Laparoscopic Posterior Versus Lateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Gynecology.

Background And Objectives: Transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a safe and effective type of regional anesthesia technique used in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery to minimize postoperative pain. Our study aimed to compare the analgesic effects of the posterior versus lateral approaches to laparoscopic-assisted TAP block in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.

Methods: We performed a randomized controlled trial with 82 patients allocated to either posterior (n = 38) or lateral (n = 44) TAP block groups.

Vaginal cuff dehiscence in robotic-assisted total hysterectomy.

Study Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence in robotic-assisted total hysterectomies in our patients and to provide recommendations to decrease the incidence of vaginal cuff dehiscence.

Methods: This was an observational case series, Canadian Task Force Classification II-3 conducted at an academic and community teaching hospital. A total of 654 patients underwent robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy for both malignant and benign reasons from September 1, 2006 to March 1, 2011 performed by a single surgeon.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: outcomes in obese and morbidly obese patients.

Objective: To describe patient characteristics and perioperative outcomes among women undergoing roboticassisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and to evaluate the characteristics of nonobese, obese, and morbidly obese patients.

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 442 cases of women who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign and malignant conditions over a 4-y period at an academic and community teaching hospital. Patient demographics, surgical indications, operative outcomes, and complications were evaluated for patients with a body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m(2), 30 kg/m(2) to 39.

Lutheran b blood group alloimmunization: case series and literature review.

The Lutheran b blood antigen is a high prevalence antigen occurring in 99.8% of Caucasians. Consequently, antibody formation against Lutheran b is very rare.

Thrombin, a mediator of neurotoxicity and memory impairment.

Thrombin has been found in neuritic plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Also, traumatic brain injury, where neurons are exposed to high thrombin levels, is associated with an increased incidence of AD. Our objective was to determine the effects of thrombin administered in vivo on cognitive function and neuropathology.