[Laparoscopy during pregnancy: experience of the French university hospital of Clermont-Ferrand]

OBJECTIVE

To describe perioperative management and perinatal outcome for patients undergoing laparoscopy during pregnancy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study of all cases of laparoscopy during pregnancy performed in our university hospital over a period of six years (from February 2000 to February 2006).

RESULTS

We observed 34 cases managed from five to 30 weeks of gestation (11 cases of adnexal torsion, ten adnexal masses, eight appendicitis, one cholecystitis, one sigmoid volvulus, one pelvic peritonitis, two heterotopic pregnancies). Open laparoscopy was used in 12 cases. Conversion was required in two cases mainly due to adherences (one borderline lesion at 16 weeks and one tubal cyst torsion at 24 weeks). No maternal complication was observed. One miscarriage occurred at Day 1 (peritonitis, five weeks of gestation) and one patient opted for abortion. No threatened preterm labour occurred after the perioperative course and no neonate required admission in neonatology unit.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

This study illustrates safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in management of surgical diseases in the gravid patient. Emergent indications are the most common, highlighting the need for all physicians to know specific recommendations related to laparoscopy during pregnancy.

[Epidural analgesia in obstetrics: anaesthesiologists practice in Auvergne]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the practice of labour epidural analgesia in Auvergne.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional study by a mail survey.

METHODS

An anonymous postal questionnaire was sent to all anaesthetists working in public or private hospital having a maternity unit.

RESULTS

The response rate was 82%. Eighty-eight percent of the respondents practise epidural analgesia in obstetrics (EAO) for labour pain relief, but 49% of them did so only on call. Fifty percent of the respondents ask for platelets and fibrinogen beforehand and 41% accept a one month validity for these tests. One third uses a full aseptic method (surgical hand washing, cap and face mask, sterile gloves and gown, double disinfection of patient's back). Nearly all respondents practice skin anaesthesia, 67% use saline solution for identification of the epidural space, 58% insert the catheter 4cm into the epidural space and 25% use a lidocaine-epinephrine epidural test dose. The analgesic solution is mostly based on ropivacaine (83%) associated with sufentanil (96%); patient controlled epidural analgesia rate is used by 58% of anaesthetists whereas 37% of them never use epidural clonidine and 52% never practice combined spinal epidural (CSE) analgesia during labour.

CONCLUSION

EAO is mainly practiced on call. There are too many laboratory tests ordered before EAO. Technique used to insert epidural catheter is partly uniform and ropivacaine with sufentanil is the analgesic solution most often used. CSE for labour analgesia is still not often used.

[Autoimmune hepatitis and pregnancy: about a patient's three consecutive pregnancies]

Spontaneous evolution of autoimmune hepatitis during pregnancy is not well known, nor are its consequences on pregnancy evolution. Immunosuppressive treatment during pregnancy is sometimes necessary but the long- and short-term consequences are unrecognized. We relate a patient's disease with autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis and three consecutive pregnancies with different obstetrical and medical complications.

Takotsubo syndrome during induction of general anaesthesia

A 77-year-old female was admitted in our hospital for uterine prolapse surgery. She developed ventricular tachycardia during induction of general anaesthesia and after initial symptomatic measures, she was transferred to the coronary care unit. Heart failure persisted and electrocardiographic changes mimicking acute myocardial infarction appeared. Coronary angiography was normal and left ventriculography revealed akinesis of the apical region of the left ventricle and apical ballooning during systole, with relative sparing of the base of the heart. Complete recovery of left ventricular function occurred 8 days after the initial onset of symptoms. A diagnosis of Takotsubo syndrome was made on the basis of consistent clinical and laboratory findings, typical echocardiography and angiography findings, and reversible course. This case emphasises the importance of being aware of uncommon causes of cardiac dysfunction in stressful situations, especially during induction of general anaesthesia.

Comparison of a propofol target-controlled infusion and inhalational sevoflurane for fibreoptic intubation under spontaneous ventilation

BACKGROUND

A propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) is often proposed for the management of difficult airway intubation and fibreoptic intubation under anaesthesia and spontaneous ventilation. No data are available about sevoflurane. The aim of the present study was to compare propofol and sevoflurane as hypnotics during fibreoptic intubation under spontaneous ventilation.

METHODS

After regional ethical committee approval, 52 ASA I-II patients without any predictors for difficult intubation gave their informed consent. They were randomly assigned to one of two groups. After 3 min of pre-oxygenation, patients received either propofol with a plasmatic target concentration of 4 mg/l (group P; n= 26) or sevoflurane 4% with tidal volume ventilation (group S; n= 26). After 2 min, propofol was increased by 1 mg/l and sevoflurane was increased by 1% every 2 min until there was no reaction during mandible translation. This concentration was maintained for 4 min before starting nasotracheal fibrescopy for intubation. During both induction and fibrescopy, pulse oximetry, bispectral index (BIS), heart rate, and arterial blood pressure were monitored. Quality of intubation and operator satisfaction were evaluated. Data were compared using Student's t-test, Mann-Withney U-test or chi-square test. A P-value < 0.05% was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

During induction, no difference in pulse oximetry, BIS values at the end of induction, or duration of induction were noticed. Five episodes of desaturation under 90% occurred during fibreoptic intubation in group P compared with none in group S.

CONCLUSION

Sevoflurane provides good fibreoptic intubation conditions to spontaneously breathing patients without any hypoxemic episodes such as those observed with propofol.

[Pelvic pain by acute symphysis pubis separation after vaginal delivery]

Pelvic pain during pregnancy and postpartum period is common. Pubic separation is a physiologic phenomenon caused by pregnancy and delivery. It's an aetiology of pregnancy and postpartum pain requiring a specialized management in case of severe pain. We report the case of a 34-year-old multiparous woman suffering from severe pubic symphysis pain after twin delivery by vaginal approach, with extraction support, under epidural analgesia. Pubic symphysis separation was diagnosed according both to the clinical symptoms and to the radiology. A local anesthetic infiltration was performed twice to substantially relieve the patient.

[Laparoscopic management of ovarian cysts during pregnancy]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of laparoscopic surgery in the management of ovarian cysts in pregnant patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective study including 26 pregnant patients who underwent the laparoscopic management of ovarian cysts. The indications for surgery were persistent adnexal mass, abnormal ovarian cysts revealed by ultrasound examination, suspicion of cyst complications. The technique used, the immediate postoperative results and obstetrical outcomes were studied.

RESULTS

Twelve patients were operated during the first trimester of pregnancy, 13 in the second, and one in the third trimester. A 12 mmHg CO2 pneumoperitoneum was created, using a Veress needle in 22 cases, and an open technique in 4 cases. Trocar sites were decided according to the uterine size and to the cyst situation. A cystectomy was performed in 11 cases, an adnexectomy in 7 cases, an oophorectomy in one case, a cyst aspiration with a biopsy of the cyst wall in 6 cases and an ovarian torsion removal in one case. A conversion to laparotomy was necessary in 3 cases. There were no immediate postoperative complications and obstetrical outcomes were good in all cases.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In pregnant patients, laparoscopic management of adnexal masses appears to be safe for both mother and child.

Prise en charge anesthésique de la femme enceinte pour cœliochirurgie gynécologique non obstétricale à la maternité de Clermont-Ferrand

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the anaesthetic management intended for pregnant women in the field of non obstetric and gynaecologic laparoscopic surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective and monocentric investigation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Analysis of the anaesthetic and obstetric files from 27 pregnant women operated on in the establishment, between January 2001 and July 2004.

RESULTS

27 female patients involved in the study. The mean pregnancy term was 15 weeks when laparoscopic surgery was performed, though a single patient was at 30 weeks. The average duration of the surgery was 61 minutes, of which 28 minutes were dedicated to pneumoperitoneum. Twenty-four patients underwent general anaesthesia, the three others underwent locoregional anaesthesia. During the perioperative period no surgical, anaesthetic or obstetric complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy requires double skilled management, both in anaesthesiology and obstetrics. On haemodynamics and breathing, pneumoperitoneum does not induce any additional effects when compared to operations without pregnancy. Except with delivery cases, anaesthetic support in laparoscopic surgery intended for pregnant women eventually does not generate any specific problems, but requires the same rigorous management as the one usually following surgery for pregnant patients.

Maladie thromboembolique périopératoire et obstétricale. Pathologie gynécologique et obstétricale

Venous thromboembolism is a leading cause of maternal mortality in many countries, including France. Most enquiries have repeatedly demonstrated that many deaths could be avoided, suggesting the need to update and ensure a wider diffusion of recommendations. Although thromboembolism-induced maternal death plays a major role, the absolute incidence of events remains low, reducing the ability to perform well-designed research and the level of recommendations presented. Many personal or pregnancy-related factors have been identified as increasing the risk of thromboembolism in pregnant patients but few of them have been associated with a significantly increased risk. A history of thromboembolic event and some thrombophilic factors (including antithrombin deficiency and antiphospholipid syndrome) carry the greatest risk. Pregnancy itself, caesarean delivery and the postpartum period, although associated with an increased risk play a minor role when not combined with other risk factors. Prophylactic treatment relies mainly on low molecular weight heparins which safety is now well established in pregnant patients. Dose and duration of treatment should be adapted to the perceived level of risk. The occurrence of a thromboembolic event is also increased after gynaecological surgery but major and cancer surgery carry the greatest risk. Here also, low molecular weight heparins play a leading role, although non pharmacologic means are useful. Dose and duration should be dependent on the level of risk.

À propos de trois grossesses consécutives chez une patiente cirrhotique

We report the case of a patient suffering from an immune liver cirrhosis with chronic liver insufficiency and a portal hypertension, presenting with three consecutive pregnancies. During the first pregnancy, stillbirth occurred at 34 weeks gestation (WG) with a justified vaginal delivery. There was no liver deterioration during the second pregnancy until 36 WG when fetal distress occurred, requiring a caesarean section under general anaesthesia. During the third pregnancy, fetal distress and maternal hepatic failure occurred at 35 WG, requiring an emergency caesarean section complicated with post partum haemorrhage and an episode of encephalopathy.

[Prolonged motor blockade after combined epidural and general anaesthesia for oncologic gynaecological surgery]

The case described is a patient submitted to an oncologic gynaecological surgery under combined epidural and general anaesthesia. The anaesthesia involved complications, a prolonged motor blockade for up to 9 h whereas recommended doses had been respected. A few later after a magnetic resonance imaging that did not showed any extradural haematoma, full recovery occurred. The combined epidural and general anaesthesia was approved as an interesting technique for both per and postoperative analgesia, but also for postoperative rehabilitation. Nevertheless, for older patients, inhalational anaesthetics and opioids have to be decreased during the intervention, moreover local anaesthetics doses for epidural anaesthesia have to be reduced too, in order to control motor blockade duration.

Midterm results of the Salto Total Ankle Prosthesis

The Salto Total Ankle Prosthesis is noncemented with mobile bearings and is characterized by an anatomic design and a dual Ti-HA coating. Between 1997 and 2000, 98 consecutive Salto prostheses were implanted. At last followup, two patients were deceased, one patient was lost to followup, and two prostheses were removed in two patients. Ninety-three implants in 91 patients were available with a mean followup of 35 months (range, 24-68 months). Survivorship at 68 months, with the end point implant removal, then was 98% (favorable scenario) to 94.9% (unfavorable scenario). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 32.3 points preoperatively and 83.1 points at followup. Seventy-two patients are pain-free, 54 patients walk unlimited distances, and 25 patients have limitation but walk more than 1 km. Sixty-seven patients have no limp but seven need walking aids. Fifty-eight patients can walk on tiptoes, 49 patients can walk on uneven ground, 14 patients can run, 76 patients ascend stairs normally, and 63 patients descend stairs normally. Range of motion as measured on stress radiographs improved from 15.2 degrees preoperatively to 28.3 degrees at followup. Preliminary results of the Salto prosthesis are encouraging and validate the concept of anatomic replacement.

[Development of health care networks: ethical and political contexts]

The operation of our health care system is in the midst of a major crisis. There is a significantly unacceptable level of health inequities and access to care, high premature mortality rates, lack of a coherent health policy, a weakness in the professional demographic projections, increasing financial deficits, quasi-revolt of professionals, complete disregard for the law (Parliament's vote on the National Insurance's budget)--these are just a few of the symptoms of chaos which have embedded themselves right before our very eyes. This article aims to offer a glimmer of light on this gloomy horizon. It is the first outcome of a new working group which was originally referred to as "les Vignerons d'Uzès", a title which could be seen as lacking substance and has therefore become "The Transdisciplinary Working Group on the Organisation of Health and Care". The group's purpose and objective is to reflect upon the values, practices, regulations, evaluation and what is at stake in the context of our health care system.

Der Stellenwert der valgisierenden, zuklappenden Tibiakopfosteotomie bei der medialen Gonarthrose

In young and active patients, closing-wedge high tibial osteotomies are reliable procedures in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the medial compartment of the knee. This has been consistently shown throughout the last 2 decades. The present study analyzes the long-term results of 217 patients after an average of 9 years and compares them to the results in the literature. Besides correction of the alignment, other prognostic factors such as the patients' age, overweight, the preoperative degree of osteoarthritis, but also a newer prognostic factor described by the Lyon knee school have been evaluated. The authors found that the "tibial bone varus angle" might be helpful to differentiate between a bony deformity of the proximal tibia, amenable to correction by osteotomy, and a secondary bony erosion of the medial tibial plateau, with a worse prognosis.

Fgf8 transcripts are located in tendons during embryonic chick limb development

Fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) is a secreted growth factor involved in the initiation, outgrowth and patterning of vertebrate limbs (Genes Dev. 12 (1998) 1571). In this paper, we present a new site of expression of Fgf8 in the chick limb. Fgf8 transcripts are localised close to the muscle fibres, at the same level as the tendon-associated molecules, tenascin and scleraxis. Fgf8 is expressed in a sub-region of the tendons during limb development; its location being restricted to the area near the muscle. In addition, the restricted Fgf8 expression in the tendons allowed us to observe that the myogenic determination factor (MyoD) is not detected at the myotendinous junction.

[Revision in non-infected total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of 69 consecutive cases]

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

We reviewed 69 consecutive cases of total knee arthroplasty revisions to analyze the causes of failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sixty-nine total knee arthroplasty revisions were required between 1990 and 1997 for non-septic failure. Five categories of failures were identified: 30 loosenings including 11 with an initial malposition (varus position of the tibial component in 8 cases), 14 laxities (medial in 5, lateral in 5 and anteroposterior in 4), 11 stiff knees with no other clinical or radiological anomaly, 6 patellar failures (2 dislocations, 2 cases of excessive wear, 2 painful knees with a Freeman prosthesis), and 8 cases of painful knees with no other detectable anomaly.

RESULTS

A three-phase reconstruction procedure was used after removing the failing TKA: 1) reconstruction of the tibia with replacement of lost bone, 2) reconstruction of the femur with balanced flexion determining the size of the implant, 3) balanced extension determining the distal/proximal position of the femoral component. A "simple" sliding prosthesis was used in 16 cases, a modular reconstruction prosthesis in 40 cases and a hinge prosthesis in 13 cases. Mean follow-up for functional and radiographic assessment after revision surgery was 37 months (59 cases) with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. The best outcome was observed in the "loosening", "laxity", and "stiffness" patients. Outcome was less favorable for the group "isolated pain" with IKS functional scores of 35.5 +/- 16 and 52.5 +/- 21.

DISCUSSION

In 36 p. 100 of cases, TKA failure was related to a technical mistake (component malposition, poor ligament alignment). In 33 p. 100, failure was patient related (multiple procedures, congenital hip dysplasia, rheumatoid arthritis.). Outcome after revision TKA was less favorable than after primary TKA, particularly in case of painful knees with no other detectable anomaly.

CONCLUSION

Surgical revision of TKA must follow a rigorous procedure with a detailed preoperative work-up. The decision for revision must not be made unless a precise anomaly has been identified.

Information systems evaluation and subjectivity

This paper claims that, when evaluation of information systems is at stake, it is impossible in most cases to discard human subjectivity in the same way that one cannot discard quality of life when a therapeutic strategy is to be evaluated.

Arthroscopy of the ankle: analysis of results and indications on a series of 75 cases

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopy of the ankle. Of the 114 arthroscopies of the ankle that we performed between 1991 and 1996, 13 were for diagnosis, 6 were associated with open surgery, and 10 were ankle arthrodeses. We report the results of the remaining 85 therapeutic arthroscopies. We identified five groups according to preoperative indications: (1) anterolateral synovitis after a sprained ankle (33 cases), (2) sequelae of fractured ankles (17 cases), (3) anterior impingement as a result of osteophytes (12 cases), (4) loose foreign bodies as a result of avulsion of fragments of bone (6 cases), and (5) osteochondral lesions of the talar dome (17 cases). In anterolateral synovitis, results were better when the pain followed a single sprain than when after chronic instability. In osteochondral lesions of the talar dome, results were better in anterolateral lesions than in posteromedial lesions.

Split lesions of the peroneus brevis tendon in chronic ankle laxity

Between 1993 and 1995, we operated on 18 patients for split lesions of the peroneal brevis tendon associated with chronic ankle instability. Five patients were competitive athletes, seven were recreational athletes, and six were persons. Symptoms developed in three phases: ankle sprain, chronic instability, and posterolateral pain. The mean delay between sprain and posterolateral pain was 6 years. At the time of surgery the main complaint was retromalleolar pain in nine patients, pain and instability in eight patients, and instability only in one patient. Diagnosis of tendinous lesions was based on clinical examination in three cases, preoperative magnetic resonance imaging in eight cases, preoperative tenography in one case, and surgical exploration in six cases. The lesion was localized at the tip of the lateral malleolus and was visible only after opening the peroneal retinaculum. In three cases an accessory peroneal muscle was present. A Chrisman-Snook procedure was performed in 13 cases and a simple tendinous repair in 5 cases. The split lesion of the peroneus brevis tendon may be the result of chronic ankle laxity. This lesion needs a specific surgical treatment and the peroneal tendon must be checked in case of surgical procedure for ankle laxity. After ligamentous repair, residual pain can be due to a neglected peroneus brevis tear.

[Longitudinal splitting syndrome of the short fibular tendon. . Imaging and classification by MRI]

We present a series of 38 cases of longitudinal splitting of the peroneus brevis tendon revealed by MR imaging (12 lesions were confirmed at surgery). MRI enabled classification in four surgical grades. The frequency of such lesions in chronic ankle instability as observed in our series is often reported in the literature. Bilateral cases are common. Asymptomatic cases do occur, especially in grades I and II. MRI has been shown to be a very effective investigation for demonstrating this tendinous lesion; the proton density weighted sequence in the axial plane is the most adequate sequence.

The weight-bearing knee after anterior cruciate ligament rupture. An in vitro biomechanical study

Unilateral weight bearing was simulated on 12 cadaver knees to quantitate anterior tibial translation (ATT) after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection and to asses the role of the posteromedial structure and the hamstrings in controlling laxity. With the ACL intact, ATT was 3.5 +/- 2.8 mm in extension and 4.3 +/- 3.6 mm at 60 degrees flexion. After sectioning the ACL, ATT was 6.5 +/- 4.7 mm in extension and 17.5 +/- 10 mm at 60 degrees flexion (P = 0.001). Applying a force in the hamstrings was unable to correct the pathological ATT observed after ACL section. Partial medial meniscectomy did not increase ATT after the ACL section. Disinsertion of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus and total medial meniscectomy increased ATT significantly compared to isolated ACL section. After ACL transection, sectioning the meniscotibial fibers or posteromedial capsule significantly increased ATT (6.5 +/- 0.5 mm in extension). Section of the postero-oblique ligament or popliteus tendon had no effect on ATT.