Mohamed N. Akl

Incidence and characteristics of patients with vaginal cuff dehiscence after robotic procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence and characteristics of patients with vaginal cuff dehiscence after robotic cuff closure. METHODS: We reviewed medical records from March 2004 to December 2008 of all patients with vaginal cuff dehiscence after a robotic simple and radical hysterectomy, trachelectomy, and upper vaginectomy using the robotic da Vinci Surgical System. RESULTS: Twenty-one of 510 patients were identified with vaginal cuff dehiscence (incidence 4.1%, 95% confidence interval 2.3–5.8%). In nine patients, the robotic procedure was performed for a gynecologic malignancy. Coitus was the triggering event in 10 patients. Patients most commonly presented with vaginal bleeding and sudden gush of watery vaginal discharge. Bowel evisceration was associated in six patients. Median time to presentation was 43 days or 6.1 weeks. Nineteen cases were repaired through a vaginal approach and one combined vaginal and laparoscopic. Three of 21 patients experienced a repeat dehiscence and required a second repair. CONCLUSION: Vaginal cuff dehiscence should be considered in patients with vaginal bleeding and sudden watery discharge after robotic cuff closure. The incidence is similar as previously reported for laparoscopic procedures. Contributing factors remain unknown but thermal effect and vaginal closure technique probably play major roles. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III

Robotic appendectomy in gynaecological surgery: technique and pathological findings

We evaluated the feasibility, safety and pathological findings of incidental robotic appendectomy in patients undergoing robotic gynaecological surgery.

The effect of rectal distension on bladder function in patients with overactive bladder.

To investigate the effect of rectal distension on bladder sensation volumes and the number of detrusor contractions in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

Vaginal paraganglioma presenting as a pelvic mass

Paragangliomas are extra-adrenal neuroendocrine neoplasms derived from neural crest precursors. These tumors rarely arise from the female genital tract. Vaginal paragangliomas are extremely rare. We describe a case of vaginal paraganglioma managed with minimally invasive surgical techniques.