No abstract

The postcricoid subsite is difficult to visualize on flexible laryngopharyngoscopy. The view can be improved with either auto-insufflation manoeuvres or anterior neck skin traction. In this study, the view of the hypopharynx was graded whilst anterior neck skin traction was applied during the trumpet manoeuvre; the latter involves the patient blowing on his finger as if blowing up a balloon. On auto-insufflation alone, the postcricoid site was demonstrated in 22/25 (88 per cent) of cases and the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) in two out of 25 (eight per cent). Of the 22 cases in whom only the postcricoid site was demonstrated, subsequent neck skin traction revealed the UOS in eight. Overall, the use of auto-insufflation solely or in combination with traction resulted in UOS visualization in 40 per cent (10/25) of cases. The application of skin traction during trumpeting is easy to perform and should be used routinely.

No abstract

Uterine perforation during hysteroscopic operative procedures is a potential complication well known to gynaecologists. Uterine septa are a commonly encountered Müllerian anomaly related to pregnancy loss and infertility. Hysteroscopic resection of septa has shown to improve pregnancy outcome. There are limited case reports of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies after hysteroscopic septal resection. Our patient had a hysteroscopic septal resection done a year prior which was complicated by a uterine fundal perforation, left to spontaneously heal after immediate sealing with cautery. The patient conceived spontaneously soon after and underwent an emergency caesarean section for severe pre-eclampsia. Intraoperatively, after removal of the placenta, we discovered a 3 cm symmetrical circular defect at the fundus of the uterus with no myometrium or serosa. The potentially disastrous consequences of this silent uterine rupture were mitigated due to another life-threatening condition which prevented the onset of labour.

Background Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies are increasing in frequency, due to rise in cesarean deliveries. They should be managed early in pregnancy, preferably by surgical excision, failing which they may rupture, or later develop into morbidly adherent placenta. Methods This is a series of five cases described to explain the instrumentations and techniques in the laparoscopic excision of cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies. Written consent was taken from the patients. Results All five patients underwent successful laparoscopic excision. Follow-up period was uneventful. Conclusion Laparoscopic excision of cesarean scar ectopic is a technically demanding procedure, but with excellent results. All gynecologists should be familiar with this technique due to the increasing incidence of cesarean scar ectopic gestations.