Gynecologic oncology
-
Gynecologic oncology · Sep 1993
The Groshong catheter as an intraperitoneal access device in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients.
With the development of new intraperitoneal treatments in ovarian cancer, safe and convenient access to the peritoneal cavity is now required. This report reviews the University of Alabama at Birmingham's experience with the Groshong catheter as an intraperitoneal access device. ⋯ There were no catheter-related complications during treatment and only one exit site infection after catheter removal. Further investigation of the Groshong catheter as a novel intraperitoneal access device appears warranted.
-
One hundred four premenopausal women, 42 years of age or less, with early stage carcinoma of the cervix had surgical management with ovarian retention. Eighty-two had ovarian transposition performed at the time of exploration for radical hysterectomy or staging lymphadenectomy because of known or possible need for radiation therapy. Twenty-two had radical hysterectomy and retained ovaries without transposition. ⋯ We conclude that transposition is not successful in preserving ovarian function in patients who are likely to need radiation therapy and is, therefore, not indicated. Long-term follow-up is necessary to determine rates of continued ovarian function after surgery. The rate of subsequent malignancy is low.
-
Individuals with cancer frequently require long-term central venous access to deliver chemotherapy, blood products, and other fluids. A rare, but potentially lethal complication associated with central venous catheterization is venous air embolism which occurs most commonly after damage or disconnection at the catheter hub. The Groshong (Bard Access Systems, UT) catheter is a device with a unique three-position valve at its distal tip which eliminates the need for routine heparin flushing and minimizes the risk of venous air embolism. This report describes for the first time a near fatal venous air embolism in a patient with an externally accessed Groshong catheter.
-
Gynecologic oncology · Sep 1992
Case ReportsAllergy to latex surgical gloves: an unfamiliar cause of intraoperative anaphylaxis.
Natural rubber products, including surgical gloves, are known to be associated with contact dermatitis in allergic individuals. These cell-mediated immune reactions are usually not serious. ⋯ We report on a patient with a history of cutaneous sensitivity to latex who experienced an intraoperative anaphylactic reaction felt to be secondary to latex surgical gloves. This report is intended to familiarize clinicians with this unexpected cause of intraoperative anaphylaxis.
-
Gynecologic oncology · Nov 1991
The effects of early removal of indwelling urinary catheter after radical hysterectomy.
Radical hysterectomy has long been a primary mode of therapy for selected gynecologic malignancies. The lower urinary tract is an area associated with complications following this procedure. Lack of satisfactory reflex micturition and urinary retention, diminished bladder sensation, infection, and fistula formation are common adverse sequelae. ⋯ These patients were evaluated with fluorourodynamics and none had an abnormal study. Compared to 25 historical control patients, study group median indwelling catheter duration was less (6.0 days compared to 30.0 days) with no increase in postoperative complications. On the basis of these data, early removal of indwelling urinary catheters after radical hysterectomy appears to be an acceptable alternative to long-term catheterization.