Pain and symptom relief using inhaled methoxyflurane for gynecologic brachytherapy applicator removal.

Purpose: Intra-cavitary brachytherapy forms an essential part of the curative treatment of cervical and vaginal cancer, and can be used for cure or palliation in endometrial and vulval cancers. Removal of brachytherapy applicators is often performed after anaesthesia has worn off and can be an uncomfortable and anxiety-provoking procedure. In this paper, we present our experience in a series of patients before and after the introduction of inhaled methoxyflurane (IMF, Penthrox™).

Retraction techniques in laparoscopic colorectal surgery: a literature-based review.

Aim: To systematically review the published literature and describe the various techniques of bowel and mesentery retraction available for use in laparoscopic colorectal resection.

Method: A comprehensive search of the literature was undertaken using MESH terms 'retraction', 'laparoscopic' and 'colorectal'. All articles describing methods of retraction in laparoscopic colorectal surgery were included.