Five minutes of extended assisted ventilation with an open umbilical trocar valve significantly reduces postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy

Comparing the Effect of Incentive Spirometry and Deep Breathing Exercises on the Level of Shoulder Pain and Nausea Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery: A Clinical Trial Study

Cholecystitis treated by laparoscopy results in patients experiencing shoulder pain and nausea. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the effect of incentive spirometry and deep breathing exercises on the level of shoulder pain and nausea following laparoscopy. In this clinical trial, 105 patients were enrolled into three groups: use of incentive spirometry, deep breathing exercises, and control. Data were collected using a checklist and a visual analog scale and analyzed through the χ2, the Kruskal-Wallis, the Friedman, and the paired t test by SPSS Version 25. In the deep breathing exercise, incentive spirometry, and control groups, mean pain scores immediately after surgery but within 24 hours following the intervention were 3.8, 2.6, and 4.4, respectively. The mean score of severity of nausea for patients in the deep breathing exercise and incentive spirometry groups showed a significant difference immediately after the procedure, as well as at 12 and 24 hours post-intervention. Breathing exercises and incentive spirometry can be effective in reducing pain and nausea in patients undergoing cholecystectomy through laparoscopy. Because of the effectiveness of the two methods, nurses can use incentive spirometery and deep breathing exercises to diminish patients' pain post-cholecystectomy.

Intraoperative and postoperative complications of gynecological laparoscopic interventions: incidence and risk factors

Purpose

The aims of this study were to determine the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications of laparoscopic gynecological interventions and to identify risk factors for such complications.

Methods

All patients who underwent laparoscopic interventions from September 2013 to September 2017 at the Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Reproductive Medicine, Saarland University Hospital were identified retrospectively using a prospectively compiled clinical database. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for intra- and postoperative complications.

Results

Data from 3351 patients were included in the final analysis. Overall, 188 (5.6%) intraoperative and 219 (6.5%) postoperative complications were detected. On multivariate analysis, age [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.04], surgery duration (OR, 1.02; 95% CI 1.02–1.03), carbon dioxide use (OR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.99–1.00), and surgical indication (all p ≤ 0.01) were independent risk factors for intraoperative and duration of surgery (OR, 1.01; 95% CI 1.01–1.02; p ≤ 0.01), carbon dioxide use (OR, 0.99; 95% CI 0.99–1.00; p ≤ 0.01), hemoglobin drop (OR, 1.41; 95% CI 1.21–1.65; p ≤ 0.01), and ASA status (p = 0.04) for postoperative complications.

Conclusion

In this large retrospective analysis with a generally low incidence of complications (5.6% intraoperative and 6.5% postoperative complications), a representative risk collective was identified: Patients aged > 38 years, surgery duration > 99 min, benign or malignant adnex findings were at higher risk for intraoperative and patients with surgery duration > 94 min, hemoglobin drop > 2 g/dl and ASA status III at higher risk for postoperative complications.

Time Characteristics of Shoulder Pain after Laparoscopic Surgery

Objective:

To explore the time characteristics of shoulder pain after laparoscopic gynecological operation.

Methods:

We conducted prospective clinical observations and literature review. We studied 442 cases of laparoscopic gynecological surgery. We used a visual analogue scale to evaluate the pain of patients at different time points after operation. We searched the English literature of shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic surgery. The observation time points of these studies included 12–24 hours or the first day after surgery, and at least one time point before this time point.

Results:

The total incidence of shoulder pain was 68%. More than 90% of patients begin to feel shoulder pain on the first day after surgery, not on the day of surgery. 26 articles observed the severity of postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) at different time points, of which 17 articles found that the intensity of the shoulder pain peaked at 12–24 hours or the first day after operation.

Discussion:

The occurrence of PLSP presents obvious time characteristics. The incidence and severity of PLSP peaked on the first day or 12–24 hours after operation. To prevent and treat PLSP better, clinicians should make a more in-depth study according to the time characteristics of PLSP.

Incidence of and risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a monocentric hospital analysis

PURPOSE

Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the major surgical complications following hysterectomy with data on incidence rates varying largely and studies assessing risk factors being sparse with contradictive results. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of and risk factors for VCD in a homogenous cohort of women treated for benign uterine pathologies via total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with standardized follow-up.

METHODS

All patients undergoing TLH at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital between November 2010 and February 2019 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained service database.

RESULTS

VCD occurred in 18 (2.9%) of 617 patients included. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a lower level of surgeon laparoscopic expertise (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-9.38; p = 0.03) and lower weight of removed uterus (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.02) were associated positively with the risk of VCD.

CONCLUSION

In this homogenous cohort undergoing TLH, laparoscopic expertise and uterine weight influenced the risk of postoperative VCD. These findings might help to further reduce the rate of this complication.

Evaluating the use of Clavien-Dindo classification and Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire as quality indicators in gynecologic endoscopy

PURPOSE

Over the last few decades, laparoscopy has become a standard procedure within gynecological surgery. Validated quality indicators for the determination of the objective (perioperative complications) and subjective (patient satisfaction) quality of treatment as a surrogate parameter for the success of the treatment have so far found no regular application in the clinical routine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification for postoperative complications and the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPE-15) as tools in the evaluation of endoscopic therapies in clinical routine.

METHODS

Retrospectively, perioperative complications using the CD classification and patient satisfaction utilizing the PPE-15 were reviewed for a total of 212 consecutive patients at a gynecologic endoscopic referral center (Agaplesion Diakonie Kliniken, Kassel, Germany) in September 2018.

RESULTS

An overall complication rate of 13.21% (28 out of 138 patients) was observed. Five patients (2.36%) had complications grade III and above according to the CD classification system. 138 patients out of 212 chose to answer the PPE-15 (return rate 65.01%). 112 patients (81.16%) reported about problems during their treatment in our hospital in their PPE-15. "Purpose of medicines not explained" was the most mentioned item (28.99%) by patients during their hospital stay.

CONCLUSION

CD classification and PPE-15 may be helpful instruments to evaluate the quality of care in gynecology. The application of both instruments for the assessment of treatment quality in clinical routine should be further investigated in prospective studies.

Impact of different intraoperative CO2 pressure levels (8 and 15 mmHg) during laparoscopic hysterectomy performed due to benign uterine pathologies on postoperative pain and arterial pCO2 : a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effects of two different intraoperative CO₂ pressures (8 and 15 mmHg) during laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies in terms of postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain, laparoscopy-mediated vegetative alterations, pain medication requirement, arterial CO₂ pressure (pCO₂ ), surgical parameters, and safety.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised controlled study.

SETTING

German university hospital.

POPULATION

Female patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies.

METHODS

Patients were randomised to a standard pressure (SP; 15 mmHg, control) or low-pressure (LP; 8 mmHg, experimental) group.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcomes were postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain intensities, measured via numeric rating scale (NRS) and vegetative parameters (fatigue, nausea, vomiting, bloating) at 3, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were pain medication requirement (mg) and arterial pCO₂ (mmHg). Surgical parameters and intra- and postoperative complications were also recorded.

RESULTS

In total, 178 patients were included. Patients in the LP group (n = 91) showed significantly lower postoperative abdominal and shoulder pain scores, fewer vegetative alterations, lower pain medication requirements, a shorter postoperative hospitalization, and lower intra- and postoperative arterial pCO₂ values compared with the SP group (n = 87; P ≤ 0.01). No differences in intra- and postoperative complications were observed between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-pressure laparoscopy seems to be an effective and safe technique for the reduction of postoperative pain and laparoscopy-induced metabolic and vegetative alterations following laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Low-pressure laparoscopy seems to be an effective and safe technique for reduction of pain following laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Effect of the pulmonary recruitment maneuver on pain after laparoscopic gynecological oncologic surgery: a prospective randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) at the end of the operation to decrease laparoscopy-induced abdominal or shoulder pain after gynecological oncologic surgery.

METHODS

In total, 113 women undergoing laparoscopic surgery for malignant or premalignant gynecological lesions were assigned randomly to two groups: the PRM group (the patient was placed in the Trendelenburg position (30°) and the PRM, consisting of two manual pulmonary inflations to a maximum pressure of 40 cmH₂O) (n=54) and the control group (n=52). Postoperative shoulder and abdominal pain was assessed 12, 24, and 48 hours later using a visual analog scale (0-10). In addition, the incidence of post-discharge nausea and vomiting was recorded until 48 hours after discharge.

RESULTS

Postoperative shoulder pain at 12 and 24 hours was significantly less severe in the PRM group (2.2±0.5 and 2.0±0.4) than in the control group (4.0±0.5 and 3.9±0.4; both p<0.001). The PRM significantly reduced the severity of upper abdominal pain at 12 and 24 h compared with the control group (3.1±0.4 and 2.9±0.4 vs. 5.9±0.5 and 4.9±0.5; both p<0.001). The analgesic requirement during the postoperative period was similar in the two groups (control group, 78.8%; PRM group, 75.9%; p=0.719).

CONCLUSION

The PRM effectively and safely reduced postoperative shoulder and upper abdominal pain levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological oncologic surgery. Trial registry at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01940042.

Pain management after laparoscopic hysterectomy: systematic review of literature and PROSPECT recommendations

Background and objectives

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is increasingly performed because it is associated with less postoperative pain and earlier recovery as compared with open abdominal hysterectomy. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the available literature regarding the management of pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Strategy and selection criteria

Randomized controlled trials evaluating postoperative pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy published between January 1996 and May 2018 were retrieved, according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, from the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Efficacy and adverse effects of analgesic techniques were assessed.

Results

Of the 281 studies initially identified, 56 were included. Of these, 31 assessed analgesic or anesthetic interventions and 25 assessed surgical interventions. Acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and dexamethasone reduced opioid consumption. Limited evidence hindered recommendations on alpha-2-agonists. Inconsistent evidence was found in the studies investigating pregabalin and transversus abdominis plane block, and no evidence was found for intraperitoneal local anesthetics, port site infiltration, or single-port laparoscopy. Measures to lower peritoneal insufflation pressure or humidify or heat insufflated gas seem to reduce the incidence of shoulder pain, but not abdominal pain.

Conclusions

The baseline analgesic regimen for laparoscopic hysterectomy should include acetaminophen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone, and opioids as rescue analgesics.

Interventions to reduce shoulder pain following gynaecological laparoscopic procedures

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopy is a common procedure used to diagnose and treat various gynaecological conditions. Shoulder-tip pain (STP) as a result of the laparoscopy occurs in up to 80% of women, with potential for significant morbidity, delayed discharge and readmission. Interventions at the time of gynaecological laparoscopy have been developed in an attempt to reduce the incidence and severity of STP.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness and safety of methods for reducing the incidence and severity of shoulder-tip pain (STP) following gynaecological laparoscopy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following databases: Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Specialised Register, the Cochrane Central Register of Studies Online (CRSO), MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL from inception to 8 August 2018. We also searched the reference lists of relevant articles and registers of ongoing trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions used during or immediately after gynaecological laparoscopy to reduce the incidence or severity of STP.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Primary outcomes: incidence or severity of STP and adverse events of the interventions; secondary outcomes: analgesia usage, delay in discharge, readmission rates, quality-of-life scores and healthcare costs.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 32 studies (3284 women). Laparoscopic procedures in these studies varied from diagnostic procedures to complex operations. The quality of the evidence ranged from very low to moderate. The main limitations were risk of bias, imprecision and inconsistency.Specific technique versus "standard" technique for releasing the pneumoperitoneumUse of a specific technique of releasing the pneumoperitoneum (pulmonary recruitment manoeuvre, extended assisted ventilation or actively aspirating intra-abdominal gas) reduced the severity of STP at 24 hours (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.82 to -0.50; 5 RCTs; 670 participants; I² = 0%, low-quality evidence) and reduced analgesia usage (SMD -0.53, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.35; 4 RCTs; 570 participants; I² = 91%, low-quality evidence). There appeared to be little or no difference in the incidence of STP at 24 hours (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.82; 1 RCT; 118 participants; low-quality evidence).No adverse events occurred in the only study assessing this outcome.Fluid instillation versus no fluid instillationFluid instillation is probably associated with a reduction in STP incidence (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.66; 2 RCTs; 220 participants; I² = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) and severity (mean difference (MD) (0 to 10 visual analogue scale (VAS) scale) -2.27, 95% CI -3.06 to -1.48; 2 RCTs; 220 participants; I² = 29%, moderate-quality evidence) at 24 hours, and may reduce analgesia usage (MD -12.02, 95% CI -23.97 to -0.06; 2 RCTs; 205 participants, low-quality evidence).No study measured adverse events.Intraperitoneal drain versus no intraperitoneal drainUsing an intraperitoneal drain may reduce the incidence of STP at 24 hours (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.20 to 0.46; 3 RCTs; 417 participants; I² = 90%, low-quality evidence) and may reduce analgesia use within 48 hours post-operatively (SMD -1.84, 95% CI -2.14 to -1.54; 2 RCTs; 253 participants; I² = 90%). We are uncertain whether it reduces the severity of STP at 24 hours, as the evidence was very low quality (MD (0 to 10 VAS scale) -1.85, 95% CI -2.15 to -1.55; 3 RCTs; 320 participants; I² = 70%).No study measured adverse events.Subdiaphragmatic intraperitoneal local anaesthetic versus control (no fluid instillation, normal saline or Ringer's lactate)There is probably little or no difference between the groups in incidence of STP (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.23; 4 RCTs; 336 participants; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence) and there may be no difference in STP severity (MD -1.13, 95% CI -2.52 to 0.26; 1 RCT; 50 participants; low-quality evidence), both measured at 24 hours. However, the intervention may reduce post-operative analgesia use (SMD-0.57, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.21; 2 RCTs; 129 participants; I² = 51%, low-quality evidence).No adverse events occurred in any study.Local anaesthetic into peritoneal cavity (not subdiaphragmatic) versus normal salineLocal anaesthetic into the peritoneal cavity may reduce the incidence of STP at 4 to 8 hours post-operatively (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.93; 2 RCTs; 157 participants; I² = 56%; low-quality evidence). Our other outcomes of interest were not assessed.Warmed, or warmed and humidified CO₂ versus unwarmed and unhumidified CO₂There may be no difference between these interventions in incidence of STP at 24 to 48 hours (OR 0.81 95% CI 0.45 to 1.49; 2 RCTs; 194 participants; I² = 12%; low-quality evidence) or in analgesia usage within 48 hours (MD -4.97 mg morphine, 95% CI -11.25 to 1.31; 1 RCT; 95 participants; low-quality evidence); there is probably little or no difference in STP severity at 24 hours (MD (0 to 10 VAS scale) 0.11, 95% CI -0.75 to 0.97; 2 RCTs; 157 participants; I² = 50%; moderate-quality evidence).No study measured adverse events.Gasless laparoscopy versus CO₂ insufflationGasless laparoscopy may be associated with increased severity of STP within 72 hours post-operatively when compared with standard treatment (MD 3.8 (0 to 30 VAS scale), 95% CI 0.76 to 6.84; 1 RCT; 54 participants, low-quality evidence), and there may be no difference in the risk of adverse events (OR 2.56, 95% CI 0.25 to 26.28; 1 RCT; 54 participants; low-quality evidence).No study measured the incidence of STP.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is low to moderate-quality evidence that the following interventions are associated with a reduction in the incidence or severity, or both, of STP, or a reduction in analgesia requirements for women undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy: a specific technique for releasing the pneumoperitoneum; intraperitoneal fluid instillation; an intraperitoneal drain; and local anaesthetic applied to the peritoneal cavity (not subdiaphragmatic).There is low to moderate-quality evidence that subdiaphragmatic intraperitoneal local anaesthetic and warmed and humidified insufflating gas may not make a difference to the incidence or severity of STP.There is low-quality evidence that gasless laparoscopy may increase the severity of STP, compared with standard treatment.Few studies reported data on adverse events. Some potentially useful interventions have not been studied by RCTs of gynaecological laparoscopy.

Analgesic effect of trigger point injection and EMLA for shoulder pain in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUD

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of trigger point injection (TPI) and eutectic mixture local anesthetics (EMLA) cream on the postoperative shoulder pain in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

METHODS

In this randomized, single-blinded, and controlled study, total 75 patients were randomly allocated to TPI group (n = 25), EMLA group (n = 25), and control group (n = 25). TPI group received TPIs with 2 mL of 0.2% ropivacaine, and EMLA group received an occlusive dressing with EMLA cream 2 g on both shoulders. Overall, abdominal, and shoulder pains were evaluated at rest and in motion on postoperative day 3.

RESULTS

The incidence of shoulder pain was significantly reduced in EMLA group (56%) compared to control (88%) or TPI (88%) groups (P = .025 in both); the severity of shoulder pain was mitigated in EMLA and TPI groups compared to control group (P < .001, each). Consequently, the overall pain decreased in EMLA group and TPI group (P = .023). The patients with exercise habit (n = 31) showed lower incidence of pain than patients without exercise habit (n = 26) (P = .002, P = .005, and P = .037 in overall, abdominal, and shoulder pain, respectively). TPI or EMLA treatments decreased shoulder pain irrespective of exercise habit (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively), but decreased overall pain only in patients without exercise habit (P = .019). Lastly, EMLA lowered overall pain score at the time of first analgesic request in ward compared to control group (P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

TPI and EMLA with occlusive dressing effectively reduced the shoulder pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

Instrument usage in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a prospective clinical trial

PURPOSE

To evaluate instrumental usage in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries and to develop key timesets of a laparoscopic operation, which allows categorization of the operation time into different sections.

METHODS

In this prospective clinical observational study, frequency of instrument usage, time for instrument switches, and instrument utilization time were recorded in a standardized manner for laparoscopic surgeries in 103 endoscopic surgeries.

RESULTS

A standard equipment (including atraumatic grasping forceps, irrigation and suction device, bipolar clamp, and laparoscopic scissors) was used for nearly all interventions. Bipolar clamps and scissors were changed most frequently. The tool used for the longest amount of time was the atraumatic grasping forceps. Laparoscopic instruments were switched 51 times per surgery (range 2-250 times). One instrument switch lasted for a median of 0.13 min (0.08-1.2 min). Median time for instrument switch for a single surgery added up to 6.83 min. Instrument switches required 10.5% of the overall operation time.

CONCLUSION

We analyzed the current instrument usage in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. The results of our standardized investigation suggest ways to reduce the time required for surgery and provide starting points for the standardization of the work routine.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the effects of usual gas release, active aspiration, and passive-valve release on abdominal distension in patients who have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy

INTRODUCTION

Residual, intra-abdominal CO₂ contributes to abdominal distension and pain after laparoscopic surgery. The study was designed to assess recovery after gas release in patients who have undergone laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

METHODS

A total of 142 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups: (i) group 1 (control group), gas release from the surgical wound without port release (n = 47); (ii) group 2, active gas aspiration via a subdiaphragmatic port (n = 48); and (iii) group 3, passive-valve release via a subdiaphragmatic port valve opening (n = 47). Abdominal distension and shoulder pain levels were assessed postoperatively.

RESULTS

The active aspiration group had significantly reduced postoperative abdominal distensions at 30 min, 4, and 24 h compared with the control group (50.0% vs 80.9%, 43.8% vs 76.6%, 33.3% vs 57.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). Similarly, the passive-valve release group had significantly reduced postoperative abdominal distensions at 4 and 24 h compared with the control group (51.1% vs 76.6%, 57.4% vs 36.2%; P < 0.05). Both intervention groups had significantly reduced postoperative shoulder pain at 4 and 24 h compared with the control group (P < 0.001). In addition, the postoperative ambulation times for the active aspiration group were significantly shorter than those for the control and passive-valve release groups (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Releasing residual CO₂ from the intra-abdominal cavity at the end of laparoscopic cholecystectomy by either the active aspiration or passive-valve release technique is an effective way to reduce postoperative abdominal distension and shoulder pain.

Managing Postoperative Pain After Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in the Era of the Opioid Epidemic

In this review, we examine the evidence behind nonopioid medication alternatives, peripheral nerve blocks, surgical techniques, and postoperative recovery protocols that can help minimize and effectively treat postoperative pain after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). Because of the depth and heterogeneity of the data, a narrative review was performed of reported interventions. A comprehensive review was performed of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Database with a focus on randomized controlled trials. In the absence of literature specific to benign gynecology, similar specialty or procedural data were reviewed. A variety of nonopioid medications, surgical techniques, and postoperative recovery protocols have shown significant improvements in postoperative pain after gynecologic surgery. Nonopioid medication options that are beneficial include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, and antiepileptics. Incision infiltration with local anesthesia also significantly reduces pain. Surgically, minimally invasive approaches, reducing the laparoscopic trocar size to <10 mm, and evacuating the pneumoperitoneum at the end of the case all have significant benefits. Lastly, enhanced recovery pathways show promise in reducing pain after MIGS. By using a multimodal approach, minimally invasive gynecologic surgeons can help to minimize and manage postoperative pain with less reliance on opioid pain medications.

Postoperative Quality of Life and Sexual Function in Premenopausal Women Undergoing Laparoscopic Myomectomy for Symptomatic Fibroids: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Introduction

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign gynecologic tumors. To date laparoscopy myomectomy is the gold standard for treatment of symptomatic fibroids in reproductive-aged women. Detailed counseling about the effects of this procedure on postoperative sexuality and quality of life is important in these patients. However, available data on these subjects are limited and contradictory. The aim of this study was to assess sexual function and quality of life in premenopausal women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

Material and Methods

All premenopausal women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic fibroids between April 2012 and August 2014 at a tertiary university center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Sexual function and quality of life were assessed for the pre- and postoperative (six months post-operatively) state using two validated questionnaires, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D).

Results

Ninety-five of the 115 (83%) eligible patients completed the study. Overall a significant improvement in quality of life and sexual function was observed in the study cohort: Median FSFI (28 (18.7–35.2)) and EQ-5D scores (1 (0.61–1) after laparoscopic myomectomy were significantly higher than preoperative scores (21.2 (5.2–33.5); 0.9 (0.2–1); p ≤ 0.01). The number, position and localization of the largest fibroids were not correlated with pre- or postoperative sexual function or quality of life.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic myomectomy might have positive short-term effects on postoperative quality of life and sexual function in premenopausal women suffering from symptomatic fibroids.

The effect of peritoneal gas drain on postoperative pain in benign gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the effect of peritoneal gas drain on postoperative pain in benign gynecologic laparoscopic surgery and the amount of postoperative analgesic dosage.

METHODS

The trial included 45 females who had undergone operations during the period December 2014 to October 2015. The patients were block randomized based on operating time (<2 and ≥2 hours). The intervention group (n=23) was treated with postoperative intraperitoneal gas drain and the control group (n=22) was not. The mean difference in scores for shoulder, epigastric, suprapubic, and overall pain at 6, 24, 48 hours postoperatively were statistically evaluated using mixed-effect restricted maximum likelihood regression. The differences in the analgesic drug usage between the groups were also analyzed using a Student's t-test. The data were divided and analyzed to two subgroups based on operating time (<2 hours, n=20; and $2 hours, n=25).

RESULTS

The intervention had significantly lower overall pain than the control group, with a mean difference and 95% confidence interval at 6, 24, and 48 hours of 2.59 (1.49-3.69), 2.23 (1.13-3.34), and 1.48 (0.3-2.58), respectively. Correspondingly, analgesic drug dosage was significantly lower in the intervention group (3.52±1.47 mg vs 5.72±2.43 mg, P<0.001). The three largest mean differences in patients with operating times of ≥2 hours were in overall pain, suprapubic pain at 6 hours, and shoulder pain at 24 hours at 3.27 (1.14-5.39), 3.20 (1.11-5.26), and 3.13 (1.00-5.24), respectively. These were greater than the three largest mean differences in the group with operating times of <2 hours, which were 2.81 (1.31-4.29), 2.63 (0.51-4.73), and 2.02 (0.68-3.36). The greatest analgesic drug requirement was in the control group with a longer operative time.

CONCLUSION

The use of intraperitoneal gas drain was shown to reduce overall postoperative pain in benign gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. The effects were higher in patients who had experienced longer operating times.

Influence of the Preoperative Decision-Making Process on the Postoperative Outcome after Hysterectomy for Benign Uterine Pathologies

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess whether the preoperative decision-making process might influence treatment success in premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies Materials and Methods: All premenopausal women treated with hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies between April 2011 and June 2013 at a tertiary university center were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Five parameters of the preoperative decision-making process were assessed upon their correlation with postoperative quality of life, sexual function and patients' satisfaction. These outcome measures were assessed for the pre- and postoperative (six months after surgery) status using two validated questionnaires (EQ-5D and "female sexual function index" (FSFI). Patients' satisfaction with the postoperative outcome was assessed with a self-developed questionnaire. Results: 255 of 402 (63 %) patients completed the study. A correlation between the co-variables "interval between first counseling and decision to surgery", "subjectively perceived quality of the preoperative counseling" and "certainty in the decision for the intervention" and postoperative outcomes were found. The co-variables "person mainly responsible for election of hysterectomy mode" and "discussion of decision for surgery with others" showed no influence on postoperative patients-reported outcomes. Conclusion: We found a correlation between certain parameters of the preoperative decision-making process and postoperative patient-reported sexual function, quality of life and patients' satisfaction in premenopausal women undergoing hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies. An optimization of these factors could contribute to an improvement in treatment outcomes.

Laparoscopic surgery and muscle relaxants: is deep block helpful?

It has been hypothesized that providing deep neuromuscular block (a posttetanic count of 1 or more, but a train-of-four [TOF] count of zero) when compared with moderate block (TOF counts of 1-3) for laparoscopic surgery would allow for the use of lower inflation pressures while optimizing surgical space and enhancing patient safety. We conducted a literature search on 6 different medical databases using 3 search strategies in each database in an attempt to find data substantiating this proposition. In addition, we studied the reference lists of the articles retrieved in the search and of other relevant articles known to the authors. There is some evidence that maintaining low inflation pressures during intra-abdominal laparoscopic surgery may reduce postoperative pain. Unfortunately most of the studies that come to these conclusions give few if any details as to the anesthetic protocol or the management of neuromuscular block. Performing laparoscopic surgery under low versus standard pressure pneumoperitoneum is associated with no difference in outcome with respect to surgical morbidity, conversion to open cholecystectomy, hemodynamic effects, length of hospital stay, or patient satisfaction. There is a limit to what deep neuromuscular block can achieve. Attempts to perform laparoscopic cholecystectomy at an inflation pressure of 8 mm Hg are associated with a 40% failure rate even at posttetanic counts of 1 or less. Well-designed studies that ask the question "is deep block superior to moderate block vis-à-vis surgical operating conditions" are essentially nonexistent. Without exception, all the peer-reviewed studies we uncovered which state that they investigated this issue have such serious flaws in their protocols that the authors' conclusions are suspect. However, there is evidence that abdominal compliance was not increased by a significant amount when deep block was established when compared with moderate neuromuscular block. Maintenance of deep block for the duration of the pneumoperitoneum presents a problem for clinicians who do not have access to sugammadex. Reversal of block with neostigmine at a time when no response to TOF stimulation can be elicited is slow and incomplete and increases the potential for postoperative residual neuromuscular block. The obligatory addition of sugammadex to any anesthetic protocol based on the continuous maintenance of deep block is not without associated caveats. First, monitoring of neuromuscular function is still essential and second, antagonism of deep block necessitates doses of sugammadex of ≥4.0 mg/kg. Thus, maintenance of deep block has substantial economic repercussions. There are little objective data to support the proposition that deep neuromuscular block (when compared with less intense block; TOF counts of 1-3) contributes to better patient outcome or improves surgical operating conditions.

Insufflation with humidified and heated carbon dioxide in short-term laparoscopy: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

Background. We tested the hypothesis that warm-humidified carbon dioxide (CO₂) insufflation would reduce postoperative pain and morphine requirement compared to cold-dry CO₂ insufflation. Methods. A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was conducted to compare warm, humidified CO₂ and cold-dry CO₂. Patients with benign uterine diseases were randomized to either treatment (n = 48) or control (n = 49) group during laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy. Primary endpoints of the study were rest pain, movement pain, shoulder-tip pain, and cough pain at 2, 4, 6, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively, measured by visual analogue scale. Secondary outcomes were morphine consumption, rejected boli, temperature change, recovery room stay, and length of hospital stay. Results. There were no significant differences in all baseline characteristics. Shoulder-tip pain at 6 h postoperatively was significantly reduced in the intervention group. Pain at rest, movement pain, and cough pain did not differ. Total morphine consumption and rejected boli at 24 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the control group. Temperature change, recovery room stay, and length of hospital were similar. Conclusions. Warm, humidified insufflation gas significantly reduces postoperative shoulder-tip pain as well as morphine demand. This trial is registered with Clinical Trial Registration Number   DRKS00003853 (German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS)).

Standardised Registration of Surgical Complications in Laparoscopic-Gynaecological Therapeutic Procedures Using the Clavien-Dindo Classification

Introduction: The registration of complications represents an important component in the evaluation of surgical therapeutic procedures. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of occurrence as well as the severity of surgical complications after laparoscopic-gynaecological operations in a standardised manner using the Clavien-Dindo system. Material and Methods: Altogether 7438 treatment courses after laparoscopic-gynaecological interventions by 9 working groups were evaluated. Covariates recorded were the technical complexity of the operation, type of study cohort, study size, data acquisition as well as study centre. Target variables recorded were the surgical morbidity rate, subdivided into mild (Clavien-Dindo grade I-II) and severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grade III-V). In addition, a binary logistic regression analysis for the mentioned covariates and the occurrence of surgical complication was carried out. Results: 946 complications were recorded (overall complication rate: 13 %). These included 664 mild complications (8.9 %) and 305 severe complications (4.1 %). A correlation was found between the covariates technical complexity (relative risk [rR] 1.37; p < 0.01), study size (rR: 0.35; p < 0.01) and study centre (rR 0.19; p < 0.01) and the occurrence of surgical complications. Conclusion: By means of a standardised registration of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification it appears to be possible to limit the methodologically caused underestimation of surgical morbidity in the retrospective evaluation of gynaecological-endoscopic therapeutic procedures. Factors decisively influencing the surgical morbidity of gynaecological-laparoscopic therapeutic procedures are the respective operative experience of the treating facility as well as the technical complexity of the intervention.