Reinventing the culdoscope

The purpose of this study was to reassess culdoscopic visualization of the female pelvis using a small flexible fiberoptic choledochoscope introduced via a disposable trochar system. A disposable 5-mm retractable laparoscopic trochar was used to gain access to the peritoneal cavity via the posterior fornix of the vagina. A 4.9-mm flexible choledochoscope then was introduced through this trochar to visualize the pelvic organs. The initial procedures were performed with the patient under general anesthesia using direct laparoscopic visualization of the cul-de-sac. Subsequent procedures were performed on women who were awake, using local anesthesia and sedation with the patients in a knee-chest position. In this study, 18 women taken to the operating room for a planned transvaginal hysterectomy or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy underwent flexible culdoscopy. Three procedures were performed with the patients under general anesthesia using direct laparoscopic visualization, and 15 procedures were performed in a blind fashion with the patient awake in a knee-chest position. The average Quetelet Index was 31.2 (range, 22.8-43.1). Of the 18 procedures, 16 were successful in adequately visualizing the pelvic organs. There were no significant complications from the procedures, and no injury to adjacent organs. Culdoscopy with a small flexible scope can be performed safely in awake patients, providing adequate visualization of the female pelvis.

Technical devices in jejunal pouch reconstruction following total gastrectomy, including postoperative results

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Either straight Roux-en-Y anastomosis or jejunal interposition used to be adopted following total gastrectomy. However, dissatisfaction with regard to postoperative quality of life has prompted the development of new techniques. The purpose of this study is to describe and assess the authors' technical devices in jejunal pouch (J-pouch) reconstruction following total gastrectomy and the results of these operations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 17 patients with malignant gastric disease (nine with J-pouch interposition, eight with J-pouch Roux-en-Y reconstruction) was performed. To facilitate the side-to-side anastomosis of the jejunal loop, the authors used an autosuture instrument. The anastomosis was then checked for hemostasis using a vaginoscope.

RESULTS

An Endo GIA with a 60-mm long white cartridge (closed height of staples, 1.0 mm) is the instrument of choice to create the J-pouch. This autosuture instrument fires triple staggered staple lines, which minimizes bleeding from the anastomosed site and reduces operative time. No anastomotic leaks were associated with the autosuture instrument. The vaginoscope facilitates a direct observation of the staple lines internally and if necessary, enables secure hemostasis with sutures. Bowel motility was satisfactory for both surgical procedures, as measured by the percentage of radiopaque markers which were expelled from the pouch. There were no serious complications, and all patients have currently survived, a maximum of 5 years and 6 months after surgery, except for one patient who died from recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

The authors' procedures for J-pouch reconstruction are advantageous due to a favorable postoperative quality of life, with low complication rates.

A new uterine manipulator for operative laparoscopic hysterectomy

A new, reusable uterine manipulator was developed to facilitate pelviscopic surgery and laparoscopic hysterectomy. The device is weighted to hold the uterus in an anteverted position and allow easy access to the cul-de-sac. It is spring loaded to create a tight seal for tubal insufflation. The instrument is calibrated in centimeters and has a sliding cervical plug that allows it to be inserted into the fundus to a depth of 15 cm for uterine manipulation during laparoscopic hysterectomy. The spring-loading mechanism holds the device firmly to the cervical tenaculum regardless of the depth of penetration, and rotates 180 degrees for use in the retroverted uterus.

Bipolar electrocautery is a vital component of an efficient, integrated hydro-dissection system

The author describes a new, unique, integrated suction-irrigation system for hydrodissection with bipolar instrumentation which has significantly facilitated the performance of advanced pelviscopic surgery on 350 patients in the department of gynecology between November 1, 1990 and October 31, 1992.

Culdocentesis is an obsolete diagnostic tool in suspected ectopic pregnancy

We studied 332 patients with proven pregnancies. Prediction of hemoperitoneum by assessment of the Douglas pouch during bimanual examination had a false negative rate of 42.1%. The false negative rate for culdocentesis was 14.8%. It is therefore concluded that culdocentesis is not a useful tool in the diagnosis of suspected ectopic pregnancies.

Current status of hysteroscopy in gynecologic practice

During the past century hysteroscopy has developed into a highly sophisticated and effective technique with increasing applicability. Hysteroscopic instruments have been refined with fiberoptics, allowing light to be introduced into the uterine cavity with high intensity but without danger of thermal injury. Safe methods for uterine distention provide an undistorted panoramic view of the uterine cavity. As a diagnostic technique, hysteroscopy affords accuracy in detecting intrauterine conditions which may not be revealed by traditional methods of exploration. As an operative technique, hysteroscopy increases the precision of surgery and minimizes trauma to the endometrial lining, and may, on some occasions, preclude major surgical intervention. In addition, hysterscopy is potentially useful for female sterilization and offers promise as an investigative tool for studies of the intratubal milieu.

Diagnostic miniculdoscopy preceding laparoscopy when bowel adhesions are suspected

Suspected bowel adhesions are often considered a relative contraindication to laparoscopy. To attempt preoperative diagnoses of intraabdominal adhesions, miniculdoscopy was performed on ten patients with a miniendoscope. It was possible to establish the presence or absence of adhesions and to determine a safe abdominal trocar insertion site. The laparoscope trocar could be inserted under direct controlled vision with the culdoscope in nine cases, suggesting that this procedure averts bowel adhesions. This technique may be a contribution to safer laparoscopy.

Advances in sterilization equipment

From the array of sterilization procedures that are safe, simple and effective, the service provider must select procedures that fit his or her logistical criteria, which include the cost and maintenance of equipment, availability of supplies, and training of the requisite personnel. In this paper, these criteria are discussed for each of the various sterilization procedures. Information about female sterilization equipment for conventional postpartum laparotomy, minilaparotomy, colpotomy, laparoscopy, and culdoscopy is presented, together with facts about the related tubal occlusion techniques. The standard ligation techniques for male sterilization are compared with the newer electrocoagulation and thermocoagulation methods. A variety of methods for both female and male sterilization that are in the research stage are also mentioned. It is concluded that, from a programmatic point of view, vasectomy and postpartum ligation via laparotomy are the optimal sterilization procedures. For women who have not recently been pregnant, minilaparotomy with a standard tubal ligation technique is recommended, except in large teaching hospitals where laparoscopy can be performed efficiently.

Culdoscopy

Cul-de-sac puncture for introduction of a culdoscope is easily made with the patient in the knee-chest position. With the use of the instrument, the pelvic organs can be viewed clearly. Culdoscopic examination of 45 patients was carried out. In all cases in which laparotomy was done after the examination, the culdoscopic observations and diagnosis were confirmed. In no case in which tubal pregnancy was present, was the diagnosis missed in culdoscopic examination. Patients were only slightly uncomfortable after the examination. There was no evidence of pelvic peritonitis in any patient, and no pregnant patient aborted as a result of the procedure.