Utilization and Surgical Outcomes of Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Endometrial Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the rate and surgical outcomes of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN). METHODS: We conducted a cohort study that used the prospective American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. Women with EIN on postoperative pathology who underwent minimally invasive hysterectomy from 2012 to 2020 were included. The cohort was dichotomized based on the performance of SLN biopsy. Patients' characteristics, perioperative morbidity, and mortality were compared between patients who underwent SLN biopsy and those who did not. Postoperative complications were defined using the Clavien-Dindo classification system. RESULTS: Overall, 4,447 patients were included; of those, 586 (13.2%) underwent SLN biopsy. The proportion of SLN biopsy has increased steadily from 0.6% in 2012 to 26.1% in 2020 (P<.001), with a rate of 16% increase per year. In a multivariable regression that included age, body mass index (BMI), and year of surgery, a more recent year of surgery was independently associated with an increased adjusted odds ratio of undergoing SLN biopsy (1.51, 95% CI, 1.43-1.59). The mean total operative time was longer in the SLN biopsy group (139.50±50.34 minutes vs 131.64±55.95 minutes, P=.001). The rate of any complication was 5.9% compared with 6.7%, the rate of major complications was 2.3% compared with 2.4%, and the rate of minor complications was 4.1% compared with 4.9% for no SLN biopsy and SLN biopsy, respectively. In a single complications analysis, the rate of venous thromboembolism was higher in the SLN biopsy group (four [0.7%] vs four [0.1%], P=.013). In a multivariable regression analysis adjusted for age, BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, uterus weight, and preoperative hematocrit, the performance of SLN biopsy was not associated with any complications, major complications, or minor complications. CONCLUSION: The performance of SLN biopsy in EIN is increasing. Sentinel lymph node biopsy for EIN is associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and a negligible increased surgical time.

Fertility preservation parameters in patients with haematologic malignancy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients with haematologic malignancies represent one of the most common groups referred for fertility preservation before gonadotoxic oncological treatment. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of haematologic cancer on ovarian reserve and response to ovarian stimulation compared with healthy controls. A total of eight observative studies were included in the final quantitative analysis. Despite a younger age (mean difference -4.17, 95% CI -6.20 to -2.14; P < 0.0001), patients with haematologic malignancy had lower serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels compared with the control group (MD -1.04, 95% CI -1.80 to -0.29; P = 0.007). The marginally higher total recombinant FSH dose (MD 632.32, 95% CI -187.60 to 1452.24; P = 0.13) and significantly lower peak oestradiol serum level (MD -994.05, 95% CI -1962.09 to -26.02; P = 0.04) were demonstrated in the study group compared with the healthy controls. A similar number of retrieved oocytes were achieved in both groups (MD 0.20, 95% CI -0.80 to 1.20; P = 0.69). In conclusion, haematologic malignancies may detrimentally affect ovarian function manifesting in decreased AMH serum levels despite a younger age compared with healthy controls. This effect can be overcome by the application of relevant IVF protocols and stimulation doses to achieve an adequate oocyte yield.

Laparoscopic nerve lysis for deep endometriosis improves quality of life and chronic pain levels: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefit of surgical management of patients with endometriosis infiltrating pelvic nerves in terms of pain, analgesic consumption, and quality of life (QOL). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study In an Endometriosis referral center at a tertiary care university affiliated medical center. Patients diagnosed with endometriosis that underwent laparoscopic neurolysis for chronic pain were included. Patients rated their pain before and after surgery and differentiated between chronic pain and acute crises. Patients were requested to maintain a record of analgesic consumption and to evaluate their quality-of-life (QOL). RESULTS: Of the 21 patients in our study 15 (71.5 %) had obturator nerve involvement, 2 (9.5 %) had pudendal nerve involvement and 4 (19 %) had other pelvic nerve involvement. Median postoperative follow - up was of 8 months. All but 2 patients (9.6 %) had significant chronic pain improvement with a mean decrease of VAS of 3.05 (±2.5). Analgesic habits changed postoperatively with a significant decrease of 66 % of patients' daily consumption of any analgesics. Surgery improved QOL in 12 cases (57.1 %) and two patients (9.6 %) completely recovered with a high QOL. CONCLUSION: Neurolysis and excision of endometriosis of pelvic nerves could results in significant improvement of quality of life.

Effect of Parity on Placental Histopathology Features in Singleton Live Births Following IVF.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of parity (primipara vs multipara) on the histopathology of the placenta in singleton live births following in vitro fertilization. We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating data of all IVF resulted live births from one university affiliated hospital during 2009-2017. All patients had the placenta sent for pathological evaluation. Exclusion criteria were history of miscarriage or elective termination of pregnancy, abnormal uterine cavity findings, previous uterine surgery, in vitro maturation cycles, gestational carrier cycles, oocyte recipient cycles, preimplantation genetic diagnosis cycles, and multiple pregnancies. The outcomes measured included anatomical, inflammation, vascular malperfusion, and villous maturation placental features. A multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust the results for factors potentially associated with placental pathology features. A total of 395 live births were included in the final analysis and were allocated to the study groups according to parity: primipara (n = 273) and multipara (n = 122). After adjustment for potential confounding factors, multiparity was found to be significantly associated with delayed villous maturation (OR 4.9; 95% CI 1.2-19.8) and primiparity was significantly associated with maternal vascular malperfusion (OR 0.6; 95% CI 0.3-0.8). We showed that parity has an impact on placental histopathological changes which in turn may affect perinatal outcome.

Endometrioma increases the risk of antibiotic treatment failure and surgical intervention in patients with pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in patients with endometriosis with and without ovarian endometrioma. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: A single university-affiliated tertiary center. PATIENT(S): A total of 116 patients with endometriosis hospitalized because of PID between the years 2011-2021. Fifty-nine patients with an ovarian endometrioma component were compared with 57 patients with endometriosis without endometrioma. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was severe PID defined as the need for surgical intervention or drainage. Secondary outcomes included tubo-ovarian abscess, number of hospitalization days, a positive cervical bacterial culture or urine sexually trasmitted disease polymerase chain reaction (STD PCR) test, and readmission because of partially treated or relapsing PID. RESULT(S): PID in patients with endometrioma was found less likely to respond to antibiotic treatment with increased risk for surgical intervention or drainage compared with endometriosis patients without endometrioma (adjusted odds ratio, 3.5; confidence interval, 1.25-9.87). On admission, patients with endometrioma were older (26.5 vs. 31.0) and less likely to have an intrauterine device (19.3% vs. 5.1%) compared with patients without endometrioma. The rate of the tubo-ovarian abscess (52.5% vs. 19.3%) was significantly higher in patients with endometrioma. Readmission rate, positive bacterial culture, and hospitalization duration were higher in the endometrioma group; however, they did not reach statistical significance. Recent oocyte retrieval and patient's age were not associated with an increased risk of severe PID. CONCLUSION(S): Endometrioma patients with PID are less likely to respond to antibiotic treatment and present a higher risk for surgical intervention.

Methods of induction of labor after cesarean with no prior vaginal delivery-Perinatal outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between the method of induction of labor (IOL) and perinatal outcomes, among women undergoing labor after cesarean (LAC) with no prior vaginal delivery. METHOD: A retrospective study including all women with no prior vaginal delivery undergoing IOL for LAC between March 2011 and January 2021. Oxytocin administration following prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM), oxytocin administration only, extra-amniotic balloon, and amniotomy were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 363 women met the inclusion criteria: extra-amniotic balloon (157, 43.3%), oxytocin following PROM (95, 26.2%), amniotomy (72, 19.8%), and oxytocin (39, 10.7%). LAC success rate did not differ among study groups (P = 0.114), varying between 62.1% and 79.5%. There were three uterine ruptures (0.8%) in the entire cohort. The rate of uterine rupture, postpartum hemorrhage, and the composite of both were similar in all study groups. Neonatal outcomes did not differ between study groups, with composite adverse neonatal outcomes varying between 7.4% in the oxytocin following PROM to 1.9% in the extra-amniotic balloon group (P = 0.141). The following factors were independently associated with LAC success: taller maternal height, lower body mass index, earlier gestational age, and epidural analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: All examined IOL methods with an unfavorable cervix carried similar outcomes. The clinical practice should be individualized.

Outcome of subsequent pregnancies post uterine rupture in previous delivery: A case series, a review, and recommendations for appropriate management.

OBJECTIVES: To provide clinicians with concrete solutions on the best management of and counseling for patients in a subsequent pregnancy following uterine rupture. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients treated between 2005 and 2020 at Sheba Medical Center was conducted. All patients who had undergone a complete uterine rupture and subsequently had a full-term pregnancy were included. A literature review was conducted using Pubmed database and including previously published literature reviews. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with subsequent pregnancies following uterine rupture were included in our cohort. Mean interval between rupture and subsequent pregnancy was 3.8 years (range 2.2-6.9 years). One patient had repeat uterine rupture of less than 2 cm at 36+5 weeksof pregnancy. A total of 17 studies were selected in this literature review, including a total of 774 pregnancies in 635 patients. The risk of repeated uterine rupture was 8.0% (62/774), ranging from 0% to 37.5%. Overall, the risk of maternal death was of 0.6% (4/635), with only four cases reported in three studies. CONCLUSION: The risk of recurrence after uterine rupture is significant but should not prevent patients from conceiving.

Ectopic first pregnancy treated by methotrexate versus salpingectomy-Maternal and perinatal outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To study obstetric outcomes of a second pregnancy among women with a first ectopic pregnancy (EP) treated with methotrexate compared with laparoscopic salpingectomy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study including all women with a first EP and a following pregnancy that concluded by delivery at ≥24 weeks of gestation between March 2011 and April 2021. Second pregnancy outcomes were compared between women treated with methotrexate and those treated with salpingectomy in their first pregnancy. RESULTS: Overall, 125 women were included, of which 64 (51.2%) were treated with methotrexate and 61 (48.8%) were treated with salpingectomy. In women treated with salpingectomy, the proportion of women conceiving by in vitro fertilization and those with measured gestational sac diameter or ß-subunit human chorionic gonadotropin was higher. The proportion of women conceiving by in vitro fertilization in their second pregnancy was higher in the salpingectomy group (55.2% versus 18.0%, P < 0.001). All maternal and neonatal outcomes were similar in both groups. The rate of low birth weight < 2500 g was 7.8% in the methotrexate group versus 18% in the salpingectomy group (P = 0.111). CONCLUSION: Maternal and neonatal outcomes of a second pregnancy among women treated for EP in their first pregnancy are similar in women treated by methotrexate and those treated by salpingectomy.

Hysteroscopicmetroplasty as a treatment option for women with congenital dysmorphic uterus suffering from impaired reproductive performance.

Congenital uterine anomalies have been proven to be associated with impaired reproductive performance. The 2013 ESHRE-ESGE classification of female genital tract malformations defines T shaped and infantalis uterus as dysmorphic uterus. Our aim was to examine whether the reproductive performance of patients with primary congenital dysmorphic uterus can be improved using hysteroscopic metroplasty. A retrospective cohort study of 35 patients suffering from 1 year of failed attempts to conceive, recurrent early pregnancy losses, or repeated implantation failures of in vitro fertilization cycles who were diagnosed with a dysmorphic uterus in both a diagnostic hysteroscopy procedure and three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVS). All patients had undergone an operative hysteroscopic procedure for uterine anomaly repair and their reproductive performance is described before and after the procedure, so that the women acted as their own control. Within 3 years of the procedure, a total of 25 patients (71.4%) reported that they had achieved a pregnancy. A total of 15% of patients only conceived for the first time after the procedure, 15 patients (42.9%) conceived within 6 months and 18 (51.4%) within 1 year. A total of 12 of the 25 pregnant patients (48%) gave birth to a live newborn. We conclude that in non-DES exposed patients with impaired reproductive performance and congenital dysmorphic uterus, hysteroscopic metroplasty for uterine repair could serve as a treatment option for recurrent implantation failure, and may lead to improved reproductive performance and obstetric outcome.

Feasibility and Learning Curve of Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Hysterectomy and Uterosacral Ligament Suspension in Apical Compartment Prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe our experience with transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) uterosacral ligament suspension (USLS) and to evaluate the learning curve of mastering the skills to operate this procedure. METHODS: This is a prospective study of the first 35 vNOTES hysterectomy and USLS surgeries performed between October 2018 and April 2019 at Rambam Health Care Campus (Israel) (n = 26) and Imelda Hospital (Belgium) (n = 9). The primary outcome was surgical time. Secondary outcomes included intraoperative bleeding, length of hospitalization, pain during the first 24 hours postoperative pain, and the need for analgesia, intraoperative, and postoperative adverse events. RESULTS: The median age was 55 years (range, 40-81). The median operative time was 113 minutes (range, 89-233). For the procedures performed at Rambam, total operative time decreased from the first 13 to the following 13: from 149 minutes (range, 89-233 minutes) to 103 (89-170) (<0.001); Pearson correlation demonstrated a moderate negative significant correlation of surgery duration with surgeon experience (rho = -0.445, P < 0.001). The median estimated blood loss was 30 mL (20-200). The median hospital stay was 2 days (1-3). There were no intraoperative adverse events. The median visual analogue scale score for pain assessment during the first 24 hours after surgery was 1 (range, 1-3). CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES USLS is a feasible procedure that showed marked improvement in surgical performance in a short period, as evidenced by the decrease in surgical time and the low rate of minor associated perioperative complications. Outcomes of long-term follow-up should be investigated.

Optimal Isthmocele Management: Hysteroscopic, Laparoscopic, or Combination.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the hysteroscopic and laparoscopic repair of isthmocele. DATA SOURCES: A thorough search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed. (PROSPERO registration number CRD42020190668). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Studies from the last 20 years that addressed isthmocele repair were collected. Both authors screened for study eligibility and extracted data. All prospective and retrospective studies of more than 10 women were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The initial search identified 666 articles (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart) (see Supplemental Fig.). We excluded duplicates, case reports, reviews, video articles, and technique articles. We also excluded studies describing only laparotomy or vaginal repair as these were not in the scope of this review. A total of 31 articles met the inclusion criteria, 21 for hysteroscopic resection and 13 for laparoscopic or combined repair (4 articles tested both modalities and appear in both Tables 1 and 2).For abnormal uterine bleeding, hysteroscopic remodeling relived symptoms in 60% to 100% of cases and laparoscopy in 78% to 94%. Secondary infertility was not evaluated in all studies. After hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment, 46% to 100% and 37.5% to 90% of those who wished to conceive became pregnant, after the procedure, respectively. Pain and dysmenorrhea seem to be uncommon. All studies that tested improvement of pain had fewer than 10 women. However, between 66% and 100% of women who complain of pain or dysmenorrhea will note a marked improvement to full resolution. CONCLUSION: Patients with an isthmocele or cesarean scar defect are usually asymptomatic. For symptomatic women, a repair is a valid option. For those with residual myometrial thickness >2 to 3 mm, hysteroscopic remodeling is the modality of choice with an improvement in abnormal uterine bleeding, secondary infertility, and pain. Women with a residual myometrial thickness <2- to 3-mm laparoscopic repair with simultaneous hysteroscopic guidance show similar results. Because available data are limited, no cutoff for the correct choice between hysteroscopy and laparoscopy can be concluded. We recommend 2.5 mm as the cutoff value based on common practice and expert opinion, although no significance between hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment was shown.

Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) for prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) is an important option for reducing the risk of developing ovarian and fallopian tube cancers in women with a hereditary ovarian cancer syndrome. Conventional laparoscopy is generally preferable since it is associated with less morbidity compared to laparotomy. Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (vNOTES) is an emerging surgical approach that offers several advantages over conventional laparoscopy including reduced postoperative pain, low rate of surgical site infections, fast patient recuperation and better cosmetic outcome [1-6]. The objective of this video is to demonstrate a surgical technique for vNOTES BSO. METHODS: This is a Stepwise demonstration of the vNOTES for prophylactic BSO with narrated video footage. The diameter of Alexis is 7 cm and we used the GelPOINT V-path transvaginal access platform (Applied Medical, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA). RESULTS: A 52-year-old carrier of BRCA1 mutation. The patient was selected to be operated on via a vaginal port. The video presents some tips and tricks to aid the surgeon to perform this surgery in a safe and timely manner, using the vaginal GEL POINT system and vNOTES technique. CONCLUSIONS: vNOTES for prophylactic BSO via a vaginal port is a feasible technique with promising cosmetic results. This technique allows surgeon to expose the ureter well and lower the risk of ureteric injury. Additionally, this approach avoids abdominal wall vessels injury associated with the trocar insertion. Currently, as a result of certain technical limitations, such as when performing BSO without a hysterectomy, there has been a tendency to employ the vaginal access less frequently. In this video presentation, we demonstrate the feasibility of laparoscopic BSO via vNOTES whilst leaving the uterus intact.

Does the time interval between the diagnosis to hysteroscopic evacuation of retained products of conception affect reproductive outcome?

BACKGROUND: Retained products of conception (RPOC) refer to the presence of placental and/or fetal tissue in the uterus following delivery, miscarriage, or termination of pregnancy. The presence of such tissue might lead to complications, which might be the culprit of secondary infertility. Although some studies have considered the management of symptomatic RPOC, there are no data regarding the management of asymptomatic, incidentally diagnosed RPOC, nor the optimal time for surgical intervention required to prevent adverse reproductive outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine whether the time interval between the pregnancy termination to surgical evacuation of RPOC influences the reproductive outcome in asymptomatic women. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study, which includes women who were admitted for an elective procedure in the gynecology day-care clinic due to suspected RPOC. The diagnosis was made during patients' routine examination following either delivery or miscarriage between the years 2010 and 2018. SETTING: Records of women who were admitted to the day-care gynecology department during the years 2010-2018 for hysteroscopic removal of RPOC. PATIENTS: The patients were divided into three groups, according to the time from desired pregnancy to conception following the procedure (> 6; 3-6 and < 3 months). Data regarding obstetric history prior to the procedure was retrieved from patients' clinical files, while data concerning reproductive outcome following the procedure was obtained by telephone questionnaires. INTERVENTION: Data regarding obstetric history prior to the procedure was retrieved from patients' clinical files, while data concerning reproductive outcome following the procedure was obtained by telephone questionnaires. MEASUREMENTS: 75 patients whose reproductive outcome could be analyzed were included in the study. The time interval between the end of pregnancy and surgical intervention was analyzed as a continuous variable and was compared between the three groups, together with parameters such as age and obstetric history. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The main finding of the present study is that the time interval between the end of pregnancy and surgical evacuation of the asymptomatic, incidentally diagnosed RPOC, has no significant implication on patients' reproductive outcomes.

Modified colpocleisis for repair of pelvic organ prolapse post-radical cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Since the era of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, complications of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) post-radical cystectomy have become more common; however, the exact incidence is not documented in the literature. The objective was to repair post-radical cystectomy POP, despite the lack of endopelvic fascia normally needed for this type of repair. METHODS: Three patients aged 60 to 80 had symptomatic POP (of all three compartments: apical, anterior, and posterior) following radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion, and no interest in maintaining their coital abilities. Two of the three women were status post-hysterectomy. Colpocleisis, which is known to have a success rate of almost 100%, was performed on the first two patients, with a recurrence of the prolapse shortly after this correction (2-4 months), probably due to the lack of endopelvic fascia. Following the failure of the procedure, a side-to-side closure of the vagina was performed. The latter was the procedure of choice performed on the third patient. We present a video clip of the vaginal closure to demonstrate the procedure performed. RESULTS: Repair was successful in all three cases, with no relapse to date (4 months post-surgery). CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the vaginal canal successfully treated POP in our case series. There were no intra- or postoperative complications in any of the cases. Patients were discharged the following day and did not show any signs of recurrence at follow-up (3, 5, and 6 months post-surgery).

Progesterone treatment enhances the expansion of placental immature myeloid cells in a mouse model of premature labor.

INTRODUCTION: immature-myeloid cells (IMCs) are proangiogenic bone marrow (BM)-derived cells that normally differentiate into inflammatory cells such as neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs). We characterized placental IMCs comparing their gene expression and subpopulations to tumor IMCs, and tested our hypothesis that progesterone that inhibits preterm labor, may affect their abundance and differentiation. METHODS: differences between IMC-subpopulations in subcutaneous tumors versus placentas in C57BL/6 or ICR (CD-1) mice were analyzed by flow cytometry and gene expression was detected by microarrays. BM- and placental cells were incubated with or without progesterone and IMC subpopulations were analyzed. For preterm labor induction pregnant mice pretreated or not with progesterone were or were not treated with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS). RESULTS: we detected enrichment of granulocytic-IMCs in placentas compared to tumors, paralleled by a decrease in monocytic-IMCs. mRNA expression of placenta- versus tumor IMCs revealed profound transcriptional alterations. Progesterone treated BM-CD11b+ cells ex-vivo induced enrichment of granulocytic-IMCs and a decrease in monocytic-IMCs and DCs. LPS treatment in-vivo led to an increase in BM-IMCs in both progesterone pretreated or non-pretreated mice. In the placenta LPS decreased the IMC population while progesterone led to complete abrogation of this effect. DISCUSSION: placental IMCs differ from tumor-IMCs in both subpopulations and gene expression. Progesterone enhances the proliferation of placenta-specific granulocytic IMCs ex-vivo and LPS induced labor is accompanied by a decrease in placental IMCs only in progesterone non-pretreated mice. We thus speculate that the protective effect of progesterone in preventing preterm labor may be explained at least in part by this specific anti-inflammatory effect.

The History of the Low Transverse Cesarean Section: The Pivotal Role of Munro Kerr.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean section has undergone a transformation that has radically changed the prognosis of both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. The attributed mortality rate of Cesarean section during the 19th century was over 50% worldwide. Today, mortality from Cesarean delivery is rare. However, the technique of transversely incising the uterus in its lower uterine segment, although less than a century old, is passed on from instructor to apprentice, often without either of them being aware of its noble history. In this brief review, we discuss the reported history regarding this incision and the significant role played by John Munro Kerr.

Surgical Technique for Robot-assisted Sacrocolpopexy Performed via a Single Port.

OBJECTIVE: Sacrocolpopexy is considered the gold standard for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This procedure was the first technique used to treat POP with robotic assistance and has gone a long way since the open procedure was introduced. Originally, 5 trocars were inserted and there remained issues in terms of scarring, morcellation, and possibly an increased risk of infection. The objective of this video was to demonstrate a surgical technique and a few tips and tricks for a robot-assisted sacrocolpopexy performed via a single port in the umbilicus. METHODS: Since July 2015, women with symptomatic uterine prolapse were selected to be operated on by a single surgeon via a single robotic port. The video presents some tips and tricks to aid the surgeon to perform this surgery in a safe and timely manner, using da Vinci S or Si system. CONCLUSION: Robotically assisted laparoscopic repair of POP by sacrocolpopexy via a single port is a feasible technique with promising cosmetic results. This technique avoids morcellation and should also decrease the risk of infection because of the lower number of incisions.

GnRH-agonist triggering for final oocyte maturation in GnRH-antagonist IVF cycles induces decreased LH pulse rate and amplitude in early luteal phase: a possible luteolysis mechanism.

The use of GnRH agonist to trigger final oocyte maturation in GnRH-antagonist in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles has been shown to significantly reduce or even eliminate the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) by inducing rapid luteolysis early in the luteal phase. The exact mechanism of this early luteolysis is still widely unknown. Since luteinizing hormone (LH) has a major role in corpus luteum support, we sought to explore the pattern of LH secretion early in the luteal phase. Ten high risk patients for developing OHSS and triggered with GnRH agonist were included. Frequent blood sampling (every 20 min for 6 h) to measure LH, estradiol and progesterone was done on the day of oocyte collection (n = 5, Group 1) and on the day of embryo transfer, 48 h after oocyte collection (n = 5, Group 2). We found that the mean LH concentration and its secretion rate decreased significantly in Group 2 compared to Group 1. Both groups had similar number of LH pulses characterized by very small amplitude. In Group 2, there was a steady significant decrease in estradiol and progesterone over time. The results of this study show that LH secretion deviates significantly from normal physiologic pattern, which can explain, at least in part, the post-GnRH-agonist trigger early luteolysis mechanism.

The effects of oxytocin and atosiban on the modulation of heart rate in pregnant women.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate autonomic modulation of heart rate in pregnant women treated with oxytocin to induce labor and with atosiban (an oxytocin antagonist) to arrest preterm labor. METHODS: A prospective study with two cohorts: 14 pregnant women treated with atosiban for premature uterine contractions, and 28 women undergoing induction of labor with oxytocin. Computerized analyses of the electrocardiogram were performed with spectral and nonlinear dynamic analyses. RESULTS: Atosiban did not alter any of the variables associated with heart rate variability, whereas oxytocin showed a dose-dependent decrease in heart rate (p < 0.05) and a significant increase in all spectral variables studied (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Atosiban has no adverse effects on the cardiovascular system or the modulation of heart rate. Oxytocin, on the other hand, can cause a dose-dependent bradycardic effect and an increase in the spectral power, thus should be used with caution in certain pregnant women.