Effect of Nonionizing Radiation on Progesterone Treatment in Endometrial Hyperplasia: An Experimental Rat Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the negative effect of nonionizing radiation on the treatment of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) with oral progesterone. DESIGN: Forty oophorectomized Wistar Albino female rats were included in this experimental rat study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 4 groups were planned as follows: Group A; sham group; Group B; group receiving oral estradiol hemihydrate 4 mg/kg/day; Group C; 4 mg/kg/day oral estradiol hemihydrate followed with 1 mg/day medroxy progesterone acetate (MPA) and Group D; 4 mg/kg/day oral estradiol hemihydrate followed with 1 mg/day MPA with exposure to nonionizing radiation at 1800 mHz/3 h/day. After the experimental model, uterine horns were sampled and the preparations were evaluated for pathological parameters (glandular density, epithelial cell length, and luminal epithelial cell length) via light microscopy. Nonionizing radiation was created by a signal generator and a compatible mobile phone. RESULTS: Estrogen was found to increase all parameters related to EH (p < 0.05). Progesterone treatment was found to decrease parameters related to EH (Group B vs. C; luminal epithelial cell length, glandular density, and epithelial length; 11.2 vs. 13.2 µm p = 0.007; 32.5 vs. 35.5, p = 0.068; and 219.9 µm vs. 285 µm, p < 0.001, respectively). Final analyses revealed reduced effectiveness of progesterone treatment in the rats exposed to nonionizing radiation (Group C vs. D); luminal epithelial cell length, glandular density, and epithelial length (11.2 µm vs. 13.5 µm, p = 0.179; 32.5 vs. 52, p < 0.001; and 219.9 µm vs. 374.1 µm, p = 0.001, respectively). LIMITATIONS: The limitations of our study are that the results of animal experiments may not be appropriate for direct adaptation to humans and the relatively low number of rats included in the study. CONCLUSION: Nonionizing radiation reduces the effect of progesterone in patients receiving treatment for EH.

Unplanned pregnancy and awareness of emergency contraception: a postpartum period survey.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to determine the awareness of emergency contraception (EC) and knowledge of its use as well as the unplanned pregnancy rate among women in the immediate postpartum period in Ankara, Turkey's second largest city. METHODS: Interviews were carried out among 1955 women on their first or second day postpartum. The interview was based on a questionnaire containing 19 questions covering participants' awareness and experience of using EC as well as their future approach to its use. RESULTS: The rate of unplanned pregnancy was 18.2% and the rate of EC awareness was 26.0%; 89.4% of those who were aware of EC knew how to use it correctly. In the multivariate regression analysis, employment, household income and level of education were independently associated with EC awareness; gravidity, household income, level of education and number of abortions were independently associated with unplanned pregnancy. Awareness of EC increased significantly (p < .05) with age, household income and educational level; knowledge about the correct use of EC increased with age and educational level (p < .05). CONCLUSION: EC awareness among the study population was low and was related to household income and educational level. Household income, educational level and gravidity were the most important factors associated with unplanned pregnancy. Governments must therefore establish appropriate health policies and provide contraceptive education to women from adolescence onwards.

Impact of timing on wound dressing removal after caesarean delivery: a multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

We compared wound dressing removal at 24 hours versus 48 hours following low-risk caesarean deliveries. This multicentre, randomised, controlled study included patients 18-44 years of age with low-risk term, singleton pregnancies. The randomisation was done weekly. Scheduled caesarean deliveries without labour were included. For comparison, the Additional treatment, Serous discharge, Erythema, Purulent exudate, Separation of deep tissues, Isolation of bacteria, Stay in hospital > 14 days (ASEPSIS) score for wound healing assessment was modified. The absolute scores were obtained based on a one-day reading rather than the five-day reading used in ASEPSIS. Zero ("0") was assigned as a complete healing. Higher scores were associated with more severe disruption of healing. The patients were enrolled between March 2015 and February 2017. The demographics were not statistically different. The wound scoring was similar in the groups at discharge and first-week evaluation. At the six weeks post-surgery, the wound scoring was significantly less in the 48-hour (3.9%) versus the 24-hour group (9%; p = .002). Dressing removal at 48 hours had a lower scoring in the low-risk population with scheduled caesarean deliveries.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Surgical dressings are used to provide suitable conditions to heal caesarean incisions. There has been a limited number of studies on the evaluation of ideal timing on wound dressing removal after a caesarean delivery. These studies concluded there are no increased wound complications with removal at six hours versus 24 hours or within or beyond 48 hours after surgery.What do the results of this study add? The postoperative removal of the wound dressing at 48 hours had a lower wound score at six weeks than the removal at 24 hours for women with uncomplicated scheduled caesarean deliveries.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Early discharge after caesarean delivery is becoming more common. Dressing removal at 24 hours versus 48 hours becomes more crucial and needs to be clarified. Besides, high-risk populations, different skin closure techniques, and patients in labour should be addressed separately.

Abnormal Umblical Artery Doppler is Utilized for Fetuses with Intrauterine Growth Restriction Birth at 280/7-336/7 Gestational Weeks.

Purpose: To compare short-term perinatal outcomes in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) in those with absent or reversed end-diastolic umbilical artery blood flow (AREDF) to those with normal end-diastolic umbilical artery blood flow (NEDF). Methods: This study included preterm births (280/7-336/7 gestational weeks) with IUGR with AREDF (n = 86) or NEDF (n = 27). Results: There were lower mean gestational weeks, birth weights, and a higher ratio of corticosteroid application in the AREDF group (p < 0.05). The mean length of neonatal intensive care unit stay of the AREDF group was significantly longer (p < 0.001). Sepsis and feeding intolerance ratios in the AREDF group were also significantly higher (p = 0.041 and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: Patients with IUGR and umbilical Doppler abnormalities have longer neonatal intensive care unit stays.

Gynecological laparoscopic surgery in the shade of COVID-19 pandemic

A global public health problem with a high rate spread and transmission, Coronavirus outbreak has become the most talked-about matter throughout the world. We are severely affected by the nations with vast numbers of deaths; it was hard to predict such a colossal pandemic with terrifying consequences. Elective surgeries are limited, but situations requiring an urgent gynaecological or obstetric surgical approach must still be performed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concerns regarding surgical safety and the risk of viral transmission during surgery are of great importance. In this review, we aimed to summarize the concepts related to laparoscopic gynecological surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the light of current literature.

What is the impact of PPAR-γ agonist-rosiglitazone on ovarian reserve after hysterectomy? An experimental study

Background/aim: To evaluate the effects of hysterectomy on rat ovaries and the possible protective role of peroxisome proliferator- activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonist-rosiglitazone against ovarian reserve decrement. Materials and methods: Forty-five adult Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Hysterectomy was performed (n = 15) in group 1 [H]; 1 mg/kg/day PPAR-γ agonist/rosiglitazone was used for 50 days after hysterectomy (n = 15) in group 2 [H + R]; a sham operation was performed (n = 15) in group 3 [control, C]. Blood samples were collected for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) evaluation in all groups and simultaneous ovarian Doppler examination was performed in [H] and [H + R] groups before and after (50 days) hysterectomy. All animals were sacrificed to obtain ovaries for histological examination. Results: AMH levels were found to be significantly decreased at postoperative day 50 in all groups (P < 0.05). Histopathologic analysis showed that primary, preantral, and antral follicle counts were significantly higher in the [H] group as compared to the [C] and [H + R] groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the [C] and [H + R] groups in terms of follicle numbers (P > 0.05). In the ovarian Doppler blood flow analysis, all parameters were significantly decreased in group [H] (P < 0.05), but not in the [H + R] group (P > 0.05) on postoperative day 50. Conclusion: Hysterectomy affects the histopathological structure of rat ovaries and PPAR-γ agonist-rosiglitazone improves the ovarian Doppler blood flow parameters.

Neonatal outcomes in Syrian and other refugees treated in a tertiary hospital in Turkey

Background/aim: Turkey accepts refugees from many countries, principally Syria. More than 2.7 million refugees live in Turkey.We evaluated the neonatal outcomes of refugees. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and demographic characteristics of refugee infants born in our hospital between August 2013 and September 2016. Results: Refugees (718 Syrian, 136 Iraqi, 32 Afghani, and 21 of other nationalities) accounted for 907 of 49,413 births. The mean refugee maternal age was lower than that of Turkish women, whereas the gestational age (GA) and birthweight were similar. Refugees required fewer cesarean sections but exhibited greater small- and large-for-GA rates (P < 0.05). Refugee and Turkish infant mortality rates did not differ significantly (0.8 vs. 0.4%). Eighty-nine (12.3%) refugee neonates and 6682 (13.5%) Turkish neonates were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Jaundice and perinatal asphyxia were significantly more common in refugees, whereas respiratory distress syndrome, GA ≤32 weeks, and infant birthweight <2000 g were more common in Turkish infants. The total NICU admission cost of approximately 450,000 USD was paid by the Turkish government. Conclusion: The numbers of refugees and refugee births continue to grow. The Turkish people and government have provided medical, social, and economic support to date; international assistance is needed.

Malignant transformation of mature cystic teratoma of the ovary: a case series.

The aim of this study was to analyze the patients with malignant transformation (MT) arising in mature cystic teratoma of the ovary (MCTO) and evaluate the clinicopathologic features, managements, and prognosis of these cases. The records of the patients with MT arising in MCTO who were treated at our hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The demographic features, presenting symptoms, preoperative ultrasonographic evaluations, surgical treatments, pathological findings, adjuvant therapies, follow-up outcomes, and survival time were examined. Eighteen patients with MT arising in MCTO were detected during the study period. The incidence rate of MT was 0.404% of all MCTO and squamous cell carcinoma was the most common histologic type (66.7%). The median age of the patients was 48 (range, 28-79) and the mean tumor size was 12 cm. Eleven patients (61.1%) were classified as stage IA, 1 (5.6%) as stage IC, 1 (5.6%) as stage IIC, 4 (22.2%) as stage IIIC, and the remaining 1 (5.6%) as stage IV. The overall 5-year survival rate was 66.7%. MT of MCTO is a rare occurrence entity and early detection and complete surgical staging are cardinal for survival. Additionally, this malignancy usually occurs in postmenopausal women and the high tumor diameter may be associated with MT.

Chylous ascites: analysis of 24 patients.

OBJECTIVES: Chylous ascites is the pathologic accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the peritoneal cavity. Patients who underwent surgery for gynecologic malignancy and had postoperative chylous ascites were evaluated retrospectively. METHODS: We reviewed 1514 patients who had staging surgery for gynecologic malignancy at our institution from January 2003 to February 2012. We analyze the patients who develop chylous ascites and who didn't. RESULTS: Twenty-four (2%) patients had postoperative chylous ascites. In the patients with chylous ascites, the median number of removed para-aortic lymph nodes was 26 (range 8-54), while this number was 17 (range 1-76) for the patients who didn't develop chylous ascites (p=0.001). Among the patients with chylous ascites, nine patients took chylous diet and 15 patients took TPN as the initial treatment. Totally seven (29%) patients required surgical correction, since 17 (71%) responded to conservative treatment. In the TPN group, the time from staging surgery to the diagnosis of chylous ascites was significantly longer in the group who required surgery compared with the group who did not (20 days vs 8 days, p:0.037). In addition this time wasn't statistically different from the patients' time in the diet group who didn't require surgery. CONCLUSION: The aggressiveness of para-aortic lymphadenectomy should be individualized and the lymphatics should be controlled with suture ligation or hemoclips, since the extent and method of para-aortic lymphadenectomy has a determinative role in the development of chylous ascites. It may be logical to treat chylous ascites with diet rather than TPN initially in case the symptoms occur later.

Comparison of chromosomal abnormality rates in ICSI for non-male factor and spontaneous conception.

OBJECTIVE: To compare cytogenetic data of first-trimester missed abortions in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for non-male factor-mediated and spontaneous pregnancies. METHODS: Using karyotype analysis, we conducted a retrospective cohort trial of missed abortions following ICSI for non-male factor and spontaneous pregnancies. Patients experienced missed abortions during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Dilation and curettage procedure was performed followed by cytogenetic evaluations. Two patient groups were created: ICSI (n = 71) and spontaneous pregnancies (n = 81). At least 20 GTG-banded metaphases were analyzed in each case for cytogenetic analyses. Statistical analyses were performed using NCSS 2007 Statistical Program software. The significance level and confidence interval for all analyses were set to p < 0.05 and a 95% confidence interval, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 49.3% (75/152) of the miscarriages were cytogenetically abnormal among the patients. We detected cytogenetically abnormalities in 47.9% (34/71) of the ICSI group and 50.6% (41/81) of the control group, which were not statistically significant differences (p=NS). The sex chromosome abnormalities were similar between the ICSI and control groups (p=NS). The most prevalent abnormalities that were observed in the ICSI and control groups with first-trimester pregnancy loss were trisomy (n = 42; 27.6%), Turner syndrome (45, X0, n = 13; 8.6%), triploidy (n = 13; 8.6%), 48 chromosomes (n = 5; 3.3%), and mixed chromosomal abnormalities (n = 3; 1.2%). In addition, the karyotypes were similar between the ICSI and control groups (p=NS). We observed increases in fetal aneuploidy rates with increased maternal age (<30 years = 23.9% vs. 31-34 years = 37.0% vs. 35-39 years = 82.9% vs. >39 years = 90.9%). However, the observed increases in fetal aneuploidy rates were not statistically significant (p=NS). CONCLUSION: The aneuploidy rates and sex chromosome anomalies following ICSI for non-male factor were similar to those following natural conception.

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy in a tertiary hospital in Ankara, Turkey: a 5-year review.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence, indications and the risk factors of emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH). METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively 30 cases of emergency peripartum hysterectomy performed at the Obstetrics Department of a tertiary, research and education hospital between the years of 2006 and 2010. Demographic, medical and clinical data of the patients were recorded. Data stored were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: There were 30 cases of EPH among 82,363 deliveries. The overall incidence of EPH was 0.364 per 1,000 deliveries from 2006 to 2010. Nine hysterectomies were performed after vaginal delivery (0.16/1,000 vaginal deliveries) and the remaining 21 hysterectomies were performed after cesarean section (0.78/1,000 cesarean sections). Two cases (6.7 %) were performed as subtotal and remaining 28 cases (93.3 %) were performed as total hysterectomy. Indications of EPH were uterine atony (43.3 %, 13/30), placenta accreta (40.0 %, 12/30) and uterine rupture (16.7 %, 5/30). All patients [7/7 (100 %)] with placenta previa and 11 of 12 patients (91.7 %) with placenta accreta had previously cesarean sections. There were two maternal deaths due to coagulopathy and pulmonary embolism. Two stillbirths (6.6 %) and 2 early neonatal deaths (6.6 %) were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: It should be kept in mind that cases of placenta previa and/or placenta accreta with previous cesarean sections have a very high probability of EPH. The delivery should be performed in suitable clinical settings with experienced surgeons when the risk factors like placenta previa and/or placenta accreta are determined so as to achieve optimal outcome.

Feasibility and Safety of Laparoscopic Surgery in Large Ovarian Masses.

Objectives: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for large ovarian masses with benign features. Materials and Methods: Women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for an ovarian mass with benign features between 2017 and 2019 at a tertiary referral center were included in the retrospective study. Based on the size of the ovarian mass, the women were divided into the case and control groups of ≥10 cm and <10 cm, respectively. Clinical characteristics, operative findings, histopathological results, and complication rates of the groups were compared. Results: A total of 260 women, 64 women with large masses and 196 with small masses were included in the study. The operation time, intraoperative cyst rupture rate, complication rate, and hospital stay were similar in the case and control groups (P > 0.05). The cyst aspiration rate (29.7% vs. 5.1%, P < 0.001) and the unexpected malignancy rate (7.8% vs. 0.0% P = 0.001) were significantly higher in the case group than in the control group. Conclusion: Laparoscopic surgery was found feasible for the treatment of women with large ovarian masses. However, a higher unexpected malignancy rate requires the careful patient selection and appropriate counseling preoperatively in these cases.

Maternal obesity and intra-abdominal adhesion formation at cesarean delivery.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate whether maternal obesity increases the risk of intra-abdominal adhesion formation at cesarean delivery. METHODS: Two hundred and two pregnant women of at least 37 weeks' gestation and who had undergone only one prior cesarean delivery were included in this prospective observational study. The study population was divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) upon cesarean delivery (<30 kg/m2 and ≥30 kg/m2). The intra-abdominal adhesion incidence and the scar characteristics of the groups were compared. RESULTS: Intra-abdominal adhesions were more common in women ≥30 kg/m2 than in those <30 kg/m2 (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.6). BMI upon cesarean delivery (32.6 ± 6.2 kg/m2 vs. 30.5 ± 4.8 kg/m2, p = .018) and pre-pregnancy BMI (27.9 ± 6.8 kg/m2 vs. 25.7 ± 5.2 kg/m2, p = .026) were higher in women with dense adhesions than in those with either filmy or no adhesions. The omentum was the most adherent tissue, and the omental adhesion rate was also higher in women ≥30 kg/m2 than in those <30 kg/m2 (39.6% vs. 23.7%, p = .016). When the scar characteristics were compared, it was observed that the hyperpigmented scar rate was significantly lower (17.8% vs. 39.6%, p = .001) in women ≥30 kg/m2 with intra-abdominal adhesions (16.7% vs. 35.4%, p = .005). CONCLUSION: Intra-abdominal adhesion formation following cesarean delivery is more common in obese women.

The Manchester procedure combined with laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy by retroperitoneal tunneling

This video will demonstrate a minimally invasive technique, in which the Manchester procedure was combined with laparoscopic sacrohysteropexy by retroperitoneal tunneling in patients with uterine prolapse and cervical elongation who wished to preserve the uterus. The principle steps and techniques to complete the operation are dictated in the video. The prolapse surgery was performed uneventfully, and the uterus was restored to its anatomical position. During the two years of follow-up, there were no complications from the prolapse or mesh-related events. No prolapse recurrence was observed. This technique facilitates uterine-sparing surgery, results in less bleeding and shorter operative time, and we believe that it may reduce the recurrence of prolapse due to the elongation of the cervix.

The Relationship Between Perineal Body Size, Total Vaginal Length, Apical Prolapse, and Prolapse Symptoms.

IMPORTANCE: Currently, apical prolapse is diagnosed via assessing the levels of C and D points in the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) system. However, it is not yet known whether the other components of this system are useful for diagnosing apical prolapse and its symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between the perineal body size (PB), total vaginal length (TVL), and apical prolapse and its symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred women, 100 women with apical prolapse and 100 women without, were included in this cross-sectional study. The association between the PB, TVL, and apical prolapse and its symptoms were evaluated. The relationship between the other POP-Q measurements and apical prolapse/prolapse symptoms were also evaluated as the secondary outcome of the study. RESULTS: The TVL (cutoff value, ≤8 cm; sensitivity, 80%; specificity, 60%) and the genital hiatus size (GH; cutoff value of >4.5 cm; sensitivity, 90%; specificity, 91%) were significantly associated with apical prolapse. The PB cutoff value of 3.4 cm or less had lower sensitivity (49%) and specificity (70%) for the diagnosis of apical prolapse. The GH (cutoff value, >4.8 cm; area under curve [AUC], 0.927), C (cutoff value, >-5.8 cm; AUC, 0.955), and Ba (cutoff value, >-1.1 cm; AUC, 0.891) were significantly associated with apical prolapse symptoms. However, there was no association between the PB or TVL with symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The study results showed that the TVL and GH were more strongly associated with apical prolapse than PB. The GH, C, and Ba were also associated with prolapse symptoms, but PB and TVL were not.

Human papilloma virus persistence and neopterin, folate and homocysteine levels in cervical dysplasias.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between human papilloma virus (HPV) infection persistence and serum folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, neopterin levels in cervical dysplasia. STUDY DESIGN: Through the years 2007-2008, 122 women who have admitted to Gynecology Clinic were evaluated for cervical cytology, demographical characteristics, HPV infection, serum folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, albumin, and neopterin levels. RESULTS: Considering all the cases, the highest percentage of the HPV-infected patients was in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) group (83%, n = 25). The serum folate levels in all patient groups [HSIL 10.0 ± 0.4 ng/ml, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) 10.6 ± 0.5 ng/ml, atypical squamous cells-undetermined significance (ASCUS) 11.1 ± 0.8 ng/ml] were lower than control group (11.9 ± 0.5 ng/ml; p < 0.05). The vitamin B12 levels were not significantly altered in any of the patient groups. The serum homocysteine levels in all patient groups (HSIL 10.4 ± 0.5 Umol/l, LSIL 10.1 ± 0.5 Umol/l, ASCUS 10.5 ± 0.7 Umol/l) were higher than the control group (7.9 ± 0.5 Umol/l; p < 0.05). The neopterin levels of HSIL group (1.0 ± 0.2 ng/ml) were lower than the control group (1.5 ± 0.2 ng/ml; p < 0.05). The serum neopterin concentrations of HSIL with HPV group (0.6 ± 0.1 ng/ml) were significantly lower than HSIL without HPV (2.4 ± 0.9 ng/ml) and other study groups (p < 0.05). The serum homocysteine levels of HSIL HPV(+) group and LSIL HPV(+) were higher than control group (p < 0.05). The serum albumin levels of HSIL with HPV group are lower than control and other groups (p < 0.05). In all cervical dysplasia groups, folate levels in patients infected with HPV are lower than in HPV(-) patients (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Folic acid deficiency could be caused by insufficient cellular immunity. In case of folate deficiency, the predisposition of HPV infection persistency and progression of cervical dysplasia increase. The fact that neopterin is a strong cellular immunity marker and it was detected in patients with HPV persistence and cervical dysplasia in lower levels shows that these patients may have relatively insufficient immune system. In order for dysplasia progression to be prevented, folate fortification on diets may be advised to HPV-infected women.

Chlamydia, Mycoplasma and Ureaplasma infections in infertile couples and effects of these infections on fertility.

OBJECTIVE: In our study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections among infertile couples and effects of these infections on infertility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prevalence of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antibodies and Chlamydia IgM antibodies and its effect on these agents' sperm parameters, namely, morphology, density, and motility were investigated among a total of 212 patients including fertile and infertile couples. Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antigens were evaluated using ELISA in the cervical and urethral samples. Chlamydia IgM antibody was measured using micro-ELISA in blood samples. RESULTS: No difference was detected among the fertile and infertile groups in the serological investigation of urethral and cervical samples with respect to the prevalence of Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma antigens and Chlamydia IgM antibody and sperm parameters (p > 0.05). DISCUSSION: There is no significant difference between fertile and infertile couples in terms of the prevalence of the above mentioned infections. Accordingly, during the infertility assessment, infertile couples should not be routinely screened for these infective agents without any clinically sound evidence.

The Effect of Disulfiram in the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesion Formation in an Experimental Rat Uterine Horn Model.

Postoperative adhesions can cause serious complications, including intestinal obstruction, chronic abdominopelvic pain, and infertility in women. Here we investigate the effects of disulfiram on the postoperative adhesion model. Female Wistar rats were used (n = 72). The animals were separated into six groups (12 rats per group): group 1 (control), group 2 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively), group 3 (50 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively and 14 days postoperatively), group 4 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered for 3 days preoperatively and 14 days postoperatively), group 5 (50 mg/kg disulfiram administered 14 days postoperatively only), and group 6 (300 mg/kg disulfiram administered 14 days postoperatively only). A histopathologic examination was performed. Immunohistochemical stainings for matrix metalloproteinase-2 and 9 (MMP-2, and MMP-9) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated. The macroscopic adhesion scores were significantly lower in the disulfiram groups (groups 3, 4, and 6) compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Inflammation scores were lower in all groups receiving disulfiram, but only reached statistical significance in group 4 (p < 0.05). In the immunohistochemical evaluation of the groups, MMP-9 was significantly lower in group 5 than group 4 (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups for MMP-2 and VEGF. We found that disulfiram reduced postoperative adhesion formation. Disulfiram becomes more effective (by directly reducing inflammation) when initiated during the preoperative period at high doses.

Laparoscopic hemi-hysterectomy in a noncommunicating uterine horn: The critical steps to be considered.

Various congenital anomalies of the female tract such as agenesis, vertical or lateral fusion failure, and canalization failure occur when the normal development of the Müllerian duct disrupts in any stage of developmental milestones. A cavitated non-communicating rudimentary horn is reported in about 20%-25% of women with unicornuate uterus. A 36-year-old patient, gravida 2 para 2, was admitted to the hospital with a complaint of worsening lower abdominal pain occurring on each menses for 8 months. A 6-cm accessory cavitated left uterine mass suggestive of hematometra was shown on ultrasound examination. It was decided to perform hemi-hysterectomy to remove the left uterine horn by the laparoscopic route. Here we aimed to demonstrate the laparoscopic management of a rudimentary horn case and emphasize the crucial steps that surgeons should safely perform during the operation.