Thoracoabdominal Nerves Research Articles

Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerves Block Through Perichondral Approach: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the postoperative analgesic efficacy and safety of the modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through the perichondral approach (M-TAPA) in abdominal surgeries. Systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched electronic databases to identify relevant studies comparing M-TAPA with conventional analgesic techniques. The primary outcome was the requirement for rescue analgesia at 12 and 24hours postsurgery. Secondary outcomes included the 11-point numerical rating scale pain scores at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24hours following surgery, global quality of recovery scores, and postoperative adverse events. Five randomized controlled trials involving 308 patients were analyzed. M-TAPA showed no significant difference in the requirement for rescue analgesia at 12hours (relative risk [RR]: 0.87; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.62, 1.22; P=.424; I2 =40.7%; Ph =.185) and 24hours (RR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.22, 1.99; P=.252; I2 =90.3%; Ph <.001) postsurgery compared to non-M-TAPA. No significant differences in numerical rating scale pain scores or global quality of recovery scores were found between the two groups (all P<.05). However, M-TAPA was associated with a lower occurrence of nausea (RR: 0.37; 95% CI: 0.22, 0.68; P<.001; I2 =0%; Ph =.834), vomiting (RR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.62; P<.001; I2 =0%; Ph =.884), and itching (RR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.70; P=.002; I2 =0%; Ph =.826). There was no significant difference in analgesic efficacy and safety between M-TAPA and non-M-TAPA techniques.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach is effective in reducing postoperative opioids requirements in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis.

The modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) has been proposed as an effective regional anesthesia technique for reducing postoperative opioid consumption in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis to assess the analgesic efficacy of M-TAPA block in LC. We searched Pubmed Central, Scopus and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (from inception to until 1 July 2024). The effects of the M-TAPA were compared with those of sham block, placebo and no intervention. Randomized controlled trials, observational and retrospective studies were included. The primary outcome was postoperative opioid consumption at 24 hours, while secondary outcomes included pain scores at 12 and 24 hours, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and rescue analgesic requirements. This meta-analysis included six studies encompassing four randomized controlled trials, one retrospective study, and one prospective observational study, with a total of 350 patients. The analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in postoperative opioid consumption (MD -9.06; 95% CI -11.6 to -6.48, P=0.001) in the M-TAPA group. Additionally, patients receiving M-TAPA reported lower pain scores at 12 and 24 hours postoperatively. The risk of PONV was significantly reduced (OR 0.19; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.39, P=0.001), and fewer patients required rescue analgesics (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09 to 0.65, P=0.05). M-TAPA block provides superior analgesia when compared with control group in LC.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block with perichondrial approach in laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study

Aim: Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is considered minimally invasive, it can cause moderate to severe pain in the postoperative period. This study investigates the effects of modified thoracoabdominal nerve block with perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) on postoperative analgesia after LC. Material and Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: Group M (patients who received the M-TAPA block) and Group C (control group patients who did not receive the block). The primary outcome measures were the pain scores at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. The secondary outcome measures included the total amount of rescue analgesic consumed, the time to first rescue analgesia, the occurrence of complications (nausea, and vomiting), and patient satisfaction. Results: When the change over time of the numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at 24 hours postoperative was evaluated for both rest and movement, the time*group interaction was statistically significant for NRS scores during both rest and movement (p

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach for surgical patients: a scoping review

BackgroundModified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) is a trunk block that has been gaining attention for managing postoperative pain following abdominal surgeries since its first report in 2019. We conducted a scoping review on M-TAPA, aiming to comprehensively evaluate existing research, identify the gaps in knowledge, and understand the implications of M-TAPA.MethodsThis scoping review was conducted using databases including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and CINAHL to evaluate the clinical efficacy of M-TAPA on April 19, 2024. Background and outcomes including anesthetized dermatomes, postoperative pain, opioid consumption, quality of recovery, duration to perform, and plasma local anesthetic concentrations were assessed. All reports involving patients, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case series, and case reports regarding M-TAPA, were included without language or age restrictions. The included studies were analyzed based on their methodology and clinical relevance.ResultsAnesthetized dermatomes were mainly observed in anterior cutaneous branch T7–11. Lateral cutaneous branch T8–10 also anesthetized; however, the probability was lower than anterior cutaneous branch area. M-TAPA has been investigated mostly in laparoscopic cholecystectomy; although its potential to outperform non-block and wound infiltration has been suggested, it did not clearly outperform the transversus abdominis plane block.ConclusionsM-TAPA may be considered a promising technique for postoperative pain management in upper abdominal laparoscopic surgeries. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms and broader surgical applications.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block for pediatric kidney transplantation.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block for pediatric kidney transplantation.

The potential suboptimal diffusion pattern of the local anesthetic following modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA): An anatomical examination using a soft-embalmed Thiel cadaver

The potential suboptimal diffusion pattern of the local anesthetic following modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA): An anatomical examination using a soft-embalmed Thiel cadaver

Maximum extension and regression rate of cutaneous sensory block obtained with the external oblique intercostal block or the modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Several studies demonstrate that both external oblique ıntercostal block (EOIB) and modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) contribute to analgesia in the anterior abdomen by targeting the thoracoabdominal nerves through distinct pathways. However, the sensory assessment and dermatomal analysis remain poorly understood. This prospective observational study aimed to determine the sensory assessment and dermatomal regression rate of EOIB and M-TAPA in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The study included a total of 24 patients, with 12 patients in each group. Blocks were performed bilaterally, administering 25 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% for each side, resulting in a total volume of 50 mL. The anterior abdominal wall was vertically partitioned into the midabdomen, left-lateral abdomen, and right-lateral abdomen, and horizontally divided into the epigastric, umbilical, and hypogastric regions. Sensory block was assessed at the 45th minute with cold stimulus and pinprick. Subsequent evaluations were at intervals of 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, and 24 hours. The blocked area percentile with cold sensation in the anterior abdomen was 43.07% (36.67-55.74) with EOIB, 40.49% (34.05-43.67) with M-TAPA (P=0.3219). When the region above the intertubercular plane was examined with cold sensation, EOIB covered 55.92% (46.75-62.07), and M-TAPA covered 49.60% (40.39-54.03) of the epigastric and umbilical areas. Assessment of the midabdominal portion of the anterior abdomen revealed that the blocked area percentile was statistically significantly higher in the M-TAPA group with both cold sensation and pinprick. At 45 minutes, the percentage of blocked dermatomes was 100% between T7-T8 in the EOIB group and between T7-T10 in the M-TAPA group. Both groups exhibited lower success rates in dermatomes T5 and T12, with no sensory block within the L1 dermatome, and cutaneous dermatomal block status either absent or negligible after 24 hours. All trocar entries were located within the cutaneous sensory block for both blocks, except for trocar C, which was located most laterally. Bilateral EOIB and M-TAPA produce a comparable sensory cutaneous block in the anterior abdomen, particularly in the umbilical and epigastric regions. Additionally, the midabdominal cutaneous blocked area was greater in patients undergoing M-TAPA, suggesting a more consistent distribution along the anterior cutaneous branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach: a new strategy with a wide range of utilization in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries

Background Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block via the perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) was expressed lately as an effective regional anesthetic technique involving the anterolateral aspects of the thoracoabdominal wall via deposition of local anesthetics to the perichondrium’s underneath side. Even though the efficacy of M-TAPA has been registered, additional research is advocated. The rationale of the current study was to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of M-TAPA blockade accomplished before surgery in subjects undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. Patients and methods 60 female patients (20–65 years) were categorized randomly into two groups. Group (M): received bilateral M-TAPA using bupivacaine (0.25%), whereas group (C): (control group) received conventional general anesthesia with multimodal analgesia. Postoperative pain assessment, time to first rescue analgesic requirement, total opioid consumption during the first 24 h postoperatively, and patients’ satisfaction were recorded. Also, the time to modify the Aldrete score greater than or equal to 9 was estimated. Results Pain scores were significantly lower in the M-TAPA group versus the control group at all times of measurement (P&lt;0.05 at each time point). Also, the total amount of opioid consumption was significantly less in the M-TAPA group versus the control group. Patients in the M-TAPA group were statistically more satisfied with their analgesia (P&lt;0.001) and attained a modified Aldrete score greater than or equal to 9 earlier than those in the control group. Conclusions Ultrasound-guided M-TAPA block achieved efficient analgesia to the anterolateral aspects of the anterior abdominal wall and reduced opioid consumption in patients who underwent laparoscopic gynecological surgeries.

Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided External Oblique Intercostal Block Vs. Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate morphine consumption and pain scores 24h postoperatively to compare the effects of a bilateral External Oblique Intercostal (EOI) block with those of a Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Trough Perichondrial Approach (M-TAPA) block in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Fifty-eight patients aged between 18 and 65years of with American Society of Anesthesiologists class II-III were included in this randomized, double-blinded study. Patients were assigned into two groups either EOI block or M-TAPA block. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption within the first postoperative 24h. Secondary outcomes were numerical rating scale (NRS) scores at rest and during activity, QoR-15 Patient Questionnaire scores, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), number of patients requiring rescue analgesic and antiemetics drugs, and complications. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of morphine consumption in the first 24h (EOI block; 10.74 ± 3.94mg vs. M-TAPA block; 11.67 ± 4.66mg, respectively). In addition, no significant difference between the two groups in the NRS and PONV scores, total QoR-15 scores, and the number of patients requiring rescue analgesics and antiemetics. EOI block and M-TAPA block showed similar effectiveness for morphine consumption within 24h postoperatively and in pain scores in LSG.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block via perichondral approach: an alternative for perioperative pain management in laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a middle-income country

BackgroundLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is known for its minimally invasive nature, but postoperative pain management remains challenging. Despite the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol, regional analgesic techniques like modified perichondral approach to thoracoabdominal nerve block (M-TAPA) show promise. Our retrospective study evaluates M-TAPA’s efficacy in postoperative pain control for laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a middle-income country.MethodsThis was a retrospective case-control study of laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients at Hospital General de Mexico in which patients were allocated to the M-TAPA or control group. The data included demographic information, intraoperative variables, and postoperative pain scores. M-TAPA blocks were administered presurgery. Outcomes: opioid consumption, pain intensity, adverse effects, and time to rescue analgesia. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) compared total opioid consumption between groups, while Student’s t test compared pain intensity and time until the first request for rescue analgesia.ResultsAmong the 56 patients, those in the M-TAPA group had longer surgical and anesthetic times (p < 0.001), higher ASA 3 scores (25% vs. 3.12%, p = 0.010), and reduced opioid consumption (p < 0.001). The M-TAPA group exhibited lower postoperative pain scores (p < 0.001), a lower need for rescue analgesia (p = 0.010), and a lower incidence of nausea/vomiting (p = 0.010).ConclusionBilateral M-TAPA offers effective postoperative pain control after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, especially in middle-income countries, by reducing opioid use and enhancing recovery.

The key to success in blocking lateral cutaneous branches with re-modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach: a newly discovered space between the endothoracic fascia, diaphragm, and costodiaphragmatic recess.

This study aimed to determine whether the administration of a modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) could result in the blockade of the lateral cutaneous branches. This study focused on a newly discovered anatomical space/plane adjacent to the M-TAPA plane, which we termed "space between the endothoracic fascia, diaphragm, and costodiaphragmatic recess: SEDIC." Thirteen sides of nine formalin-embalmed cadavers were macroscopically dissected to investigate the anatomical spaces related to the effects of M-TAPA. Furthermore, ten adult volunteers were administered 20mL of 0.2% ropivacaine into the abdominal plane (corresponding to the M-TAPA plane) and the SEDIC, and a pinprick test was performed 1h after the injection. Cadaver macrodissection revealed the presence of the SEDIC adjacent to the M-TAPA plane. The SEDIC was completely spatially isolated from the M-TAPA plane by the presence of costal cartilage and/or tendinous structures. In the volunteer study, the administration of local anesthetics into the SEDIC effectively blocked the lateral cutaneous branches of T8-T12, in addition to the anterior branches. Our study revealed the presence of the SEDIC adjacent to the M-TAPA plane. Administration of local anesthetics into the SEDIC, named re-modified TAPA, may have the potential to enhance the analgesic effect in the abdominal region.

The Medipol Combination: Novel Rectointercostal Fascial Plane Block and Pectointercostal Fascial Plane Block for Postoperative Analgesia Management After Cardiac Surgery: A Report of 15 Cases.

The parasternal blocks cannot cover the T7 and lower anterior and lateral branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves. In the open heart surgeries, chest drainage tubes are generally outside the target of the parasternal blocks. Recently, Tulgar et al described a novel interfascial plane block technique named "recto-intercostal fascial plane block" (RIFPB). RIFPB is performed between the rectus abdominis muscle and the sixth to seventh costal cartilages. RIFPB targets the anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the T6-T9 thoracoabdominal nerves. In this clinical report, we want to share our experiences about pectointercostal plane block and RIFPB combination (Medipol Combination) after cardiac surgery.

Novel Implantation Technique for Thoracoabdominal Peripheral Nerve Stimulation via a Transversus Abdominal Plane Approach for Treatment of Chronic Abdominal Pain.

Chronic abdominal pain (CAP) is a common and challenging to treat condition with a global prevalence of up to 25%. Despite extensive evaluation, approximately 40% of patients with CAP have an unknown diagnosis. Medications may be ineffective, and surgery is rarely indicated. Interventional treatment including sympathetic blocks, sympathetic neurolysis, and transversus abdominal plane (TAP) blocks may be an option, but their efficacy can wane over time. Neuromodulation has emerged as an option for these patients, as there is evidence of success with dorsal column spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG) stimulation. Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) may be an alternative option, particularly in higher risk patients or in patients for whom neuraxial access may be unsafe or too technically challenging. Thoracoabdominal nerve peripheral nerve stimulation via a TAP approach may be more specifically targeted in comparison to dorsal column or DRG stimulation. In this short report, we detail a technique that the authors have successfully used for thoracoabdominal nerve PNS via a TAP approach for management of CAP. This article describes a novel medial to lateral ultrasound guided thoracoabdominal nerve PNS via a TAP approach technique for lead placement and implantation. A medial to lateral ultrasound guided TAP approach as described to successfully implant percutaneous thoracoabdominal nerve PNS leads for management of CAP. The thoracoabdominal nerve PNS via a TAP approach lead placement technique noted in this report has been used as a means for management of CAP utilizing peripheral neuromodulation. Here, we present a short report detailing a potential technique for PNS utilization for management of CAP. Further studies are needed to validate the safety and efficacy of this therapy modality, although the authors have found it to be a viable management option for patients with medically refractory neuropathic CAP.

Bridging the Gap: A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of Nerve Allografts in Autologous Breast Reconstruction

Abstract Background Breast anesthesia is commonly reported after mastectomy and reconstruction. During deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap reconstruction, we coapt at least one of the T10 to T12 thoracoabdominal nerves within the flap to the anterior cutaneous branch of the third intercostal nerve using a nerve allograft. We aim to evaluate the efficacy of nerve grafting in improving sensory recovery following neurotized DIEP flap reconstruction. Methods Thirty patients (54 breasts) underwent immediate neurotized DIEP flap reconstruction using nerve grafts. Sensitivity evaluation was performed in nine breast regions. For each patient, sensation was compared between two time points: 3 to 6 months postoperatively versus 12 to 24 months postoperatively. The reconstructive BREAST-Q was used to survey patients' satisfaction of their breasts, physical well-being, psychosocial well-being, and sexual well-being. Results At 3 to 6 months postoperatively, patients had a mean sensitivity measurement of 52.1 g/mm2. At 12 to 24 months postoperatively, patients had a mean sensitivity measurement of 40.3 g/mm2. There was a significant decrease in the mean cutaneous threshold required for patients to perceive sensation between the two time points (–29.1%, p = 0.041). On the reconstructive BREAST-Q, patients scored significantly higher in breast satisfaction (56.7/100 vs. 75.1/100, 32.5%, p = 0.032) and physical well-being (66.0/100 vs. 85.5/100, 20.2%, p = 0.022) between the two time points. Conclusion Patients who undergo nerve graft-based DIEP flap reconstruction can expect significant improvements in sensation to pressure over time. This improvement found on sensory testing correlates with significant improvement in patients' BREAST-Q scores.

Comparison of Quality of Recovery between Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerves Block through Perichondrial Approach versus Oblique Subcostal Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through a perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) provides a wide analgesic range. Herein, we examined the quality of recovery (QoR) of M-TAPA for total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) compared with oblique subcostal transversus abdominis plane block (OSTAPB) and measured plasma levobupivacaine concentrations (PClevo). Forty female patients undergoing TLH were randomized to each group. Nerve blocks were performed bilaterally with 25 mL of 0.25% levobupivacaine administered per side. The primary outcome was changes in QoR-15 scores on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 from the preoperative baseline. The main secondary outcomes were PClevo at 15, 30, 45, 60, and 120 min after performing nerve block. Group differences (M-TAPA—OSTAPB) in mean changes from baseline in QoR-15 scores on POD 1 and 2 were −11.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), −24.9 to 2.4, p = 0.104; standard deviation (SD), 22.8) and −7.0 (95% CI, −20.5 to 6.6, p = 0.307; SD, 18.7), respectively. Changes in PClevo were similar in both groups. The post hoc analysis using Bayesian statistics revealed that posterior probabilities of M-TAPA being clinically more effective than OSTAPB were up to 22.4 and 24.4% for POD 1 and 2, respectively. In conclusion, M-TAPA may not be superior to OSTAPB for TLH.

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach for laparoscopic appendectomy in children: a randomized trial

Modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach for laparoscopic appendectomy in children: a randomized trial

Modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A new block, namely, modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach, is administered below the costal cartilage. We sought to compare the analgesic efficacy of the modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block with local anesthetic infiltration at the port sites in an adult population who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients who will undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomized to receive bilateral ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach blocks or local anesthetic infiltration at the port insertion sites. The primary outcome was the total amount of tramadol used in the first 12 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were total IV tramadol consumption for the first postoperative 24 h and visual analog scale scores. The modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach group had significantly less tramadol use in the first 12 h postoperatively (p<0.001). The modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach group's visual analog scale scores at rest (static) and with movement (dynamic) were significantly lower compared with the port infiltration group (p<0.05). Patients who received modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach block had significantly less analgesic consumption and better pain scores than those who received port-site injections after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

A new indication of ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach for thoracotomy in pediatric patients.

A new indication of ultrasound-guided modified thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach for thoracotomy in pediatric patients.

Clinical Experience for Modified Thoracoabdominal Nerve Block Through Perichondrial Approach (M-TAPA) in Five Patients. Dermatomal Evaluation and Application of Different Volumes: A Case Series and Review of Literature.

Thoracoabdominal nerves block through perichondrial approach (TAPA) is a novel block and provides abdominal analgesia. TAPA block targets the both anterior and the lateral branches of the thoracoabdominal nerves. Modified-TAPA (M-TAPA) was defined due to the need for blocking certain dermatomes depending on the surgical incision sites. In the literature, the knowledge about the efficiency and dermatomal coverage of M-TAPA is limited. In this case series, we want to report our experiences with this issue.

The comparison of postoperative analgesic requirements between modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach versus wound infiltration analgesia in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery: a retrospective, exploratory study

IntroductionRecently, modified thoracoabdominal nerve block through perichondrial approach (M-TAPA) has been introduced as a novel trunk block. To date, studies comparing its clinical advantages with those of existing local anesthetic techniques are scarce. We aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy of M-TAPA to that of wound infiltration analgesia (WIA) in patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgeries.MethodsWe studied medical records from January 2020 to July 2021 at Hokkaido University Hospital. The primary outcome was the number of analgesic requirements in the first 24 h postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the time until the first analgesic requirement and adverse events regarding local anesthetic techniques. To address confounding, a regression model was used.ResultsData from 90 of 231 patients were analyzed (M-TAPA group, n = 40; WIA group, n = 50). For the primary outcome, means and 95% confidence intervals for each group and between-group differences were as follows: 2.25 (1.74, 2.76), 2.28 (1.81, 2.75), and −0.03 (−0.72, 0.66), respectively. Adjusted mean difference was 0.39 (−0.32, 1.11). There were no significant differences in means between groups, with or without adjustment for covariates (p = 0.93, 0.28). Furthermore, no significant difference was detected in the time until the first analgesic requirement and adverse events related to local anesthesia.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that M-TAPA did not reduce postoperative analgesic requirements compared to WIA. In a future clinical trial, sufficient visceral pain control may be required to evaluate the effectiveness of M-TAPA over WIA in patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecological surgery.