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Hysterectomy in cases with previous scar on the uterus

August 29, 2011

With the increasing rate of cesarean sections, it is imperative that the the number of cases with the scar on the uterus are going to increase.Cases who have had a scar on the uterus secondary to some surgery on the uterus ,for example,myomectomy also contribute.
Adhesions are the commonest consequence of any surgery on the uterus .And when we contemplate hysterectomy in such cases,taking care of these adhesions is a task.
These adhesions are
1) Between the bladder and the uterus (Commonest) .Generally an area of 2-3 cms over the lower uterine segment ,or just over the superior surface of the cervix and the lower part of the body of the uterus,at the level of uterine artery pedicle ,is the site where the adhesion of the bladder is the densest.To dissect the bladder away,one has to go through the lateral utero-vesical window or Sheths space.After taking the semilunar incision on the cervix,one can enter this space by either a finger or an artery forcep from the either of the corner angles of the incision,anteriorly.One would find a space which is devoid of any adhesions. Using this as a guide,start the sharp dissection of the scar close to the surface of the uterus ,bit by bit.till  one opens the anterior pouch.

2) Parietal adhesions

These are the consequence of any surgery of the abdomen.Omentum and at times the bowel is  stuck to the parietal surface obscuring the approach to the uterus. Many a times the bladder is pulled up and adherent to the anterior abdominal wall,making it difficult to separate.

3) Adhesions between the rectum and the uterus post surgery are rare.

Now when we consider the route of hysterectomy in such cases,it is my firm opinion that vaginal route is the best route ,because

a) one does not have to encounter the parietal adhesions before actually reaching the uterus,as one has to by abdominal or the laparoscopic route. These parietal adhsions are well settled ones and there is no need to disturb them.

b) one just has to dissect about 2 to 2.5 inches of the surface of the uterus to push the bladder away. This is closest and easiest by the vaginal route.

I believe the use of laparoscope is limited to tackle any band of adhesion which is pulling the uterus up

In case the bladder is accidentally nicked ,it is important to identify it on table and suture it off in 2 layers with 3-0 delayed absorbable suture.

How to reduce the surgical time for vaginal hysterectomy

June 11, 2011

Though time should not be the factor while doing any surgery,morbidity and blood loss does go up with the prolonged operating time.Same holds true for vaginal hysterectomy.I remember when I did my first few hysterectomies during the residency,I took almost 2- 2.30 hrs ,with a few requiring blood transfusions.Well surgical technique have since then come up by quite a good measure,.Again I would list some dos and dont do’s to speed up your time for vaginal hysterectomy.
1) Would again recommend using hydrodissection technique,as I have mentioned in the previous blogs
2) Adjust the height of the table according to the comfort of the assistant ,so that he/she does not have to bend too much.
3) Needless to stress the importance of proper light and good quality basic instruments
4) Do not make a clutter of too many retractors,mere anterior and a big size posterior vaginal retractor is enough,one can just adjust their position as per the need of a particular step.
5) I do not cut the lateral vaginal wall but retain its attachment with the uterosacral ligaments,s o that the the ligament retains its natural attachment to the vault and saves the time and effort to close it after the surgery.
6) Do not waste time in going after the Anterior pouch,just push or dissect the bladder up and secure it under the anterior wall Landens retractor,The Anterior pouch will open up on its own as one goes up,after securing the uterine arteries.
7)If the size of uterus is big or descent poor,use any debulking technique,or a vaginal myoma screw.
8) No need to close the peritoneum after the uterus is removed.
9) Use a good delayed absorbable suture,with proper surgical knots.
Using some of these modifications one can cut short the time to a great extent so much so that an average hysterectomy can get over in 30 to 45 mins.

Unruptured 14 weeks live ectopic pregnancy

June 11, 2011

This is a case of a 29 year old 2nd gravida with 14.2 weeks amenn. who was referred for bleeding per vaginum after a failed attempt of a second trimester termination in the peripheral hospital (Ultrasonography off course was not done.
Patient was hemodynamically stable,with mild pallor and a Hb of 9.5 grm percent. Per abdominal examination showed 14 weeks size non tender mass ,more towards the right of midline with audible fetal heart sounds on Doppler.Per vaginal examination findings were almost the same ,with a the fetus lying more towards the right side.
Patient was subjected for sonography (4-D) and the finding was something shocking,a live ectopic pregnancy of 14.2 weeks on the right side with good fetal movements and no gross anomalies.
After the basic workup was subjected to laparoscopy which showed right sided unruptured ampullary pregnancy witha minimal amount of blood in the Pouch of Douglas. With a linear incision on the antemesenteric border of the tube,the fetus was removed along with the placenta. Since there were quite a few bleebing points,right salpingectomy was done. The fetus was removed through the 10 mm port.Surfery was terminated after a through lavage.Patient recovered quickly,without any transfusions and was discharged after 18 hrs of surgery

vaginal Hysterectomy : The steps simplified

November 25, 2010

With some technical modifications in the traditionally taught steps of the vaginal hysterectomies,we can make the procedure simpler and faster.
1) One can use hydrodissection technique as described in the previous blog
2) Dont go after opening the anterior fold of peritoneum,just retract the bladder under some retracter and go on applying the clamps. The A pouch will open up on its own after we take the uterines ,except in cases of previous LSCS where I prefer opening the pouch after ligating the uterines.
3) I dont cut the lateral vaginal wall but retain its attachment with the uterosacrals,so that the part of the vault retains its natural attachment with the ligament.
4) I anchor the uterosacrals to the vault right in the beginning by taking the long end of the suture through the posterior edge of the vagina.
5) Always take an additional pedicle of the round ligament with the ascending branch of the uterine. This simplifies the approach to the infundibulopelvic ligament and takes care of the chances of bleeding in the post op period.
5) One should use the morcellation technique i.e bisection,transection,coring ,to debulk the uterus for easy delivery
6) Vaginal Myoma screw is a very handy instrument to apply traction to deliver a fibroid or a uterus
7) Always secure the vaginal angles securely as they the most notorious oozers in the post op period.

After the workshop

November 25, 2010

Post Workshop
The first National Live Operative Workshop on Vaginal Hysterectomies at Akola on 21st Nov. was a huge success.
Delegates from all over the country (Assam,West Bengal,Karnataka , Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat ,Maharashtra ,TamilNadu )
traversed the distance, to be there for the workshop. Faculties included the legendery,Dr. Shirish Sheth,Dr. Vyomesh Shah,Dr. Vanita Raut, Dr. Sunil Shah and Myself.
Practically vaginal hysterectomies for all the possible indications ie12 wks,16 wks size fibroids,prev.one LSCS with fibroid,previous 2LCS with an adnexal cyst ,prolapse with sacrospinous fixation ,conventional vaginal hysterectomy,vaginal hyst. by hydrodissection technique were covered with good to and fro interactions.Vaginal Hyst. using biclamp (bipolar current) was also demonstrated.We concluded by free interactions with the expert faculties. I hope at the end of the day everybody would have had the feeling that vaginal route for hysterectomy ,be it for any indication,is within ones reach

First Natonal Live Operative Workshop on Vaginal Hysterectomy

August 17, 2010

As is evident from the earlier blogs,I am an ardent promoter of vaginal hysterectomy, which I believe is the primary r0ute for any hysterectomy,barring a few conditions.Literature supports my belief.But unfortunately,this route now is being pushed to background amidst the glitter and glamor of laparoscopic surgery.Though laparoscopy has revolutionized an approach of many surgeries,certainly lap. hysterectomy is not one of them.
A traditional belief is that vaginal hysterectomy is technically difficult and not feasible in many indications.This is a wrong notion and more of a psychological block..Considering these aspects,We have arranged a live surgical workshop ,to be conducted by vaginal surgeons of national and international fame which would serve as good learning platform for one and all.

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Hysterectomy in a mentally challenged girl

March 13, 2010

There are various conditions in which a child can have mental handicap.It is indeed a challenge rearing such a child.When some of these girls reach puberty and start menstruating,matters go from bad to worse.Moreever one has to give a thought to the fact that such girls are at the risk of sexual assault and consequent pregnancy. So how can  we stop a girl from menstruating is question which is frequently asked by the parents.There are some medical methods like Hormone injections or implants ,but they are temporary methods,have some undesirable side effects  and some of them affect ovarian function.I am of the firm opinion that  such girls should be subjected to hysterectomy,without removing the ovaries,as it is a permanent method and puts an end to the miseries involved with menstruation is such girls. A lot of literature supports this modality of treatment.The route of hysterectomy in such cases should be vaginal as far as possible,as there is no scar and recovery is very quick and painless. The patient can go home within 24 hrs. It is very impotant to counsel the family members before we arrive at the final decision


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