Laparoscopic repair of sciatic hernia recognizing the ureterohypogastric nerve fascia and vesicohypogastric fascia: a case report

Background Sciatic hernias are rare pelvic floor hernias that occur through the sciatic foramen and often present as abdominal or pelvic pain, particularly in women. Historically, they were repaired using an open approach, with limited reports on their laparoscopic treatment. Case presentation Here we present the case of an 85-year-old woman who had repeated abdominal pain and was referred to our hospital for sciatic hernia surgery after conservative treatment. We laparoscopically observed the deep pelvis and identified the right sciatic hernia. When an extraperitoneal space was dissected, an ureterohypogastric nerve fascia (UNF) and a vesicohypogastric fascia (VF) were identified. Moreover, the maneuver to mobilize the fasciae inside from the pelvic wall made it possible to separate the ureter and urinary bladder, which might have otherwise incarcerated in the hernia. We repaired the defect of the sciatic foramen with a mesh plug and patch. The patient had an uneventful recovery, and the absence of sciatic herniation recurrence was confirmed 1 year after surgery. Conclusion A laparoscopic repair of a sciatic hernia could permit detailed non-invasive observations of the deep pelvis and be performed effectively by recognizing an UNF and a VF located near the sciatic foramen.

Evaluation of the necessity of laparoscopic repair of a uterine scar defect for cesarean scar pregnancy

Objective This study aimed to determine the risk factors associated with the necessity of laparoscopic scar defect repair for cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). Methods We retrospectively analyzed 237 patients with CSP who were treated by ultrasound-guided suction curettage and/or laparoscopy in our hospital from April 2012 to November 2019. A total of 199 of these patients underwent ultrasound-guided suction curettage without uterine scar defect repair, while 38 of these patients underwent laparoscopic resection and uterine scar defect repair. We analyzed various clinical variables and compared the efficacy of treatment between the two groups. Results Gestational age, the maximum transverse diameter (MTD) of the gestational sac, myometrial thickness, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and the duration of the hospital stay were significantly different between the two groups. Gestational age, the MTD of the gestational sac, and myometrial thickness were independent risk factors for laparoscopic repair. Conclusions Gestational age, the MTD of the gestational sac, and myometrial thickness are important factors associated with the necessity for laparoscopic repair of a uterine scar defect.

Laparoscopic management of a full-thickness uterine niche with subsequent pregnancy outcome

Background: Uterine niche is the consequence of impaired healing of the myometrium following a lower segment transverse caesarean section (CS). Although there is conflicting evidence on the management of these cases, laparoscopic repair is a commonly used surgical treatment modality. Objectives: To demonstrate the management and laparoscopic repair of the niche with subsequent pregnancy outcome. Materials and Methods: We report a case of a 33-year-old patient who had a significant haematoma in the niche. The haematoma resolved after conservative management however, she remained symptomatic. Therefore, she had a laparoscopic repair. The narrated surgical video article demonstrates the dissection of the uterovesical fold overlying the niche, followed by the excision of the scar tissue and its repair with laparoscopic suturing. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging images of the uterus demonstrating the haematoma at the caesarean section site, the niche after resolution of the haematoma and post-repair imaging are also provided. Main outcome measures: Repair of the niche, symptomatic relief of abnormal uterine bleeding, spontaneous conception and live birth. Ultrasonographic images also demonstrate uterine wall continuity post laparoscopic repair. Results: The patient recovered uneventfully. Full-thickness of myometrium was demonstrated with post-operative imaging and confirmed at the subsequent caesarean section. Gynaecological symptoms resolved following the repair. The patient conceived spontaneously after surgery and delivered at term by caesarean section without any complications. Conclusion: Laparoscopic management of the niche should be considered where there is a complete myometrial defect or significant thinning of the myometrium, especially in symptomatic women who desire future pregnancy.