Medical treatment for early pregnancy loss following in vitro fertilization compared to spontaneous pregnancies.

BACKGROUND: Misoprostol is a well-studied medical treatment for early pregnancy loss (EPL), with success rates ranging between 70 and 90%. However, treatment failure is associated with major patient discomfort, including the need for surgical intervention to evacuate the uterus. It was previously reported that medical treatment was especially successful among women who conceived after in vitro fertilization (IVF). We aimed to study if there is a difference in rates of medical treatment failures for EPL between pregnancies conceived by IVF and spontaneous pregnancies. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included all women who underwent medical treatment for EPL at our institute between 07/2015 and 12/2020. Treatment outcome was compared between IVF and spontaneous pregnancies. Treatment failure was defined as a need for surgical intervention, namely, dilation & curettage (D&C) and/or hysteroscopy, due to retained products of conception, which was defined as a gestational sac or endometrial thickness greater than 15 mm in a TVS scan. RESULTS: Overall, 775 patients were included, of which 195 (169/775 = 25.1%) ultimately required surgical intervention. There was no difference between the study groups in the rate of treatment failure. However, among IVF pregnancies, the rate of emergency D&C was lower (3.6% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.001), compared to spontaneous group. CONCLUSION: In cases of medical treatment for EPL, IVF pregnancies had no differences in rates of treatment failure compared to spontaneous pregnancies. That being said, IVF pregnancies have lower chances to undergo emergency D&C, compared to spontaneous pregnancies.

Failure Rate of Medical Treatment for Miscarriage Correlated with the Difference between Gestational Age According to Last Menstrual Period and Gestational Size Calculated via Ultrasound.

Objective: To study whether the interval between gestational age calculated using the last menstrual period (GA-LMP) and gestational age calculated via ultrasound (GA-US) is correlated with the success rate of medical treatment in cases of miscarriages. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted in a gynecology unit in a tertiary medical center. Women who underwent medical treatment with Misoprostol for miscarriage at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center between 07/2015 and 12/2020 were included. Incomplete or septic miscarriages, multiple pregnancies, patients with irregular periods, and cases of missing data were excluded. Failure of medical treatment was defined as the need for surgical intervention due to a retained gestational sac, severe bleeding or retained products of conception. The cohort study was divided into two groups: patients with successful treatment and patients for whom surgical intervention was eventually needed. We performed both a univariate and multivariate analysis in order to identify whether a correlation between GA-LMP and GA-US interval is indeed a factor in the success rate of a medical abortion. Results: Overall, 778 patients were included in the study. From this cohort 582 (74.9%) had undergone a successful medical treatment, while 196 (25.1%) required surgical intervention due to the failure of medical treatment, as defined above. The GA-LMP to GA-US interval (in weeks) was 2.6 ± 1.4 in the success group, while the GA in the failure group was 3.1 ± 1.6 (p < 0.001). After performing a multivariant regression analysis, we were able to show that the GA-LMP to GA-US interval was found to be independently correlated with an increase in the treatment failure rate (aOR = 1.24, CI 95% (1.01-1.51), p = 0.03). Conclusions: In cases of miscarriage, longer GA-LMP to GA-US interval has been shown to be an independently correlated factor to lower success rate of the medical treatment option.

Surgical intervention after medical treatment for early pregnancy loss according to gestational size.

OBJECTIVE: To study the rate of surgical intervention for unsuccessful medical treatment in early pregnancy loss (EPL), according to gestational size by ultrasound (GS-US). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. All women who were treated with misoprostol for EPL between July 2015 and December 2020 were included. The cohort was divided according to GS-US: group 1: gestational sac without an embryonic pole; group 2: an embryonic pole with crown-rump length (CRL) compatible with <7 weeks; group 3: CRL compatible with 7+0 -7+6 weeks; group 4: CRL compatible with 8+0 -8+6 weeks; group 5: CRL compatible with ≥9 weeks. We compared the rate of any surgical intervention due to treatment failure. RESULTS: Overall, 783 patients were included: group 1, 236 (30.1%); group 2, 319 (40.7%); group 3, 115 (14.7%); group 4, 78 (10.0%); and group 5, 35 (5.0%) patients. The rate of any surgical intervention was significantly lower in groups 1-4 (54, 22.9%; 85, 26.6%; 28, 24.3%; and 22, 28.2%, respectively) compared with group 5 (17, 48.6%; P = 0.030). On multivariant analysis, GS-US greater than 9 weeks was independently associated with the need for surgical intervention (adjusted odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.51; P = 0.040). CONCLUSION: When treating EPL medically, GS-US greater than 9 weeks increases the risk of undergoing additional surgical intervention compared with younger weeks.

The effect of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal anesthesia on post laparoscopic pain: a randomized controlled trial.

A few modes of perioperative local analgesia have been studied in order to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopy, including preemptive local anesthetics in the trocar sites and intraperitoneal anesthetics administration at the end of the surgery. However, the evidence regarding their efficacy are conflicting. In addition, the combination of both aforementioned methods has been rarely studied. Our aim was to evaluate whether subcutaneous trocar site and/or intraperitoneal analgesia reduce pain after gynecologic operative laparoscopy. This was a single-centered, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. The patients were randomly assigned to one of four equally sized groups: group 1-subcutaneous and intraperitoneal analgesia; group 2-subcutaneous analgesia and intraperitoneal placebo; group 3-subcutaneous placebo and intraperitoneal analgesia; Group 4-subcutaneous and intraperitoneal placebo. The patients, the surgeons, and the pain evaluators were all blinded to the patient's allocation. Included were patients who underwent elective operative laparoscopy. Exclusion criteria were: active infection, pregnancy, known sensitivity to Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride, chronic pelvic pain, surgeries with additional vaginal procedures, conversion to laparotomy, and malignancy. A total of 9 ml of Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride (Marcaine) 0.5%, or Sodium-Chloride 0.9%, as a placebo, were injected subcutaneously to the trocar sites (3 ml to each trocar site), prior to skin incision. In addition, 10 ml of Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride 0.5%, diluted with 40 ml of Sodium-Chloride 0.9% (a total of 50 ml solution), or 50 ml of Sodium-Chloride 0.9%, as a placebo, were injected intraperitoneally at the end of the surgery. By utilizing the 10 cm Visual-analogue-scale (VAS) we assessed post-operative pain at rest at 3, 8, and 24 h, and during ambulation at 8 and 24 h. The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov. We conformed to the CONSORT recommendations. Between December 2016 and July 2019, a total of 119 patients were included in the study. Demographic and interventional characteristics were similar among the groups. The level of postoperative pain, either at rest or with change of position, was not significantly different between the groups, at all-time points. Application of subcutaneous and/or intraperitoneal analgesia is not effective in reducing pain after gynecologic operative laparoscopy.Clinical trial identification number: NCT02976571. Date of trial registration 11/29/2016. URL of the registration site: https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Reproductive outcome after early pregnancy loss treated with misoprostol versus surgical aspiration.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Does long-term reproductive outcome after early pregnancy loss (EPL) differ between women who are treated with misoprostol and surgical aspiration. DESIGN: A historic cohort study of all women who were diagnosed with early pregnancy loss (≤12 weeks), in a single medical centre, between September 2016 and August 2017, was conducted. The women were treated with either misoprostol or surgical aspiration according to their own preferences. Women who were lost to follow-up or did not attempt to conceive again were excluded. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative pregnancy rate within 12 months from intervention. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable between women who received misoprostol (n = 163) and women who underwent surgical aspiration (n = 122). Women who received misoprostol had a higher rate of interventions for retained products of conception (11.0% versus 3.3%, respectively; P = 0.015). The misoprostol and the surgical aspiration groups did not differ in rate of repeated miscarriages (17.8% versus 21.3%, respectively; P = 0.45), or pregnancy rate within 6 months (58.3% versus 50.0%, respectively; P = 0.16), 12 months (78.5% versus 78.7%, respectively; P = 0.97) and 24 months (92.0% versus 91.8%, respectively; P = 0.94). Live birth rate within 24 months was comparable (62.0% versus 58.2%, respectively; P = 0.52), as well as gestational age at birth (38.5 versus 38.6 weeks, respectively; P = 0.81) and birthweight (3295 versus 3161 g, respectively; P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term reproductive outcomes are comparable in women with EPL who are treated with either misoprostol or surgical aspiration. Our findings may help counselling patients facing EPL who have concerns about their future reproduction.

Characteristics and prognosis of borderline ovarian tumors in pre and postmenopausal patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient characteristics, imaging results, surgical management and prognosis of borderline ovarian tumors (BOT) between pre and postmenopausal patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort of all cases of histologically verified BOT between 1990-2018, comparing presentation, imaging, surgical procedures and recurrence. Patients were included in the postmenopausal group if they reported 12 months of amenorrhea with or without menopausal symptoms. RESULTS: During this 28 year study period, 66 operations were performed in which BOT was confirmed. Postmenopausal patients were 37-89 years old and premenopausal patients 18-50 years old, with an average age of 63.9 ± 13.4 and 36.2 ± 8.4 years, respectively (p < 0.001). The majority of patients in both groups were diagnosed due to abdominal pain, followed by incidental diagnosis on routine ultrasound. Imaging and CA-125 levels upon presentation were similar. Almost sixty percent of postmenopausal and 26.3% of premenopausal patients underwent laparotomy (p = 0.01), while those who underwent laparoscopy were 35.7% and 60.5%, respectively (p = 0.03). Most postmenopausal patients underwent bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), whereas premenopausal surgeries involved cystectomy. Nearly all study patients were diagnosed in stage one. Malignant transformation occurred in 7.1% of postmenopausal patients. No malignant transformation was found in premenopausal patients. CONCLUSION: BOT's present similarly in pre and postmenopausal patients. Postmenopausal patients undergo more extensive surgery, and are diagnosed in early stage disease. Despite a tendency for a more conservative approach in premenopausal patients, prognosis is similar in both groups.

Clinical Characteristics of Women with Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsion Compared with Adnexal Torsion.

BACKGROUND: Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare gynecological entity and its diagnosis is challenging. OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical characteristics, sonographic findings, surgical management, and outcomes of women with surgically verified IFTT compared to those diagnosed with adnexal torsion. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study in a university hospital was conducted. Thirty-four women with surgically verified IFTT between March 1991 and June 2017 were compared to 333 women diagnosed with adnexal torsion within the same time period. RESULTS: Both groups presented primarily with abdominal pain, which lasted longer prior to admission among the IFTT group (46.8 ± 39.0 vs. 30.0 ± 39.4 hours, P < 0.001). Higher rates of abdominal tenderness with or without peritoneal signs were found in the adnexal torsion group (90.3% vs. 70.6%, P < 0.001). Sonographic findings were similar; however, an increased rate of hydrosalpinx was found among the IFTT group (5.9% vs. 0.0%, P = 0.008). Suspected adnexal torsion was the main surgical indication in only 61.8% of IFTT cases compared with 79.0% in the adnexal torsion group (P = 0.02). Salpingectomy with or without cystectomy was more commonly performed in the IFTT group (35.3% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001). The leading pathological findings among the IFTT group were hydrosalpinx and paraovarian cysts. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical signs and symptoms of IFTT and adnexal torsion are similar. Although sonographic imaging demonstrating a paraovarian cyst or hydrosalpinx may be helpful in diagnosing IFTT, it is rarely done preoperatively.

Comparison of Emergent and Elective Surgeries of Endometriomas: Is Adnexal Torsion a Concern?

BACKGROUND: When a woman with an endometrioma presents with acute abdominal pain, it is unclear whether ovarian torsion should be suspected. OBJECTIVES: To compare patient characteristics, imaging results, and surgical management of endometriomas in elective versus emergent surgeries. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women treated at our institution during the period 1990-2015 who presented with histologically verified endometrioma and who underwent either planned surgery or emergent surgery due to suspected adnexal torsion. RESULTS: Of 225 surgeries performed, 174 were elective and 51 emergent. Patients in the emergent group were significantly younger (33.9 ± 11.1 vs. 39.01 ± 10.9 years, P = 0.004). Abdominal pain was the main complaint of all the emergent surgery patients and the leading complaint in 21% of the elective surgery patients (P < 0.001), with right-sided predominance in both groups. Sonographic parameters were similar in both groups. Bilateral ovarian cysts were noted in 11.7% and 11.0% of emergent and elective patients, respectively (P = 0.87). Laboratory evaluation was notable for a higher white blood cell count and CA125 levels among emergent patients. All patients in the emergent group and 93% of patients in the elective group were managed laparoscopically. No cases of torsion were noted. The rate of intra-pelvic adhesions was similar in both groups (56.8% vs. 66.6%, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Endometrioma may present with acute abdominal pain. However, adnexal torsion in these patients is rare. These cases can be managed using a minimally invasive approach, assuming an optimal surgical setting.

Clinical and Sonographic Findings in Suspected Retained Trophoblast: Correlation with Histological Findings.

BACKGROUND: Different clinical and sonographic parameters have been suggested to identify patients with retained products of conception. In suspected cases, the main treatment is hysteroscopic removal. OBJECTIVES: To compare clinical, sonographic, and intraoperative findings in cases of hysteroscopy for retained products of conception, according to histology. METHODS: The results of operative hysteroscopies that were conducted between 2011 and 2016 for suspected retained products of conception were evaluated. Material was obtained and evaluated histologically. The positive histology group (n=178) included cases with confirmed trophoblastic material. The negative histology group (n=26) included cases with non-trophoblastic material. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar in the groups, and both underwent operative hysteroscopy an average of 7 to 8 weeks after delivery/abortion. A history of vaginal delivery was more common among the positive histology group. The main presenting symptom in all study patients was vaginal bleeding, and the majority of cases were diagnosed at their routine postpartum/abortion follow-up visit. Sonographic parameters were similar in the groups. Intraoperatively, the performing surgeon was significantly more likely to identify true trophoblastic tissue as such than to correctly identify non-trophoblastic tissue (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Suspected retained trophoblastic material cannot be accurately differentiated from non-trophoblastic material according to clinical, sonographic, and intraprocedural criteria. Thus, hysteroscopy seems warranted in suspected cases.

Pregnancies Following Hysteroscopic Removal of Retained Products of Conception after Delivery Versus Abortion.

AIM: To compare clinical variables, sonographic findings and pregnancy outcomes following the hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception (RPOC) after delivery and abortion. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort of operative hysteroscopies performed between 2011 and 2015 for suspected RPOC, during which trophoblastic tissue was obtained. Patient demographics, clinical presentation, sonographic evaluation, subsequent infertility and pregnancy outcomes were compared between post-delivery (n = 85) and post-abortion (n = 93) cases. RESULTS: The main presenting symptom in both study groups was vaginal bleeding. On sonographic evaluation, maximal endometrial thickness was significantly higher in the post-delivery group, while irregularity and increased flow were more common in the post-abortion group. There was a similar rate of deliveries following hysteroscopy in both groups with 40% in the post-delivery group and 39.7% in the post-abortion group. Deliveries in the post-delivery group were characterized by a higher rate of abnormal placentation - 30.5% - including low lying placenta and placenta accreta. A significant rate of vaginal deliveries in both groups entailed manual removal of the placenta or exploration of the uterine cavity (23.5 and 10.5%, p = 0.20). CONCLUSION: Pregnancies following RPOC after delivery entail a higher rate of abnormal placentation.

Hysterscopic Resection of Premalignant and Malignant Endometrial Polyps: Is it a Safe Alternative to Hysterectomy?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The standard treatment of endometrial cancer (EC) and complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) is hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. In the last decade several centers have attempted to perform hysteroscopic resection of malignant and premalignant polyps as an alternative to hysterectomy. In the present study we evaluated the safety of this procedure in regard to residual uterine pathology. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Women (n = 1766) who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy during the years 1998 to 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with CAH and endometrioid type EC in the removed polyps who underwent hysterectomy were included in the study. Patients with nonendometrioid pathology were excluded. The operative and pathologic reports of the hysteroscopy and hysterectomy procedures were revised. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-three women (2.4%) were diagnosed with premalignant and malignant polyps: 21 with EC and 22 with CAH. Thirty-four women (79.0%) underwent hysterectomy and were included in the study group. The median age was 62 years (range, 35-83). Most women (79.4%) presented with postmenopausal bleeding or menorrhagia. In 13 patients (38.2%) more than 1 polyp was removed. The median size of the polyps was 2 cm (range, 1-4). In 27 women there were no other visible endometrial findings during the hysteroscopy except for the removed polyp. However, in 24 women (88.9%) residual CAH or EC was present in the hysterectomy specimen, mostly (55.6%) as multifocal lesions. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity and polyp resection are not enough for the eradication of premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions. This alternative should be reserved for well-selected cases such as for fertility preservation and for patient with surgical risk factors that after the hysteroscopic polypectomy will receive further medical treatment.

Ovarian reserve following cesarean section with salpingectomy vs tubal ligation: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial ovarian cancer is assumed to derive from the fallopian tube. Salpingectomy has been previously demonstrated to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and may be used as a means of sterilization. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare short-term ovarian reserve and operative complications in cases of salpingectomy and tubal ligation during cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: Study patients who underwent elective cesarean section at our institution and requested sterilization were randomized to bilateral salpingectomy or tubal ligation. Prior to surgery, blood samples were obtained for antimüllerian hormone. Surgical course was noted, including overall time, complications, and postoperative hemoglobin. Repeat antimüllerian hormone samples were obtained from patients 6-8 weeks following surgery. RESULTS: In all, 46 patients were recruited for participation, of whom 33 completed a follow-up visit, and for whom repeat antimüllerian hormone levels were available. Patients in the salpingectomy group were slightly older (37.0 ± 3.9 vs 34.3 ± 4.1 years, P = .02). No differences were noted in patient parity, body mass index, or gestational age between the groups. Pregnancy and postdelivery antimüllerian hormone levels were not significantly different between the groups, with an average increase of 0.58 ± 0.98 vs 0.39 ± 0.41 ng/mL in the salpingectomy and tubal ligation groups, respectively (P = .45). Surgeries including salpingectomy were longer by an average 13 minutes (66.0 ± 20.5 vs 52.3 ± 15.8 minutes, P = .01). No difference was demonstrated between the groups regarding surgical complications and postoperative hemoglobin decrease. CONCLUSION: Sterilization by salpingectomy appears to be as safe as tubal ligation regarding operative complications and subsequent ovarian reserve. As salpingectomy offers the advantage of cancer risk reduction, it may be offered in the settings of elective preplanned surgeries.

Different routes of misoprostol for cervical priming in first trimester surgical abortions: a randomized blind trial.

PURPOSE: To compare effectiveness and patient satisfaction of different routes of misoprostol for short-term (same day) cervical priming in first trimester surgical abortions. METHODS: In a blind randomized trial, patients undergoing surgical abortion at a gestational age of 6 + 0-14 + 6 were administered oral, vaginal, or sub-lingual 400 mcg misoprostol, 1.5 to 4 h prior to procedure. Surgeons blinded to patient allocation evaluated cervical priming. The primary outcome was initial cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes were cervical consistency, ease of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. RESULTS: From July 2015 through May 2016, 120 patients were randomized as follows: 40 to oral, 40 to vaginal, and 40 to sublingual misoprostol administration. No differences were noted in patient age, gestational age, curettage indication (termination/delayed miscarriage), past vaginal delivery, and administration to procedure interval. Initial cervical dilatation was similar between the groups, as were cervical consistency and ease of dilation. Patients noted the greatest discomfort and side effects with sublingual administration. The followings were found to be independently associated with cervical dilatation in a linear regression analysis: sublingual administration, gestational age, missed abortion, and previous vaginal delivery. Side effects and administration to procedure interval were found non-significant. CONCLUSION: The same day cervical priming for first trimester surgical abortion is similarly achieved with all routes of misoprostol administration. In cases of termination of pregnancy with no prior vaginal delivery, sublingual administration may be considered, but entails a higher rate of side effects and patient discomfort.

Different Routes of Misoprostol for Same-Day Cervical Priming Prior to Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Blinded Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of and patient satisfaction with different routes of misoprostol administration for short-term cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy. DESIGN: Randomized blinded trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive 400 µg of misoprostol administered orally (n = 40), vaginally (n = 40), or sublingually (n = 40) for cervical priming at 1.5 to 4 hours before undergoing operative hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes included cervical consistency, ease of dilation and time of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. No differences were noted among the 3 groups in terms of patient age, parity, previous vaginal delivery, menopausal status, and time interval from preparation to procedure. Patients in the 3 groups reported similar discomfort and side effects. Initial mean cervical dilatation was 6.1 ± 2.0 mm in the oral group, 6.4 ± 2.1 in the vaginal group, and 6.4 ± 1.8 mm in the sublingual group (p = .75). Cervical consistency and ease of dilation were similar among the groups. The mean time of dilation was 37.2 ± 30.6 seconds in the oral group, 31.7 ± 29.0 seconds in the vaginal group, and 31.5 ± 21.7 seconds in the sublingual group (p = .59). Additional subanalyses according to menopausal status and parity did not demonstrate any differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Same-day cervical priming for operative hysteroscopy is achieved equally with all routes of misoprostol administration, with similar patient satisfaction and side effects.

Surgical treatment of mature cystic teratomas: A comparison of emergent and elective surgeries.

AIM: To compare patient characteristics, imaging and surgical management of mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) according to surgery type - elective versus emergent. METHODS: The study included surgeries performed between 1990 and 2016, during which histologically verified ovarian MCT material was obtained. The elective management group included surgeries performed at a pre-set date or incidental finding of MCT as part of a different surgery. Emergent surgeries were considered as such if performed as a result of suspected adnexal torsion. RESULTS: One hundred ninety two operations in which MCT was confirmed by histology were included: 136 elective, 56 emergent. The majority (88.5%) of study patients were of reproductive age. Patients in the emergent surgery group were significantly younger (27.5 ± 10.2 vs 36 ± 13.8 years, P < 0.001). Sensitivity for dermoid diagnosis was significantly increased among elective surgery patients (65.2% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.02). Laparoscopy was the preferred surgical mode in both study groups. Adnexal torsion was confirmed in 67.8% of emergent surgeries. Conservative surgery, including cystectomy with or without detorsion, was more commonly performed in emergent surgeries (91% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.006). Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without total abdominal hysterectomy was more commonly performed in elective surgery patients (22% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.001). Patient parity, mass size and white blood cell count were independently associated with adnexal torsion. CONCLUSIONS: Adnexal torsion is common among symptomatic patients with MCT and is related to mass size, patient age, past parity and white blood cell count. Most patients with MCT are of reproductive age and thus are treated with a minimally invasive approach.

Clinical characteristics of adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical characteristics of adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients as compared to postmenarchal ones. METHODS: A retrospective 22-year cohort of all cases of surgically verified adnexal torsion in premenarchal and postmenarchal patients (excluding postmenopausal and pregnant patients). Data collected included symptoms, signs and imaging at presentation, surgical mode, and procedure and histology. RESULTS: 16 cases of adnexal torsion among premenarchal patients were compared to 302 cases among postmenarchal ones. Clinical presentation was similar, notable only for more nausea and vomiting among the premenarchal group. Ovarian cysts were more commonly demonstrated among postmenarchal patients (82.4 and 30.8%, p < 0.001), as opposed to a normal adnexal appearance on ultrasound, which was more common in premenarchal patients (69.3 vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001). Absent Doppler flow, when preformed, did not differ statistically between the groups. Laparoscopic detorsion only was more commonly performed in premenarchal patients (56.2 vs. 19.8%, p = 0.001), with a trend for detorsion and cystectomy/fenestration, which were more common in postmenarchal surgeries (25 vs. 50.6%, p = 0.06). Histology was similar among both groups, with no cases of malignancy in premenarchal patients. CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients is rare, presents similarly to older patients, but involves a normal adnexa in 69% of cases, therefore requiring a high index of suspicion in any premenarchal patient with acute onset abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic surgery performed in advanced pregnancy compared to early pregnancy.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and obstetric outcomes of laparoscopic surgeries performed during advanced pregnancy compared to those performed in early pregnancy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy in our institution between 1996 and 2013. RESULTS: We reviewed cases of 117 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic surgery during the study period. There were no conversions to laparotomy. 71 surgeries were performed in the first trimester (group 1, mean gestational age 7.7 ± 1.9 weeks) and 46 were performed in the second and third trimesters (group 2, mean gestational age 18.1 ± 4.3 weeks). More patients in group 1 underwent surgery for suspected adnexal torsion (p < 0.001), while more patients in group 2 underwent surgery for presumptive cholecystitis (p = 0.014) and persistent ovarian mass (p = 0.011). The interval between admission and surgery differed significantly between the groups and was longer in group 2 compared to group 1 (18.2 ± 24.0 vs. 6.8 ± 10.6 h, p = 0.001). No difference was found between the two groups regarding surgical complications, histopathological findings and pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: In our experience, laparoscopic surgery in advanced pregnancy was found to be feasible and safe as in early pregnancy, without any adverse effects on pregnancy outcome.

Clinical characteristics and the risk for malignancy in postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics and management of adnexal torsion in postmenopausal patients as compared to premenopausal ones. METHODS: A retrospective 22 year cohort of all cases of surgically verified adnexal torsion in postmenopausal and premenopausal patients, comparing presentation, imaging, surgical procedure and histology. RESULTS: Thirty five cases of adnexal torsion among postmenopausal patients were compared to 302 cases among premenopausal ones. Complex ovarian masses and larger ovarian diameter were more common among postmenopausal patients (7.8 vs. 6.8 cm, p=0.003). The admission to surgical interval differed substantially between the groups (75.5h in postmenopausal patients vs. 24.4 in the premenopausal ones, p<0.001). The main surgical indication for postmenopausal patients was pelvic mass investigation (54.3% vs 11.6%, p<0.001), and more premenopausal patients underwent surgery with a clinical suspicion of adnexal torsion (77.1% vs. 40%, p<0.001). Extensive surgery including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without total abdominal hysterectomy was more commonly performed in postmenopausal patients, as opposed to conservative surgery, including detorsion and cystectomy/fenestration or detorsion only, in premenopausal surgeries. Cancer was diagnosed in 3% of postmenopausal patients with adnexal torsion. CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion in postmenopausal women is rare, but presents similarly, results in more delayed and extensive surgery and involves malignancy in 3%.

Laminaria vs. vaginal misoprostol for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of vaginal misoprostol and laminaria for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective, randomized trial comparing midnight administration of misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally to midnight placement of laminaria, before surgical abortions among women at 13-20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilation. Secondary outcomes were the need for further dilation, procedure duration and difficulty, immediate complications and side effects. RESULTS: Eighty-four women were randomized, with a median gestational age of 16.5 weeks. The mean time interval between misoprostol and laminaria placement and dilatation and evacuation initiation was 11.0±2.9 and 11.2±2.0h, respectively (p=.17). Cervical dilation was not greater in the laminaria group as compared to the misoprostol group (12.8 vs. 12.4mm, respectively; p=.32). No difference was demonstrated regarding the need for additional dilation or the difficulty of the procedure. Procedures performed after laminaria insertion were 1 min longer (median 11 vs. 10 min, p=.04). Participants found laminaria placement more uncomfortable than vaginal misoprostol placement. Other than pain, additional side effects occurred only in the misoprostol group, primarily nausea and vomiting. One participant in the misoprostol group experienced fetal expulsion during the night before the intended procedure. CONCLUSION: Either vaginal misoprostol or laminaria provides adequate dilation for second-trimester surgical abortion. Laminaria causes more pain at insertion and misoprostol causes more side effects. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT: We found that cervical preparation in an inpatient setting for approximately 11h with misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally is comparable to 11h of laminaria. However, given the potential for spontaneous expulsion and more side effects with misoprostol, laminaria is likely a better general option in such a setting.

Ovarian Pregnancy Following in Vitro Fertilization in a Woman After Bilateral Salpingectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present a rare case of ovarian pregnancy that occurred in a woman who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) after bilateral salpingectomy. The patient presented with abdominal pain and a positive pregnancy test. Ovarian pregnancy was diagnosed owing to a suspicious mass detected on ultrasound. She underwent laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, which was subsequently verified by histopathological examination. The question that comes in mind is: How did the pregnancy get there? After a review of the literature, we have found a few possible explanations for the mechanism of this rare event. This case emphasizes the need for vigilance in suspecting ectopic pregnancy even in women who have undergone salpingectomy.