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ABSTRACT: To characterize ultrastructural changes in the rat vagina in pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, focusing on collagen architecture and smooth muscle cell morphology.
The vagina of four virgin, four midpregnant, four late pregnant, four immediate, and four late post-vaginal-delivery rats were examined by transmission electron microscopy. Images were classified into one of four categories based on collagen fibril area fraction, with group 1 containing the highest number of collagen fibers per unit area and group 4 containing the lowest. Smooth muscle cells were characterized into three cell types ("synthetic," "intermediate," and "contractile") based on the volume fraction of cytoplasm occupied by organelles compared with myofibrils.
Quantitative analysis demonstrated that 76% of collagen fibers in virgin rats were categorized as group 1 or 2 compared with 49% in midpregnant, 40% in late pregnant, and 23% in immediate postpartum animals (P=0.006). Late postpartum tissue seemed similar to virgin tissue (77%). Midpregnant (37%), late-pregnant (34%) and immediate postpartum animals (43%) contained a higher proportion of synthetic smooth muscle cells compared with virgins (20%) and late postpartum animals (21%) (P=.02). Contractile smooth muscle cells predominated in virgin (64%) and late postpartum animals (70%) compared with midpregnant (42%), late pregnant (50%) and immediate postpartum (50%, P=.05).
In pregnancy, collagen fiber area decreased while smooth muscle cells transformed from a contractile to a synthetic phenotype. The late postpartum period returned to prepregnant levels for both collagen and smooth muscle cell morphologies. It is likely that these changes represent adaptations to minimize trauma to the vagina during passage of the fetus.
Obstetrics and Gynecology 02/2007; 109(1):128-35. · 4.73 Impact Factor
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Obstetrics and Gynecology 01/2007; 108(6):1540-3. · 4.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To study whether using 95% humidified, heated carbon dioxide (CO(2)) at laparoscopy reduces pain compared with dry, heated CO(2).
Patients were randomly assigned to either heated, 95% humidified CO(2) (study group) or heated, dry CO(2) (control group) during laparoscopy. Pain control was achieved per standard protocols. Pain scales were administered the first 4 hours and 24 and 48 hours postoperatively.
The 89 patients available in the intent-to-treat model revealed a decrease in total morphine equivalents and a decrease in pain scores at 1, 2, and 24 hours in the study group (directional P values < .05). Subgroup analysis in patients without chronic pelvic pain revealed lower mean pain scores at 1, 2, 24, and 48 hours and decreases in postoperative and total morphine equivalents (directional P values < .05) in the study group.
At laparoscopy, heated, 95% humidified CO(2) effectively decreases postoperative pain and narcotics usage compared with heated, dry CO(2).
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Obstetrics and Gynecology 02/2006; 107(2 Pt 1):263-8. · 4.73 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To describe the use of a robotic surgical system for total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
We report a series of laparoscopic hysterectomies performed using the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Participants were women eligible for hysterectomy by standard laparoscopy. Operative times and complications are reported.
We completed 10 total laparoscopic hysterectomies between November 2001 and December 2002 with the use of the da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. Operative results were similar to those of standard laparoscopic hysterectomy. Operative time varied from 2 hours 28 minutes to 4 hours 37 minutes. Blood loss varied from 25 mL to 350 mL. Uterine weights varied from 49 g to 227 g. A cystotomy occurred in a patient with a history of a prior cystotomy unrelated to the robotic system.
Total laparoscopic hysterectomy is a complex surgical procedure requiring advanced laparoscopic skills. Tasks like lysis of adhesions, suturing, and knot tying were enhanced with the robotic surgical system, thus providing unique advantages over existing standard laparoscopy. Total laparoscopic hysterectomy can be performed using robotic surgical systems.
JSLS: Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons / Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons 9(1):13-5. · 0.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: To determine the feasibility of using a simple procedure, a bilateral tubal ligation, as a transition procedure when adopting robotic laparoscopy for gynecologic surgery.
To obtain robotic credentialing and gain experience with the robotic system, the surgeons first went through robotic training, then 4 women desiring permanent sterilization had robotically assisted laparoscopic bilateral tubal ligations performed, using the Parkland method.
Total operating room time varied from 1 hour 25 minutes to 2 hours 31 minutes. Improvement in operating time for each surgeon was noted with each successive case. Best times in robotic cases were similar to those of standard laparoscopy.
Robotically assisted laparoscopic tubal ligation using the Parkland method is a satisfactory procedure to provide transition for gynecologic surgeons and operating room personnel to gynecologic robotic surgery.
JSLS: Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons / Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons 8(4):326-8. · 0.98 Impact Factor
