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The Gupta-Frank clamp for salpingo-oophorectomy at vaginal hysterectomy
J K Gupta1, T G Frank, C R Nwosu
1Gynaecology Minimal Access Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom. janeshg@dth.scot.nhs.uk
Background:
When performing a vaginal hysterectomy, removal of the tubes and ovaries can be either necessary or desirable. We describe our experience with a new instrument called the Gupta-Frank clamp for performing vaginal salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy.
Instrument:
The stainless steel Gupta-Frank clamp is 260 mm long, and its shanks are curved to avoid impedance from the vaginal walls. The 70-mm jaws have a smooth curve, which allows both the round and infundibulopelvic ligaments to be incorporated into a single clamp bite. Each jaw has three serrated grooves, which interlock with the corresponding jaw grooves to give a 6-mm-wide atraumatic nonslip area.
Experience:
We have used this instrument in 18 women undergoing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy. A single clamp bite on each side was sufficient to accomplish salpingo-oophorectomy in all cases. There were no major complications.
Conclusion:
Salpingo-oophorectomy performed vaginally at the time of vaginal hysterectomy with the Gupta-Frank clamp is feasible and is accomplished easily and safely.