Are there associations between clinical and embryological factors with pregnancy loss following transfer of a single euploid embryo?

First trimester pregnancy losses are commonly attributed to chromosomal abnormalities. The causes of pregnancy loss following transfer of a euploid embryo are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and embryological parameters for pregnancy failure following the transfer of a single euploid embryo. Pregnancy outcomes of single euploid embryo transfers from a single centre between January 2017 and March 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Several clinical and embryological parameters were evaluated in consideration to pregnancy outcomes; total pregnancy loss and live birth. Endometrial preparation type, number of previous frozen embryo transfer cycles, history of recurrent pregnancy loss, higher body mass index, presence of endometriosis and/or adenomyosis and embryo quality were found to be significantly different between two groups. Morphokinetic parameter analysis of 523 euploid embryos using time-lapse imaging did not show any statistical differences between the two groups, however a significantly higher rate of uneven blastomeres in the cleavage stage was observed in the total preganncy loss group. Evaluation of clinical and embryological data can reveal possible factors associated with pregnancy loss that can facilitate improved patient consultation. Feasible interventions can potentially increase the chance of achieving a live birth.

Effects of Dienogest Therapy on Endometriosis-Related Dysmenorrhea, Dyspareunia, and Endometrioma Size.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent chronic inflammatory disease that is defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterus. The most common localization is the ovaries, and endometriosis in this location is then called an endometrioma. According to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) (2022) guidelines, the most commonly prescribed treatments for endometriosis include drugs that alter the hormonal milieu. Dienogest is a new generation of progestin used in the treatment of endometriosis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of Dienogest treatment on endometrioma size and endometriosis-related pain symptoms over a six-month follow-up period. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary clinic in Turkey between March 2020 and March 2021. Here, 64 patients aged 17-49 years with unilateral or bilateral endometriomas without any hormone-dependent cancers and any medical conditions contraindicating the onset of hormonal treatment, such as active venous thromboembolism, previous or current cardiovascular disease, diabetes with cardiovascular complications, current severe liver disease, and not being pregnant, were included. Endometrioma sizes were determined by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS). Dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia symptoms were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS). Patients received Dienogest 2 mg/day continuously for six months. At the three- and six-month follow-ups, the patients were re-evaluated. RESULTS: The mean endometrioma size decreased significantly from an initial measurement of 44.0 ± 13 mm to 39.5 ± 15 mm at three months and to 34.4 ± 18 mm at the six-month follow-up. The mean dysmenorrhea VAS scores before treatment, at the three-month follow-up, and at the six-month follow-up were 6.9 ± 2.6, 4.3 ± 2.8, and 3.8 ± 2.7, respectively. Dysmenorrhea VAS scores decreased significantly over the first three months (p<0.01). Similarly, the mean VAS score for dyspareunia decreased at three and six months compared with the pretreatment value (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study shows that dienogest treatment reduced the symptoms of dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia and the size of endometriomas. However, the main significant decrease in dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia symptoms was noted in the first three months, making it a good treatment option, especially in young patients with a fertility wish.

Baseline serum vitamin A and vitamin C levels and their association with disease severity in COVID-19 patients.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the association between the serum concentrations of Vitamin A and Vitamin C and the severity of the COVID-19.  Methods: Fifty-three consecutive PCR (+) COVID-19 patients admitted to a dedicated ward were enrolled in this study. Blood samples for serum Vitamin A and C measurements were drawn from all participants upon admission. All subjects underwent thoracic CT imaging prior to hospitalization. CT severity score (CT-SS) was then calculated for determining the extent of pulmonary involvement. A group of healthy volunteers, in whom COVID-19 was ruled out, were assigned to the control group (n=26). These groups were compared by demographic features and serum vitamin A and C levels. The relationship between serum concentrations of these vitamins and pre-defined outcome measures, CT-SS and length of hospitalization (LOH), was also assessed.  Results: In COVID-19 patients, serum Vitamin A (ng/ml, 494±96 vs. 698±93; p<0.001) and Vitamin C (ng/ml, 2961 [1991-31718] vs. 3953 [1385-8779]; p=0.007) levels were significantly lower with respect to healthy controls. According to the results of correlation analyses, there was a significant negative association between Vitamin A level and outcome measures (LOH, r=-0.293; p=0.009 and CT-SS, r=-0.289; p=0.010). The negative correlations between Vitamin C level and those measures were even more prominent (LOH, r=-0.478; p<0.001 and CT-SS, r=-0.734: p<0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 patients had lower baseline serum Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels as compared to healthy controls. In subjects with COVID-19, Vitamin A and Vitamin C levels were negatively correlated with CT-SS and LOH.

Prediction of risk factors for first trimester pregnancy loss in frozen-thawed good-quality embryo transfer cycles using machine learning algorithms.

PURPOSE: Can the risk factors that cause first trimester pregnancy loss in good-quality frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles be predicted using machine learning algorithms? METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted at Sisli Memorial Hospital, ART and Reproductive Genetics Center, between January 2011 and May 2021. A total of 3805 good-quality FET cycles were included in the study. First trimester pregnancy loss rates were evaluated according to female age, paternal age, body mass index (BMI), diagnosis of infertility, endometrial preparation protocols (natural/artificial), embryo quality (top/good), presence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), history of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), recurrent implantation failure (RIF), severe male infertility, adenomyosis and endometriosis. RESULTS: The first trimester pregnancy loss rate was 18.2% (693/ 3805). The presence of RPL increased first trimester pregnancy loss (OR = 7.729, 95%CI = 5.908-10.142, P = 0.000). BMI, which is > 30, increased first trimester pregnancy loss compared to < 25 (OR = 1.418, 95%CI = 1.025-1.950, P = 0.033). Endometrial preparation with artificial cycle increased first trimester pregnancy loss compared to natural cycle (OR = 2.101, 95%CI = 1.630-2.723, P = 0.000). Female age, which is 35-37, increased first trimester pregnancy loss compared to < 30 (OR = 1.617, 95%CI = 1.120-2.316, P = 0.018), and female age, which is > 37, increased first trimester pregnancy loss compared to < 30 (OR = 2.286, 95%CI = 1.146-4,38, P = 0.016). The presence of PCOS increased first trimester pregnancy loss (OR = 1.693, 95%CI = 1.198-2.390, P = 0.002). The number of previous IVF cycles, which is > 3, increased first trimester pregnancy loss compared to < 3 (OR = 2.182, 95%CI = 1.708-2.790, P = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: History of RPL, RIF, advanced female age, presence of PCOS, and high BMI (> 30 kg/m2) were the factors that increased first trimester pregnancy loss.

The effect of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity on prognosis in early and late-onset fetal growth restriction.

OBJECTIVES: We aim to investigate the utility of middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity (MCA PSV) Doppler in determining the perinatal mortality and morbidity in serial Doppler measurements from the time of diagnosis to the delivery of complicated cases with fetal growth restriction (FGR). METHODS: At 24-38 weeks of gestation, 65 pregnant women diagnosed with FGR were included in the study. The fetal biometry measurements, MCA pulsatility index (PI), and MCA PSV Doppler evaluation of the cases formed at the diagnosis and the delivery were recorded. Gestational weeks, birth weights, APGAR scores, cord pH values, NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) admission, NICU duration of stay, and perinatal morbidity parameters such as RDS (respiratory distress syndrome), BPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia), NEC (necrotizing enterocolitis), sepsis and perinatal mortality were compared. The patients were divided into two groups: early and late-onset fetal growth restriction. Perinatal morbidity and mortality were accepted as adverse perinatal outcomes. RESULTS: MCA PSV above the 95th percentile at the diagnosis and delivery time was seen at a significantly higher rate with adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that evaluating MCA PSV with Doppler can be a helpful diagnostic method for early diagnosis of restriction and hypoxic fetuses. Also, it may be used in clinics as a noninvasive method to predict neonatal prognosis.

Comparison of enhanced recovery protocol with conventional care in patients undergoing urogynecological surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The impact of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on postoperative outcomes after urogynecological surgery is yet to be a matter of investigation. This study sought to evaluate this issue by comparing the patients who had conventional or ERAS--guided perioperative care for several clinical end-points including ambulation, length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, and postoperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 121 patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery were allocated to two study arms, ERAS protocol (Group E) or conventional care (Group C). Variables reflecting the restoration of appetite and bowel movements, bleeding events, other complications, LOS and readmissions were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The patients in Group C significantly received a more intensive intravenous fluid treatment compared to Group E (2,760 ± 656 vs. 1,045 ± 218 mL, P < 0.001). Time required for first flatus, first defecation, eating solid food, and ambulation (P < 0.001) were also longer in the former group of patients. Moreover, LOS was significantly reduced when the ERAS protocol was applied (2.5 ± 1.1 vs. 2.0 ± 0.6 days, P < 0.001). On the other hand, the two groups were similar with respect to the frequency of the postoperative complications, including surgical site infections, cardiovascular complications, non-specific abdominal pain, sub-ileus, blood loss and readmission rate. CONCLUSION: In our sample population, ERAS protocol led to early initiation of oral intake, early recovery of bowel function, early mobilization, and early discharge of patients without compromise in safety concerns after urogynecological surgery.

Pleth Variability Index-Based Goal-Directed Fluid Management in Patients Undergoing Elective Gynecologic Surgery.

Objectives: Data concerning the usefulness of pleth variability index (PVI)-based goal-directed fluid management (GDFM) in gynecologic surgery is limited.This study purposed to compare the impact of PVI-based GDFM to conventional fluid management (CFM) on intraoperative hemodynamics and lactate levels in subjects undergoing gynecologic surgery. Methods: This randomized and controlled trial was conducted on 70 patients undergoing elective gynecologic surgery. Subjects were randomly assigned to CFM or GDFM. Hemodynamic data and results of the arterial blood gas analysis, and total amount of the fluid infused were recorded throughout the surgery at 1-h intervals. Results: The amount of the total fluids was significantly higher in the CFM group compared to that of the GDFM group (p<0.001). Mean arterial pressure recorded at the 2nd h of the surgery was significantly lower in the CFM group compared to that of the GDFM group (p=0.047). While there were no significant differences between the baseline and the 2nd h lactate levels in the GDFM group, the lactate level significantly increased from baseline to the 2nd h in the CFM group (p=0.010). Conclusion: Implementation of PVI-based GDFM provides better intraoperative hemodynamic stability and lower lactate levels compared to the CFM in subjects undergoing gynecologic surgery.

Skin closure at cesarean section, polypropylene versus polyglactin 910: a randomized controlled study.

AIM: To compare the rates of surgical wound infection in women who have undergone cesarean delivery with subcuticular skin closure with polyglactin 910 or polypropylene. METHODS: Between April 2018 and October 2018, patients who had undergone a cesarean delivery for any reason were randomized with polyglactin 910 or polypropylene for subcuticular skin closure. Participants were evaluated for wound complications on day 7 and 30 postoperatively. The primary outcome was surgical site infection within the first 30 days following delivery. In addition, factors affecting surgical site infections were analyzed by binary regression. RESULTS: A total of 220 women who had undergone cesarean delivery were randomized and 213 were included in the final analysis. The groups were similar in terms of demographic characteristics and perioperative features. No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of wound complications or superficial site infections (8.3% in the polypropylene group versus 10.6% in the polyglactin 910 group, p = .642). Similarly, no difference was observed between the groups in terms of other wound complications. A binary logistic regression analysis indicated that superficial wound site infection was not affected by gravidity, BMI, duration of operation, repeated or unplanned cesarean delivery. CONCLUSION: It was observed that surgical site infections and other wound complications in skin closures with polyglactin 910 were similar to those with polypropylene.

The role of video-based multimedia information in reduction of anxiety before dilatation and curettage.

OBJECTIVE: Considerable amount of women undergoing dilatation and curettage (D&C) are subject to preoperative anxiety. We hypothesized that the implementation of video-based multimedia information (MMI) before the D&C might facilitate patients' education and provide clear information regarding the procedure. This study aimed to compare the impact of video-based MMI and conventional written information on anxiety, pain severity, and satisfaction in patients undergoing D&C. METHODS: Seventy four women scheduled for D&C for abnormal uterine bleeding were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Subjects were assigned to receive a video-based MMI or conventional written information (controls). The trait and state anxiety were assessed using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the MMI or written information. STAI-state (STAI-S) was repeated after the application of the MMI or written information. All patients underwent D&C by the same gynecologist. Following D&C, patient satisfaction and procedural pain were ranked using a Likert scale and Visual Analogue Scale. RESULTS: Post-informational STAI-S score was significantly lower than the pre-informational STAI-S score in the video group (p<0.001), whereas no significant change occurred in STAI-S score in the control group (p=0.210). The satisfaction rate of the patients receiving MMI before the D&C was significantly higher than the satisfaction rate of the controls (75% vs. 50%, p=0.027). CONCLUSION: Implementation of MMI before the D&C procedure is associated with less anxiety, less severe postoperative pain and improved patients satisfaction, compared to the conventional written information.

What is new in peripartum hysterectomy? A seventeen year experience in a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To identify changing trends in peripartum hysterectomy (PH), both elective. cesarean hysterectomy and emergency cesarean hysterectomy, at a single training and research hospital over the last 17 years in Istanbul, Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was performed between January 2001 and September 2017. The records of all patients who had PH at Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Training and Research Hospital were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 243 cases of PH during the study period. A total of 266,386 births occurred, of which 60.1% were vaginal deliveries and 39.8% were cesarean sections. The incidence of PH increased from 0.67 per 1000 deliveries to 1.14 per 1000 deliveries during 2001-2008 and 2009-2017, respectively, with an overall incidence of 0.91 per 1000 deliveries during the 17 years. The main indication for PH changed significantly during this time from uterine atony (57.1%) to placenta accreta spectrum (85%). About 37% of women who underwent PH had at least one previous cesarean delivery during 2001-2008, whereas that percentage increased to 95.4% during 2009-2017. CONCLUSION: Placenta accreta spectrum was the leading cause of PH and was associated with significant maternal morbidity and mortality.

Low-pressure pulmonary recruitment maneuver: equal to or worse than moderate-pressure pulmonary recruitment maneuver in preventing postlaparoscopic shoulder pain? A randomized controlled trial of 72 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The pulmonary recruitment maneuver (PRM) has emerged as an effective way of reducing post-laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP). However, the optimal lower pressure level for a PRM to reduce PLSP has not yet been investigated. AIM: To compare the efficacy of the low-pressure PRM with moderate-pressure PRM in preventing PLSP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-two ASA I-II patients who were scheduled for gynecologic LS for non-malignant conditions were enrolled in this study. Group 1 included patients who received the PRM at a maximum pressure of 30-40 cm H2O in a semi-Fowler position and group 2 included patients who received the PRM at a maximum pressure of 15 cm H2O in a semi-Fowler position. The primary outcome of the study was the difference in PLSP between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in PLSP and wound pain VAS scores between patients receiving the PRM at 30 cm H2O and 15 cm H2O during postoperative pain monitoring (p < 0.05). The groups were also similar with respect to ambulation time (p = 0.215), length of hospital stay (p = 0.556) and the height of the pneumoperitoneum measured on chest X-ray (p = 0.151). CONCLUSIONS: The low-pressure PRM (15 cm H2O pressure) provides similar efficacy as the moderate-pressure PRM (30-40 cm H2O) in terms of PLSP, wound pain, height of pneumoperitoneum, time of ambulation and length of hospital stay. We suggest that lower maximal inspiratory pressure of 15 cm H2O might be preferred to avoid the potential complications of the PRM with higher pressures.

Use of video-based multimedia information to reduce anxiety before office hysteroscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Use of multimedia tools has been shown to improve patient comprehension, reduce pre-procedural anxiety, and increase patient satisfaction in various surgical settings. AIM: To investigate the impact of video-based multimedia information (MMI) on the anxiety levels of patients undergoing office hysteroscopy (OH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All consecutive women aged 18-65 years and scheduled for diagnostic OH were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Subjects were assigned to receive video-based MMI or conventional written information (controls). The trait and state anxiety were assessed using the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before the MMI or written information. STAI-state (STAI-S) was repeated after application of the MMI or written information. All patients underwent a standardized transvaginal hysteroscopy procedure by the same gynecologist. Following the hysteroscopy, patient satisfaction and procedural pain were ranked using a Likert scale and visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were randomized to receive a video-based MMI, and 52 patients were randomized to receive written information. Post-information STAI-S score was significantly lower in the MMI group than that of the written information group (45.0 ±8.0 vs. 49.4 ±8.4, p < 0.001, 95% CI for the difference: 1.36-7.79). Moreover, the satisfaction rate of the video group was significantly higher than the satisfaction rate of the controls (92.3% vs. 63.5%, p < 0.001). VAS score of procedural pain was similar for the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A video-based MMI before OH might be preferred to conventional information methods in order to reduce the pre-procedural anxiety and to increase patients' satisfaction.

Comparison of enhanced recovery protocol with conventional care in patients undergoing minor gynecologic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the role of the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in improving postoperative outcomes and postoperative compliance in patients undergoing gynecological surgery, in particular, minor laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecological procedures, are limited. AIM: To investigate the impact of the ERAS protocol on time to ambulation, length of stay (LOS), readmissions and postoperative complications in patients undergoing minor gynecological surgical procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 104 patients undergoing minor laparoscopic and hysteroscopic gynecological procedures were randomized to the ERAS protocol or conventional care. Time to defecation, ambulation, and solid food intake, bleeding and LOS were recorded for each patient. RESULTS: The amount of intravenous fluid administered in the perioperative (p < 0.001) and postoperative period (p < 0.001) was significantly higher in the conventional care group than in the ERAS group. In addition, time to first defecation (p < 0.001), time to eating solid food (p < 0.001), and time to ambulation (p = 0.008) were shorter in the ERAS group compared to the conventional care group. Length of stay was also significantly shorter in the ERAS group than in the conventional care group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of ERAS protocols provides shorter LOS, less fluid intake, early return of bowel function and early mobilization without an increase in complication rate in women undergoing minor laparoscopic or hysteroscopic gynecologic surgery.

Elevation in optic nerve sheath diameter due to the pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg is associated to postoperative nausea, vomiting and headache in patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.

BACKGROUND: Optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) measurement with ultrasound has emerged as a simple, non-invasive and reliable surrogate of invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) measurement. Increase in ICP might lead to postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative headache. Here, we aimed to evaluate the extent of change in ONSD, resulting from pneumoperitoneum (PP) and Trendelenburg (TP) position during the laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH), by using ultrasonographic ONSD measurement. We also aimed to investigate the relation of ONSD with PONV and postoperative headache. METHODS: Sixty-one patients undergoing LH with general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective study. ONSD was measured at six time-points during the LH. The primary outcome of the study was the change in ONSD with the introduction of PP and TP. The relation of ONSD with PONV and postoperative headache were the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: ONSD demonstrated an increasing trend from baseline to the 10th minute of the TP. A relative decrease occurred in ONSD following supine positioning which further decreased after the release of the PP. However, even after the release of the PP, the median ONSD was significantly higher compared to the baseline values (5.1 mm vs. 4.9 mm, P<0.01). Presence of PONV and headache were significantly correlated with the extent of the increase in ONSD from baseline to PP and from baseline to TP. ROC curve analysis revealed that a cut-off value of 5.85 mm for ONSD was predictive for PONV (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Combination of PP and TP leads to a significant increase in ONSD during LH. The extent of the increase in ONSD during the procedure is significantly correlated with PONV and headache occurring within the first three hours of recovery.

Platelet Indices as the Predictor of Antibiotics Response in Surgical Wound Infections Following Total Abdominal Hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: The mean platelet volume (MPV) and the MPV-to-platelet (PLT) count ratio have long been reported as inflammation markers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of the MPV and the MPV-to-PLT ratio on surgical wound healing in patients who underwent abdominal hysterectomy and experienced infections at the surgical site following surgery, despite adequate antimicrobial treatment. METHODS: A total of 100 patients who encountered surgical wound infection (SWI) after abdominal hysterectomy were enrolled retrospectively. Samples for complete blood count were drawn the day before the operation. All patients received preoperative and postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and proper antimicrobial treatment following the SWI development. Patients' condition resolved after standard care and antimicrobial agents were classified as the standard care group. Others, in whom an improvement despite the standard care was not observed, underwent delayed primary closure and were classified as the delayed primary closure group. RESULTS: The PLT count was decreased (319.5±66 103/µL vs. 392±121 103/µL; p<0.05), MPV(9.2±1.3 fL vs. 8.2±1.5 fL; p<0.05), and the MPV-to-PLT ratio (0.030±0.006 vs. 0.024±0.014; p<0.05) was increased in the delayed primary closure group compared to the standard care group. A receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the predictive value of these parameters on the response to standard care measures providing 8.28fL as a cut-off value for MPV (AUC=0.647, 72% sensitivity and 52% specificity) and 0.025 as a cut-off value for the MPV-to-PLT ratio (AUC=0.750, 75% sensitivity and 67% specificity) for predicting nonresponsiveness. CONCLUSION: An increased preoperative MPV and the MPV-to-PLT ratio may predict poor wound healing following total abdominal hysterectomy.

Characteristics of total laparoscopic hysterectomy among women with or without previous cesarean section: retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: The number of hysterectomized patients with previous cesarean sections (CSs) has increased due to increasing CS rates. A previous history of CS has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for major complications in total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The aim here was to evaluate the major complications and safety of TLH in patients with previous CS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis in a tertiary-level center. METHODS: The medical records of 504 total laparoscopic hysterectomy patients operated between May 2013 and May 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Data on age, parity, surgical indications, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, histopathological diagnosis and major intra and postoperative complications were gathered. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their CS history, namely those with and those without previous CS. Major complications were defined as the presence of lower urinary tract injury (bladder or ureter injury), enterotomy/colostomy, bowel serosal injury or vascular injury. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of parity, duration of operation, hospital stay or pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels. The conversion rates to laparotomy in the previous CS and no CS groups were 2% and 1.7%, respectively. The rates of major complications in the previous CS and no CS groups were 5% and 1.3%, respectively, and these results did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TLH could be performed safely in the previous CS group, since the complication rate was not different from that of the patients without previous CS.

A comparison of pelvic organ prolapse and sexual function after abdominal and laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Hysterectomy is one of the risk factors of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). There is no consensus on whether the route of hysterectomy affects the subsequent development of POP. The aim of the study was to assess POP and sexual function 1 year after a hysterectomy when comparing total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). The study applied the pelvic organ prolapse quantification (POP-Q) as the measure of POP and a short-form of the POP/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Function Questionnaire (PISQ-12). MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients that underwent either TAH or TLH due to benign causes between March 2016 and March 2017 at the tertiary hospital used for the study were included in our prospective cohort study. POP-Q measurements and PISQ-12 scores were assessed 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: We included 182 patients in the clinical examinations. There were no statistically significant differences in demographic characteristics between the TAH and TLH groups. Also, there we no differences observed in the objective POP measurements between the two study groups. Results of the two groups' PISQ-12 scores were also similar. However, postoperative vaginal lengths were found to be significantly shorter in the patients who had undergone TAH compared with those who had undergone TLH. CONCLUSIONS: TAH and TLH are comparable regarding short-term objective pelvic organ prolapse. Although we found statistically a significant difference in vaginal lengths between the two groups, no clinical significance was found in terms of sexual function.

Characteristics of total laparoscopic hysterectomy among women with or without previous cesarean section: retrospective analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The number of hysterectomized patients with previous cesarean sections (CSs) has increased due to increasing CS rates. A previous history of CS has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for major complications in total laparoscopic hysterectomy. The aim here was to evaluate the major complications and safety of TLH in patients with previous CS. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective analysis in a tertiary-level center. METHODS: The medical records of 504 total laparoscopic hysterectomy patients operated between May 2013 and May 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Data on age, parity, surgical indications, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, histopathological diagnosis and major intra and postoperative complications were gathered. The patients were categorized into two groups according to their CS history, namely those with and those without previous CS. Major complications were defined as the presence of lower urinary tract injury (bladder or ureter injury), enterotomy/colostomy, bowel serosal injury or vascular injury. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of parity, duration of operation, hospital stay or pre and postoperative hemoglobin levels. The conversion rates to laparotomy in the previous CS and no CS groups were 2% and 1.7%, respectively. The rates of major complications in the previous CS and no CS groups were 5% and 1.3%, respectively, and these results did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: TLH could be performed safely in the previous CS group, since the complication rate was not different from that of the patients without previous CS.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) versus conventional postoperative care in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study, we aimed to compare the postoperative compliance and complications between ERAS and conventional postoperative care in patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is the prospective, randomized, controlled trial, which involved 62 patients, who underwent abdominal hysterectomy between December 2016 to February 2017. A total of 30 patients formed the ERAS group. A total of 32 patients who received conventional perioperative care and matched for age, body mass index (BMI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were assigned as a control group. Groups were compared in terms of patient characteristics [age, body mass index, ASA Score, parity, diagnosis, type of surgery, and perioperative intravenous fluids], postoperative compliance (postoperative intravenous fluids, time to first flatus, first defecation, ambulation, eating solid food, and postoperative hospital stay), and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Peri- and post-operative administrated intravenous fluids were significantly lower in the ERAS group (p < 0.001 for both). Time to first flatus (p = 0.001), time to first defecation (p < 0.001), and time to eating solid food (p < 0.001) were all significantly shorter in the ERAS group. Post-operative early mobilization on the first postoperative day was achieved in eight (26.7%) patients in the ERAS group. There were no significant differences in complications. One (3.3%) patient in the ERAS Group and 11 (34.4%) patients in the Conventional Group required hospital readmission after discharge (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: The ERAS protocol seems to be a simple tool for reducing the incidence of postoperative complications and shortening hospitalization.

Predictors of failure of the commonly used single-dose methotrexate protocol for treating tubal ectopic pregnancies.

OBJECTIVES: This study identified patients who would benefit from an earlier additional medical intervention and/or continuing close surveillance even if commonly used parameters indicated sufficient medical treatment to determine markers of treatment failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients with a preliminary diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy treated with the single-dose methotrexate protocol. Group 1: cases cured with a single dose of methotrexate; Group 2: cases who required more than one dose of methotrexate or surgery following the first dose. Demographics, clinical/sonographic findings, observation period, and ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels were compared among the two groups. Thresholds were defined and a regression analysis was performed to define independent predictors of failure. RESULTS: Data from 120 patients were analyzed: Group 1 (n = 92); Group 2 (n = 28). ß-hCG levels measured at all time points, and day (0-4) and day (4-7) changes, presence of adnexial masses, and infertility were significantly different among the two groups. Only the day (0-4) and day (4-7) changes in ß-hCG levels were independent predictors of failure. CONCLUSION: Day (0-4) thresholds or newly defined day (4-7) thresholds were not more sensitive than the conventional day (4-7) criteria. Day (0-4) ß-hCG levels increased by more than 9.7% in half the patients who required additional methotrexate doses or surgery despite fulfillment of the conventional day (4-7) criteria. In contrast, no cases of treatment failure were observed if the day (0-4) decrease was >26.6%.