Surgical and patient outcomes using mechanical bowel preparation before laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: Mechanical bowel preparation is a common practice before laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. This study aims to evaluate its capacity to improve surgical view and bowel handling in the deep pelvis.

Methods: A single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was undertaken with laparoscopic gynecologic surgical patients assigned to one of the following three groups: fasting only; minimal residue diet for 2 days; or minimal residue diet for 2 days plus mechanical bowel preparation with oral sodium picosulphate.

Does occiput posterior position in the second stage of labour increase the operative delivery rate?

Objectives: To assess the impact of occipito-posterior position in the second stage of labour on operative delivery.

Methods: Double-blinded prospective cohort study of ultrasound determined occiput-posterior position during the second stage of labour compared with occiput-anterior position. The primary outcome was operative (caesarean section, forceps or vacuum) delivery.