The Gupta-Frank clamp for salpingo-oophorectomy at vaginal hysterectomy.
BACKGROUND
When performing a vaginal hysterectomy, removal of the tubes and ovaries can be either necessary or desirable. We describe our experience with a new instrument called the Gupta-Frank clamp for performing vaginal salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy.


METHODS
The stainless steel Gupta-Frank clamp is 260 mm long, and its shanks are curved to avoid impedance from the vaginal walls. The 70-mm jaws have a smooth curve, which allows both the round and infundibulopelvic ligaments to be incorporated into a single clamp bite. Each jaw has three serrated grooves, which interlock with the corresponding jaw grooves to give a 6-mm-wide atraumatic nonslip area.


RESULTS
We have used this instrument in 18 women undergoing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy. A single clamp bite on each side was sufficient to accomplish salpingo-oophorectomy in all cases. There were no major complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Salpingo-oophorectomy performed vaginally at the time of vaginal hysterectomy with the Gupta-Frank clamp is feasible and is accomplished easily and safely.
Gupta
J K
JK
Gynaecology Minimal Access Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom. janeshg@dth.scot.nhs.uk
Frank
T G
TG
Nwosu
C R
CR
D004867:Equipment Design; D005187:Fallopian Tubes / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000379:methods; D008875:Middle Aged; D010052:Ovariectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014621:Vagina