Resectoscopic cervical trauma minimized by inserting Laminaria digitata preoperatively.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the safety and efficacy of Laminaria digitata to dilate the cervix before resectoscopic surgery.


METHODS
Randomized, prospective.


METHODS
A group of 30 patients who were dilated preoperatively with Laminaria tents were compared to a group of 30 patients in whom cervical dilatation was performed in the operating room without previously inserted Laminaria tents. Statistical analysis was done with Student's t test and the chi-square test.


RESULTS
Statistically significant differences were documented between the two groups for three variables: bleeding, inability to reach desired cervical dilatation, and length of time required for cervical dilatation up to a #23 Pratt's dilator.


CONCLUSIONS
This study strongly suggests the advantages of using Laminaria tents preoperatively in the nonpregnant patient population when more than 8-mm cervical dilatation is necessary. The very low cost of L. digitata tents makes this technique cost effective.
Institute of Video Endoscopy and Laser of Washington, D.C.
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Ostrzenski
D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007795:Laminaria; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011351:Proctoscopy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014143:Traction / Q000009:adverse effects; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000601:surgery