A randomized comparison of continuous versus interrupted mass closure of midline incisions in patients with gynecologic cancer.

Objective: To address the incidence of deep wound dehiscence and incisional hernia formation with two types of mass closure after vertical midline laparotomy performed in patients with gynecologic cancer.

Methods: Continuous and interrupted mass closures were compared randomly in 632 patients. Both methods were performed with absorbable material.

Surgery for genitourinary prolapse and stress incontinence: a randomized trial of posterior pubourethral ligament plication and Pereyra suspension.

Objective: Our purpose was to compare two antiincontinence procedures in patients with severe genitourinary prolapse and coexisting clinical or potential stress incontinence.

Study Design: In addition to cystopexy, 109 patients with a urethrocystocele of grade 2 or more and a positive stress test result with prolapse reduction received posterior pubourethral ligament plication or Pereyra suspension.

Results: Of 55 patients undergoing posterior pubourethral ligament plication, 15 were clinically and 40 potentially incontinent; the same figures were 21 and 33, respectively, among 54 patients undergoing the Pereyra procedure.

Pre-operative morphological and colour Doppler features of borderline ovarian tumours.

Objective: To evaluate pre-operatively the sonographic morphology and colour Doppler findings of borderline ovarian tumours and to compare these findings to those of benign and malignant tumours.

Methods: Pre-operative transvaginal and colour Doppler ultrasound examinations were performed on 150 women with adnexal tumours. Pulsatility index, resistance index, peak systolic velocity, site, number and confluence of vessels were recorded.

A randomized trial of open versus closed vaginal vault in the prevention of postoperative morbidity after abdominal hysterectomy.

Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effects of two surgical techniques, closed vaginal vault with two layers of continous 3-0 polyglactin suture versus open vaginal vault with a locking 3-0 polyglactin suture, after abdominal hysterectomy.

Study Design: A prospective, randomized trial was performed. During the hospital stay and 4 to 8 weeks after the operation patients were observed for evidence of morbidity.

Effectiveness of autologous blood transfusion in patients undergoing radical hysterectomy.

Autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is a safe and useful procedure in patients undergoing elective surgery, but it has not been recommended for radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. We retrospectively evaluated the results of an ABT programme in 146 consecutive women undergoing radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical carcinoma at our institution. Forty women underwent autologous blood transfusion after predeposit; 23 underwent preoperative normovolemic haemodilution; 38 were eligible but could not receive autologous blood transfusion for logistic reasons; 45 were excluded for medical reasons.