Rationalisation of the caesarean section rate in a tertiary referral hospital using the Robson classification.

The aim of this study was to implement the Robson Ten Groups Classification System (RTGCS) to identify the main contributors to the caesarean section (CS) rate and to evaluate whether the introduction of a plan of obstetrical interventions reduced this rate. An observational retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted during two time periods at Alicante University General Hospital. In the pre-implementation period (2009-2012), RTGCS was applied to identify the main groups contributing to the overall CS rate. In the post-implementation period (2013-2017), RTGCS was applied again to identify changing trends in CS rates. In all, 11,034 deliveries during the pre-intervention period and 11,453 during the post-intervention period were analysed. The overall CS rate was 23.9% and 20.9%, respectively. There were no changes in perinatal outcomes. In the post-intervention period, there was a significant decrease of the CS rate in the groups of targeted interventions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8B.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? High CS rates are becoming a public health problem because of risks, costs, excessive medicalisation, and abuse of resources. RTGCS provides a framework for auditing and analysing CS rates.What do the results of this study add? RTGCS can identify the groups that have the greatest impact on the CS rate and monitor changes in it consequent to policy changes.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice? The introduction of a strategic plan with evidence-based clinical interventions may have a greater effect on the CS rate than other features justifying the increase in the incidence of CS.

Can the simultaneous laparoscopic approach improve the learning of vaginal surgery with meshes in the anatomical model?

AIMS: To evaluate the usefulness of simultaneous laparoscopic assistance to improve understanding of the nonvisible surgical steps in Thiel-embalmed cadaver models for training in vaginal surgery using vaginal mesh kits and to evaluate opinions of this surgical learning procedure in comparison with other learning models. METHODS: Recording of anterior compartment prolapse repair with vaginal mesh kits using an external camera simultaneously with laparoscopic vision during the execution of the procedure at the dissection room. To measure the usefulness of this procedure, we designed an anonymous online survey that was made available to program participants via a computer application (a link to video 1 and the survey is available at encuesta@um.es). RESULTS: After watching the video, 97.2% of participants agreed that laparoscopic vision combined with the vaginal approach was useful in learning this surgical technique, and 95.8% agreed they had learned details of the surgical anatomy of the pelvis. All participants agreed that it should be mandatory to train in these techniques with cadavers before practice with live patients. In addition, 84.7% responded that the cadaveric model was superior to animal and other types of models. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic inspection of the procedure performed with the vaginal approach allowed a better understanding of the surgical technique by making "visible" the anatomical structures that were commonly only palpated. Use of the cadaverous model was considered most efficient for training in this surgical technique.

Presence of human papillomavirus DNA in breast cancer: a Spanish case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is one of the most important neoplasia among women. It was recently suggested that biological agents could be the etiological cause, particularly Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). The aim of this study was to explore the presence of HPV DNA in a case-control study. METHODS: We performed our study including 251 cases (breast cancer) and 186 controls (benign breast tumors), using three different molecular techniques with PCR (GP5/GP6, CLART® and DIRECT FLOW CHIP®). RESULTS: HPV DNA was evidenced in 51.8% of the cases and in 26.3% of the controls (p < 0.001). HPV-16 was the most prevalent serotype. The odds ratio (OR) of HPV within a multivariate model, taking into account age and breastfeeding, was 4.034. CONCLUSIONS: Our study, with methodological rigour and a sample size not previously found in the literature, demonstrate a significant presence of HPV DNA in breast cancer samples. A possible causal relationship, or mediation or not as a cofactor, remains to be established by future studies.

Does the Type of Surgical Approach and the Use of Uterine Manipulators Influence the Disease-Free Survival and Recurrence Rates in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term safety, disease-free survival, and recurrence rate of total laparoscopic hysterectomy using uterine manipulator and abdominal hysterectomy in the surgical treatment in early-stage endometrial cancer. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cohort study of 147 patients with clinical endometrial cancer (laparoscopic surgery group, 77 women; laparotomy group, 70 women). Data were evaluated and analyzed by intention-to-treat principle, and survival data of stage I endometrial cancer (129 patients; 66 from laparoscopic surgery group and 60 from laparotomy group) were estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier curves. RESULTS: After a follow-up period of 60 months for both laparoscopic surgery and laparotomy groups, no significant difference in the cumulative recurrence rates (7.4% and 13.1%, P = 0.091) and overall survival (97.1% and 95.1%, P = 0.592) was detected between both groups of stage I endometrial cancer. Conversion to laparotomy occurred in 10.4% (8/77) of the laparoscopic procedures. Laparoscopic hysterectomy was associated with less use of pain medication (P = 0.001) and a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.001), but the procedure took longer than laparotomic hysterectomy (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with intraoperative and long-term complications was not significantly different between both groups. The use of uterine manipulators did not have increased recurrence rate in patients treated with laparoscopic approach. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic surgery approach to early-stage endometrial cancer using uterine manipulators is as safe and effective as the laparotomic approach.

Prenatal sonographic findings of duodenal duplication: case report.

We report a rare case of duodenal duplication cyst that was suspected prenatally. Routine prenatal sonography (US) at 19 weeks' gestation showed an abdominal cystic mass on the left side of the abdomen. Follow-up US examinations showed a partial "double-wall" sign, highly suggestive of enteric duplication, and changes in cyst size and wall thickness. Postnatal US examination suggested enteric duplication cyst. A laparotomy revealed a duodenal cyst that was completely resected. The antenatal US findings associated with this condition, the accuracy of its antenatal diagnosis, and its differential diagnosis are discussed.

Acute genital ulcers.

Acute genital ulcers, also known as acute vulvar ulcers, ulcus vulvae acutum or Lipschütz ulcers, refer to an ulceration of the vulva or lower vagina of non-venereal origin that usually presents in young women, predominantly virgins. Although its incidence is unknown, it seems a rare entity, with few cases reported in the literature. Their aetiology and pathogenesis are still unknown. The disease is characterised by an acute onset of flu-like symptoms with single or multiple painful ulcers on the vulva. Diagnosis is mainly clinical, after exclusion of other causes of vulvar ulcers. The treatment is mainly symptomatic, with spontaneous resolution in 2 weeks and without recurrences in most cases. We present a case report of a 13-year-old girl with two episodes of acute ulcers that fit the clinical criteria for Lipschütz ulcers.

Prenatal diagnosis of caudal dysplasia sequence associated with undiagnosed type I diabetes.

Caudal regression or caudal dysplasia sequence (CDS) is a rare congenital malformation, which includes a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal abnormalities involving the lumbosacral spine, pelvis and lower limbs. It can be associated to visceral defects in various degrees. Maternal diabetes, genetic predisposition and vascular hypoperfusion have been suggested as possible causative factors. Women with diabetes who are dependent on insulin are 200-400 times more likely to have a child with caudal regression, making CDS the most characteristic fetal abnormality of diabetic embryopathy. Prenatal diagnosis is possible by ultrasonographic examination. The sonographic findings include abrupt interruption of the lumbar spine and 'Buddha or frog position' of the lower limbs. MRI has demonstrated the level of the vertebral anomalies as well as the associated abnormalities and this is crucial because the prognosis of this condition depends on the severity of the lesion and the presence of associated disorders.

Uterine duplicity without communication between both hemiuteri and cervicovaginal atresia: importance of a thorough diagnosis before treatment.

The study described diagnostic and therapeutic processes for an exceptional congenital female genital anomaly involving a 15-year-old girl with progressive dysmenorrhoea and intense abdominal pain, and analyses pathogenesis of embryological anomalies associated with uterine duplicity (UD). Diagnostic methodology is analysed; treatment is described; and recommendations are provided. For the study of anomalies such as UD, we recommend the use of an ultrasound, vaginoscopy, MRI and laparoscopy imaging. Keeping in mind that hemihysterectomy should only be performed in cases with endometriosis or other unusual circumstances, surgical treatment should be avoided. A complete study based on gynaecological examination and ultrasound should be performed in adolescents with severe and progressive dysmenorrhoea. Based on the findings, imaging tests such as MRI and, if necessary, laparoscopy coinciding with menstruation, should be conducted before opting for surgical treatment.

Prevalence of Lynch syndrome among patients with newly diagnosed endometrial cancers.

BACKGROUND: Lynch syndrome (LS) is a hereditary condition that increases the risk for endometrial and other cancers. The identification of endometrial cancer (EC) patients with LS has the potential to influence life-saving interventions. We aimed to study the prevalence of LS among EC patients in our population. METHODS: Universal screening for LS was applied for a consecutive series EC. Tumor testing using microsatellite instability (MSI), immunohistochemistry (IHC) for mismatch-repair (MMR) protein expression and MLH1-methylation analysis, when required, was used to select LS-suspicious cases. Sequencing of corresponding MMR genes was performed. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-three EC (average age, 63 years) were screened. Sixty-one patients (35%) had abnormal IHC or MSI results. After MLH1 methylation analysis, 27 cases were considered suspicious of LS. From these, 22 were contacted and referred for genetic counseling. Nineteen pursued genetic testing and eight were diagnosed of LS. Mutations were more frequent in younger patients (<50 yrs). Three cases had either intact IHC or MSS and reinforce the need of implement the EC screening with both techniques. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of LS among EC patients was 4.6% (8/173); with a predictive frequency of 6.6% in the Spanish population. Universal screening of EC for LS is recommended.

Wernicke's encephalopathy induced by hyperemesis gravidarum.

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a reversible neurological emergency caused by thiamine deficiency. Prolonged vomiting in pregnancy results in thiamine depletion. The early recognition of its clinical signs and symptoms is essential to establish the suspected diagnosis and can be confirmed by MRI. Prompt administration of thiamine is important for preventing the occurrence of sequelae in the mother and for improving the fetal prognostic. We report a case of WE induced by hyperemesis gravidarum with a good maternal and fetal outcome.

Congenital vesicovaginal fistula with menouria: an anomaly of the urogenital sinus.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the diagnostic and therapeutic process for a congenital exceptional anomaly. To analyze the pathogenesis of the embryologic anomalies associated with menouria and congenital vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). STUDY DESIGN: The case of a 28-year-old female with menouria and impossibility of consummating coitus is described. The diagnostic method is analyzed. The type of treatment is described and finally we conclude with a hypothesis about embryology of congenital anomalies with VVF and menouria. RESULTS: For management of anomalies as congenital VVF, imaging tests including cystography and urography could not correctly visualize the fistulous tract. It was identified by cystoscopy, performed during the time of menouria. Surgical treatment consisted in repairing the VVF and vaginoplasty according to the McIndoe technique. CONCLUSIONS: All women with menouria need complete investigation with exhaustive exploration, analytic evaluation, ultrasound, imaging tests (principally magnetic resonance) and, very importantly, cystoscopy on the days of menouria. Surgical treatment must be careful and individualized. This case allows us to hypothesise that the blind vagina encountered reflects an anomaly of correct urogenital sinus development.