Prophylactic pre-operative bilateral ureteric catheters for major gynaecological surgery.

Purpose: The use of prophylactic pre-operative bilateral ureteric catheters for major gynaecological surgery is controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of ureteric catheter-associated morbidity in our Unit, where systematic pre-operative ureteric catheterisation is performed.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective casenote review of 337 gynaecology patients undergoing laparotomy at Salford Royal Hospital between January 2007 and September 2010.

The surgical rectus sheath block for post-operative analgesia: a modern approach to an established technique.

Objective: To describe the surgical rectus sheath block for post-operative pain relief following major gynaecological surgery.

Technique: Local anaesthetic (20 ml 0.25% bupivacaine bilaterally) is administered under direct vision to the rectus sheath space at the time of closure of the anterior abdominal wall.