Plastic suction curette as uterine manipulator at combined laparoscopic sterilization: a prospective study of 531 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy and safety of a plastic suction curette (PSC) as uterine manipulator during combined surgical abortion and laparoscopic sterilization.


METHODS
This prospective observational study was conducted between January 1996 and December 2003 in a university teaching hospital and a district hospital. All cases of combined first trimester surgical abortion and laparoscopic sterilization were performed under general anaesthesia in the day surgery unit. A straight or curved PSC with a diameter of 7-12 mm was used for surgical abortion and, afterwards, to manipulate the uterus at laparoscopic sterilization. The negative pressure of 600 mmHg or -80 kPa was maintained during manipulation. Any intra-operative trauma or difficulties in identifying the tubes and blood loss during sterilization were noted.


RESULTS
A total of 531 cases of combined abortion and laparoscopic sterilization were performed. There was no failure to identify the tubes nor any uterine perforation; blood loss was minimal. No patient required hospital admission because of direct surgical complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The plastic suction curette is a safe and efficient uterine manipulator at combined laparoscopic sterilization procedure.
Banerjee
Asok Kumar
AK
asok.banerjee@ntlworld.com
Emembolu
J O
JO
D000328:Adult; D004739:England; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013246:Sterilization, Tubal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*