Surgical endoscopy
-
Over the past decade an increasing demand for uterine-sparing treatment to manage symptomatic uterine myomas has become apparent in women's health care. A preliminary report showed that radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of uterine fibroids under laparoscopic guidance was a safe and effective minimally invasive approach with encouraging short-term results. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of uterine myomas in terms of durability of symptom control and level of health-related quality of life. ⋯ RFA of symptomatic fibroids seems a valuable alternative to major surgery, with durable symptom relief for most patients and a low chance of recurrence at midterm.
-
Comparative Study
Flexible versus rigid endoscopy for treatment of foreign body impaction in the esophagus.
The use of either flexible endoscopy (FE) or rigid endoscopy (RE) for removal of ingested foreign bodies (FBs) impacted in the esophagus is still discussed controversially. ⋯ A tailored approach to treatment of FB impaction is recommended. Because of the lower rate of severe complications, better patient comfort with a lower rate of dysphagia, and lack of requirement for general anesthesia, FE should be the "first line" approach to FBs, although RE has its place as the "second line" therapy.