Jasper Verguts

The pedicle artery sign based on sonography with color Doppler imaging can replace second-stage tests in women with abnormal vaginal bleeding

Unenhanced transvaginal sonography is not accurate in the detection of endometrial polyps. Currently, second‐stage tests such as saline contrast sonohysterography and office hysteroscopy are used to diagnose endometrial lesions, but both have limitations and side effects. We proposed visualization of the pedicle artery on color Doppler imaging as a sign of polyps.

Pain experienced during transvaginal ultrasound, saline contrast sonohysterography, hysteroscopy and office sampling: a comparative study

To evaluate and compare the pain experienced by women during transvaginal ultrasound, saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH), diagnostic hysteroscopy and office sampling.

Postoperative inflammation in the abdominal cavity increases adhesion formation in a laparoscopic mouse model

OBJECTIVE To investigate acute inflammation in the peritoneal cavity in adhesion formation. DESIGN Prospective randomized, controlled trial. SETTING University laboratory research center. ANIMAL(S) 9- to 10-week-old BALB/c female mice. INTERVENTION(S) In a laparoscopic mouse model, acute inflammation in the peritoneal cavity evaluated in CO(2) pneumoperitoneum enhanced adhesions, by CO(2) pneumoperitoneum plus manipulation, and in the latter group plus dexamethasone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Qualitative and quantitative adhesion scores and an acute inflammation score (neoangiogenesis, diapedesis, and leukocyte accumulation). RESULT(S) Adhesions at the lesion site were enhanced by the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum, further enhanced by manipulation, and decreased by the administration of dexamethasone. The acute inflammation scores (total, neoangiogenesis, diapedesis, and leukocyte accumulation) strongly correlated with the total adhesion score. Inflammation scores were similar at both the surgical lesion and the parietal peritoneum. CONCLUSION(S) Acute inflammation of the entire peritoneum cavity is an important mechanism involved in adhesion formation and enhances adhesion formation at the lesion site.

Addition of nitrous oxide to the carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum strongly decreases adhesion formation and the dose-dependent adhesiogenic effect of blood in a laparoscopic mouse model.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of addition of nitrous oxide (N2O) to the carbon dioxide (CO2) pneumoperitoneum (PP) and the effect of blood, plasma, or red blood cells (RBCs) on postoperative adhesions in a laparoscopic mouse model. DESIGN Prospective randomized controlled trial. SETTING University laboratory research center. ANIMAL(S) BALB/c female mice. INTERVENTION(S) The effect of adding to the 60-minute CO2 PP 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, or 100% N2O on adhesion formation was evaluated. Subsequently the effect of adding 1 mL blood, or RBCs, or plasma and the effect of adding different concentrations of blood were studied. Finally, the effect of adding 10% N2O, 4% O2, or both to the CO2 was evaluated in a control group and after addition of blood. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Postoperative adhesions after 7 days. RESULT(S) N2O strongly reduces adhesion formation with a full effect at a concentration of 5% or 10%. Adhesions increase linearly with 0.125 mL to 1 mL blood. In both the control group and after adding blood, 10% N2O is the most effective factor in prevention of adhesions. CONCLUSION(S) N2O, from concentrations of 5% upward, strongly prevents adhesion formation. Blood, mainly the plasma, increases adhesion formation. These data extend the concept of the role of acute inflammation and support the importance of good surgical practice with little bleeding and peritoneal cavity conditioning in adhesion prevention.

Intraperitoneal temperature and desiccation during endoscopic surgery Intraoperative humidification and cooling of the peritoneal cavity can reduce adhesions

This study was conducted to document quantitatively the intraperitoneal temperature and desiccation during laparoscopic surgery. The temperature, relative humidity, and flow rate were measured in vitro and during laparoscopic surgery, at the entrance and at the exit of the abdomen. This permitted us to calculate desiccation for various flow rates using either dry CO(2) or CO(2) humidified with 100% relative humidity at any preset temperature between 25 and 37°C. The study showed that desiccation, both in vitro and in vivo, varies as expected with the flow rates and relative humidity while intraperitoneal temperature varies mainly with desiccation. Temperature regulation of bowels is specific and drops to the intraperitoneal temperature without affecting core body temperature. With a modified humidifier, desiccation could be eliminated while maintaining the intraperitoneal temperature between 31 to 32°C.

Validity, reliability and responsiveness of a Dutch version of the prolapse quality-of-life (P-QoL) questionnaire

Introduction and hypothesisWe aimed to test validity, reliability and responsiveness of a Dutch version of a prolapse quality-of-life questionnaire (P-QoL).MethodsP-QoL was translated into Dutch and adjusted by a panel of five experts. The scores of the final version were compared between symptomatic (n = 160) and asymptomatic (n = 80) patients and with findings on vaginal examination (pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q)). In terms of reliability, Cronbach’s alpha was calculated, and a test–retest (n = 20) was performed. Responsiveness to treatment was assessed by comparing pre- and postoperative scores in 45 patients.ResultsTotal scores for each P-QoL domain were different between symptomatic and asymptomatic women (p < 0.001). Severity according to P-QoL correlated well with POP-Q findings. Cronbach’s alphas showed internal consistency within the domains. Test–retest reliability was high. Pre- and postoperative scores for each domain were significantly different (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe Dutch version of P-QoL is valid, reliable and responsive to assess quality-of-life and symptoms in Dutch-speaking patients with urogenital prolapse.

Tension-free Vaginal Tapes and Pelvic Nerve Neuropathy.

Obturator nerve neuropathies after tension-free vaginal tape or transobturator tape are considered to be caused by nerve trauma, although it is unclear whether these are accidents or whether these injuries are inherent to the procedure of tape insertion. Two cases show that obturator nerve neuropathy can occur after tension-free vaginal tape without direct trauma to the obturator nerve possibly as a consequence of excessive fibrotic reaction or persisting low-grade inflammation. PubMed Entrez, Cochrane Library, and up-to-date databases were searched for obturator and pudendal neuropathy and for neuropathies associated with tension-free vaginal tape-transobturator tape and the symptoms, diagnosis, and therapy of the pudendal and obturator nerve neuropathies are reviewed. Based on data, our experience, and data available in literature, we can conclude that, if conservative obturator nerve block confirms the diagnosis of obturator nerve neuropathy and symptoms recur shortly thereafter, a laparoscopic neurolysis can be proposed as therapy.

Normative data for uterine size according to age and gravidity and possible role of the classical golden ratio

To document normal measurements (length, width, anteroposterior (AP) diameter) and proportions of the non‐pregnant uterus according to age and gravidity. We hypothesized that uterine proportions conform to the classical ‘golden ratio’ (1.618).

The impact of the learning curve on adhesion formation in a laparoscopic mouse model

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of surgeon training on adhesion formation in a laparoscopic mouse model. Laparoscopic surgery and bowel manipulation was demonstrated to enhance postoperative adhesion formation. DESIGN Prospective randomized, controlled trial. SETTING University laboratory research center. ANIMAL(S) 200 BALB/c and 200 Swiss female mice. INTERVENTION(S) Adhesions were induced by opposing bipolar lesions and 60 minutes of pneumoperitoneum. Each surgeon operated on 80 mice (40 Swiss and 40 BALB/c), the only variable thus being his/her increasing experience. Some surgeons were already experienced gynecologists, others were starting their training. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) End points were the duration of surgery while performing the lesions. The adhesion formation was scored quantitatively (proportion and total) and qualitatively (extent, type, and tenacity) after 7 days. RESULT(S) With training, duration of surgery and adhesion formation decreased exponentially for all surgeons, whether experienced or not. Experienced surgeons had initially a shorter duration of surgery, less adhesion formation, and less de novo adhesions than inexperienced surgeons. CONCLUSION(S) These data suggest that laparoscopic skills improve with training, leading to a decrease in the duration of surgery and formation of adhesions. Therefore completion of a standardized learning curve should be mandatory when initiating adhesion formation studies both in laboratory or clinical setting.

The Addition of 4% Oxygen to the CO2 Pneumoperitoneum Does Not Decrease Dramatically Port Site Metastases

STUDY OBJECTIVE Port site metastases (PSM) after laparoscopic surgery for advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma are a cause of concern, but the pathophysiology is unknown. Because CO(2) pneumoperitoneum was recently demonstrated to be a cofactor in adhesion formation and tumor implantation in a laparoscopic mouse model, and because both could be prevented by the addition of 4% oxygen to the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum, we wanted to test the hypothesis that PSM could be related to tumor cell hypoxia during CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. DESIGN A randomized controlled pilot trial to compare the incidence of PSM in women undergoing laparoscopy with a pure CO(2) pneumoperitoneum in comparison with women with CO(2) pneumoperitoneum with the addition of 4% oxygen (Canadian Task Force classification C). SETTING University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. PATIENTS Since January 1, 2007, 22 consecutive women undergoing laparoscopy for suspected ovarian cancer with subsequent debulking laparotomy were included. INTERVENTIONS Diagnostic laparoscopy with 100% CO(2) versus laparoscopy with addition of 4% oxygen. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In the control group, 9 (47%) PSM found in 19 port sites were excised. In the CO(2)+oxygen group, a similar incidence was found, that is, 8 (50%) PSM in 16 port sites. The incidence of PSM was higher in small women (p <.018) and in high-grade malignancies. The pathophysiology of PSM is unknown, but besides direct wound contamination, aerosolization of tumor cells and gas leaks have been suggested together with a causal relationship with the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. Tumor cell hypoxia probably is not an important mechanism because PSM were not prevented by adding small amounts of oxygen to the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. CONCLUSION The hypothesis of tumor cell hypoxia by the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum as a mechanism for PSM could not be confirmed.