Management of Uterine Fibroids and Sarcomas: The Palermo Position Paper.

BACKGROUND: Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal tumors originating from the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium, constituting the most prevalent pathology within the female genital tract. Uterine sarcomas, although rare, still represent a diagnostic challenge and should be managed in centers with adequate expertise in gynecological oncology. OBJECTIVES: This article is aimed to summarize and discuss cutting-edge elements about the diagnosis and management of uterine fibroids and sarcomas. METHODS: This paper is a report of the lectures presented in an expert meeting about uterine fibroids and sarcomas held in Palermo in February 2023. OUTCOME: Overall, the combination of novel molecular pathways may help combine biomarkers and expert ultrasound for the differential diagnosis of uterine fibroids and sarcomas. On the one hand, molecular and cellular maps of uterine fibroids and matched myometrium may enhance our understanding of tumor development compared to histologic analysis and whole tissue transcriptomics, and support the development of minimally invasive treatment strategies; on the other hand, ultrasound imaging allows in most of the cases a proper mapping the fibroids and to differentiate between benign and malignant lesions, which need appropriate management. CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK: The choice of uterine fibroid management, including pharmacological approaches, surgical treatment, or other strategies, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), should be carefully considered, taking into account the characteristics of the patient and reproductive prognosis.

Cornual Pregnancy: Results of a Single-Center Retrospective Experience and Systematic Review on Reproductive Outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Cornual pregnancies (CPs) are rare forms of ectopic pregnancy. When abortion does not occur, it can be a life-threatening condition for the mother and can also impair future fertility. We present our experience in the diagnosis and management of CPs. A systematic review was also conducted to investigate the reproductive outcomes after treatment. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2022, we performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center, and descriptive data collection and analysis (ClinicalTrial ID: NCT06165770). The search for suitable articles published in English was carried out using the following databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023484909): MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database, Web of Science, and search register such as ClinicalTrial. Only studies describing the impact of CP treatment on fertility were selected. Results: Two studies were included in the systematic review. Seventeen patients suffering from CPs were selected. In our series, a pelvic ultrasound allowed for the diagnosis of a cornual localization in 35.30% of cases. Thirteen women (76.47%) underwent immediate surgical management. The laparoscopic approach was the most used (76.92%), with a laparotomic conversion rate of 30%. Four patients (23.52%) received medical treatment with methotrexate. After treatment, two patients managed to achieve pregnancy. Conclusions: CP is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that can quickly become life-threatening for the mother. Ultrasound does not lead to a precise diagnosis in all cases. In the absence of complications and emergencies, laparoscopy is an approach that could be considered valid. For selected asymptomatic patients, medical treatment may be a valid alternative. The data from the studies included in the systematic review, although demonstrating a superiority of medical treatment in terms of future pregnancies, are heterogeneous and do not allow us to reach a definitive conclusion.

A review of phase II and III drugs for the treatment and management of endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease that gives rise to pelvic pain and infertility. Although estroprogestins and progestins currently stand as the first-line treatments for this condition, demonstrating efficacy in two-thirds of patients, a significant portion of individuals experience only partial relief or symptom recurrence following the cessation of these therapies. The coexistence of superficial, deep endometriosis, and ovarian endometriomas, as three distinct phenotypes with unique pathogenetic and molecular characteristics, may elucidate the current heterogeneous biological response to available therapy. AREAS COVERED: The objective of this review is to furnish the reader with a comprehensive summary pertaining to phase II-III hormonal treatments for endometriosis. EXPERT OPINION: Ongoing research endeavors are directed toward the development of novel hormonal options for this benign yet debilitating disease. Among them, oral GnRH antagonists emerge as a noteworthy option, furnishing rapid therapeutic onset without an initial flare-up; these drugs facilitate partial or complete estrogen suppression, and promote prompt ovarian function recovery upon discontinuation, effectively surmounting the limitations associated with previously employed GnRH agonists. Limited evidence supports the use of selective estrogen and progesterone receptor modulators. Consequently, further extensive clinical research is imperative to garner a more profound understanding of innovative targets for novel hormonal options.

Evaluation of Peri-Operative Management in Women with Deep Endometriosis Who are Candidates for Bowel Surgery: A Survey from the Italian Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: There is great consensus that the implementation of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach is beneficial for surgical patients, but there is a paucity of data concerning its application in women with deep endometriosis (DE) who are candidates for bowel surgery. The survey described herein was aimed at gathering detailed information on perioperative management of DE patients who were undergoing sigmoid/rectal (discoid or segmental) resection within the Italian Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy (SEGI) group. DESIGN: Baseline survey. SETTING: National survey conducted within the main Italian cooperative group in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (SEGI). PATIENTS: The study did not involve patients. INTERVENTIONS: A 63-item questionnaire covering ERAS items for gynecologic/elective colorectal surgery was sent to SEGI centers. Only questionnaires from centers that reported performing ≥10 sigmoid/rectal resections per year were considered for this analysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-three of 38 (86.8%) of the questionnaires were analyzed. The rates of concordance with the ERAS guidelines were 40.4%, 64.4%, and 62.6% for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative items, respectively. The proportion of overall agreement was 56.6%. Preoperative diet, fasting and bowel preparation, correction of anemia, avoidance of peritoneal drains, postoperative feeding, and early mobilization were the most controversial items. Comparative analysis revealed that the referred rates of complete disease removal and conversion to open surgery were significantly different depending on case volume (p = .044 and p = .003, respectively) and gynecologist's/surgeon's experience (p = .042 and p = .022, respectively), with higher chances of obtaining a complete laparoscopic/robotic excision of endometriosis in centers that reported ≥30 DE surgeries performed per year and/or ≥90% of bowel resections performed by a gynecologist/general surgeon specifically dedicated to DE management. In contrast, the rates of concordance with the ERAS guidelines were not significantly different according to case volume (p = .081) or gynecologist's/surgeon's experience (p = .294). CONCLUSION: This is the first study on DE conducted on a national scale. The current survey results revealed suboptimal compliance with the ERAS recommendations and underline the need to improve the quality of perioperative care in DE patients undergoing sigmoid/rectal resection. This study is a first step toward building a consistent, structured reporting platform for the SEGI units and facilitating wide implementation and standardization of the ERAS protocol for DE patients in Italy.

Ultrasonographic Findings Indirectly Predicting Parametrial Involvement in Patients with Deep Endometriosis: The ULTRA-PARAMETRENDO I Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ultrasonographic findings as a first-line imaging tool to indirectly predict the presence of parametrial endometriosis (PE) in women with suspected deep endometriosis (DE) undergoing surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database (ULTRA-PARAMETRENDO I study; NCT05239871). SETTING: Referral center for DE. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for DE. INTERVENTIONS: Preoperative transvaginal ultrasonography was done according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis consensus statement. A stepwise forward regression analysis was performed considering the simultaneous presence of DE nodules and the following ultrasonographic indirect signs of DE: diffuse adenomyosis, endometriomas, ovary fixed to the lateral pelvic wall or the uterine wall, absence of anterior/posterior sliding sign, and hydronephrosis. The gold standard for the presence of PE was surgery with histologic confirmation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 1079 patients, 212 had a surgical diagnosis of PE (left: 18.5%; right: 17.0%; bilateral: 15.9%). The obtained prediction model (χ2 = 222.530; p <.001) for PE included, as independent indirect DE signs presence of hydronephrosis (odds ratio [OR] = 14.5; p = .002), complete absence of posterior sliding sign (OR = 3.3; p <.001), presence of multiple endometriomas per ovary (OR = 3.0; p = .001), and ovary fixation to the uterine wall (OR = 2.4; p <.001); as independent concomitant DE nodules, presence of uterosacral nodules with the largest diameter >10 mm (OR = 3.2; p <.001), presence of rectal endometriosis with the largest diameter >25 mm (OR = 2.3; p = .004), and rectovaginal septum infiltration (OR = 2.3; p = .003). The optimal diagnostic balance was obtained considering at least 2 concomitant DE nodules and at least 1 indirect DE sign (area under the curve 0.75; 95% confidence interval, 0.72-0.79). CONCLUSION: Specific indirect ultrasonographic findings should raise suspicion of PE in women undergoing preoperative assessment for DE. The suspicion of parametrial invasion may be critical to address patients to expert leading centers, where proper diagnosis and surgical treatment for PE can be performed.

"A Space Odyssey" on Laparoscopic Segmental Rectosigmoid Resection for Deep Endometriosis: A Seventeen-year Retrospective Analysis of Outcomes and Postoperative Complications among 3050 Patients Treated in a Referral Center.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for bowel endometriosis (RSE), reporting surgical and short-term postoperative outcomes in a consecutive large series of patients. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Third-level national referral center for deep endometriosis (DE). PATIENTS: 3050 patients with symptomatic RSE requiring surgical treatment. INTERVENTIONS: Nerve-sparing laparoscopic resection for RSE perfomed by a multidisciplinary team. After collecting intraoperative surgical characteristics, postoperative complications were collected by evaluating the risk factors associated with their onset. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Clavien-Dindo IIIb postoperative complications were noted in 13.1% of patients, with anastomotic leakage and rectovaginal fistula accounting for 3.0% and 1.9%, respectively. Postoperative bladder impairment was observed in 13.9% of patients during hospital discharge but spontaneously decreased to 4.5% at the first evaluation after 30 days, alongside a statistically significant change towards global symptom improvement. Multivariate analyses were done to identify the risk factors for segmental bowel resection in terms of occurrence of postoperative major complications. Ultralow (≤5 cm from the anal verge), low rectal anastomosis (<8 cm, >5 cm), parametrectomy, vaginal resection, and previous surgeries seemed more related to anastomotic leakage, rectovaginal fistula, and bladder retention. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic rectosigmoid resection for RSE seems an effective and feasible procedure. The surgical complication rate is not negligible but could be reduced by implementing a multidisciplinary approach, an endless improvement in nerve-sparing techniques and surgical anatomy, as well as technological enhancements. Real future challenges will be to reduce the time for the first diagnosis of DE and the likelihood of surgical indications.

Evaluating long-term outcomes of three approaches to retroperitoneal staging in endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel lymph node mapping (SNM) has gained popularity in managing apparent early-stage endometrial cancer (EC). Here, we evaluated the long-term survival of three different approaches of nodal assessment. METHODS: This is a multi-institutional retrospective study evaluating long-term outcomes of EC patients having nodal assessment between 01/01/2006 and 12/31/2016. In order to reduce possible confounding factors, we applied a propensity-matched algorithm. RESULTS: Overall, 940 patients meeting inclusion criteria were included in the study, of which 174 (18.5%), 187 (19.9%), and 579 (61.6%) underwent SNM, SNM followed by backup lymphadenectomy (LND) and LND alone, respectively. Applying a propensity score matching algorithm (1:1:2) we selected 500 patients, including 125 SNM, 125 SNM/backup LND, and 250 LND. Baseline characteristics of the study population were similar between groups. The prevalence of nodal disease was 14%, 16%, and 12% in patients having SNM, SNM/backup LND and LND, respectively. Overall, 19 (7.6%) patients were diagnosed with low volume nodal disease. The survival analysis comparing the three techniques did not show statistical differences in terms of disease-free (p = 0.750) and overall survival (p = 0.899). Similarly, the type of nodal assessment did not impact survival outcomes after stratification based on uterine risk factors. CONCLUSION: Our study highlighted that SNM provides similar long-term oncologic outcomes than LND.

Concerns on ranibizumab and zoledronic acid safety for experimentally treating women with endometriosis.

Correspondence to the original research entitled "Effects of ranibizumab and zoledronic acid on endometriosis in a rat model" published by Ozdemir et al.

BRCA mutation carriers' perception about benefits and risks associated with combined hormonal contraceptives use.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the actual perceptions about combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) use in BRCA mutation carriers in comparison to women from the general population. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study involving two Italian referral centres for hereditary cancers. An identical questionnaire investigating how CHC use could affect the risk of developing some types of cancer, specific diseases, and symptoms was administered to 85 BRCA mutation carriers and 85 healthy women without this genetic mutation (control group). Women's perceptions were evaluated using specific questions and Likert scales (-5 to +5). RESULTS: Perceptions about the effects of CHC use on developing specific diseases and symptoms did not differ between BRCA mutation carriers and controls. Conversely, the protective effects of CHC use on colorectal (p = .02), uterine body (p = .01) and ovarian (p = .01) cancers were unknown by BRCA mutation carriers. Moreover, BRCA mutation carriers recognised the association between CHC use and a higher risk of breast (p = .0008) and uterine cervix cancer (p = .007). CONCLUSIONS: Investing time and effort in transmitting the correct key messages about oncological risk related to CHC use could potentially increase their use in BRCA mutation carriers.

The Medical Training Evaluation Questionnaire (MeTrE-Q): a multidimensional self-report instrument for assessing the quality of midwifery students' education.

This study aims to understand the factors that can hinder Italian midwifery students' educational process, what messages are given to students during their clinical practice, and how students interact with tutors and other professionals. Seven hundred and eighty Italian students of midwifery were asked to answer an Internet-based questionnaire regarding their own opinions concerning their theoretical-practical formative path. For male Italian students, satisfaction is lower than female students as well as for students from Southern than Northern Italy. Students are dissatisfied with the quality of their academic and practical training, particularly regarding recognising their professional role and their relationship with tutors. Based on these data, it is essential to design a formative path for midwives that considers students' opinions and the positive experiences of other countries.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Several studies underscore the poor preparation of students for learning in clinical settings. The current reality of the Italian academic path in most universities disregards midwifery students' expectations and formative needs.What do the results of this study add? For male Italian students, satisfaction is lower than for female students and students from Southern than Northern Italy. Students are dissatisfied with the quality of their academic and practical training, particularly regarding recognising their professional role and their relationship with tutors.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is essential to design a formative path for midwives that considers students' opinions and other countries' positive experiences.

Sentinel node mapping vs. sentinel node mapping plus back-up lymphadenectomy in high-risk endometrial cancer patients: Results from a multi-institutional study.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel node mapping (SLN) has replaced lymphadenectomy for staging surgery in apparent early-stage low and intermediate risk endometrial cancer (EC). Only limited data about the adoption of SNM in high risk EC is still available. Here, we evaluate the outcomes of high-risk EC undergoing SNM (with or without back-up lymphadenectomy). METHODS: This is a multi-institutional international retrospective study, evaluating data of high-risk (FIGO grade 3 endometrioid EC with myometrial invasion >50% and non-endometrioid histology) EC patients undergoing SNM followed by back-up lymphadenectomy and SNM alone. RESULTS: Chart of consecutive 196 patients were evaluated. The study population included 83 and 113 patients with endometrioid and non-endometrioid EC, respectively. SNM alone and SNM followed by back-up lymphadenectomy were performed in 50 and 146 patients, respectively. Among patients having SNM alone, 14 (28%) were diagnosed with nodal disease. In the group of patients undergoing SNM plus back-up lymphadenectomy 34 (23.2%) were diagnosed with nodal disease via SNM. Back-up lymphadenectomy identified 2 (1%) additional patients with nodal disease (in the para-aortic area). Back-up lymphadenectomy allowed to remove adjunctive positive nodes in 16 (11%) patients. After the adoption of propensity-matched algorithm, we observed that patients undergoing SNM plus back-up lymphadenectomy experienced similar disease-free survival (p = 0.416, log-rank test) and overall survival (p = 0.940, log-rank test) than patients undergoing SLN alone. CONCLUSIONS: Although the small sample size, and the retrospective study design this study highlighted that type of nodal assessment did not impact survival outcomes in high-risk EC. Theoretically, back-up lymphadenectomy would be useful in improving the removal of positive nodes, but its therapeutic value remains controversial. Further prospective evidence is needed.

Fertility in patients with untreated rectosigmoid endometriosis.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Several studies have investigated reproductive outcomes following surgical treatment of colorectal endometriosis, mainly segmental colorectal resection. This study examines pregnancy and live birth rates of women with rectosigmoid endometriosis not treated by surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of data collected between May 2009 and January 2020 related to 215 women affected by rectosigmoid endometriosis wishing to conceive. Patients had a diagnosis of rectosigmoid endometriosis by transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging enema. Patients with estimated bowel stenosis >70% at computed tomographic colonography and/or subocclusive/occlusive symptoms were excluded. RESULTS: During the median length of follow-up of 31 months (range 13-63 months), the total pregnancy and live birth rates of the study population were 47.9% and 45.1%, respectively. Sixty-two women had a live birth after natural conception (28.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 22.8-35.6%) with a median time required to conceive of 10 months (range 2-34 months). Eighty-three women underwent infertility treatments (38.6%, 95% CI 32.1-45.5%); among these, 68 patients underwent IVF either directly (n = 51) or after intrauterine insemination (IUI) failure (n = 17). Time to conception was significantly higher in women having conceived by IVF than in those having conceived naturally (P < 0.001) or by IUI (P = 0.006). In patients undergoing IVF cycles, a worsening of some pain and intestinal symptoms was observed. CONCLUSIONS: At median follow-up of 31 months, women with rectosigmoid endometriosis have a 48% pregnancy rate. However, these patients must be referred to centres specialized in managing endometriosis to properly assess symptoms and degree of bowel stenosis.

A prospective study comparing rectal water contrast-transvaginal ultrasonography with sonovaginography for the diagnosis of deep posterior endometriosis.

INTRODUCTION: Preoperative assessment of deep endometriotic (DE) nodules is necessary to inform patients about the possible treatments and provide informed consent in case of surgery. This study aims to investigate the diagnostic performance of rectal water-contrast transvaginal ultrasonography (RWC-TVS) and sonovaginography (SVG) in women with suspicion of posterior DE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective comparative study (NCT04296760) enrolled women with clinical suspicion of DE at our institution (Piazza della Vittoria 14 SRL, Genoa, Italy). Exclusion criteria were previous diagnosis of DE by imaging techniques or laparoscopy. All patients underwent RWC-TVS and SVG, independently performed by two gynecological sonologists blinded to the other technique's results. Patients underwent laparoscopic surgery within the following three months; imaging findings were compared with surgical and histological results. RESULTS: In 208 of 281 (74.0%) patients included, posterior DE was surgically confirmed in rectosigmoid (n = 88), vagina (n = 21), rectovaginal septum (n = 34) and uterosacral ligaments (n = 156). RWC-TVS and SVG demonstrated similar sensitivity (SE; 93.8% vs 89.4%; p = 0.210) and specificity (SP; 86.3% vs 79.4%; p = 0.481) in diagnosing posterior DE. Specifically, both examinations had similar accuracy in detecting nodules of uterosacral ligaments (p = 0.779), vagina (p = 0.688) and rectovaginal septum (p = 0.824). RWC-TVS had higher SE (95.2% vs 82.0%; p = 0.003) and similar SP (99.5% vs 98.5%; p = 0.500) in diagnosing rectosigmoid endometriosis and estimated better infiltration of intestinal submucosa (p = 0.039), and distance between these nodules and anal verge (p < 0.001); only RWC-TVS allowed the estimation of bowel lumen stenosis. A similar proportion of discomfort was experienced during both examinations (p = 0.191), although a statistically higher mean visual analog score was reported during RWC-TVS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although RWC-TVS and SVG have similar accuracy in the diagnosis of DE, RWC-TVS performed better in assessment of the characteristics of rectosigmoid endometriosis.

Ultrasonographic 3D Evaluation in the Diagnosis of Bladder Endometriosis: A Prospective Comparative Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

OBJECTIVE: The use of three-dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) has been investigated for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis (DE). This study aimed to evaluate if 3D reconstructions improve the performance of TVS) in assessing the presence and characteristics of bladder endometriosis (BE). DESIGN: This was a single-center comparative diagnostic accuracy study. Participants/Materials, Setting, Methods: Patients referred to our institution (Piazza della Vittoria 14 Srl, Genova, Italy) with clinical suspicion of DE were included. In case of surgery, women underwent systematic preoperative ultrasonographic imaging; an experienced sonographer performed a conventional TVS; another experienced sonographer, blinded to results of the previous exam, performed TVS, with the addition of 3D modality. The presence and characteristics of BE nodules were described in accord with International DE Analysis group consensus. Ultrasound data were compared with surgical and histological results. RESULTS: Overall, BE was intraoperatively found in 34 out of 194 women who underwent surgery for DE (17.5%; 95% confidence interval: 12.8-23.5%). TVS without and with 3D reconstructions were able to detect endometriotic BE in 82.2% (n = 28/34) and 85.3% (n = 29/34) of the cases (p = 0.125). Both the exams similarly estimated the largest diameter of BE (p = 0.652) and the distance between the endometriotic nodule and the closest ureteral meatus (p = 0.341). However, TVS with 3D reconstructions was more precise in estimating the volume of BE (p = 0.031). In one case (2.9%), TVS without and with 3D reconstructions detected the infiltration of the intramural ureter, which was confirmed at surgery and required laparoscopic ureterovesical reimplantation. LIMITATIONS: The extensive experience of the gynecologists performing the ultrasonographic scans, the lack of prestudy power analysis, and the population selected, which may have been influenced by the position of the institution as a referral center specialized in the treatment of severe endometriosis, are limitations of the current study. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated the high accuracy of ultrasound for diagnosing BE. The addition of 3D reconstructions does not improve the performance of TVS in diagnosing the presence and characteristics of BE. However, the volume of BE may be more precisely assessed by 3D ultrasound.

Clear cell degeneration associated with endometriosis of abdominal wall after cesarean section: A case report and systematic review of literature.

AIM: The scar of cesarean section (CS) is the most common site of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE), whose tumor degeneration has been reported in an increasing number of cases; the most frequent histological type is clear cell carcinoma (CCC). METHODS: We conducted a systematic research of the literature, collecting data regarding the evidence on tumor degeneration from AWE after CS. Moreover, we reported a case of clear cell borderline tumor (CCBT) originating from AWE. RESULTS: We included data of 37 patients with diagnosis of CCC. The average time between the last CS and the diagnosis of CCC was around 15 years. Overall, 26.0% and 73.9% patients received exclusive local abdominal resection of the lesion and additional surgery, respectively. Lymph nodes involvement was detected in 26.0 % patients and adjuvant chemotherapy was administered in 52.0 % cases. During follow-up period, 15.2% patients died of disease, 32.6% had no evidence of disease, and 17.4% recurred. We diagnosed a CCBT arose in a patients with AWE and a personal history of several surgical procedures for endometriosis, a CS and a subsequent transverse laparotomy. We performed an open bilateral ovariectomy and a large excision of the endometriotic abdominal lesion. CONCLUSION: Tumor degeneration from AWE seems to be a real occurrence with an increasing number of events. Considering the lack of risk factors and diagnostic instruments for tumor degeneration, the removal of AWE localization could be advisable, even though there was long average time between the trigger surgery and the tumor finding.

Fishbone double-layer barbed suture in cesarean section: a help in preventing long-term obstetric sequelae?

Due to the high number of cesarean sections over the last two decades, there has been a growing awareness of the post-surgical obstetric long-term sequelae (i.e., uterine scar defects and abnormal placentation) following this surgical procedure. Knotless barbed suture is an absorbable bidirectional and unidirectional monofilament, characterized by the presence of "barbs" along its length. After being introduced in gynecology, the favorable features of the knotless barbed suture, such as the uniform distribution of tensile force, provide the rationale for studying its benefits in obstetric surgery. Recently, our research group has investigated a double-layer barbed suture ("fishbone" suture) for closing the uterine wall during cesarean section by a case-control study, reporting a low incidence of uterine scar defects and a reduced size of defects in women who had developed them (NCT04825821). In the near future, large prospective studies are strongly awaited to investigate reproductive outcomes and long-term sequelae after cesarean section performed with knotless barbed suture.

Current Treatment Options for Cervical Leiomyomas: A Systematic Review of Literature.

Background and objectives: Cervical leiomyomas are a rare benign disease. Although they are mainly treated surgically, currently, there is not a standardized treatment for cervical leiomyomas. This study aims to summarize current literature evidence about treatment options for cervical leiomyomas. Materials and methods: A systematic research of the literature was conducted in Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and the Cochrane Library, including observational prospective and retrospective studies, case series and case reports. We collected data regarding studies related to treatment options for cervical leiomyomas, evaluating the following aspects: study design, population, treatment type, rate of surgical complications, and fertility outcome. Results: According to literature research, 38 articles were included. Among 214 patients, the weighted average age was 39.4 years-old; 23 patients were pregnant. Most of the leiomyomas (78%) were extracervical; in 22% of cases (29 patients) were intracervical; 188 patients (88%) received surgical treatment, 6 (3%) received exclusive conservative management and 21 (10%) underwent interventional radiology treatment. One hundred twenty-seven patients (67.5%) underwent myomectomy, while 54 (28.7%) and 7 (3.7%) hysterectomy and trachelectomy, respectively. Cervical myomectomy was performed by open surgery in 21 out of 127 cases (16.5%), while in 92 (72.4%) and 6 (4.7%) patients the surgical approach was performed by traditional and robot-assisted laparoscopy, respectively. The total rate of surgical complications was 5.6%. Conclusion: Surgery is the primary therapeutic option for cervical leiomyomas with a low rate of surgical complications. Interventional radiology techniques have reported promising but still limited results.

Quality of life and sexuality of postmenopausal women with intrauterine pathologies: a recommended three-step multidisciplinary approach focusing on the role of hysteroscopy.

Intrauterine pathologies are common in postmenopausal women and clinicians must identify signs and symptoms accurately to provide the adequate diagnosis and treatment. The quality of life (QoL) and sexuality of women are important outcomes to be considered to provide adequate clinical management of the postmenopausal patient with gynecologic pathologies. The aim of this paper is to propose a simple and replicable three-step multidisciplinary approach to evaluate the psychological outcomes of postmenopausal women with intrauterine pathologies, focusing on the role of hysteroscopy. In particular, the article describes three evaluation steps of those psychological outcomes corresponding to three fundamental moments of the patient's diagnostic and therapeutic path: the initial symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. In our viewpoint, the standard use of such a protocol might considerably improve the QoL of postmenopausal patients undergoing hysteroscopic procedures due to intrauterine pathologies.

Pretreatment with dienogest in women with endometriosis undergoing IVF after a previous failed cycle.

RESEARCH QUESTION: The major causes of IVF failure in women with endometriosis have been attributed to decreased ovarian reserve, low embryo quality and impaired receptivity of the endometrium. Dienogest (DNG) has anti-inflammatory and anti-angiogenic activity and so may theoretically improve IVF outcomes in women with endometriosis. This study aimed to evaluate the administration of DNG before IVF in women with endometriosis who had previously failed one IVF cycle. METHODS: This study was based on the retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, including 151 women who had failed a previous IVF cycle and all subsequent embryo transfers and had an imaging diagnosis of endometriosis. Patients either directly underwent IVF without receiving hormonal treatment or received 3 months of treatment with DNG (2 mg/daily) before IVF. RESULTS: Eighty-eight (58.3%) patients underwent IVF without previous hormonal treatment, and 63 (41.7%) received pretreatment with DNG. The cumulative implantation, clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were significantly higher in the DNG-treated group (39.7%, 33.3% and 28.6%) than in the non-treated group (23.9%, 18.2% and 14.8%; P = 0.049, 0.037 and 0.043, respectively). The largest diameter of endometriomas significantly decreased after DNG pretreatment (P < 0.001). The use of DNG increased significantly the number of oocytes retrieved (P = 0.031), two-pronuclear embryos (P = 0.039) and blastocysts (P = 0.005) in women with endometriomas of diameter ≥4 cm. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggest that in patients with endometriosis, IVF outcomes can be improved by pretreatment with DNG. In particular, the use of DNG allows for better oocyte retrieval and blastocysts in patients with large endometriomas.

Hysteroscopic endometrial resection vs. hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding: impact on quality of life and sexuality. Evidence from a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this systematic review is to summarize the current evidence regarding the effectiveness of hysterectomy and hysteroscopic endometrial resection in improving quality of life (QoL), sexual function and psychological wellbeing of women abnormal uterine bleeding. RECENT FINDINGS: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase for original studies written in English (registered in PROSPERO 2019 CRD42019133632), using the terms 'endometrial ablation', 'endometrial destruction', 'endometrial resection', 'hysterectomy', 'menorrhagia', 'dysfunctional uterine bleeding', 'quality of life', 'sexuality' published up to April 2019. Our literature search produced 159 records. After exclusions, nine studies were included showing the following results: both types of treatment significantly improve QoL and psychological wellbeing; hysterectomy is associated with higher rates of satisfaction; hysterectomy is not associated with a significant deterioration in sexual function. SUMMARY: Hysterectomy is currently more advantageous in terms of improving abnormal uterine bleeding and satisfaction rates than hysteroscopic endometrial destruction techniques. Furthermore, there is some evidence of a greater improvement in general health for women undergoing hysterectomy. However, high-quality prospective randomized controlled trials should be implemented to investigate the effectiveness of hysterectomy and endometrial ablation in the improvement of QoL outcomes in larger patient cohorts.