open access

Vol 90, No 10 (2019)
Research paper
Published online: 2019-10-31
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Comparison of the harmonic scalpel with scissors in women who experience obturator nerve injury during lymph node dissection for gynaecological malignancies

Emsal Pinar Topdagi Yilmaz1, Yunus Emre Topdaği2, Nuray Bilge3, Yakup Kumtepe1
·
Pubmed: 31686414
·
Ginekol Pol 2019;90(10):577-581.
Affiliations
  1. Atatürk University Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erzurum, Turkey
  2. Sanko University School of Medicine, Gaziantep, Turkey
  3. Department of Neurology, Atatürk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey

open access

Vol 90, No 10 (2019)
ORIGINAL PAPERS Gynecology
Published online: 2019-10-31

Abstract

Objectives: Lymphadenectomy is crucial for accurate staging in most gynecological malignancies. Serious complications can occur during the surgery. The present study aimed to present the early and late findings associated with obturator nerve injury, which is rarely observed during lymphadenectomy but can result in serious sequela if not noticed.

Material and methods: The files of the patients who underwent lymphadenectomy at our clinic between 2012 and 2018 were examined. Patients with obturator nerve incisions were identified retrospectively.

Results: In total, 287 women patients underwent lymphadenectomy at our clinic between 2012 and 2018. Examination of surgical notes revealed that nine patients underwent obturator nerve incisions using a scissor or a harmonic scalpel (energy- activated ultrasonic scissors). With respect to management of obturator nerve damage, no significant difference was found between the use of a harmonic scalpel and scissors (p < 1.000) and the trendelenburg and lithotomy positions (p < 0.167). In addition, no significant difference was found between laparoscopy and laparotomy in terms of surgical type (p < 0.167). At 6 months post-operatively, sensory-motor examinations and EMG findings of the patients were completely normal.

Conclusions: Surgeries performed for gynaecological malignancies have high mortality and morbidity rates. Moreover, in the event of a complication such as nerve damage during laparoscopy, successful management of the complication before the patient undergoes laparotomy allows the patient to continue benefitting from the advantages of the laparoscopy. The results of our study show that these high-risk surgeries should be performed in advanced and well-equipped medical centres by teams experienced in gynaecological oncology.

Abstract

Objectives: Lymphadenectomy is crucial for accurate staging in most gynecological malignancies. Serious complications can occur during the surgery. The present study aimed to present the early and late findings associated with obturator nerve injury, which is rarely observed during lymphadenectomy but can result in serious sequela if not noticed.

Material and methods: The files of the patients who underwent lymphadenectomy at our clinic between 2012 and 2018 were examined. Patients with obturator nerve incisions were identified retrospectively.

Results: In total, 287 women patients underwent lymphadenectomy at our clinic between 2012 and 2018. Examination of surgical notes revealed that nine patients underwent obturator nerve incisions using a scissor or a harmonic scalpel (energy- activated ultrasonic scissors). With respect to management of obturator nerve damage, no significant difference was found between the use of a harmonic scalpel and scissors (p < 1.000) and the trendelenburg and lithotomy positions (p < 0.167). In addition, no significant difference was found between laparoscopy and laparotomy in terms of surgical type (p < 0.167). At 6 months post-operatively, sensory-motor examinations and EMG findings of the patients were completely normal.

Conclusions: Surgeries performed for gynaecological malignancies have high mortality and morbidity rates. Moreover, in the event of a complication such as nerve damage during laparoscopy, successful management of the complication before the patient undergoes laparotomy allows the patient to continue benefitting from the advantages of the laparoscopy. The results of our study show that these high-risk surgeries should be performed in advanced and well-equipped medical centres by teams experienced in gynaecological oncology.

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Keywords

obturator nerve; lymphadenectomy; harmonic scalpel

About this article
Title

Comparison of the harmonic scalpel with scissors in women who experience obturator nerve injury during lymph node dissection for gynaecological malignancies

Journal

Ginekologia Polska

Issue

Vol 90, No 10 (2019)

Article type

Research paper

Pages

577-581

Published online

2019-10-31

Page views

1000

Article views/downloads

1001

DOI

10.5603/GP.2019.0100

Pubmed

31686414

Bibliographic record

Ginekol Pol 2019;90(10):577-581.

Keywords

obturator nerve
lymphadenectomy
harmonic scalpel

Authors

Emsal Pinar Topdagi Yilmaz
Yunus Emre Topdaği
Nuray Bilge
Yakup Kumtepe

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