Cavum septum pellucidum nomogram during the second trimester of pregnancy.

This study aimed to determine cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) nomogram values between 15-28 weeks of gestation. Routine biometric measurements and CSP width were measured by transabdominal ultrasonography in 6042 structurally normal foetuses between 15-28 weeks of gestation. Distribution of CSP width by the week of pregnancy and percentile values were calculated. The mean week of gestation (GW) was 21 ± 1.7, and the mean biparietal diameter (BPD) was 50.2 ± 5.8 mm. The CSP width range was 1.6-7.7 mm at 15-28 weeks, and the mean CSP width was 4.1 ± 0.8 mm. CSP width was found to have a significant correlation between a gestational week (CSP = GW X 0.2705-1.6121; R = 0.62; p < .01) and BPD (CSP = BPD X 0.0859-0.273; R = 0.651; p 0.01). CSP width was found to differ significantly according to gestational weeks, and percentile distributions were calculated. Between 15 and 28 weeks of gestation, the 95th percentile values of CSP width were found to be 3.7-7 mm. Our study was determined that CSP width increased linearly between 15-28 weeks of gestation. For this reason, we think that it would be more appropriate to use CSP width percentile values in the examination of the foetus. Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The cavum septum pellucidum can be easily identified and evaluated by ultrasonography after 18 weeks of pregnancy. CSP can be associated with severe brain anomalies if it is not visualised or deformed. Moreover; large CSP may be associated with chromosomal abnormalities.What do the results of this study add? Our study showed that CSP width increased linearly between 15-28 weeks of gestation. CSP width was found to differ significantly according to gestational weeks, and between 15 and 28 weeks of gestation, the 95th percentile values of CSP width were found to be 3.7-7 mm.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We reported that it would be more appropriate to use CSP percentile values according to the gestational week in the definition of abnormal CSP.

Intraoperative Complications and Conversion to Laparatomy in Gynecologic Robotic Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: In this study our objective was to document complications encountered during our initial experience with the robotic system and also state the cases in which conversion to laparotomy was necessary. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of robotically performed gynecological and gynecologic oncology procedures at a single center from July 2016 to July 2018. Patient demographics and preoperative indications were obtained from the electronic medical records. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 53.6 years (range, 25-84 years). The operative time ranged from 1 h and 50 min to 9 h (mean, 5 h and 2 min). Most of the complications were managed within minutes and with robotic assisted suturing when necessary. Five patients out of 83 patients needed a surgical conversion from robotic surgery. Conversion rate was 6.02%. CONCLUSION: During the study period we were able to manage complications uneventfully without requiring conversion to laparotomy most of the time. Vascular complications encountered during robotic surgery can be managed without requiring conversion to laparatomy.

Management of intra-abdominally translocated contraceptive devices, is surgery the only way to treat this problem?

This study was a multi-centre retrospective review of patients with uterine perforation caused by intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs). A total of 15 patients were registered, in a seven year period. Among them, five were asymptomatic and the rest were symptomatic. Asymptomatic patients were managed conservatively, except in one case in which the patient requested surgery because she also wanted a tubal ligation. Symptomatic patients all underwent surgery. All the surgeries were elective and all the surgical procedures were initiated laparoscopically. There were seven complications in the surgically managed group: conversion to laparotomy (n = 3), bowel injury (n = 2), bladder injury (n = 1), and wound infection (n = 1). Mild and severe adhesions (81.8%), and abscess (18.1%) formation related to translocated IUD (TIUD) were observed during surgery. All the patients were uneventful at 1 to 5 years of follow-up. A TIUD, by causing adhesions, complicates future laparoscopic surgery and increases the likelihood of conversion to laparotomy. While surgery is indicated to prevent TIUD-induced adhesive complications, it may also be the cause of both adhesions and complications, resulting in a vicious cycle. Some asymptomatic women, especially elderly patients with comorbidities, may not need or may be better managed without treatment. Impact statement In this study we try to find an answer for the question of "Should removal of a translocated intrauterine contraceptive device (TIUD) routinely be performed even if patients are asymptomatic?" From only the theoretical point of view there were some reports supporting conservative management in asymptomatic patients. The other studies addressing this issue were case reports including few patients with a short-term follow-up. The novelties of the present study include multi-centre design, detailed clinical and surgical information about the patients and the long period of follow-up. Most clinicians have limited experiences in managing TIUD because perforation is a rare event. So it can be difficult to know exactly what the surgeon will encounter intraoperatively. We undertook this study with the aim of providing a perspective about patients with TIUD for those faced with this situation. This is a descriptive study reporting 15 cases of TIUDs and management. Asymptomatic patients were managed conservatively, and symptomatic patients were operated. There are important implications resulting from this study that in asymptomatic patients leaving the IUD in place may be a reasonable option, mostly as the risk of surgical intervention is quite high with a high rate of complications with surgical management.

Sexual functioning before and after vaginal hysterectomy to treat pelvic organ prolapse and the effects of vaginal cuff closure techniques: a prospective randomised study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate sexual function in women before and after vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and to compare the effects of horizontal and vertical vaginal cuff closure on sexual function. STUDY DESIGN: Women with uterine prolapse of stage 2 or higher were included to this prospective, randomized study. All patients underwent VH with McCall Culdoplasty and patients were randomized into two groups in terms of the vaginal cuff closure technique employed which is either vertically (group 1, right to left) or horizontally (group 2, anterior to posterior). Pelvic Organ Prolapse Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12 Short Form was used to assess sexual function before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 78 women participated, 37 in group 1 and 41 in group 2. Significant improvements in were thus evident in both groups 1 (p=0.000) and 2 (p=0.000) after surgery; no significant between-group differences were evident. Overall, 61 women (78,2%) had improved PISQ-12 scores postoperatively, 11 (14,1%) scored the same pre- and post-operatively, and 6 (7,9%) scored lower postoperatively. Women who reported poorer sexual function postoperatively, or no improvement, had new-onset or worsening dyspareunia and/or incontinence. CONCLUSION: Most women with uterine prolapse of stage 2 or higher who underwent VH with prolapse repair experienced improved sexual lives postoperatively, regardless of the cuff closure technique used. Although VH to treat POP improves anatomical and sexual concerns, surgery per se may have negative effects on sexual function if new-onset or worsening dyspareunia or incontinence develop.

Utility of ductus venosus blood flow in the study of cardiac function in fetuses with intracardiac echogenic focus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate fetal ductus venosus (DV) wave velocities, DV velocity ratios, and DV diastolic time intervals to derive additional information on fetal cardiac function in the presence of an intracardiac echogenic focus (IEF). METHODS: Seventy fetuses at 19-28 weeks of gestation with an IEF and 63 control fetuses were screened using two-dimensional and power Doppler echocardiography. DV wave velocities, DV velocity ratios, and diastolic time intervals were measured. The aortic peak velocity, pulmonary artery peak velocity, left ventricular shortening fraction, and right ventricular shortening fraction, atrioventricular early-diastolic filling velocity (E), atrial contraction velocity (A), and E/A ratio were also measured. RESULTS: The study and control groups were similar in terms of maternal age, body mass index, and gestational age in weeks at the time of examination (p > 0.05). Significant between-group differences were found in DV v-descent (p = 0.03) and a-wave velocities (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Although the presence of an IEF in the fetal heart does not influence conventional measurements (DV velocity ratios and DV diastolic time intervals), it is associated with changes in DV v-descent and a-wave velocities. These changes may be indirectly related to reduced end-systolic relaxation and augmented atrial contraction in the fetal heart. We therefore suggest examination of DV flow velocities in fetuses with IEF.

Is Cryotherapy Friend or Foe for Symptomatic Cervical Ectopy?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the success rates and clinical outcomes of cervical cryotherapy applied to cervical ectopy for symptomatic relief. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 124 women who underwent cryotherapy for symptomatic treatment of cervical ectopy were included in this study. Indications for treatment were: abundant leucorrhoea (n = 114), post-coital bleeding (n = 22), recurrent cervicitis (n = 30) and pelvic pain (n = 12). Cryotherapy consisted of the use of carbon dioxide at -89°C to destroy the ectopic columnar epithelium by freezing, and it was transmitted to the ectopy through a flat cryoprobe. No routine anaesthesia or analgesia was administered. All patients were questioned about the status of their symptoms after 6 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: The highest success rate was obtained in patients with abundant leucorrhoea (n = 102; 89.5%), while the lowest success rate was achieved in subjects with pelvic pain (n = 7; 58%). After treatment, no severe complications were observed, except for hydrorrhoea for a few days. Success rates were 9 times lower in patients who had 3 or more cervicitis episodes per 6 months. CONCLUSION: In this study, the success rate of cryotherapy was highest in patients with abundant leucorrhoea and lowest in patients with pelvic pain and recurrent cervicitis. Hence, we recommend that clinicians perform the procedure in such patients without much delay.

Comparison of maternal and fetal outcomes of IVF and spontaneously conceived twin pregnancies: three year experience of a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare maternal and fetal outcomes of spontaneously conceived and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) twin pregnancies that were admitted to our obstetric clinic and delivered between January 1, 2011 to November 1, 2014. MATERIAL METHOD: A total of 84 twin pregnancies were enrolled for the study and divided into two groups: group 1 as IVF (n = 19) and group 2 as spontaneously conceived (n = 65) twin pregnancies. Data of neonatal various morbidities needs neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and maternal morbidities such as preeclampsia, eclampsia, postpartum bleeding, gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM) were collected by hospital records. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference between two groups regarding hypertension related to pregnancy, intrauterine growth retardation, Apgar scores, NICU needs, birth weight and height (P > 0.05). The rate of premature rupture of membranes, maternal age, antenatal anemia and premature birth were detected higher in IVF group when compared with the other group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although twin pregnancies, regardless of conception method are high risk pregnancies in terms of obstetric and perinatal outcomes, premature rupture of membranes, maternal age, antenatal anemia and premature birth risks are higher in IVF twin pregnancies.

A hidden reason for menopausal symptoms in premenopausal aged women: depression.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between depression and reproductive hormone changes in menopausal women is well konown but recent animal studies showed that depression can also cause changes in reproductive hormone levels. According to this, we aimed to eveluate the impact of depression on circulating follicle-stimulating hormone and estradiol levels in premenopausal women in terms of menopausal symptoms. MATERIAL-METHOD: A total of 120 premenoupausal women (age ranges 41-45) were divided into two groups as: study group consisted of patients (n = 60) with depression and the control group (n = 60) involved healthy women. Psychometric assessment of study group was done by the Turkish version of Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Diagnosis.The presence of menopausal symptoms of all subjects was assessed by the Turkish version of Menopause Rating Scale and hormonal activity by estimating estradiol and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. RESULTS: Study group had significantly lower mean concentration of estradiol and higher intensity of menopausal symptoms than control group. Presence and severity of menopausal symptoms were not associated with follicle-stimulating hormone concentrations. CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirm the connection between menopausal symptoms and depression both on clinical and physiological level.The current study is unique in its ability to assess the effects of depression on menopausal symptoms in women as they are still reproductive.

A Rare Reason for Pelvic Pain in Pregnancy: Infectious Sacroiliitis.

Introduction. Although the incidence of pregnancy-associated sacroiliitis is low, it is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Timely diagnosis of the disease is confusing due to its nonspecific clinical features. Case. A 28-year-old woman at 34 weeks of gestation with severe pain in her right buttock radiating down the backside of the right thigh was admitted to our hospital. White blood cell (WBC) count and C-reactive protein (CRP) were elevated. The pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan revealed right sacroiliitis. Conclusion. Infectious sacroiliitis should be considered as a differential diagnosis even in low-risk women who present with debilitating pelvic pain in pregnancy and medical treatment should not be delayed.

The evaluation of homocysteine level in patients with preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the correlation between preeclampsia and blood plasma homocysteine levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The research was conducted in a group of 114 pregnant patients who were subdivided into three groups consisting of: 30 women with severe preeclampsia, 24 with mild preeclampsia, and 60 healthy pregnant controls. Patient data included age, parity body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, homocysteine, folic acid, vitamin B12, hematocrit, hemoglobin, blood urine nitrogen, uric acid and urine analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographic characteristics (age, gravidity and BMI) among the groups. Mean serum homocysteine level was significantly higher in the preeclamptic group as compared to controls (p<0.01). Mean homocysteine level in the control group was significantly lower than in the severe and mild preeclampsia groups, respectively (p<0.001 vs. p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in homocysteine levels between mild and severe preeclampsia groups (p>0.05). Although there were statistically significant differences among the three groups in terms of BUN, creatinine, AST ALT and LDH, no statistically significant differences in serum folic acid, vitamin B12 and hemoglobin levels were found. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma homocysteine levels are significantly elevated in patients with preeclampsia and are not correlated with disease severity

Laparoscopic removal of an intrauterine device from the sigmoid colon.

Uterine wall perforation which is commonly seen through the posterior wall of the uterus is the most serious complication of an intrauterine device (IUD). We present a case of laparoscopic removal of an IUD from the sigmoid colon in a 31-years-old female who was admitted to hospital with a history of pelvic pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding for one month. The dislocated IUD was removed from the sigmoid colon of laparoscopic intervention without any complications. In conclusion, the treatment modality for the removal of a dislocated IUD is possible by laparoscopic surgery in selected patients where the dislocated IUD is accessible.

Surgical Treatment of Scar Endometriosis Following Cesarean Section, a Series of 12 Cases.

It is difficult to conduct studies with larger series in rarely observed diseases. We report our experience in managing cesarean scar endometriosis (CSE) and emphasize the diagnosis and treatment options. The objective of our study is to review the clinical characteristics of CSE and to evaluate our surgical outcomes. We have collected and documented a case series of 12 patients who underwent surgical wide en bloc excision with surrounding clear margins for CSE. Patients' demographic features, symptoms, and clinical and operative findings were evaluated. The mean age was 34.6 years. Cyclical pain was documented in seven patients, while three patients presented with noncyclical pain. Menstrually-related enlargement of the nodule was observed in four patients, and only one patient had a complaint of dark brown leakage. The mean operation time was 26 min. The endometriotic lesions ranged from a diameter of 2 to 8 cm in size. Patients recovered completely, and no recurrence was observed. To prevent iatrogenic transplantation, additional attention is needed during surgery that exposes endometrial tissue. Complete wide excision of CSE is both diagnostic and therapeutic. To avoid unnecessary referrals, awareness of its typical clinical manifestations remains the mainstay for intervention. The most important issues to be considered during surgery is nonspreading endometriosis while manipulation.

Effects of maternal obesity on antenatal, perinatal and neonatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Obesity is critically important to maternal and fetal health during the perinatal period. We have detected an increasing prevalence of maternal obesity in recent years and investigated its complications during pregnancy. METHODS: A total of 931 pregnant females were investigated between March 2012 and March 2013. The patients were divided into four groups: body mass index (BMI) < 18.5 kg/m(2) was underweight, 18.5-24.9 kg/m(2) was normal weight, 25-29.9 kg/m(2) was overweight and ≥30 kg/m(2) was obese. The effects of obesity on fetal and maternal outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: Significant increases in pregnancy-induced hypertension, gestational diabetes mellitus, cesarean delivery, premature rupture of membranes, shoulder dystocia, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, abnormal heart rate pattern and postpartum infection rates were found in the obese group during the perinatal period. Adverse maternal effects in obese cases were significantly more frequent than those in normal-weight cases. Preterm birth, perinatal mortality, low APGAR scores, newborn intensive care unit requirement, hypoglycemia and macrosomia rates were significantly higher in obese cases than those in non-obese cases. However, low birth weight infant rate was higher in the low BMI cases than that in the other BMI categories (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We conclude that obesity is an important factor associated with pregnancy complications and the increase in maternal-fetal morbidity and mortality.

Immediate repair of an incompletely transected obturator nerve during robotic-assisted pelvic lymphadenectomy.

Intraoperative injury of the obturator nerve may occur in gynecologic oncologic procedures when extensive pelvic side wall dissection is performed. In this case, we report an immediate repair of an incompletely transected obturator nerve during robotic-assisted pelvic lymphadenectomy. A 62-year-old gravida 3, para 3 woman was admitted to our clinic for postmenopausal bleeding. The result of an endometrial biopsy was complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia, and a robotic-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed. A frozen section of the specimen revealed grade 1 endometrioid adenocarcinoma with >1/2 myometrial invasion. During the pelvic lymphadenectomy, the left obturator nerve was incompletely transected. The obturator nerve edges were oriented and reapproximated end-to-end with two 6/0 polypropylene sutures. The operation and console times were 244 and 223 minutes, respectively. The final pathologic finding was a stage IB endometrial adenocarcinoma. The number of the obtained lymph nodes was 38. Postoperatively, the patient did not exhibit any clinically apparent loss of adductor function or any other neurologic deficiency. Over 6 months of follow-up, the patient experienced no residual neuropathy or deficit in the left thigh. Robotic-assisted repair of a transected obturator nerve during surgery is feasible, and immediate repair of the damaged nerve may result in no neurologic deficit postoperatively.

Robotic-assisted dissection of bulky lymph nodes in cervical cancer.

The resection of bulky lymph node metastases, which may provide a therapeutic benefit, has been proposed in several studies based on laparotomy and laparoscopy. There is no published study in the literature examining the resection of bulky lymph node metastases using a robotic technique. In this report, we presented a patient with cervical cancer who underwent robotic-assisted dissection of bulky lymph nodes. The robotic-assisted operation time was 255 minutes, and the mean console time was 215 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 70 mL. The number of lymph nodes retrieved was 28, and the number of the dissected paraaortic lymph nodes was 13. The number of the lymph node metastases was eight. The bulky lymph nodes which are difficult to be eradicated with standard radiation therapy can be resected with robotic-assisted surgery and successful resection of the lymph nodes can improve the treatment strategy. This minimal invasive technique is safe and feasible for bulky lymph node dissection.

Four Cases of Chylous Ascites following Robotic Gynecologic Oncological Surgery.

Chylous ascites is an uncommon form of ascites characterized by milky-appearing fluid caused by blocked or disrupted lymph flow through chyle-transporting vessels. The most common causes of chylous ascites are therapeutic interventions and trauma. In this report, we present four cases of chylous ascites following robot-assisted surgery for endometrial staging and the treatment strategies that we used. After retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, leaving a drain is very useful in diagnosing chylous ascites and observing its resolution; furthermore, the use of octreotide in conjunction with TPN appears to be an efficient treatment modality for chylous ascites and should be considered before any invasive intervention.

Two Live Births following Robotic-Assisted Abdominal Cerclage in Nonpregnant Women.

Introduction. To report the robotic-assisted abdominal cerclage performed in two nonpregnant women and the success of live birth outcomes. Presentation of Cases. A 36-year-old woman with a complaint of recurrent second trimester pregnancy losses and a 35-year-old patient with a complaint of preterm deliveries and cervical insufficiency underwent robotic assisted abdominal cervicoisthmic cerclage placement in nonpregnant period. The two patients had spontaneous pregnancy after the robotic-assisted abdominal cerclage and delivered healthy infants. Discussion. The limitations of traditional laparoscopic abdominal cerclage have been accomplished with robotic surgery advantages especially intuitive movements and increased range of motion. There are only a few studies in the literature including robotic assisted abdominal cerclage in nonpregnant women, and only five successful live birth outcomes were reported. In this paper, we reported the sixth and seventh cases of achieved live pregnancy after robotic assisted abdominal cerclage in the literature. Conclusion. Robotic assisted abdominal cerclage is a good alternative surgical method with successful pregnancy outcomes.

Robot-assisted tubal reanastomosis: initial experience in a single institution.

OBJECTIVE: To assess surgical outcomes for robot-assisted tubal reanastomosis in a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2009 and January 2010, 10 patients underwent robot-assisted tubal ligation reversal (TLR) with a da Vinci S surgical system. Patient demographic data, including operative times, operative and postoperative complications, hospital stay, conversion to laparotomy and pregnancy rates were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age and body mass index for the patients were 37.7 (35-42) years and 28.9 (23.9-36.3) kg/m(2), respectively. The mean console time was 102.5 min and the mean total operation time was 130.6 (102-164) min. The mean hospital stay was 1.2 (1-2) days. There were no significant intra-operative or early-postoperative complications. All surgeries were completed robotically with no conversion to laparotomy. There were seven subsequent pregnancies in the study participants, representing a pregnancy rate of 70%, of which five were intrauterine pregnancies, one was an ectopic pregnancy, and one was an abortus. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted TLR is safe and feasible. This procedure may facilitate minimally invasive treatment for patients who want to regain their fertility without the aid of artificial reproductive techniques.

Comparison of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy outcomes with laparoscopic myomectomy.

PURPOSE: This study aimed at comparing short-term outcomes of patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy and laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: From January 2008 to August 2010, prospective data including 15 consecutive patients who underwent robotic-assisted myomectomy (RALM) with the da Vinci surgical system were recorded. These cases were compared with a retrospective cohort of 23 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy (LM). Patient demographics, fibroid characteristics and peri-operative data (operative time, anesthesia time, set-up time, console time for robotic cohort, Estimated blood loss (EBL), length of hospital stay, conversion to laparotomy and operative complications were collected in both groups. RESULTS: Mean operative time for the robotic group was 138.73 ± 39.51 min compared with 140.57 ± 38.17 min for the laparoscopy group (p = 0.887). No significant differences were noted between RALM versus LM for hospital stay (1.67 ± 0.58 vs. 1.87 ± 0.67 days, p = 0.369) and EBL (101.33 ± 39.84 vs. 119.78 ± 43.70 ml, p = 0.549). The numbers, size and location of myomas removed for two groups were similar. None of the cases in both groups required conversion to laparotomy. There were no significant intra-operative and post-operative complications in either group. CONCLUSION: RALM appears to provide the same surgical outcomes when compared with traditional laparoscopic myomectomy.