Basic Sciences, Miscellaneus: Gynecology

Intravesical migration of an intrauterine contraceptive device complicated by bladder stone: a report of six cases.
Nouira Y, Rakrouki S, Gargouri M, Fitouri Z, Horchani A
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2006 Jun 21;.

Intrauterine contraceptive device is the most popular method of reversible contraception in developing countries due to its efficiency and low cost. However, this device is often inserted by paramedics of variable skills, and follow-up evaluations are irregular or absent which can be the source of major complications. The authors report six cases of intravesical migration of intrauterine contraceptive devices complicated by bladder stones. All the six cases were managed endoscopically with excellent outcome. The authors demonstrate that this major complication can be managed endoscopically with decreased morbidity for the patient.

The premenstrual syndrome revisited.
Campagne DM, Campagne G
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2006 Aug 14;.

More women - and their families - are affected by the physical and psychological irregularities due to premenstrual symptoms than by any other condition. Up to 90% of women of childbearing age report perceiving one or more symptoms during the days before menstruation, symptoms which can alter their behaviour and wellbeing and which, therefore, can affect their family, social and work circle. However, and notwithstanding this general prevalence, the clinical entity that in a large number of cases results from these symptoms, commonly known as the premenstrual syndrome, still lacks defined and validated contents so that recommendations of treatments backed by adequate experimental and clinical evidence are only slowly appearing. In the present paper, we review recent experimental data as to a possible aetiology of the premenstrual problem. We propose a Premenstrual Profile, i.e. a new register of symptoms, to be used for the differential diagnosis of the three forms of the premenstrual alteration. Finally, we review the evidence-based recommendations from reliable sources as regards the treatment of "normal" and "abnormal" premenstrual symptoms.

Pelvic exenteration for primary and recurrent gynaecological malignancies.
de Wilt JH, van Leeuwen DH, Logmans A, Verhoef C, Kirkels WJ, Vermaas M, Ansink AC
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2006 Sep 1;.

OBJECTIVE: Analyse the outcome of pelvic exenteration for gynaecological malignancies in a tertiary referral center. Post-operative in-hospital morbidity, long-term morbidity, disease free and overall survival rates were studied. STUDY DESIGN: Between 1991 and 2004, 42 patients underwent an anterior, total or posterior exenteration for gynaecological malignancies. Follow-up was obtained from patient files; disease free and overall survival were calculated and prognostic factors were studied. RESULTS: A pelvic exenteration was performed in 14 patients for primary and 28 patients for recurrent gynaecological cancers. In-hospital complications occurred in 19 patients (45%) of whom seven patients needed a reoperation (17%). Late complications occurred in 31 patients (75%); 21 reinterventions were performed (50%). Five-year disease free and overall survival was, respectively, 48 and 52%. Age, type of surgery, histology, localisation of the tumour, lateral wall involvement, completeness of resection and primary versus recurrent cancer were not identified as prognostic factors for recurrence or survival. CONCLUSION: Long-term survival is possible in about 50% of patients after pelvic exenteration for gynaecological cancers, but is associated with significant post-operative morbidity.

July

Congenital vaginal obstructions: varied presentation and outcome.
Nazir Z, Rizvi RM, Qureshi RN, Khan ZS, Khan Z
Pediatr Surg Int. 2006 Jul 27;.

Congenital obstructing lesions of vagina, hydrometrocolpos, and hematocolpos, present at a variable time during early childhood and adolescence to different medical and surgical specialties. Twenty-six cases presenting over an 18-years period (1987-2005) were divided into three groups; Group A: neonates (6), Group B: adolescents (18), and Group C: adults (2). Common presentations in neonates (Group A) were abdominal mass (5), neonatal sepsis (3), and respiratory distress (2); whereas abdominal pain (18), voiding dysfunctions (13), and backache (7) were prevalent in adolescents (Group B). Adults (Group C) presented with inability to consummate and infertility (2). Four patients received erroneous treatment; exploratory laparotomy (1) and appendectomy (3). Urinary symptoms and associated urinary abnormalities were present in more than 50% of cases, especially those with complex anomalies. Management included excision of imperforate hymen (16) and transverse vaginal septum (8) through perineal (20) and abdominoperineal approach (4). Patients with urogenital sinus (1) and cloacal malformation (1) had staged reconstruction at 2.5 years of age following preliminary vesicostomy and colostomy at birth. On follow up (range 1-15 years; mean 7) more than 60% patients have menstrual irregularity (11), endometriosis (5), and infertility (4). In conclusion, rarity and variable presentation of congenital vaginal obstructions can lead to delayed diagnosis and erroneous management. A high index of suspicion and cross-sectional imaging help in early diagnosis and associated renal anomalies. A comprehensive management is imperative to preserve the reproductive potentials, as significant proportion of patients may experience sexual difficulties, menstrual irregularity, and infertility.

Primary dysmenorrhea: advances in pathogenesis and management.
Dawood MY
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Aug;108(2):428-41.

Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstrual cramps without any evident pathology to account for them, and it occurs in up to 50% of menstruating females and causes significant disruption in quality of life and absenteeism. Current understanding implicates an excessive or imbalanced amount of prostanoids and possibly eicosanoids released from the endometrium during menstruation. The uterus is induced to contract frequently and dysrhythmically, with increased basal tone and increased active pressure. Uterine hypercontractility, reduced uterine blood flow, and increased peripheral nerve hypersensitivity induce pain. Diagnosis rests on a good history with negative pelvic evaluation findings. Evidence-based data support the efficacy of cyclooxygenase inhibitors, such as ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen, and estrogen-progestin oral contraceptive pills (OCPs). Cyclooxygenase inhibitors reduce the amount of menstrual prostanoids released, with concomitant reduction in uterine hypercontractility, while OCPs inhibit endometrial development and decrease menstrual prostanoids. An algorithm is provided for a simple approach to the management of primary dysmenorrhea.

Successful treatment of Zoon's vulvitis with high potency topical steroid.
Botros SM, Dieterich M, Sand PK, Goldberg RP
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2006 Feb;17(2):178-9. Epub 2005 Apr 15.

Zoon's vulvitis is a rare, chronic condition of the vulva that presents with burning, pruritus, and dysuria with characteristic lesions and histopathology. Several treatment options have been reported with limited success. A 63-year-old woman with Zoon's vulvitis diagnosed on histopathology was treated with clobetasol propionate 0.05%. Complete resolution of her symptoms and lesions occurred in less than 1 week. No recurrence of her symptoms has occurred after 9 months. Zoon's vulvitis may be successfully and expeditiously treated with high potency topical steroids.

Pseudo-clitoromegaly associated with congenital prepubic sinus.
Hayase M, Kojima Y, Hayashi Y, Maruyama T, Sasaki S, Kohri K
Int J Urol. 2006 Jul;13(7):1031-2.

We operated on a 12-year-old girl who had clitoromegaly and a sinus on the midline prepubic area congenitally. The prepubic sinus appeared to point to the clitoris on the preoperative magnetic resonance image, but the relation between the sinus and clitoromegaly was unclear. Gray-brown discharge was emitted at the site of dissection between the prepuce and clitoris and the size of the clitoris became normal. The sinus was excised, revealing a tract 1.5 cm long that extended to the retropubic sinus, and ended in a fibrous tract that was linked to the clitoris. This suggested pseudo-hypertrophy because of the discharge collected in the end of the prepubic sinus.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis from non-albicans species: retrospective study of recurrence rate after fluconazole therapy.
Ventolini G, Baggish MS, Walsh PM
J Reprod Med. 2006 Jun;51(6):475-8.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the recurrence rate of vulvovaginal candidiasis from non-albicans species after fluconazole therapy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort of 127 patients with symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis by nonalbicans species referred from primary care physicians were evaluated between 1995 and 2004. Complete history, physical examination, basic metabolic panel, and bacterial and fungal cultures were performed. All patients received a daily dose of fluconazole for 30 days. Follow-up evaluations were done at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: The recurrence rate for all non-albicans vulvovaginitis was 40.2%, 46.5%, 50.4% and 54.2% at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Patients with symptomatic recurrences were more likely to be younger than 35 years of age, older than 65, nulliparous and fastidious vulvar cleaners and were more likely to have concomitant bacterial infections. CONCLUSION: The recurrence rate of symptomatic vulvovaginal candidiasis colonized by non-albicans species after fluconazole therapy was 50.4% at 6 months and 54.2% at 12 months. Nulliparity and age <35 or > 65 years and fastidious vulvar cleaning were positively associated with symptomatic recurrent episodes.

Gluteal fold V-Y advancement flap for vulvar and vaginal reconstruction: a new flap.
Lee PK, Choi MS, Ahn ST, Oh DY, Rhie JW, Han KT
Plast Reconstr Surg. 2006 Aug;118(2):401-6.

BACKGROUND: Soft-tissue reconstruction following vulvar cancer resection is a difficult challenge because of the functional, locational, and cosmetic importance of this region. Although numerous flaps have been designed for vulvar reconstruction, each has its disadvantages. METHODS: The authors introduce the gluteal fold fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for vulvovaginoperineal reconstruction after vulva cancer resection. This flap is supplied by underlying fascial plexus derived from perforators of the internal pudendal artery and musculocutaneous perforators of underlying muscle. The sensory supply of this flap comes from the posterior cutaneous nerve of the thigh and the pudendal nerve. An axis of V-shaped triangular flap is aligned to the gluteal fold. A total of 17 flaps were performed in nine patients. RESULTS: All flaps survived completely, with no complications except for small perineal wound disruption in three patients. CONCLUSIONS: This flap is thin, reliable, sensate, easy to perform, and has matched local skin quality and concealed donor-site scar on the gluteal fold. In addition, it can cover large vulvovaginal defects because it can be advanced farther as a result of the character of the gluteal fold area. In our experience, the gluteal fold fasciocutaneous V-Y advancement flap has proven very useful for vulvar reconstruction, especially at the point of donor-site scar, flap thickness, and degree of flap advancement.

A surgical skills laboratory improves residents' knowledge and performance of episiotomy repair.
Banks E, Pardanani S, King M, Chudnoff S, Damus K, Freda MC
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul 14;.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to assess whether a surgical skills laboratory improves residents' knowledge and performance of episiotomy repair. STUDY DESIGN: Twenty-four first- and second-year residents were randomly assigned to either a surgical skills laboratory on episiotomy repair or traditional teaching alone. Pre- and posttests assessed basic knowledge. Blinded attending physicians assessed performance, evaluating residents on second-degree laceration/episiotomy repairs in the clinical setting with 3 validated tools: a task-specific checklist, global rating scale, and a pass-fail grade. RESULTS: Postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents participating in the laboratory scored significantly better on all 3 surgical assessment tools: the checklist, the global score, and the pass/fail analysis. All the residents who had the teaching laboratory demonstrated significant improvements on knowledge and the skills checklist. PGY-2 residents did not benefit as much as PGY-1 residents. CONCLUSION: A surgical skills laboratory improved residents' knowledge and performance in the clinical setting. Improvement was greatest for PGY-1 residents.

Emergency Caesarean section: best practice*.
Levy DM
Anaesthesia. 2006 Aug;61(8):786-91.

Good multidisciplinary communication is crucial to the safe management of women requiring non-elective Caesarean section. Anaesthetists should participate actively in resuscitation of the fetus in utero; relief of aortocaval compression is paramount. Epidural top-up with levobupivacaine 0.5% is the anaesthetic of choice for women who have been receiving labour epidural analgesia. If epidural top-up fails to provide bilateral light touch anaesthesia from S5 - T5, a combined spinal-epidural technique with small intrathecal dose of local anaesthetic is a useful approach. Pre-eclampsia is not a contra-indication to single-shot spinal anaesthesia, which is the technique of choice for most women presenting for Caesarean section without an epidural catheter in situ. Induction and maintenance doses of drugs for general anaesthesia should not be reduced in the belief that the baby will be harmed. Early postoperative observations are geared towards the detection of overt or covert haemorrhage.

June

Neovaginal mucosa after Vecchietti's laparoscopic operation for Rokitansky syndrome: structural and ultrastructural study.
Fedele L, Bianchi S, Berlanda N, Fontana E, Raffaelli R, Bulfoni A, Braidotti P
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;195(1):56-61.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate structural and ultrastructural characteristics of the mucosa of neovaginae created by Vecchietti's laparoscopic operation for Rokitansky syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Vaginoscopy and Schiller test were performed 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation in 106 patients. A biopsy specimen of the neovagina obtained 12 to 18 months after surgery in 19 patients was examined by light, scanning electron, and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: At vaginoscopy, the neovaginal mucosa appeared smooth, lacking the folds that characterize the normal vagina; 12 months after the operation, an iodium-positive epithelium was present in all neovaginae. Mild ultrastructural modifications, as compared with normal vaginal mucosa, were reduced maturation, inflammatory infiltration, and tendency to superficial desquamation. CONCLUSION: At a 12-month follow-up, the mucosa of neovaginae created by the Vecchietti technique is comparable to the normal vaginal mucosa, with mild structural and ultrastructural modifications that we believe might be due to reduced vascularization.

Nerve injury caused by removal of an implantable hormonal contraceptive.
Wechselberger G, Wolfram D, Pulzl P, Soelder E, Schoeller T
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;195(1):323-6. Epub 2006 Apr 21.

Implanon insertion and removal are relatively uncomplicated procedures in the hands of medical professionals familiar with the technique. However, injury to branches of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve during Implanon insertion and removal can result in impaired sensibility, severe localized pain, or the formation of painful neuroma that can be quite devastating to the patient. The best way to avoid injury to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve is to better understand its position relative to the standard area of Implanon insertion. In the event that an injury to the nerve is recognized, immediate plastic surgical measures should be undertaken to avoid displeasing sequels of nerve injuries. Therefore, the benefit of this generally well-tolerated, highly effective, and relatively cost-efficient contraception is guaranteed only in the hands of medical professionals familiar with the technique.

Transperineal sonography of a large vulvar hematoma following blunt perineal trauma.
Sherer DM, Stimphil R, Hellmann M, Abdelmalek E, Zinn H, Abulafia O
J Clin Ultrasound. 2006 Jul;34(6):309-12.

Vulvar hematomas may result from puerperal or nonpuerperal-related trauma. These perineal injuries, especially the puerperal type, may be life-threatening and require surgical exploration, evacuation, and hemostasis. In the absence of acute hematoma expansion, expectant management may suffice. Experience with transperineal sonography in the assessment of female perineal trauma has been limited to a single case report pertaining to a puerperal vulvar hematoma. We present an unusual case in which the transperineal sonographic appearance of a large vulvar hematoma following a straddle injury to the perineum assisted in the expectant management of this condition.

Successful treatment of vulval melanoma in situ with topical 5% imiquimod cream.
Lonsdale-Eccles AA, Morgan JM, Nagarajan S, Cruickshank DJ
Br J Dermatol. 2006 Jul;155(1):215-7.

Premature ovarian failure.
Meskhi A, Seif MW
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Aug;18(4):418-426.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize current knowledge about premature ovarian failure (POF) with an emphasis on recent developments regarding its management. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of POF is increasing largely due to improved survival rates of cancer patients treated with radiation and chemotherapy. Delayed diagnosis and management of POF leads to suboptimal outcomes. Anticipation and early detection of this condition in high-risk women by means of ovarian function testing, followed by early institution of appropriate management could improve outcomes. Choice of strategies should vary depending on the age of onset, associated symptoms and fertility aspirations of the individual, and should change with the patient's advancing age. SUMMARY: Early assessment of the individual's risk of developing POF, development of a strategic management plan, and timely commencement of infertility and hormone deficiency treatment, together with counselling in an integrated management plan should improve both the short and long-term health of those with POF.

Endometrial ablation in patients with myomas.
Loffer FD
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Aug;18(4):391-3.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review evaluates how the presence of uterine myomas may limit the ability to provide endometrial ablations for patients with menorrhagia, affect subsequent postoperative course and alter long-term outcome. RECENT FINDINGS: New instrumentation and the off-label use of some global ablation techniques allow some selected patients with submucosal myomas to be treated solely by endometrial ablation. The addition of an endometrial ablation in patients undergoing a hysteroscopic myomectomy improves bleeding and their long-term control, but does not decrease the subsequent need for a hysterectomy. Necrosis of intramural myomas is a rare postoperative complication. Untreated myomas may continue to increase in size and lead to a hysterectomy. SUMMARY: The presence of myomas in patients undergoing endometrial ablation may compromise the results and lead to later problems, but most patients can be treated successfully and myomas are not an absolute contraindication.

A review of total laparoscopic hysterectomy: role, techniques and complications.
Elkington NM, Chou D
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Aug;18(4):380-384.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following review examines the current role of total laparoscopic hysterectomy, which is a hysterectomy completed entirely laparoscopically. Recent advances in equipment, surgical techniques and training have made total laparoscopic hysterectomy a well tolerated and efficient technique. It is increasingly being adopted around the world because of the benefits to patients and surgeons. This study discusses the role of total laparoscopic hysterectomy, provides some technical suggestions about how to perform a total laparoscopic hysterectomy and how to avoid possible complications. RECENT FINDINGS: Only a few surgeons performing total laparoscopic hysterectomy have published their techniques and results. The terminology and techniques for total laparoscopic hysterectomy used by different surgeons, such as energy sources, the use of uterine manipulators, vaginal tubes, the method for uterine artery ligation and method of vault closure, vary. This makes objective comparison of the literature, techniques and complication rates difficult. SUMMARY: As more surgeons become trained in advanced laparoscopic surgery, the role of total laparoscopic hysterectomy will increasingly take over indications for total abdominal hysterectomy. It remains important that surgeons share their experience and publish their techniques, results and complications. Advanced laparoscopic training and supervision are paramount before embarking on total laparoscopic hysterectomy, so that complications are minimized.

Algorithm for treatment of postoperative incisional groin pain after cesarean delivery or hysterectomy.
Ducic I, Moxley M, Al-Attar A
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;108(1):27-31.

OBJECTIVE: Despite the low mortality and morbidity of major obstetric and gynecologic surgeries (including hysterectomy and cesarean delivery), women undergoing these procedures occasionally suffer from intractable postoperative suprapubic and groin pain. We present seven patients whose intractable pain lasted longer than 6 months and was not due to gynecologic disease or other obvious pathology. METHODS: Neuromas of the ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric, and/or genitofemoral nerves were suspected clinically and confirmed intraoperatively. RESULTS: After neuroma resection, all patients reported complete and durable pain relief. CONCLUSION: Intractable pain after obstetric or gynecologic surgery can be due to neuroma formation, and resection is therapeutic. We suggest an algorithm for the management of women with chronic intractable suprapubic or groin pain after major obstetric and gynecologic surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-3.

Maternal complications associated with multiple cesarean deliveries.
Nisenblat V, Barak S, Griness OB, Degani S, Ohel G, Gonen R
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;108(1):21-6.

OBJECTIVE: The claim that a planned repeat cesarean delivery is safer than a trial of labor after cesarean may not be applicable to women who desire larger families. The aim of this study was to assess maternal complications after multiple cesarean deliveries. METHODS: The records of women who underwent two or more planned cesarean deliveries between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed. We compared maternal complications occurring in 277 women after three or more cesarean deliveries (multiple-cesarean group) with those occurring in 491 women after second cesarean delivery (second-cesarean group). RESULTS: Excessive blood loss (7.9% versus 3.3%; P < .005), difficult delivery of the neonate (5.1% versus 0.2%; P < .001), and dense adhesions (46.1% versus 25.6%; P < .001) were significantly more common in the multiple-cesarean group. Placenta accreta (1.4%) and hysterectomy (1.1%) were more common, but not significantly so, in the multiple-cesarean group. The proportion of women having any major complication was higher in the multiple-cesarean group, 8.7% versus 4.3% (P = .013), and increased with the delivery index number: 4.3%, 7.5%, and 12.5% for second, third, and fourth or more cesarean delivery, respectively (P for trend = .004). CONCLUSION: Multiple cesarean deliveries are associated with more difficult surgery and increased blood loss compared with a second planned cesarean delivery. The risk of major complications increases with cesarean delivery number. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

Risk of Uterine Rupture With a Trial of Labor in Women With Multiple and Single Prior Cesarean Delivery.
Landon MB, Spong CY, Thom E, Hauth JC, Bloom SL, Varner MW, Moawad AH, Caritis SN, Harper M, Wapner RJ, Sorokin Y, Miodovnik M, Carpenter M, Peaceman AM, O'sullivan MJ, Sibai BM, Langer O, Thorp JM, Ramin SM, Mercer BM, Gabbe SG

Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jul;108(1):12-20.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the risk for uterine rupture is increased in women attempting vaginal birth after multiple cesarean deliveries. METHODS: We conducted a prospective multicenter observational study of women with prior cesarean delivery undergoing trial of labor and elective repeat operation. Maternal and perinatal outcomes were compared among women attempting vaginal birth after multiple cesarean deliveries and those with a single prior cesarean delivery. We also compared outcomes for women with multiple prior cesarean deliveries undergoing trial of labor with those electing repeat cesarean delivery. RESULTS: Uterine rupture occurred in 9 of 975 (0.9%) women with multiple prior cesarean compared with 115 of 16,915 (0.7%) women with a single prior operation (P = .37). Multivariable analysis confirmed that multiple prior cesarean delivery was not associated with an increased risk for uterine rupture. The rates of hysterectomy (0.6% versus 0.2%, P = .023) and transfusion (3.2% versus 1.6%, P < .001) were increased in women with multiple prior cesarean deliveries compared with women with a single prior cesarean delivery attempting trial of labor. Similarly, a composite of maternal morbidity was increased in women with multiple prior cesarean deliveries undergoing trial of labor compared with those having elective repeat cesarean delivery (odds ratio 1.41, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.93). CONCLUSION: A history of multiple cesarean deliveries is not associated with an increased rate of uterine rupture in women attempting vaginal birth compared with those with a single prior operation. Maternal morbidity is increased with trial of labor after multiple cesarean deliveries, compared with elective repeat cesarean delivery, but the absolute risk for complications is small. Vaginal birth after multiple cesarean deliveries should remain an option for eligible women. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II-2.

Major congenital malformations after first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors.
Cooper WO, Hernandez-Diaz S, Arbogast PG, Dudley JA, Dyer S, Gideon PS, Hall K, Ray WA
N Engl J Med. 2006 Jun 8;354(23):2443-51.

BACKGROUND: Use of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy is contraindicated because of their association with an increased risk of fetopathy. In contrast, first-trimester use of ACE inhibitors has not been linked to adverse fetal outcomes. We conducted a study to assess the association between exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester of pregnancy only and the risk of congenital malformations. METHODS: We studied a cohort of 29,507 infants enrolled in Tennessee Medicaid and born between 1985 and 2000 for whom there was no evidence of maternal diabetes. We identified 209 infants with exposure to ACE inhibitors in the first trimester alone, 202 infants with exposure to other antihypertensive medications in the first trimester alone, and 29,096 infants with no exposure to antihypertensive drugs at any time during gestation. Major congenital malformations were identified from linked vital records and hospitalization claims during the first year of life and confirmed by review of medical records. RESULTS: Infants with only first-trimester exposure to ACE inhibitors had an increased risk of major congenital malformations (risk ratio, 2.71; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.72 to 4.27) as compared with infants who had no exposure to antihypertensive medications. In contrast, fetal exposure to other antihypertensive medications during only the first trimester did not confer an increased risk (risk ratio, 0.66; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.25 to 1.75). Infants exposed to ACE inhibitors were at increased risk for malformations of the cardiovascular system (risk ratio, 3.72; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.89 to 7.30) and the central nervous system (risk ratio, 4.39; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.37 to 14.02). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to ACE inhibitors during the first trimester cannot be considered safe and should be avoided.

May

Estrogen and phytoestrogens: Effect on eNOS expression and in vitro vasodilation in cerebral arteries in ovariectomized Clinical aspects and luteal phase assessment in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Spacek J, Buchta V, Jilek P, Forstl M
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2006 May 8;.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to characterize the patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. STUDY DESIGN: Basic data of personal history and history of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis, lower genital tract symptoms and signs in 50 patients were analyzed in this longitudinal follow-up study including the determination of midluteal serum progesterone and urinary pregnanediol levels during the luteal phase in 84 cycles (recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis) and 60 cycles (healthy controls). RESULTS: All patients suffered primary idiopathic form of recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis. Frequently, there was a striking discrepancy between severe symptoms and clinical finding, which was often negligible or normal. There was no redness and no or minimum discharge in 52% of culture documented attacks. In contrast to the healthy controls, the patients had significantly lower levels of progesterone (p<0.01) as well as those of urinary pregnanediol (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Culture positive attacks in patients with recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis represented rather a form of vulvovaginal discomfort than attacks of vulvovaginal candidiasis with typical inflammatory changes. Significantly lower progesterone levels in the RVVC patients as compared to the healthy controls suggest a link between an altered hormonal status and one of possible causes of RVVC in these women.

No difference in length of hospital stay between laparoscopic and abdominal supravaginal hysterectomy - a preliminary study.
Oscarsson U, Poromaa IS, Nussler E, Lofgren M
Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2006;85(6):682-7.

Background. Although a number of well-designed studies have concluded that laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with less postoperative pain, reduced hospital stay, and shorter periods of sick leave, thus far, studies on the perioperative and postoperative outcomes of laparoscopic supravaginal hysterectomy (LSH) versus abdominal supravaginal hysterectomy (ASH) are lacking. By applying multimodal intervention program for the postoperative care of patients, the primary aim of the current study was to compare length of hospital stay, time to convalescence, and long-term patient satisfaction between LSH and ASH. Method. The study was conducted at the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Skelleftea Hospital and Lycksele Hospital. Forty-seven consecutive women scheduled for supravaginal hysterectomy were randomly assigned to LSH or ASH. Perioperative and postoperative parameters were compared between the two groups. Results. The length of the postoperative hospital stay did not differ between patients undergoing LSH and ASH, but the number of disability days was greater in the ASH group. The operating time was significantly longer in the LSH group compared with the ASH group, whereas the estimated perioperative bleeding was greater in the ASH group. At the 6-month follow-up, 87.0% of patients in the ASH group and 91.3% in the LSH group were satisfied or very satisfied with the overall result of the surgical procedure. Conclusion. The present study has indicated that by applying a multimodal intervention program for the postoperative care of patients undergoing supravaginal hysterectomy, the surgical procedure per se is of less importance than generally considered for the length of postoperative hospital stay and long-term patient satisfaction.

Rates of urinary tract injury from gynecologic surgery and the role of intraoperative cystoscopy.
Gilmour DT, Das S, Flowerdew G
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jun;107(6):1366-72.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the rates of urinary tract injury after benign gynecologic surgery. To explore the role of routine intraoperative cystoscopy at benign gynecologic surgery. DATA SOURCES: We conducted a systematic MEDLINE search for urinary tract injuries at gynecologic surgery for the period from November 1998 to May 2004 and combined this with a previous systematic review performed in the same fashion for the period from January 1966 to October 1998. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: There were 47 studies that fit our inclusion criteria: 29 that did not use routine intraoperative cystoscopy, 17 that used routine intraoperative cystoscopy, and 1 that reported the frequency of urinary tract injury separately, with and without routine intraoperative cystoscopy. We determined the crude and fitted ureteric and bladder injury rates for each surgery type from the studies where routine intraoperative cystoscopy was not performed and then from the studies where routine intraoperative cystoscopy was performed. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: From studies without routine cystoscopy, combined ureter and bladder injury rates varied according to the complexity of the surgery, ranging from less than 1 injury per 1000 for subtotal hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to as many as 13 injuries per 1000 surgeries for laparoscopic hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and for other gynecologic and urogynecologic surgeries. Injury rates were higher when routine intraoperative cystoscopy was used, but the confidence intervals were wider. CONCLUSION: The reasons for higher injury detection rates when routine cystoscopy was performed are unclear. Further study is needed to identify the scenarios where routine cystoscopy is warranted after major gynecologic surgery.

Female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome: WHO collaborative prospective study in six African countries.
Banks E, Meirik O, Farley T, Akande O, Bathija H, Ali M
Lancet. 2006 Jun 3;367(9525):1835-41.

BACKGROUND: Reliable evidence about the effect of female genital mutilation (FGM) on obstetric outcome is scarce. This study examines the effect of different types of FGM on obstetric outcome. METHODS: 28 393 women attending for singleton delivery between November, 2001, and March, 2003, at 28 obstetric centres in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sudan were examined before delivery to ascertain whether or not they had undergone FGM, and were classified according to the WHO system: FGM I, removal of the prepuce or clitoris, or both; FGM II, removal of clitoris and labia minora; and FGM III, removal of part or all of the external genitalia with stitching or narrowing of the vaginal opening. Prospective information on demographic, health, and reproductive factors was gathered. Participants and their infants were followed up until maternal discharge from hospital. FINDINGS: Compared with women without FGM, the adjusted relative risks of certain obstetric complications were, in women with FGM I, II, and III, respectively: caesarean section 1.03 (95% CI 0.88-1.21), 1.29 (1.09-1.52), 1.31 (1.01-1.70); postpartum haemorrhage 1.03 (0.87-1.21), 1.21 (1.01-1.43), 1.69 (1.34-2.12); extended maternal hospital stay 1.15 (0.97-1.35), 1.51 (1.29-1.76), 1.98 (1.54-2.54); infant resuscitation 1.11 (0.95-1.28), 1.28 (1.10-1.49), 1.66 (1.31-2.10), stillbirth or early neonatal death 1.15 (0.94-1.41), 1.32 (1.08-1.62), 1.55 (1.12-2.16), and low birthweight 0.94 (0.82-1.07), 1.03 (0.89-1.18), 0.91 (0.74-1.11). Parity did not significantly affect these relative risks. FGM is estimated to lead to an extra one to two perinatal deaths per 100 deliveries. INTERPRETATION: Women with FGM are significantly more likely than those without FGM to have adverse obstetric outcomes. Risks seem to be greater with more extensive FGM.

Female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome.
Eke N, Nkanginieme KE
Lancet. 2006 Jun 3;367(9525):1799-800.

April

Laparoscopic hysterectomy versus total abdominal hysterectomy: A comparative study.
Vaisbuch E, Goldchmit C, Ofer D, Agmon A, Hagay Z
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2006 Apr 5;.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the intraoperative and short-term postoperative complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy and total abdominal hysterectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 167 women who had laparoscopic hysterectomy and 119 women who had total abdominal hysterectomy. For assessing the learning curve, the laparoscopic hysterectomies were further subdivided to the first 30 hysterectomies and the later hysterectomies. For data analysis Student's t-test, chi(2)-test and Fisher's exact test were used. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups for age, body mass index, previous abdominal surgery, uterine weight, first postoperative day hemoglobin drop, blood transfusion and major or minor complications rate. Operation time was significantly longer for laparoscopic than abdominal hysterectomy (156+/-40 and 91.2+/-33min, respectively; P<0.001) but the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (3.9 and 6.55 days, respectively; P<0.001). The conversion rate of laparoscopic hysterectomy was 1.8% (three cases). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic hysterectomy can be safely done even during the learning curve with a low and reasonable complication rate, and a shorter hospital stay but with longer operation time. As experience is gained the operation time, complication rate and hospital stay are decreased.

Surgical therapy of recurrent vulvar cancer.
Weikel W, Schmidt M, Steiner E, Knapstein PG, Koelbl H
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 May 6;.

OBJECTIVE: The success of various surgical interventions in 201 cases with recurrent vulvar carcinoma was examined in the light of patients' pretreatment, surgical therapy, plastic reconstruction, and postoperative disease course. STUDY DESIGN: A databank of standardized clinical data was analyzed using statistical procedures. RESULTS: Therapy was selected on an individual basis according to tumor status. Recurrence at a site distant from the primary tumor, particularly in the inguinal region, indicated a markedly unfavorable prognosis. In contrast, tumors recurring locally did not exhibit any significant differences. Plastic surgery reconstruction led to improvements with respect to operability, wound healing, and survival. CONCLUSION: Individualized reconstructive surgery of the vulva leads to good results in patients with recurrent vulvar cancer. To an even greater extent than is the case for primary therapy, plastic surgery enlarges the spectrum of feasible surgical alternatives so that a more favorable oncological outcome and excellent cosmetic results may be expected.

Pathologic audit of 164 consecutive cases of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia.
Scurry J, Campion M, Scurry B, Kim SN, Hacker N
Int J Gynecol Pathol. 2006 Apr;25(2):176-81.

There are 2 types of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN): warty-basaloid and differentiated. Differentiated VIN is uncommon and seldom diagnosed prior to carcinoma and, traditionally, is not graded. There are currently 3 grading systems for warty-basaloid VIN: the World Health Organization (WHO) 3 grade system of VIN 1-3, a 2 grade system of low and high grade vulvar intraepithelial lesions, and the revised International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD) classification which has no grading of VIN. According to the ISSVD, VIN 1 should be abolished and VIN 2 and 3 combined into a single category, simply termed warty-basaloid VIN. To determine the best system for grading warty-basaloid VIN and learn more about differentiated VIN, we reviewed the pathology of 164 consecutive women with VIN. Of these, 134 (82.3%) had warty-basaloid VIN, 29 (18.2%) had differentiated VIN, and 1 had both. Of warty-basaloid VIN cases, 4 had VIN 1, 13 VIN 2, and 118 VIN 3 when graded according to the WHO. All VIN 1 occurred in condylomata acuminata. VIN 2 and 3 were distinguished only by degree of abnormality. Differentiated VIN was diagnosed before SCC in only 7 cases (26.7%). Because the only VIN 1 cases seen were in condylomata acuminata and because VIN 2 and 3 were difficult to distinguish and there appears little clinical reason to do so, our study supports the ISSVD proposal that VIN 1 be abolished and VIN 2 and 3 be combined. There needs to be more clinical awareness of vulvar conditions, so that differentiated VIN is biopsied before cancer has supervened.

Episiotomy rates in private vs. resident service deliveries: a comparison.
Goode KT, Weiss PM, Koller C, Kimmel S, Hess LW
J Reprod Med. 2006 Mar;51(3):190-2.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of episiotomy by private practitioners vs. resident staff and to determine if number of years in practice influences episiotomy use. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review of vaginal deliveries at 35 weeks or greater between January 2001 and June 2001. The number of years in practice by each private physician was documented. Independent sample t tests and chi2 tests were used to analyze data. RESULTS: In 995 deliveries, episiotomies were performed in 6% of low-risk resident deliveries vs. 26% of low-risk private deliveries (p<0.001). Physicians in practice > or = 15 years performed episiotomies in 32% of low-risk births. Physicians in practice <15 years performed episiotomies in 22% of low-risk births (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Deliveries performed by private practitioners are associated with a higher rate of episiotomy than those by resident staff. The number of episiotomies appears to increase by number of years in practice.

The effect of vaginal and cesarean delivery on lower urinary tract symptoms: what makes the difference?
van Brummen HJ, Bruinse HW, van de Pol G, Heintz AP, van der Vaart CH
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2006 Apr 21;.

A prospective cohort study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of pregnancy and childbirth in nulliparous pregnant women. The focus of this paper is on the difference in the prevalences and risk factors for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) between woman who delivered vaginally or by cesarean and secondly the effect of LUTS on the quality of life between these two groups was analyzed. Included were 344 nulliparous pregnant women who completed four questionnaires with the Urogenital Distress Inventory and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ). Two groups were formed: vaginal delivery group (VD), which included spontaneous vaginal delivery and an instrumental vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery group (CD). No statistical significant differences were found in the prevalences of LUTS during pregnancy between the two groups. Three months after childbirth, urgency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) are less prevalent in the CD group, but no statistical difference was found 1 year postpartum. Stress incontinence was significantly more prevalent in the VD group at 3 and 12 months postpartum. The presence of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in early pregnancy is predictive for SUI both in the VD as in CD group. A woman who underwent a CD and had SUI in early pregnancy had an 18 times higher risk of having SUI in year postpartum. Women were more embarrassed by urinary frequency after a VD. After a CD, 9% experienced urge urinary incontinence. Urge incontinence affected the emotional functioning more after a cesarean, but the domain scores on the IIQ were low, indicating a minor restriction in lifestyle. In conclusion, after childbirth, SUI was significantly more prevalent in the group who delivered vaginally. Besides a vaginal delivery, we found both in the VD and in the CD group that the presence of SUI in early pregnancy increased the risk for SUI 1 year after childbirth. Further research is necessary to evaluate the effect of SUI in early pregnancy on SUI later in life. Women were more embarrassed by urinary frequency after a vaginal delivery. UUI after a CD compared to a vaginal birth limited the women more emotionally; no difference was found for the effect of SUI on the quality of life between the two groups.

Vascular anomalies of the female external genitalia.
Vogel AM, Alesbury JM, Burrows PE, Fishman SJ
J Pediatr Surg. 2006 May;41(5):993-9.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Vascular tumors and malformations are rare. This large series describes vascular anomalies of the female genitalia and their management. METHODS: An international review board-approved retrospective database and a record review from 1994 through 2004 was conducted. RESULTS: Of the 3186 female patients with a vascular anomaly, 82 (2.6%) had a lesion in the external genitalia. There were 60 malformations and 22 tumors. The most common malformations were combined capillary-lymphaticovenous, venous, and lymphatic. Tumors included 20 infantile hemangiomas, 1 kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, and 1 kaposiform lymphangioendothelioma. The referring diagnosis was incorrect in 56% of patients. Cutaneous stains, swelling, deformity, bleeding, fluid leakage, or infection were the prominent symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasonography, angiography, and computed tomography were used for diagnostic clarification. Malformation treatment consisted of sclerotherapy, embolization, and operative resection. Tumor management included observation, surgical excision, and antiangiogenic pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Vascular anomalies of the female external genitalia are uncommon, and the initial diagnosis is often inaccurate. Correct diagnosis using clinical and radiographic data is feasible and leads to meaningful intervention for these frequently devastating lesions. Whereas tumors may respond to excision or antiangiogenic drugs, malformations require ablation or resection. Evaluation and management of these lesions is complex and benefits from interdisciplinary care.

Management and outcome of patients with combined vaginal septum, bifid uterus, and ipsilateral renal agenesis (Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome).
Gholoum S, Puligandla PS, Hui T, Su W, Quiros E, Laberge JM
J Pediatr Surg. 2006 May;41(5):987-92.

OBJECTIVE: Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare mullerian anomaly consisting of uterine didelphy, hemivaginal septum, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the natural history and outcome of patients with HWWS. METHODS: With ethics review board approval, all patients with uterine/vaginal anomalies were reviewed between 1982 and 2004. Patients with cloacal and/or anorectal anomalies were excluded. Presenting symptoms, preoperative investigations, operative management, and long-term follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Of 80 patients identified with uterine/vaginal anomalies, 12 had HWWS. Median age at presentation was 13 years. Most patients (11/12) in this series presented with either abdominal pain and/or pelvic masses. Two patients had intra-abdominal abscesses. Seven patients were menstruating at presentation with 4 of these patients having dysmenorrhea. Symptom duration ranged from 0.5 to 12 months. Diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasound (n = 11), computed tomographic scan (n = 3), and/or magnetic resonance imaging (n = 2). Operative management included vaginal septectomy and drainage of the hematocolpos/hematometrocolpos. One patient required salpingectomy for pyosalpinx. Follow-up ultrasounds revealed no recurrent collections. Median follow-up was 3 years (2 months to 16 years). Eleven patients were asymptomatic after treatment. One patient complained of irregular menses. CONCLUSION: This is one of the largest reviews of HWWS in pediatric patients to date. Good long-term outcome occurs after vaginal septectomy. This diagnosis should be suspected in females with a pelvic mass and ipsilateral renal agenesis.

March

Long-term results of hysteroscopic myomectomy in 235 patients.
Polena V, Mergui JL, Perrot N, Poncelet C, Barranger E, Uzan S
Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2006 Mar 9;.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of transcervical resection of submucous fibroids according to type and size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective follow-up of 235 women with submucous fibroids at outpatient hysteroscopy who underwent a hysteroscopic transcervical resection. The main indications were the abnormal uterine bleeding and fertility problems. Thirty-seven percent of patients had an associated endometrial ablation and 32% had a polyp resection. Fifty-one percent of women were menopausal. In cases of incomplete resection a repeat procedure was offered. RESULTS: Intra-operative complications were rare (2.6%) and there was no major complication. Eighty-four percent of cases were followed-up. The median follow-up was 40 months (range 18-66 months). The procedure was classed as a success in 94.4% of patients. Among the cases that were classed as a failure, four patients had a repeated hysteroscopic procedure, three patients had a subsequent hysterectomy and four patients presented with abnormal uterine bleeding at follow-up. CONCLUSION: The hysteroscopic transcervical resection of submucous fibroids is a safe and highly effective long-term therapy for carefully selected women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding and fertility problems. It produces satisfactory long-term results with few complications.

Apoptosis and its role in the trophoblast.
Huppertz B, Kadyrov M, Kingdom JC
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Mar 29;.

During early placentation the trophoblast of the human placenta differentiates to the villous and extravillous types of trophoblast. Villous trophoblast provides the epithelial cover of the placental villous trees in direct contact to maternal blood. Extravillous trophoblast invades maternal uterine tissues thus directly contacting maternal stromal and immune cells. A subset of extravillous trophoblast, endovascular trophoblast initially occludes the lumen of spiral arteries and comes into direct contact with maternal blood. In recent years apoptosis has been described in both types of trophoblast and the importance of this cascade for the normal function of the trophoblast has become obvious. One feature of serious conditions such as preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction is changes in apoptosis regulation in villous and/or extravillous trophoblast resulting in altered trophoblast invasion and/or shedding into the maternal circulation. This review summarizes recent findings on trophoblast apoptosis in normal and pathologic pregnancies.

A new obstetric forceps for the training of junior doctors: A comparison of the spatial dispersion of forceps blade trajectories between junior and senior obstetricians.
Dupuis O, Moreau R, Silveira R, Pham MT, Zentner A, Cucherat M, Rudigoz RC, Redarce T
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Mar 29;.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to create a new instrument for the training of doctors in the use of forceps and to compare the trajectories of forceps blades between junior and senior obstetricians. STUDY DESIGN: We equipped a simulator and forceps with spatial location sensors. The head of the fetus was in an occipitoanterior location, at a "+5" station. Forceps blade trajectories were analyzed subjectively with the 3-dimensional spatial graph and objectively based on 3 points of special interest. Each obstetrician performed 4 forceps blades placements. We compared the trajectories of junior and senior obstetricians. RESULTS: For senior operators, spatial dispersion was "excellent," "very good," or "good" in 92% of cases, whereas this was the case for only 38% of junior doctors (92% vs 38%; P < .001). CONCLUSION: A new instrument has been designed to demonstrate the trajectory of forceps blades during application in a simulator. The instrument captures the difference in experience between senior and junior clinicians.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy: technique and initial experience.
Reynolds RK, Advincula AP
Am J Surg. 2006 Apr;191(4):555-60.

BACKGROUND: Our study objective was to develop a technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and to evaluate feasibility of the technology to address the technical limitations of conventional laparoscopy. METHODS: The study design was a case series analysis in a university hospital. Sixteen consecutive patients underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy and were assessed for outcomes. Robot-assisted hysterectomy technique was refined and is described. RESULTS: There were no conversions to laparotomy. The mean uterine weight was 131.5 g (range 30 to 327 g). Median operating time was 242 minutes (range 170 to 432). Average estimated blood loss was 96 mL (range 50 to 300 mL). One patient experienced a delayed thermal bowel injury, 2 developed postoperative infections, and 1 developed a vaginal cuff hematoma that was managed expectantly. The median length of hospital stay was 1.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: Robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy is a feasible and promising new technique that may overcome surgical limitations seen with conventional laparoscopy.

Clinical value of image-guided fine needle aspiration of retroperitoneal masses and lymph nodes in gynecologic oncology.
Sauthier PG, Belanger R, Provencher DM, Gauthier P, Drouin P
Gynecol Oncol. 2006 Mar 9;.

OBJECTIVE.: Evaluation of the sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration of retroperitoneal masses and lymph nodes in gynecologic oncology. METHODS.: Retrospective study of 101 punctures administered to 84 patients aged 23-86 years. The method's sensitivity and specificity were evaluated by clinical follow-up. RESULTS.: A satisfactory sampling was obtained in 89.1% of punctures, and a cytological diagnosis was made in 88.1%. The size of the lymph nodes punctured was less than 14 mm in 46.5%. This test has a sensitivity of 87.5%, specificity of 88.9%, positive predictive value of 98%, negative predictive value of 53.3%, and accuracy of 87.7%. Four patients presented complications: pain (2), hematoma (1), and right ureteral perforation (1). CONCLUSIONS.: The fine needle aspiration technique has excellent positive predictive value and low morbidity. As a method of visualization, CT-scan, in combination with lymphography, allows the location of small lesions and the definition of their internal structures. The weak negative predictive value of fine needle aspiration might be correctible by laparoscopy-directed biopsy, and its potential is clearly ensured by the development of techniques for locating sentinel lymph nodes.

Urethral and paraurethral leiomyomas in the female patient.
Ozel B, Ballard C
Int Urogynecol J Pelvic Floor Dysfunct. 2006 Jan;17(1):93-5. Epub 2005 May 19.

Urethral leiomyomas in women arise from the smooth muscle of the urethra and are rare, benign urethral tumors seen primarily in women. We present three cases of urethral leiomyomas identified over a 30-year period at our institution. A 45-year old woman presented with a 1 year history of frequency, nocturia, and hesitancy and was found to have both a 2-cm proximal urethral and a 3-cm posterior bladder leiomyoma. She developed stress urinary incontinence postoperatively and was treated with a Burch colposuspension. A 33-year old woman with hematuria was found to have both a 3-cm urethral and a 3-cm paraurethral leiomyoma at the bladder neck. A 21-year old without urinary complaints was found to have a 3-cm leiomyoma at the urethral meatus. Urethral leiomyomas must be differentiated from paraurethral leiomyomas, which are often asymptomatic and may be removed without disrupting the urethral mucosa or smooth muscle. The removal of urethral myomas may be complicated by the development stress urinary incontinence or urethral stricture.

ACOG Practice Bulletin. Episiotomy. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists. Number 71, April 2006.
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Apr;107(4):957-62.

February

ACOG Practice Bulletin. Episiotomy. Clinical Management Guidelines for Obstetrician-Gynecologists. Number 71, April 2006.
Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Apr;107(4):957-62.

The development of cervical cancer and its precursors: what is the role of human papillomavirus infection?
Cox JT
Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Feb;18 Suppl 1:s5-s13.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant health care burden in the United States. The majority of sexually active men and women will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives and are subject to developing human papillomavirus-associated disease. Current estimates suggest that 20 million Americans are currently infected, and more than 5 million new infections occur each year. The prevalence of human papillomavirus is highest in populations in their late teens and early twenties, with nearly half of all new human papillomavirus infections occurring within 3 years of first intercourse. HPV is the necessary cause of genital warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and invasive cervical cancer. As such, human papillomavirus is responsible for significant medical morbidity and health care costs. Screening with cervical cytology has significantly reduced mortality rates; however, approximately 3900 women will die in 2005 from cervical cancer in the United States. Human papillomavirus DNA testing has shown promise in identifying high-grade abnormalities as an adjunct to traditional cytology, and should be used according to guidelines established by the American Cancer Society and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. The epidemiology of HPV infection and a brief introduction to the natural history of HPV infection will be presented here.

Feminizing reconstructive surgery for ambiguous genitalia: the Leipzig experience.
Hoepffner W, Rothe K, Bennek J
J Urol. 2006 Mar;175(3 Pt 1):981-4.

PURPOSE: We report the results of feminizing reconstructive surgery for ambiguous genitalia with regard to the degree of virilization according to Prader and the long-term outcome with special emphasis on sexual intercourse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients 16 to 46 years old with CAH (41) and MPH (17) were followed continuously by an interdisciplinary team that provided standardized hormone substitution and reconstructive surgery. More virilized genitalia were treated using a 2-stage procedure. RESULTS: Of patients with CAH no surgery and clitoris reduction were done in 4 and 2 (Prader I and II), no surgery, a 1-stage and a 2-stage procedure were done in 2, 3 and 4 (Prader III), a 2-stage procedure, a 1-stage procedure and surgery for fistula were done in 16, 4 and 2, respectively, while 1 refused surgery (Prader IV), and a 2-stage procedure was done in 5, including pull-through vaginoplasty in 2 (Prader V). Of patients with MPH no surgery was done in 6 (Prader I and II), a 1-stage procedure and a 2-stage procedure were done in 3 and 1 (Prader III), respectively, and a 2-stage procedure was done in 6, while 1 refused surgery (Prader IV). Revision vaginoplasties were necessary in 7 patients (12.1%) because of scar stenosis in those who underwent 1-stage as well as 2-stage procedures. None of our patients required reconstructive surgery to create a neovagina. Of the 58 patients 32 achieved sexual intercourse and in 17 the postoperative result would allow sexual intercourse, while in 3 the possibility of sexual intercourse is uncertain. For 3 patients sexual intercourse would not be possible since feminizing reconstructive surgery was refused. One patient could not be followed. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage surgery leads to a favorable outcome in patients with CAH and MPH, and virilized genitalia (Prader IV and V).

Clinical governance in gynaecological surgery.
Elliott C
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006 Feb;20(1):189-204.

The main elements of clinical governance are defining standards of high-quality care and then achieving high-quality care by reviewing practice in relation to these standards and effecting change as required to improve services. This chapter examines the current framework for clinical governance in the UK. The roles of the various national organisations involved in the implementation of clinical governance are described. The role of audit, risk management, appraisals and inspections in this process are discussed. The application of national standards of care to gynaecological surgery is then considered, with a focus on relevant guidelines and on the legal concepts of consent and confidentiality.

Adenomyosis and reproduction.
Leyendecker G, Kunz G, Kissler S, Wildt L
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006 Mar 3;.

Evidence has been provided that pelvic endometriosis is significantly associated with uterine adenomyosis and that the latter constitutes the major factor of infertility in such conditions. Furthermore, it has become evident that both adenomyosis and endometriosis constitute a pathophysiological and nosological entity. Mild peritoneal endometriosis of the fertile woman and premenopausal adenomyosis of the parous and non-parous woman, as well as adenomyosis in association with endometriosis of the infertile woman, constitute a pathophysiological continuum that is characterized by the dislocation of basal endometrium. Due to the postponement of childbearing late into the period of reproduction, premenopausal adenomyosis might increasingly become a factor for infertility in addition to adenomyosis associated with endometriosis of younger women. In any event, the presence or absence of uterine adenomyosis should be examined in a sterility work-up.

The symptomatology of adenomyosis.
Peric H, Fraser IS
Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2006 Feb 28;.

Adenomyosis is a poorly understood condition which has been called 'elusive' or 'enigmatic' because of the difficulty in diagnosis, the lack of agreement on definition, and also because of the vague and ill-defined pattern of symptoms which may accompany it. There is little doubt that some women with adenomyosis may experience troublesome, heavy menstrual bleeding, troublesome dysmenorrhoea, and sometimes a tender uterus. However, the frequency and severity with which these symptoms occur, and the proportion of adenomyosis sufferers who are completely asymptomatic, are quite unclear. The common association of adenomyosis with other pelvic pathologies is an additional factor which confuses the understanding of related symptoms. It is clear that there is no specific combination of symptoms caused by adenomyosis, although many of these women will undoubtedly suffer from very heavy menstrual periods. Now that moderate to severe degrees of adenomyosis can be diagnosed preoperatively with a fair degree of reliability by good-quality ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there is an urgent need for multicentre collaboration to prospectively define symptomatology in a uniform manner, and then correlate this with specific findings on imaging (and compare with later surgical and pathological findings).

Nonhormonal therapies for hot flashes in menopause.
Carroll DG
Am Fam Physician. 2006 Feb 1;73(3):457-64.

Numerous reports in the medical literature and popular media have discussed the effectiveness of various nonhormonal agents in reducing menopausal hot flash symptoms. Data for these therapies are limited, and most of the studies have been conducted in women with a history of breast cancer. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and venlafaxine have been shown to reduce hot flashes by 19 to 60 percent and were well tolerated by study participants. Soy isoflavones reduced hot flashes by 9 to 40 percent in some trials, but most trials showed no difference compared with placebo. Black cohosh and red clover also have had inconsistent results, with some trials showing benefit and some no difference compared with placebo. Soy isoflavones, black cohosh, and red clover were well tolerated in clinical trials. Other agents that have been used to alleviate hot flashes include belladonna/ergotamine tartrate/phenobarbital combination, dong quai, evening primrose oil, gabapentin, ginseng, mirtazapine, trazodone, vitamin E, and wild yam, but few data regarding their effectiveness have been published. Further randomized controlled trials are needed.

Long-term outcome of women who undergo panniculectomy at the time of gynecologic surgery.
Wright JD, Rosenbush EJ, Powell MA, Rader JS, Mutch DG, Gao F, Gibb RK
Gynecol Oncol. 2006 Jan 5;.

OBJECTIVE.: While panniculectomy has been shown to be a useful technique in obese women undergoing gynecologic surgery, the long-term outcome of these patients has been poorly described. The goal of this study was to determine the long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction of women who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery. METHODS.: A retrospective review of patients who underwent panniculectomy at the time of pelvic surgery between 1996 and 2004 was performed. Postoperative complications and long-term trends in weight were evaluated. Patient satisfaction was assessed by telephone survey. RESULTS.: Forty-two patients were identified. The mean EBL was 522 ml, the mean operating time was just over 4 h. Wound complications were noted in 36% of the subjects. Two weeks after the procedure, 86% of the women had a weight that was lower than their preoperative weight. Weight loss peaked 3 months postoperatively, 97% of the subjects had a net lower weight, with a mean loss of nearly 20 lb. Over the ensuing 2 years, weight loss gradually declined. After 2 years of follow-up, 62% of the women were below their preoperative body weights. The mean weight loss at 24 months was 7 lb. Overall patient satisfaction with the procedure was high. Eighty-six percent of the subjects responded that they would undergo the procedure again given their outcome. CONCLUSIONS.: Panniculectomy is well tolerated and associated with a high rate of patient satisfaction. Panniculectomy is a valuable component of gynecologic surgery in morbidly obese women.

Pelvic radiation necrosis and osteomyelitis following chemoradiation for advanced stage vulvar and cervical carcinoma.
Micha JP, Goldstein BH, Rettenmaier MA, Caillouette JT, Fee MJ, Brown JV 3rd
Gynecol Oncol. 2006 Jan 25;.

BACKGROUND: The treatment regimen indicated for most advanced stage vulvar, vaginal, and cervical cancer usually involves adjuvant chemoradiation therapy. Although the risk of complications is low, there have been reported cases of radiation necrosis and osteomyelitis following treatment for vulvar, vaginal, and cervical cancer. CASES: We present a vulvar cancer patient and a cervical cancer patient, both of whom were treated with radical surgery and postoperative chemoradiation. Following therapy, they were afflicted with pelvic radiation necrosis and osteomyelitis. The patients underwent surgery to resect the necrotic bone tissue and long-term antibiotic therapy to treat their osteomyelitis. They have since recovered and are followed closely by their gynecologic oncology and infectious disease physicians. CONCLUSION: The radiotherapy utilized to treat advanced stage gynecologic cancer can cause intestinal, vaginal, and urologic complications from micro-vascular damage to the organs. Pelvic bone osteonecrosis is a rare but disabling complication of pelvic radiation. Fortunately, with aggressive therapy, these patients may do well clinically.

Does Gynecologic Surgery Contribute to Low Back Problems in Later Life? An Analysis of the Women's Health and Aging Study.
Ericksen JJ, Bean JF, Kiely DK, Hicks GE, Leveille SG
Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2006 Feb;87(2):172-6.

Ericksen JJ, Bean JF, Kiely DK, Hicks GE, Leveille SG. Does gynecologic surgery contribute to low back problems in later life? An analysis of the Women's Health and Aging Study. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether women with potential injuries to the abdominal and pelvic musculature from past gynecologic surgery are at higher risk for low back pain (LBP). DESIGN: Cross-sectional population-based study. SETTING: Eastern region of the city and county of Baltimore, MD. PARTICIPANTS: Disabled women (N=1002) aged 65 and older, 448 of whom reported gynecologic surgery who were participants in the Women's Health and Aging Study. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LBP presence in the last year, LBP severity for the last month, and adjudicated lumbar diagnoses (disk disease, stenosis) were examined in relation to reports of surgical menopause or ovarian surgery adjusted for LBP risk factors. RESULTS: Women with surgical menopause experienced more moderate LBP (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.3) than women without surgical menopause. Women with ovarian surgery also experienced more moderate LBP than women without ovarian surgery, but this association was not statistically significant (AOR=1.39; 95% CI, 0.96-2.09). Gynecologic surgery was not associated with an increased likelihood of lumbar disk disease or stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical menopause may increase the risk of moderate LBP. Further research is needed to determine how gynecologic surgery might influence low back pathology. Abdominal and pelvic muscle rehabilitation after gynecologic surgery may provide protection from LBP later in life.

Ectopic Prostatic Tissue in the Uterine Cervix and Vagina: Report of a Series With a Detailed Immunohistochemical Analysis.
McCluggage WG, Ganesan R, Hirschowitz L, Miller K, Rollason TP
Am J Surg Pathol. 2006 Feb;30(2):209-215.

Prostatic tissue has rarely been described in the lower female genital tract. We describe 6 cases of ectopic prostatic tissue: 5 involving the cervix and 1 the vagina. The latter is the first reported example of benign prostatic tissue in the vagina. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 65 years; and in all cases, the prostatic tissue was located within the cervical or vaginal stroma without involvement of the surface. In all cases, there were both glandular and squamous elements, which varied in prominence. In some cases, the squamous elements predominated to such an extent that the underlying glandular component was easily overlooked. In the glandular areas, a double cell layer of luminal and basal cells was focally apparent. There was little cytologic atypia or mitotic activity. Immunohistochemically, 3 of 6 cases were positive with prostate specific antigen (PSA) and all 6 cases marked with prostatic acid phosphatase (PSAP). In some of the positive cases, staining was focal. Positive staining with prostatic markers was confined to the glandular elements with no staining of the squamous areas. Immunohistochemical staining with the high molecular weight cytokeratin 34betaE12 highlighted the basal cell layer, which often extended into the center of the cellular islands, reminiscent of basal cell hyperplasia involving the prostate gland. All cases tested were CD10 positive (largely restricted to the basal cell layer), alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase positive, and p16 negative. Estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) were negative in the glandular areas, but ER was positive in the squamous elements in all cases and PR was positive in 1 case. All cases tested were androgen receptor positive and exhibited a low MIB-1 proliferation index with only scattered positive nuclei. The presence of ectopic prostatic tissue in the lower female genital tract may be more common than is appreciated. Once the possibility is considered, the diagnosis is easily confirmed using immunohistochemistry, although staining with prostatic markers may be focal and PSA may be negative. Ectopic prostatic tissue in the lower female genital tract is almost certainly a benign condition, based on the morphology, including the presence of a double cell layer, although follow-up of larger numbers of cases is required. Possible theories of histogenesis include a developmental anomaly, metaplasia of preexisting endocervical glands, and derivation from mesonephric remnants.

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