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Objective: To investigate the clinical outcome of patients undergoing operative laparoscopy for a benign pelvic mass followed by vaginal extraction of the surgical specimen. Methods: Patients presenting with a suspected benign mass greater than 5 cm or an extrauterine pregnancy undergoing operative laparoscopy were considered eligible. Patients with endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and previous hysterectomy were excluded. In all cases the surgical specimen was removed through a colpotomy performed in laparoscopy at the level of the posterior vaginal fornix. Additionally, a review of the literature has been conducted to specifically address the incidence of colpotomy-related complications. Results: Sixty-three patients were included in the study. The median (range) time required to extract the freed mass to the complete suture of the colpotomy was 15 min (5–31). This time was significantly longer in patients with myomas than for others [median 21 min (range: 10–31) vs median 10 min (5–13), p<0.05]. No intra- and postoperative colpotomy related complications occurred. No patients complained dyspareunia at follow-up visits. A total of 23 studies were reviewed for a total of 501 patients and only one (0.2%) complication (severe vaginal bleeding) was directly attributable to the colpotomy. Conclusion: Removal of a pelvic mass through a laparoscopic colpotomy is feasible, safe, and offers better cosmetic results than transabdominal extraction of the surgical specimen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a 23 year old woman at 24 weeks of gestation with known bulimia and gastritis who was admitted to the hospital with acute abdominal pain. Laparotomy confirmed the clinical diagnosis of cecal volvulus and a right hemicolectomy was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A consanguineous family with no living children and three male siblings with Pena-Shokeir 1 syndrome is described. Two children died antepartum and the third shortly after delivery. The importance of early prenatal diagnosis, appropriate counseling and thorough evaluation of the neuromuscular system is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasers provide the endoscopic surgeon with a sophisticated tool for high precision cutting, destruction of tissue and coagulation. The laser allows efficient and time-saving operating techniques. Various laser systems emitting at different wavelenghts are available. The absorption of the laser is determined by the tissue properties, such as water content or pigmentation, and varies strongly with the wavelength. Each laser offers advantages for the treatment of specific disorders. Further data from clinical studies are required to evaluate whether the advantages found in experimental studies are of significance in clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]