Twin fetuses associated with double amniotic sacs diagnosed using transvaginal ultrasonography:A case report

BACKGROUND Conjoined twins are a rare twin malformation commonly presenting as single amniotic sac twinning,with double amniotic sac twinning being extremely rare and poorly reported.Most conjoined twins are females.CASE SUMMARY A woman of childbearing age conceived naturally,and at 8 wk of gestation,transvaginal ultrasonography showed an embryo and cardiac tube pulsation in both amniotic sacs.On dynamic observation,the two embryos were connected in the lower abdomen,with restricted movement.A repeat transvaginal ultrasound at 11 wk showed that the intestinal tubes of both fetuses were connected in the lower abdomen.The pregnancy was terminated and labor was induced.CONCLUSION Transvaginal ultrasound may detect conjoined twin malformations in an early stage.Our case provides diagnostic insights for ultrasonographers and can help develop early therapeutic interventions.

The Clinical Value of Ultrasound Image Texture Analysis in the Diagnosis of Uterine Adhesions

Purpose: This review examines the diagnostic value of transvaginal 3D ultrasound image texture analysis for the diagnosis of uterine adhesions. Materials and Methods: The total clinical data of 53 patients with uterine adhesions diagnosed by hysteroscopy and the imaging data of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2022 to August 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Based on hysteroscopic surgical records, patients were divided into two independent groups: normal endometrium and uterine adhesion sites. The samples were divided into a training set and a test set, and the transvaginal 3D ultrasound was used to outline the region of interest (ROI) and extract texture features for normal endometrium and uterine adhesions based on hysteroscopic surgical recordings, the training set data were feature screened and modelled using lasso regression and cross-validation, and the diagnostic efficacy of the model was assessed by applying the subjects’ operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: For each group, 290 texture feature parameters were extracted and three higher values were screened out, and the area under the curve of the constructed ultrasonographic scoring model was 0.658 and 0.720 in the training and test sets, respectively. Conclusion Relative clinical value of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound image texture analysis for the diagnosis of uterine adhesions.

Effectiveness of Prophylactic Transvaginal Cervical Cerclage in Improving Clinical Outcomes among Pregnant Women with Cervical Insufficiency: Meta-Analysis

Background: Cervical insufficiency is one of the major causes of preterm birth among pregnant women that leads to severe mortality and morbidity issues among newborns. Prophylactic cervical cerclage is a surgical procedure performed between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation upon diagnosis of cervix insufficiency among pregnant women. Aims & Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic cervical cerclage in comparison to other interventions to treat cervical insufficiency among pregnant women using a meta-analysis approach. Methods: We searched the three databases (Coachrane Library, PubMed, and MEDLINE) that were used for articles related to research aims by using MeSH keywords. The timeline of research was set from January 2015 to January 2024. The methodological quality assessment of included studies was performed by the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I). A recent meta-analysis was conducted by using Review Manager 5.4.0 software. Results: About 441 research articles were extracted from three electronic databases and only 125 articles were assessed for eligibility criteria. Finally, 8 studies were included in the analysis for a recent meta-analysis. Six out of eight included retrospective or pilot studies were graded as having a moderate risk of bias, and two studies had low risk on the basis of owning bias. About 1008 pregnant women with cervical insufficiency were analyzed in a recent meta-analysis. By pooled analysis, it was evaluated that significant difference found in prolongation of delivery weeks (Mean difference = 1.05;Cl: 0.81 to 1.29: p > 0.00001), number of deliveries > 37 weeks (OR = 0.59;Cl: 0.19 to 1.84: p > 0.006), and preterm birth (OR = 0.73;Cl: 0.42 to 1.28: p > 0.50) among pregnant women receiving prophylactic cervical cerclage as compared to other treatment strategies. Conclusion: Recent meta-analysis suggested the prophylactic cervical cerclage reduces the rates of preterm birth, abortion rates, number of deliveries > 37 weeks, and other complications as compared to the other cervical cerclage types and conservative treatments.

Comparison of the application value of transvaginal ultrasound and transabdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy

BACKGROUND Ectopic pregnancy(EP) is one of the most common acute abdominal diseases in gynecology. Once the condition of EP is delayed, it may lead to massive hemorrhage, shock, and even death in a short time, seriously threatening the patient’s life. Early diagnosis is the key to preventing and improving the prognosis of EP.Transabdominal ultrasound(TAS) and transvaginal ultrasound(TVS) are the main diagnostic methods for abdominal diseases. The purpose of this study is to explore the application value and effect of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP,hoping to provide more valuable references for the diagnosis of EP.AIM To explore the application value of TAS and TVS in the diagnosis of EP and to improve the level of clinical diagnosis.METHODS A total of 140 patients with EP admitted to our hospital from July 2018 to July 2020 were selected for this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the examination methods. 63 patients who underwent abdominal ultrasound examination were set as the TAS group, while 77 patients who underwent TVS examination were set as the TVS group. We compared the diagnostic accuracy and misdiagnosis rates between the two types of ultrasound examinations, as well as the postoperative pathological results of the two diagnostic methods for different types of ectopic pregnancies. We also analyzed the sonograms for the presence of mixed ectopic masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the ectopic sac shadow, and the detection of fluid in the rectal fossa of the uterus, such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo, etc. In addition, the diagnosis time, days of gestational sac appearance, operation time, endometrial thickness, and blood flow resistance index were compared as well.RESULTS After performing both types of ultrasound examinations in 140 patients with EP, we found that the diagnostic accuracy of TVS was significantly higher than that of TAS, and the misdiagnosis rate was significantly lower than that of TAS. The differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05). In addition, the detection rate of TVS was better than that of TAS for the presence of mixed masses,adnexal masses, ectopic gestational sacs, the presence or absence of visible embryo and fetal heart in the shadow of the ectopic sac, and sonograms such as the adnexal area, yolk sac, and embryo,etc. The coincidence rate of its postoperative pathological examination results was significantly higher than those of TAS. The diagnosis time and the days of gestational sac appearance by TVS were significantly shorter than that by TAS, and the operation time was earlier than that by TAS.What’s more, the detection rates of the endometrial thickness ￡ 1.5 mm and blood flow resistance ￡0.5 were significantly higher in TVS diagnosis of EP than in TAS. All differences were statistically significant(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION Compared with TAS, TVS has the advantages of high detection accuracy and good sonogram performance.

Uterine artery embolization combined with percutaneous microwave ablation for the treatment of prolapsed uterine submucosal leiomyoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Vaginal myomectomy is the most common form of radical treatment for prolapsed submucosal leiomyoma and is typically performed under general anesthesia.However,an alternative treatment approach is needed for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia.We describe a case with such a patient who was successfully treated via a minimally invasive method under local anesthesia.CASE SUMMARY A 46-year-old female suffered from abnormal uterine bleeding,severe anemia,and a reduced quality of life attributed to a massive prolapsed submucosal leiomyoma.She could not tolerate general anesthesia due to a congenital thoracic malformation and cardiopulmonary insufficiency.A new individualized combined treatment,consisting uterine artery embolization(UAE),percutaneous microwave ablation(PMWA)of the pedicle and the endometrium,and transvaginal removal of the leiomyoma by twisting,was performed.The lesion was completely removed successfully under local anesthesia without any major complications.The postoperative follow-up showed complete symptom relief and a significant improvement in the quality of life.CONCLUSION UAE combined with PMWA can be performed under local anesthesia and is a promising alternative treatment for patients who cannot tolerate general anesthesia.

Abdominal pregnancy secondary to iatrogenic uterine perforation: A case report and literature review

Abdominal pregnancy is a rare and life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy.It is defined as an ectopic pregnancy in a region of the peritoneal cavity that does not include the fallopian tubes,ovaries,or their associated ligamentous structures.Many abdominal pregnancies are caused by secondary implantation in the peritoneal cavity after tubal abortion,rupture,or uterine rupture.Here,we report a case of abdominal pregnancy resulting from iatrogenic uterine perforation during the induced abortion of an early intrauterine pregnancy,which had been misdiagnosed as a ruptured corpus luteum cyst due to the sudden rupture of the abdominal gestational sac,complicating intra-abdominal hemorrhage.The true diagnosis was missed by vaginal ultrasound and confirmed by laparoscopic exploration.We discuss the details of the case management and review the relevant literature.©2023 Zhejiang University.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding due to Retention of Fetal Bones after Abortion: A Case Report

Background: Retention of fetal bones is a rare cause of abnormal uterine bleeding. Others may present as subfertility, chronic pelvic pain, abnormal vaginal discharge, menometrorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and spontaneous expulsion of bony fragments. Incidence is 0.26% among patients undergoing hysteroscopy. Aim: To document a pattern of presentation of retained fetal bone and its management. Case Presentation: Our patient is an 18-year old who presented with vaginal bleeding of four weeks duration and managed for abnormal uterine bleeding due to retained fetal bone following second trimester abortion. Conclusion: The use of transvaginal ultrasound in making diagnosis of retained fetal bone is effective. Treatment by removal of bones through evacuation by dilatation and curettage or hysteroscopy brings about resolution of symptoms. Use of pelvic ultrasonography to confirm complete evacuation of the uterus after abortion especially second trimester abortion could aid in early diagnosis and management of incomplete abortion.

腹腔镜下腹壁小切口子宫肌瘤剥除术的临床效果

目的 探讨腹腔镜下腹壁小切口子宫肌瘤剥除术在临床的治疗效果及应用.方法 采用前瞻性队列研究方法,分别连续纳入2009年1月至2012年1月到我院妇产科患子宫肌瘤的育龄期妇女接受腹腔镜下腹壁小切口子宫肌瘤剥除术60例、接受腹腔镜肌瘤剥除术60例和接受阴式肌瘤剥除术30例.分为小切口组、腹腔镜组、阴式组,随访3年.比较三组手术情况、术后检测、术后实验室检查结果、住院情况及3年后的随访结果.结果 在校正了肿瘤情况后,与小切口组对比,在腹腔镜组中,患者失血量显著增长,手术时间显著增长,费用显著增多,但住院天数显著减少（P〈0.05）,阴式组中,患者手术时间显著增长,肛门排气时间显著增长,但住院天数显著减短（P〈0.05）.在校正了术前数值后,腹腔镜组及阴式组患者子宫动脉阻力指数RI显著低于小切口组,腹腔镜组患者术后LH显著高于小切口组（P〈0.05）,术后两组其他激素值未见显著差异（P〉0.05）.术后随访结果三组未见显著差异（P〉0.05）,但提示腹腔镜复发率和术后妊娠子宫破裂率可能较高.结论 三种手术方式各有利弊,应根据具体情况选择术式,腹腔镜下腹壁小切口子宫肌瘤剥除术与其他两种相比,适用广泛,具有较好的疗效和预后,能够减低手术难度和医疗费用,值得临床广泛应用.

Laparoscopic natural orifice specimen extraction-colectomy: A systematic review

Over the last 20 years, laparoscopic colorectal surgery has shown equal efficacy for benign and malignant colorectal diseases when compared to open surgery. However, a laparoscopic approach reduces postoperative morbidity and shortens hospital stay. In the quest to optimize outcomes after laparoscopic colorectal surgery, reduction of access trauma could be a way to improve recovery. To date, one method to reduce access trauma is natural orifice specimen extraction(NOSE). NOSE aims to reduce access trauma in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. The specimen is delivered via a natural orifice and the anastomosis is created intracorporeally. Different methods are used to extract the specimen and to create a bowel anastomosis. Currently, specimens are delivered transcolonically, transrectally, transanally, or transvaginally. Each of these NOSEprocedures raises specific issues with regard to operative technique and application. The presumed benefits of NOSE-procedures are less pain, lower analgesia requirements, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, better cosmetic results, and lower incisional hernia rates. Avoidance of extraction site laparotomy is the most important characteristic of NOSE. Concerns associated with the NOSE-technique include bacterial contamination of the peritoneal cavity, inflammatory response, and postoperative outcomes, including postoperative pain and the functional and oncologic outcomes. These issues need to be studied in prospective randomized controlled trials. The aim of this systematic review is to describe the role of NOSE in minimally invasive colorectal surgery.

Laparoscopic total mesorectal excision with natural orifice specimen extraction

AIM:To introduce transvaginal or transanal specimen extraction in laparoscopic total mesorectal excision surgery to avoid an abdominal incision. METHODS:Between January 2009 and December 2011,21 patients with rectal cancer underwent laparoscopic radical resection and the specimen was retrieved by two different ways:transvaginal or transanal rectal removal.Transvaginal specimen extraction approach was strictly limited to elderly post-menopausal women who need hysterectomy.Patients aged between 30 and 80 years,with a body mass index of less than 30 kg/m2, underwent elective surgery.The surgical technique and the outcomes related to the specimen extraction,such as duration of surgery,length of hospital stay,and the complications were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS:Laparoscopic resection using a natural orifice removal approach was successful in all of the 21 patients.Median operating time was 185 min(range,122-260 min)and the estimated blood loss was 48 mL. The mean length of hospital stay was 7.5 d(range,2-11 d).One patient developed postoperative ileus and had an extended hospital stay.The patient complained of minimal pain.There were no postoperative complications or surgery-associated death.The mean size of the lesion was 2.8 cm(range,1.8-6.0 cm),and the mean number of lymph nodes harvested was 18.7(range, 8-27).At a mean follow-up of 20.6 mo(range,10-37 mo),there were no functional disorders associated with the transvaginal and transanal specimen extraction. CONCLUSION:Transvaginal or transanal extraction in L-TME is a safe and effective procedure.Natural orifice specimen extraction can avoid the abdominal wall incision and its potential complications.

Sonographic appearance of anal cushions of hemorrhoids

AIM to evaluate the diagnostic value of different sonographic methods in hemorrhoids. METHODS Forty-two healthy volunteers and sixty-two patients with grades I -IV. hemorrhoids received two different sonographic examinations from January 2013 to January 2016 at the First and Second Hospitals of Xinjiang Medical University in a prospective way. We analyzed the ultrasonographic findings of these participants and evaluated the outcomes. Resected grades. and. hemorrhoid tissues were pathologically examined. The concordance of ultrasonographic results with pathology results was assessed with the Cohen's kappa coefficient. RESULTS All healthy volunteers and all patients had no particular complications related to sonography. There were no statistically significant differences between the participants regarding age (P = 0.5919), gender (P = 0.4183), and persistent symptoms (P > 0.8692). All healthy control participants had no special findings. However, 30 patients with hemorrhoids showed blood signals around the dentate line on ultrasonography. When grades I and II hemorrhoids were analyzed, there were no significant differences between transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), transperianal ultrasound (TPUS), and transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) (P > 0.05). Grades III and IV hemorrhoids revealed blood flow with different directions which could be observed as a 'mosaic pattern'. In patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids, the number of patients with 'mosaic pattern' as revealed by TRUS, TPUS and TVUS was 22, 12, and 4, respectively. Patients with grades III and IV disease presented with a pathologically abnormal cushion which usually appeared as a 'mosaic pattern' in TPUS and an arteriovenous fistula in pathology. Subepithelial vessels of resected grades III and IV hemorrhoid tissues were manifested by obvious structural impairment and retrograde and ruptured changes of internal elastic lamina. Some parts of the Trietz's muscle showed hypertrophy and distortion. Arteriovenous fistulas and venous dilatation were obvious in the anal cushion of hemorhoidal tissues. After pathological results with arteriovenous fistulas were taken as the standard reference, we evaluated the compatibility between the two methods according to the Cohen's kappa co-efficiency calculation. The compatibility (Cohein kappa co-efficiency value) between 'mosaic pattern' in the TPUS and arteriovenous fistula in pathology was very good (K = 0.8939). When compared between different groups, TRUS presented the advantage that the mosaic pattern could be confirmed in more patients, especially for group A. There was a statistical difference when comparing group A with group B or C (P < 0.05 for both). There were obvious statistical differences between group A and group B with regard to the vessel diameter and blood flow velocity measured by TRUS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Patients with grades III and IV hemorrhoids present with a pathologically abnormal cushion which usually appears as a 'mosaic pattern' in sonography, which is in accord with an arteriovenous fistula in pathology. There are clearly different hemorrhoid structures shown by sonography. 'Mosaic pattern' may be a parameter for surgical indication of grades III and IV hemorrhoids.

Robotic gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction for female gastric cancer patients

AIM: To describe the application of complete robotic gastrectomy with transvaginal specimen extraction(TVSE) for gastric cancer patients.METHODS: Between July and November 2014, eight female patients who were diagnosed with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent a TVSE following a full robot-sewn gastrectomy. According to the tumor location, the patients were allocated to two different groups; two patients received robotic total gastrectomy with TVSE and the other six received robotic distal gastrectomy with TVSE.RESULTS: Surgical procedures were successfully performed in all eight cases without conversion. The mean age was 55.3(range, 42-69) years, and the mean body mass index was 23.2(range, 21.6-26.0) kg/m2. The mean total operative time and blood loss were 224(range, 200-298) min and 62.5(range, 50-150) m L, respectively. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.6(range, 3-5) d. The mean number of lymph nodes resected was 23.6(range, 17-27). None was readmitted within 30 d of postoperation. During the follow-up, no stricture developed nor was any anastomotic leakage detected.CONCLUSION: It is possible to perform a TVSE following a full robot-sewn gastrectomy with standard D2 lymph node resection for female gastric cancer patients.

Management of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy: A Case Series

Objective To survey effective treatment strategies for cesarean scar pregnancy(CSP). Methods The clinical data of 78 patients diagnosed with CSP from January 2010 to December 2013 were reviewed. Results Among these patients, 17 patients were first treated at our hospital; of them, 2 were misdiagnosed. The other 61 patients were referred from other hospitals; of them, 21 were initially misdiagnosed. There were 9 patients who were treated with laparotomy, 50 patients with curettage after uterine artery embolization(UAE) with or without local methotrexate(MTX) infusion, 10 patients with dilatation and curettage, 6 patients with transvaginal sonographic guided local intragestational MTX injection, and 3 patients with systemic MTX injection. All patients finally recovered. Patients with excessive vaginal hemorrhage underwent either emergency UAE treatment or laparotomy. These two treatments had similar success rates(81.82% vs. 100%, χ2 =0.289, P>0.05). Conclusions The accurate diagnosis of CSP is important. Curettage after UAE with or without local MTX infusion is a safe and effective method.

Transvaginal cholecystectomy vs conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder disease:A meta-analysis

AIM:To compare the results of transvaginal cholecystectomy(TVC) and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy(CLC) for gallbladder disease.METHODS:We performed a literature search of Pub Med,EMBASE,Ovid,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,Google Scholar,Meta Register of Controlled Trials,Chinese Medical Journal database and Wanfang Data for trials comparing outcomes between TVC and CLC.Data were extracted by two authors.Mean difference (MD), standardized mean difference(SMD),odds ratios and risk rate with 95%CIs were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated with the χ2 test.The fixed-effects model was used in the absence of statistically significant heterogeneity.The randomeffects model was chosen when heterogeneity was found.RESULTS:There were 730 patients in nine controlled clinical trials.No significant difference was found regarding demographic characteristics(P > 0.5),including anesthetic risk score,age,body mass index,and abdominal surgical history between the TVC and CLC groups.Both groups had similar mortality,morbidity,and return to work after surgery.Patients in the TVC group had a lower pain score on postoperative day 1(SMD:-0.957,95%CI:-1.488 to-0.426,P < 0.001),needed less postoperative analgesic medication(SMD:-0.574,95%CI:-0.807 to-0.341,P < 0.001) and stayed for a shorter time in hospital(MD:-1.004 d,95%CI:-1.779 to 0.228,P = 0.011),but had longer operative time(MD:17.307 min,95%CI:6.789 to 27.826,P = 0.001).TVC had no significant influence on postoperative sexual function and quality of life.Better cosmetic results and satisfaction were achieved in the TVC group.CONCLUSION:TVC is safe and effective for gallbladder disease.However,vaginal injury might occur,and further trials are needed to compare TVC with CLC.

Predicting Endometrium Receptivity with Parameters of Spiral Artery Blood Flow

In order To evaluate whether the parameters of spiral artery blood flow, as measured by transvaginal color Doppler, may be used to assess endometrium receptivity prior to embryo transfer (ET), a retrospective study of 94 infertile women who had undergone ART treatments with different outcomes (pregnant or nonpregnant) was done. Subendometrial blood flow was evaluated. The resistance index (RI), systolic/diastolic ratio (S/D) and pulsatility index (PI) were significantly lower in those who achieved pregnancy as compared with those who did not: 0.62±0.04 vs 0.68±0.04 (P<0.001), 2.66±0.33 vs 3.19±0.39 (P<0.01) and 1.15±0.17 vs 1.34±0.22 (P<0.05), respectively. Furthermore, when RI>0.72, PI>1.6, and S/D>3.6, no pregnancy occurred. These data suggest that the parameters of spiral artery blood flow could be used as a new assay in predicting endometrial receptivity before ET.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopy surgery:A review

Minimally invasive surgery started spreading worldwide in 1987,when the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed.Meanwhile,improvement of endoscopic equipment and instruments allowed gastroenterologists to attempt more aggressive endoluminal interventions,even beyond the wall barrier.The first transgastric peri-toneoscopy,in 2004,brought to light the concept of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES).The idea of incisionless surgery is attractive and has become a new goal for both surgeons and other people interested in this field of investigation.The authors present a review of all developments concerning NOTES,including animal studies and human experience.

MRI and Transvaginal Ultrasound Findings of Atypical Polypoid Adenomyoma: A Case Report

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma(APA)is an uncommon type of polypoid characterized by fibroid stroma and endometrial glands.It occurs mostly in premenopausal women and rarely in postmenopausal women with irregular vaginal bleeding.In our current case,a 76-year-old woman presented with irregular vaginal bleeding.The final pathological diagnosis of the mass was APA.APA is not easy to diagnose before surgery.On the one hand,there was no obvious particularity in imaging features and clinical features,especially for uncomfortably identifying endometrial cancer.On the other hand,APA has a pedicle,attaching to any part of the uterine cavity,which can cause pseudocoel between the mass with the uterine cavity wall.So,when it comes to getting the pathological tissue in the absence of hysteroscopy,it is easy to access to the pseudocoel and obtain endometrial tissue rather than the pathological tissue of the mass.Therefore,preoperative imaging examination is of great significance diagnosis way of thinking to clinicians for APA.In the meantime,pathological tissue of APA can be obtained by hysteroscopy in visual conditions.

Detection of Congenital Uterine Malformation by Using Transvaginal Three-dimensional Ultrasound

This study assessed the clinical application of transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound （3D TVUS） in the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformation. A retrospective study was performed on 62 patients with congenital uterine malformation confirmed hysteroscopically and/or laparoscopically. The patients were subjected to transvaginal two-dimensional ultrasound （2D TVUS） and 3D TVUS. The accuracy rate was compared between the two methods. The accuracy rate of 3D TVUS was （98.38%, 61/62）, higher than that of 2D TVUS （80.65%, 50/62）. 3D TVUS coronal plane imaging could demon- strate the internal shape of the endometrial cavity and the external contour of the uterine fundus. It al- lowed accurate measurement on the coronary plane, and could three-dimensionally show the image of cervical tube, thereby providing information for the diagnosis of some complex uterine malformation. 3D TVUS imaging can obtain comprehensive information of the uterus malformation, and it is superior to 2D TVUS for the diagnosis of congenital uterine malformations, especially complex uterine anomaly.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in urology: The Chinese experience

Objective:To describe the Chinese experience of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES)in urology.Methods:From December 2008 to May 2017,35 animal experiments and 305 clinical surgeries of NOTES or natural orifices specimen extractions(NOSE)were performed in China.The animal experiments included five kidney biopsies,24 nephrectomies and six partial nephrectomies.The clinical surgeries included 12 transvaginal NOSE(TV-NOSE),266 hybrid transvaginal NOTES(TV-NOTES)and 27 pure TV-NOTES.The TV-NOSE procedure was performed in five transumbilical laparoendoscopic single-site(U-LESS)nephrectomies,four suprapubic-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site surgery(SA-LESS)nephroureterectomies,and three laparoscopic radical cystectomies.The hybrid TV-NOTES procedure included 210 nephrectomies,31 adrenalectomies,eight nephroureterectomies,13 partial nephrectomies,and four heminephrectomies.The pure TV-NOTES procedure included five renal cyst decortications and 22 nephrectomies.Results:A total of 29 animal experiments were successfully performed.One partial nephrectomy was converted to standard laparoscopic surgery.Two kidney biopsies and two nephrectomies were unsuccessful.A total of 297 clinical surgeries were successfully performed.Six patients who underwent hybrid TV-NOTES were converted to open surgery.Two patients who underwent pure TV-NOTES were converted to SA-LESS.There were 22 major complications,16 occurred intraoperatively and six postoperatively.The mean visual analog score(VAS)of 48 h after the operation was 2.5 points in TV-NOSE,2.3 points in hybrid TV-NOTES and 1.7 points in pure TV-NOTES.The mean follow-up of 50.6(3.0-87.0)months showed that all patients were in good condition.The umbilicus scars were nearly invisible in TV-NOSE and hybrid TV-NOTES.The vaginal incision healed well.Conclusions:TV-NOSE and TV-NOTES are feasible,safe,and effective with little injury,low pain,fast recovery,and good cosmetic outcomes in properly selected patients.They are worth consideration for urological clinical practice.

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery:The transvaginal route moving forward from cholecystectomy

The advent of minimally invasive surgery and the advances in endoluminal flexible endoscopy have converged to generate a new concept in digestive surgery,whose acronym natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery(NOTES),has become a familiar term in the surgical community.NOTES has been performed through the mouth,the bladder,the rectum and the vagina.Of these four approaches,the vagina has gained most popularity for several reasons.It is not only readily accessible and easy to decontaminate but it also provides safe entry and simple closure.The transvaginal approach has been described in the experimental and the clinical setting as an option for cholecystectomy,nephrectomy,splenectomy,segmental gastrectomy,retroperitoneal exploration and bariatric surgery.However,larger series are needed to delineate the exact risks of this approach,and to transcend cultural barriers that impede its wider introduction.Prospective randomized trials will shed light on the definitive role of the vaginal approach in minimal invasive surgery of the future.