We report a case of inadvertent insertion of a 14-Fr Foley's catheter through the orifice of one branch of a previously unrecognised duplex ureter. The unintentional insertion of the catheter occurred at urethral catheterisation during laparotomy for gynaecological malignancy and lead to false intraoperative identification of the female anatomy and injury to the ureter. Postoperatively, cystoscopy and intravenous urography confirmed the existence of a duplex ureter on the affected side.

The objective of this study was to compare outcomes of laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy (LARVH) vs. abdominal radical hysterectomy (RH) for early-stage cervical cancer. This is a retrospective study of all LARVH and RH procedures between January 2003 and June 2006 in our tertiary referral centre. Demographic, intraoperative and postoperative parameters in both groups were compared. Fourteen women (stage IA2-IB) underwent LARVH, and 12 women (stage IA2 to IB) had RH. All had clear excision margins. None of the laparoscopic procedures were converted into laparotomy. There have not been any recurrences in either group during the follow-up period. We conclude that LARVH and RH are equally efficacious surgical methods. The LARVH group had shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss, shorter bladder recovery time, less postoperative complications but higher intraoperative injury rate in comparison to RH. This may reflect the learning curve of this new procedure.

No abstract

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of Quixil in gynaecological oncology with a prospective observational study over 11 months in a gynaecological oncology centre. Quixil was opportunistically used when conventional haemostatic techniques failed, in 35 laparotomies and four laparoscopies. A total of 26 operations were performed for malignant disease and 13 for benign indications. Demographic, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Haemostasis was accomplished within 5 min from sealant application. No hypersensitivity reactions were noted. Bowel recovery and postoperative pain were usual. In the laparotomy group, the mean hospital stay was 11 days and mean operating time, 164 min. In the laparoscopy group, the mean hospital stay was 3 days and mean operating time 165 min. In both groups, the incidence of complications and recurrence rates were in line with the expected population rates of these treated patients. We conclude that Quixil is an efficient, safe and effective haemostatic agent, which has a role to play in gynaecological surgery for benign and malignant disease.

No abstract