Safe and effective fluid management by automated gravitation during hysteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
The automated gravitational Vario Flow system with weighing-based electronic fluid deficit indicator was used in order to reduce the risk of fluid intravasation during continuous flow hysteroscopic procedures. Early experiences are reported.


METHODS
Between August 1996 and July 1997, the Vario Flow with fluid deficit indicator and alarm system was used in 203 hysteroscopic operations. Between January 1994 and August 1996 the Vario Flow without fluid deficit indicator was used in 240 hysteroscopic operations. In all, there were 443 hysteroscopic operations: 301 metroplasties, 20 endometrial ablations, 10 cases of lysis of synechiae, 58 myomectomies and 54 polypectomies. The data on fluid deficit before and after the introduction of the electronic fluid deficit indicator were similar.


RESULTS
Fluid deficit indicator was proved highly efficient in 203 operations. It provided the information on fluid deficit at any moment during hysteroscopic operations. Besides intrauterine pressure, the actual fluid deficit has become one of the leading parameters during our continuous flow hysteroscopic procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
We therefore conclude that by using an automated gravitational system with fluid deficit indicator and alarm system, the safety for patients during hysteroscopic procedures has been increased.
Tomazevic
T
T
University Medical Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Savnik
L
L
Dintinjana
M
M
Ribic-Pucelj
M
M
Pompe-Tansek
M
M
Vogler
A
A
Kos
D
D
D001331:Automation / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery*; D014883:Water-Electrolyte Imbalance / Q000517:prevention & control*