trocar insertion before laparoscopy. A strain gauge was used to measure the force used with a reusable, pyramid-tipped trocar system sharpened at regular intervals and a disposable trocar system also with a pyramidal point and of equal diameter (10 mm). Variables studied for both groups, 50 patients each, included the type of incision made at the umbilicus; the opening and closing laparoscopic gas source pressure; the volume of gas delivered to create the pneumoperitoneum; the age, weight and height of the patient; and whether the laparoscopy was the first or a repeat. The variables were matched for both groups. The disposable device required half the force for entry required with the reusable device. Since many gynecologists are now women and thus may have less upper body strength than men do, this finding could be important for them. Further, the disposable trocar affords an operator of any size and strength greater control over the potentially dangerous trocar insertion into the abdomen since less force is required.     

A comparative study of Essure® hysteroscopic sterilisation versus laparoscopic sterilisation

The purpose of this study is to compare success rate, patient satisfaction, discomfort, procedure time and intraoperative adverse events of hysteroscopic (Essure®) versus laparoscopic sterilisation. This study includes a retrospective case–control comparative study of 70 patients who had laparoscopic or hysteroscopic sterilisation performed. Systematic chart review for the documentation of preoperative counselling, operative time, intraoperative complications, documentation of correct application of Essure® and Filshie® clips and duration of hospital stay was also done. Patient follow-up was arranged and a questionnaire completed including details of postoperative pain, satisfaction of procedure, recovery time and compliance with confirmatory hysterosalpingogram attendance and associated pain. The main outcome measures were pregnancy rate following attempted tubal blockage, return to normal activity and patient satisfaction. Secondary outcome measures include patient discomfort, procedure time, device placement, compliance with hysterosalpingogram, postoperative complications and recovery time. There is a statistical difference in favour of Essure® for postoperative pain, operative time, return to work/normal activity and hospital stay with no difference in complications or pregnancy. As a conclusion, Essure® is a safe and effective alternative to laparoscopic sterilisation with significantly less procedure-related pain.     

Is the formation of a bladder flap at cesarean necessary? A randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of not forming a bladder flap at lower-segment cesarean delivery. METHODS: A total of 102 women who underwent cesarean delivery were prospectively randomized to one of two groups. In the study group (n = 53), a cesarean was performed without formation of a bladder flap. In the control group (n = 49), cesarean was performed with formation of a bladder flap before the uterine incision. RESULTS: There were differences of median skin incision-delivery interval (5 versus 7 minutes, P <.001), median total operating time (35 versus 40 minutes, P =.004), and median blood loss (Delta hemoglobin 0.5 versus 1 g/dL, P =.009) in favor of the study group. Postoperative microhematuria was reduced in the study group (21% versus 47%, P <.01). The median need for analgesics was reduced in the study group (75.0 mg diclofenac versus 150.0 mg, P <.001), and there was a lower percentage of patients receiving analgesics 2 or more days after cesarean in the study group (26.4% versus 55.1%, P =.006). There was no difference in bowel function. CONCLUSION: Omission of the bladder flap provides short-term advantages such as reduction of operating time and incision-delivery interval, reduced blood loss, and need for analgesics. Long-term effects remain to be evaluated.     

Minilaparoscopic Versus Single-Port Total Hysterectomy: A Randomized Trial

Study ObjectiveTo compare perioperative outcomes and postoperative pain of minilaparoscopic (M-LPS) and laparoendoscopic single-site total hysterectomy (LESS).DesignProspectively randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome.PatientsA total of 86 patients underwent total hysterectomy. Seventy-one met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. Three of them refused randomization, 34 were randomly assigned to undergo to single-port hysterectomy and 34 to undergo to minilaparoscopy.InterventionsThe operative technique is the same in the 2 groups with the exception of videolaparoscopy, port type, and some specific instruments. All surgical procedures were performed with an intrauterine manipulator. Single-port hysterectomy was performed through a multichannel single trocar inserted in the umbilicus. Minilaparoscopic hysterectomy was performed through one optical transumbilical 5-mm trocar and three 3-mm suprapubic ancillary ports.Measurements and Main ResultsSixty-eight patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were comparable. Median operative time was longer in LESS with respect to M-LPS (120 minutes vs 90 minutes; p = .038). There were no differences between the 2 groups for median estimated blood loss, ileus, and postoperative stay. Additional 5-mm port insertion was needed in 1 case (2.9%) in the M-LPS group and in 2 cases (5.9%) in the LESS group, respectively (p = .311). No patient had development of intraoperative or early postoperative complications. Patients in the M-LPS group experienced a minor pain at each evaluation, compared with patients who underwent LESS. The rescue analgesic requirement was similar in the 2 groups.ConclusionsLaparoscopic hysterectomy can be safely performed by M-LPS and LESS. M-LPS is associated with significantly lower operative time and less postoperative pain than LESS. Advantages of M-LPS hysterectomy than LESS have no noteworthy impact on the patients' early postoperative management. The decision on the best access to the hysterectomy might take into account the surgeon's skill and feeling with the different possible approaches.     

Staples vs subcuticular sutures for skin closure at cesarean delivery: a metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials

Recently published randomized trials examining skin closure technique on postcesarean wound complications have produced conflicting results. We performed a metaanalysis of trials comparing staples and subcuticular sutures for skin closure at cesarean section (CS). Pooled outcome measures were calculated using random effects models. Primary outcomes were rates of wound dehiscence (separation) and a composite wound complication rate. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, operating time, and postoperative pain. A total of 877 women from 5 trials were included. Both wound separation (pooled odds ratio, 4.01; P < .0001) and composite wound complication (pooled odds ratio, 2.11; P = .003) rates were higher with staples. The use of staples reduced operating time (weighted mean difference, -5.05 minutes; P = .021). Data on postoperative pain and patient satisfaction were insufficient for metaanalysis. Our findings suggest a possible benefit with subcuticular sutures compared to skin staples for skin closure at CS. However, the optimal skin closure technique at CS demands further study.     

Patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcome in a randomized study of cesarean skin closure

Objective: To evaluate patient satisfaction and patient and physician assessment of scar appearance after cesarean skin closure with suture versus staples.

Methods: Women undergoing cesarean delivery (CD) at ≥23 weeks’ gestation via low-transverse skin incisions at three hospitals in the CROSS Consortium were randomized to receive skin closure using subcuticular absorbable suture or nonabsorbable metal staples. The primary outcome of this substudy, patient satisfaction, was assessed by surveys at the postpartum visit using a 10-point Likert scale. Scar outcomes according to patients and trained observers were assessed at the primary research site using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The POSAS is comprised of a patient-completed assessment including subjective data such as pain and itchiness, and an observer-completed assessment about cosmetic criteria.

Results: Between June 2010 and August 2012, 746 women were randomized; 370 received suture and 376 received staples. Satisfaction data were available for 606 (81%). Complete patient scar assessment data were available for 577 (77%) and complete observer scar assessment data were available for 275 (57% of the 480 planned for evaluation at the primary research site). Demographic data for women in the two groups were similar. Satisfaction with the closure method was higher (superior) among women who received suture closure: median 10 (interquartile range 9, 10) versus 9 (interquartile ranges (IQR) 6, 10); p?p?=?.02. Receiving one’s preferred closure method was associated with higher patient satisfaction, and wound complications were associated with lower satisfaction. POSAS scores were superior (lower) in the suture group. Patient Scar Assessment Scale scores were median 15 (IQR 10, 25) for sutures versus 20 (IQR 11, 28) for staples; p?p?=?.01.

Conclusions: Satisfaction with the closure method, satisfaction with the scar’s appearance, and patient and physician assessments of scar cosmesis were all superior in those closed with suture. These results further support the use of sutures for cesarean skin closure.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01211600.     

A Novel Penile Splint as Early Traction Therapy After Grafting Techniques for Peyronie's Disease

BackgroundSome studies showed encouraging results on the efficacy and safety of penile traction therapy after Peyronie's disease (PD) surgery. The early traction therapy (ETT) could be an effective and safe approach to minimize penile shortening in patients undergoing PD surgery.AimTo evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of a novel penile splint as ETT in patients with PD undergoing grafting techniques.MethodsPatients with PD underwent plaque incision and grafting technique; at the end of the procedure, a novel penile splint (ETT) was applied to all patient. The device consisted of 2 10CH intubating stylets, self-adapted to each patient, that kept the penis stretched with the aid of non-absorbable sutures. The total expense for the materials needed to build each penile splint was less than 15 euros. This active traction was maintained for 1–3 weeks; then, we removed the stitches leaving the device on-site for a passive traction. Within 3–4 weeks from surgery, the penile splint was replaced by a standard penile traction device.OutcomesThe main outcomes evaluated at 6 months included stretched penile length (SPL), penile curvature, International Index of Erectile Function-erectile function (IIEF-EF) domain, patient satisfaction, and time to first satisfactory sexual intercourse.ResultsA total of 46 patients were enrolled. The median preoperative IIEF-EF, penile curvature, and SPL were 27 points, 70°, and 13 cm, respectively. The median follow-up was 15 months. The median postoperative IIEF-EF was 25 points (P < .001). The median residual penile curvature was 10° (P < .001). The median postoperative SPL was 13 cm (P = .269). 8 patients (17.4%) lost 1 cm of SPL; no shortening greater than 1 cm was recorded. The median time to first satisfactory sexual intercourse and patient satisfaction score was 6 weeks and 9 points, respectively.Clinical ImplicationsOur results could pave the way for a new line of research, which in turn could lead to an improvement in the postoperative management of the patient undergoing surgery for PD.Strength & LimitationsThis is the first study evaluating the ETT after PD surgery. The main limitation of this study is the lack of a randomized control group. Other weaknesses are the small sample size and the short follow-up time.ConclusionOur novel penile splint is inexpensive, easy to assemble, and adaptable to the patient. ETT using this novel device, followed by standard traction therapy, seems to be feasible, effective, and safe.Fernández-Pascual E, Manfredi C, Cocci A, et al. A Novel Penile Splint as Early Traction Therapy After Grafting Techniques for Peyronie's Disease. J Sex Med 2020;17:1819–1824.     

Complications of indwelling venous access devices in patients with gynecologic malignancies

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the complication rates associated with indwelling venous access devices in patients with gynecologic malignancies. METHODS: Following IRB approval, a computerized database identified women that had indwelling access devices placed for chemotherapy from March 1999 to June 2001. A retrospective chart review identified 116 venous access devices that were placed in 104 patients. All devices were silicone and had a closed tip design with a three-position valve. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinicopathologic features, type of venous device, and complications. The chi(2) test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients, 79 had ovarian cancer, 11 had uterine cancer, 10 had cervical cancer, 2 had fallopian tube cancer, and 2 had vaginal cancer. The median age was 61 years. There were a total of 116 venous devices placed: 65 external catheters (EC) and 51 subcutaneous ports (SP). Seventy-nine percent of the patients were administered low-dose coumadin (1 mg/day) for catheter clot prophylaxis. There were three operative complications in the EC group and two in the SP group (P = NS). The most common postoperative complications were infection and thrombosis. Nineteen patients in the EC group experienced a catheter-related infection versus 5 in the SP group (P = 0.025). In the EC group, there were 11 cases of site infection and 8 cases of line sepsis. In contrast, there were 3 cases of exit site infection and 2 cases of line sepsis in the SP group. Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 5 patients with EC and 3 patients with SP (P = NS). Twenty-seven patients with EC had the device removed for catheter-related complications versus 2 patients with SP (P = 0.001). Six patients inadvertently removed their EC. CONCLUSION: There is a significantly higher postoperative complication rate in gynecologic oncology patients with external catheters versus subcutaneous ports. Infection and catheter-related malfunction are more common in patients with external catheters. We recommend the use of subcutaneous ports in the majority of patients with gynecologic malignancies.     

Addition of Low-Dose Ketamine to Propofol-Fentanyl Sedation for Gynecologic Diagnostic Laparoscopy: Randomized Controlled Trial

Study ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of propofol-fentanyl sedation protocol with ketamine for gynecologic diagnostic laparoscopy.DesignProspective, double-blind, randomized study (Canadian Task Force classification I).SettingOutpatient operating unit in a university hospital specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.PatientsEighty women who underwent outpatient gynecologic diagnostic laparoscopy.InterventionsPatients were randomly assigned to receive fentanyl, 1 μg/kg, and normal saline solution (group F, n = 40), or fentanyl, 1 μg/kg, and ketamine, 0.5 mg/kg (group FK, n =40), followed by propofol, 2.0 mg/kg, for sedation induction. During surgery, propofol was supplemented to achieve a target Ramsey score of 6, and cardiopulmonary support was required to maintain stable vital signs.Measurements and Main ResultsFive of 40 patients (12.5%) in group FK reported pain associated with propofol injection compared with 33 of 40 patients (82.5%) in group F. During surgery, 7 patients (17.5%) in group FK required rescue propofol compared with 32 patients (80.0%) in group F (p <.001). The mean (SD) rescue dose of propofol was 0.4 (0.5) mg/kg in group FK compared with 1.6 (0.6) mg/kg in group F (p <.001). In group F, 17 patients (42.5%) required assisted mask ventilation because of respiratory depression, and in 21 patients (52.5%), atropine therapy was necessary to treat bradycardia, compared with 6 patients (15.0%) and 11 patients (27.5%), respectively, in group FK (p <.05). The mean arterial blood pressure at the end of induction, pneumoperitoneum inflation, and trocar insertion was significantly decreased in group F compared with group FK (p <.05). No differences were observed between the 2 groups insofar as operation duration, recovery time, discharge time, intraoperative awareness, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and postoperative pain. Although patient satisfaction scores were comparable, a higher degree of gynecologist satisfaction was observed in group FK compared with group F (p <.001).ConclusionAddition of low-dose ketamine to propofol-fentanyl sedation can provide more stable and satisfactory operation conditions in gynecologic diagnostic laparoscopy.     

Pain perception in women with dysmenorrhea

OBJECTIVE: To determine if systemic processing of pain differs in women with and without dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Twenty-two dysmenorrheic women and 31 nondysmenorrheic women were studied by pain threshold and supra-threshold magnitude estimation to heat stimuli, pain-evoked potentials by laser stimuli, and anxiety scores four times across their menstrual cycles. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between dysmenorrheic and nondysmenorrheic women. In all four examinations across the menstrual cycle, dysmenorrheic women had longer latencies of pain-evoked potentials (383.08 +/- 6.8 msec versus 345.05 +/- 7.0 msec, P <.001), higher magnitude estimations on visual analog scale of supra-threshold pain (83.29 +/- 2.87 versus 63.50 +/- 3.82, P <.001), and higher state anxiety scores (37.69 +/- 1.7 versus 29.20 +/- 1.9, P =.002). CONCLUSION: Women with dysmenorrhea show enhanced pain perception compared to nondysmenorrheic women. This augmentation of pain perception may be part of the development of dysmenorrhea.     

Oxidized and free whole blood thiols in preeclampsia

OBJECTIVE: To measure levels of oxidized and free thiols in whole blood of normotensive pregnant and preeclamptic women and evaluate the role of oxidative stress. METHODS: We measured whole blood oxidized and free levels of cysteine, homocysteine, cysteinylglycine, and glutathione by high performance liquid chromatography in women with normotensive pregnancies (n = 50), preeclampsia (n = 29), and preeclampsia complicated by the hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome (n = 16). RESULTS: Oxidized and free levels (median [range], micromol/L) of cysteine and homocysteine were higher in women with preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancies (45 [27-81] versus 29 [9-91], P <.001, and 98 [57-193] versus 69 [33-215], P <.001; 0.8 [0.2-4.4] versus 0.4 [0.01-1.6], P <.001, and 2.1 [0.7-9.4] versus 1.2 [0.2-21.2], P <.01; respectively). The ratios of free to oxidized cysteine, homocysteine, and cysteinylglycine were lower in preeclampsia than normotensive pregnancy (2.2 [1.3-3.0] versus 2.4 [1.7-4.3], P <.001; 2.3 [0.5-5.4] versus 2.9 [1.1-24], P <.001; 4.1 [2.3-11.6] versus 5.4 [2.6-24.3], P <.02, respectively), indicating a shift in favor of the oxidized form of those thiols. In HELLP syndrome, levels of oxidized and free cysteine and levels of oxidized homocysteine were higher than normal (44 [33-63] versus 29 [9-91], P <.001, and 102 [82-133] versus 69 [33-215], P <.001; 1.0 [0.3-2.9] versus 0.4 [0.01-1.6], P <.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in oxidized glutathione levels in women with preeclampsia (22 [5-49] versus 17 [2- 60], P =.06) or free levels in preeclamptic women with HELLP syndrome (757 [624-993] versus 842 [539-1516], P =.09) as compared with normotensive pregnant women. The ratios of free to oxidized cysteinylglycine and glutathione were higher in women with HELLP syndrome than in those with preeclampsia (5.4 [3.3-12.7] versus 4.1 [2.3-11.6], P =.02, and 56 [28-124] versus 45 [16-166], P =.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: Significantly lower ratios of free to oxidized cysteine, homocysteine, and cysteinylglycine in preeclampsia might indicate oxidative stress.     

Single Port Access Laparoscopic Adnexal Surgery

Study ObjectiveTo estimate the feasibility, safety, and operative outcomes for the management of adnexal masses by single port access (SPA) laparoscopy with a wound retractor and a surgical glove.DesignA prospective single-center study (Canadian Task Force classification III).SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsTwenty-four well selected patients with adnexal masses on imaging scans recruited from June 2008 through January 2009.InterventionsSingle port access laparoscopic adnexal surgery.Measurements and Main ResultsSingle port access laparoscopic adnexal surgery was successfully completed in 22 of 24 patients. The median age of the patients was 45 years (range 23-63 years), and the median body mass index was 22 (range 18-29). The median tumor size was 5 cm (range 3-12 cm). The median operative time was 70 minutes (range 40-128 minutes). The estimated blood loss was minimal (range 10-100 mL). The postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. The median postoperative hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-3 days). No postoperative complications were observed at follow-up. The 2 failed cases were as follow: 1 required an additional trocar for adequate adhesiolysis, and the other a staging laparotomy because of the finding of a borderline ovarian malignancy on frozen section pathologic study.ConclusionThe single port access laparoscopic adnexal surgery was safe and feasible and provided almost no visual scar.