Correlation of preoperative sonographic staging and postoperative histopathologic staging in patients with invasive breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of preoperative sonographic staging in patients with primary invasive breast cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively kept service database of patients with newly diagnosed, unifocal, cT1-3, invasive breast cancer. All patients were diagnosed at a single center institution between January 2013 and December 2021. Clinical T stage was assessed preoperatively by ultrasound and correlated with the definite postoperative pathologic T stage. Demographics, clinical and pathological characteristics were collected. Factors influencing accuracy, over- and underdiagnosis of sonographic staging were analyzed with multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2478 patients were included in the analysis. Median patients' age was 65 years. 1577 patients (63.6%) had clinical T1 stage, 864 (34.9%) T2 and 37 (1.5%) T3 stage. The overall accuracy of sonography and histology was 76.5% (n = 1896), overestimation was observed in 9.1% (n = 225) of all cases, while underestimation occurred in 14.4% (n = 357) of all cases. Accuracy increased when clinical tumor stage cT was higher (OR 1.23; 95% CI 1.10-1.38, p ≤ 0.001). The highest accuracy was seen for patients with T2 stage (82.8%). The accuracy was lower in Luminal B tumors compared to Luminal A tumors (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.59-0.87, p ≤ 0.001). We could not find any association between sonographic accuracy in HER2 positive patients, and demographic characteristics, or tumor-related factors. CONCLUSION: Our unicentric study showed a high accuracy of sonography in predicting T stage, especially for tumors with clinical T2 stage. Tumor stage and biological tumor factors do affect the accuracy of sonographic staging.

The 3q Oncogene SEC62 Predicts Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Regulates Tumor Cell Migration in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

In the absence of targeted treatment options, neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is applied widely for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Response to NACT is an important parameter predictive of oncological outcomes (progression-free and overall survival). An approach to the evaluation of predictive markers enabling therapy individualization is the identification of tumor driver genetic mutations. This study was conducted to investigate the role of SEC62, harbored at 3q26 and identified as a driver of breast cancer pathogenesis, in TNBC. We analyzed SEC62 expression in The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and immunohistologically investigated SEC62 expression in pre- and post-NACT tissue samples from 64 patients with TNBC treated at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics/Saarland University Hospital/Homburg between January 2010 and December 2018 and compared the effect of SEC62 on tumor cell migration and proliferation in functional assays. SEC62 expression dynamics correlated positively with the response to NACT (p ≤ 0.01) and oncological outcomes (p ≤ 0.01). SEC62 expression stimulated tumor cell migration (p ≤ 0.01). The study findings indicate that SEC62 is overexpressed in TNBC and serves as a predictive marker for the response to NACT, a prognostic marker for oncological outcomes, and a migration-stimulating oncogene in TNBC.

Preoperative Sonographic Prediction of Limited Axillary Disease in Patients with Primary Breast Cancer Meeting the Z0011 Criteria: an Alternative to Sentinel Node Biopsy?

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of preoperative sonographic staging for prediction of limited axillary disease (LAD, one or two metastatic lymph nodes) and to identify factors associated with high prediction-pathology concordance in patients with early-stage breast cancer meeting the Z0011 criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients treated between January 2015 and January 2020 were included in this retrospective, multicentric analysis of prospectively acquired service databases. The accuracy of LAD prediction was assessed separately for patients with one and two suspicious lymph nodes on preoperative sonography. Test validity outcomes for LAD prediction were calculated for both groups, and a multivariate model was used to identify factors associated with high accuracy of LAD prediction. RESULTS: Of 2059 enrolled patients, 1513 underwent sentinel node biopsy, 436 primary and 110 secondary axillary dissection. For LAD prediction in patients with one suspicious lymph node on preoperative ultrasound, sensitivity was 92% (95% CI 87-95%), negative predictive value (NPV) was 92% (95% CI 87-95%), and the false-negative rate (FNR) was 8% (95% CI 5-13%). For patients with two preoperatively suspicious nodes, the sensitivity, NPV, and FNR were 89% (95% CI 84-93%), 73% (62-83%), and 11% (95% CI 7-16%), respectively. On multivariate analysis, the number of suspicious lymph nodes was associated inversely with correct LAD prediction ([OR 0.01 (95% CI 0.01-0.93), p ≤ 0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic axillary staging in patients with one metastatic lymph node predicted by preoperative ultrasound showed high accuracy and a false-negative rate comparable to sentinel node biopsy for prediction of limited axillary disease.

Use of a microsurgical vascular clip system for temporary bilateral occlusion of the four main uterine vessels for laparoscopic enucleation of very large intramural uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to examine the safety, feasibility, and effectiveness of the use of a microsurgical temporary vascular clip system to facilitate the laparoscopic enucleation of very large intramural uterine fibroids. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the surgical outcomes of 26 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with temporary uterine vessel clipping for very large (the largest measured diameter ≥ 9 cm) symptomatic intramural uterine fibroids in two tertiary referral hospitals between September 2017 and March 2020 were examined. Titan-made vascular clips (YASARGIL® Aneurysm Clip System) were used to temporarily occlude the bilateral uterine arteries and utero-ovarian vessels. Main outcomes included operating time, blood loss, number of leiomyomas and weight, conversion rate, intra- and postoperative complication rates, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Twenty six patients were included. Dominant intramural uterine fibroid diameters were 9-22 cm. The general characteristics of the patients were similar. The mean surgery duration and intraoperative blood loss were 175.3 ± 32.7 (range 120-250) min and 241.1 ± 103 (range 100-450) ml, respectively. The median postoperative drop in hemoglobin was 0.89 ± 0.75 g/dL. No patient required blood transfusion. No procedure was converted to laparotomy. No major intra- or postoperative complication occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic myomectomy for very large intramural uterine fibroids can be performed safely and effectively, with less intraoperative blood loss, using vascular clips for temporary clamping of the bilateral uterine vessels.

Students' attitudes toward digital learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey conducted following an online course in gynecology and obstetrics.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to assess medical students' opinions about online learning programs and their preferences for specific teaching formats during COVID 19 pandemic. METHODS: Between May and July 2020, medical students who took an online gynecology and obstetrics course were asked to fill in a questionnaire anonymously. The questionnaire solicited their opinions about the course, the teaching formats used (online lectures, video tutorials featuring real patient scenarios, and online practical skills training), and digital learning in general. RESULTS: Of 103 students, 98 (95%) submitted questionnaires that were included in the analysis. 84 (86%) students had no problem with the online course and 70 (72%) desired more online teaching in the future. 37 (38%) respondents preferred online to traditional lectures. 72 (74%) students missed learning with real patients. All digital teaching formats received good and excellent ratings from > 80% of the students. CONCLUSION: The survey results show medical students' broad acceptance of the online course during COVID 19 pandemic and indicates that digital learning options can partially replace conventional face-to-face teaching. For content taught by lecture, online teaching might be an alternative or complement to traditional education. However, bedside-teaching remains a key pillar of medical education.

Incidence of and risk factors for vaginal cuff dehiscence following total laparoscopic hysterectomy: a monocentric hospital analysis.

PURPOSE: Vaginal cuff dehiscence (VCD) is one of the major surgical complications following hysterectomy with data on incidence rates varying largely and studies assessing risk factors being sparse with contradictive results. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence rate of and risk factors for VCD in a homogenous cohort of women treated for benign uterine pathologies via total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) with standardized follow-up. METHODS: All patients undergoing TLH at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital between November 2010 and February 2019 were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained service database. RESULTS: VCD occurred in 18 (2.9%) of 617 patients included. In univariate and multivariate analyses, a lower level of surgeon laparoscopic expertise (odds ratio 3.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-9.38; p = 0.03) and lower weight of removed uterus (odds ratio 0.99, 95% CI 0.98-0.99; p = 0.02) were associated positively with the risk of VCD. CONCLUSION: In this homogenous cohort undergoing TLH, laparoscopic expertise and uterine weight influenced the risk of postoperative VCD. These findings might help to further reduce the rate of this complication.

Patient satisfaction with personal patient care (PPC) in the inpatient treatment of endometriosis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to validate patient's satisfaction and surgical complication rate in patients treated at a certified endometriosis centre with personal patient care (PPC). METHODS: The implementation of PPC at a gynaecologic treatment centre was retrospectively evaluated by analysing perioperative complications using the Clavien Dindo (CD) classification and patient satisfaction utilizing the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPE-15) for a total of 219 symptomatic endometriosis patients treated surgically at a certified endometriosis centre (Agaplesion Diakonie Hospital, Kassel, Germany) between November 2018 and April 2019. Data from our sample on complication rates and satisfaction were compared with those from reference samples published by Radosa et al. and Jenkinson et al. RESULTS: An overall complication rate of 10.96% (24 out of 219 patients) was observed. Four endometriosis patients (1.83%) had major complications with complications grade III according to the CD classification system. 155 patients out of 219 chose to answer the PPE-15 (return rate 70.78%). 92 patients (59.35%) reported about problems during their treatment in our hospital in their PPE-15. "Doctors sometimes talked as if I was not here" was the best rated item (1.2%) in our cohort. "Staff gave conflicting information" was the most mentioned item (33.55%) by patients during their hospital stay in relation to patient dissatisfaction. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of PPC in the surgical inpatient treatment of endometriosis patients resulted in a low postoperative complication rate and a high patient satisfaction in our study cohort. Furthermore, nursing staff of endometriosis patients also needs particular attention.

Postoperative non-traumatic compartment syndrome (PNCS) in gynecologic surgery.

PURPOSE: The postoperative non-traumatic compartment syndrome (PNCS) is a rare, but serious postoperative complication. Etiology, risk factors and clinical manifestation of PNCS are not well characterized since data in gynecologic and obstetric patients are limited. METHODS: We performed a retrospective monocentric study of patients who underwent surgery for gynecologic or obstetrics conditions and identified five cases of PNCS, which were analyzed and compared to a control cohort in regard of incidence, clinical presentation, risk factors and clinical outcome. RESULTS: Five cases of PNCS were identified among 19.432 patients treated between 2008 and 2019 with an incidence rate of 0.026%. The clinical examination was shown to be unreliable, lacking sensitivity in most clinical signs. Young age, obesity and long operation time were risk factors for the development of a PNCS. Fasciotomy for the treatment of a PNCS should not be delayed, since permanent function loss may occur early. CONCLUSION: A low threshold of clinical suspicion might be prudent to identify PNCS following gynecologic surgery. In the presence of the described risk factors, any suspicion of a PNCS should be evaluated further and if necessary treated with fasciotomy urgently.

Evaluating the use of Clavien-Dindo classification and Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire as quality indicators in gynecologic endoscopy.

PURPOSE: Over the last few decades, laparoscopy has become a standard procedure within gynecological surgery. Validated quality indicators for the determination of the objective (perioperative complications) and subjective (patient satisfaction) quality of treatment as a surrogate parameter for the success of the treatment have so far found no regular application in the clinical routine. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification for postoperative complications and the Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire (PPE-15) as tools in the evaluation of endoscopic therapies in clinical routine. METHODS: Retrospectively, perioperative complications using the CD classification and patient satisfaction utilizing the PPE-15 were reviewed for a total of 212 consecutive patients at a gynecologic endoscopic referral center (Agaplesion Diakonie Kliniken, Kassel, Germany) in September 2018. RESULTS: An overall complication rate of 13.21% (28 out of 138 patients) was observed. Five patients (2.36%) had complications grade III and above according to the CD classification system. 138 patients out of 212 chose to answer the PPE-15 (return rate 65.01%). 112 patients (81.16%) reported about problems during their treatment in our hospital in their PPE-15. "Purpose of medicines not explained" was the most mentioned item (28.99%) by patients during their hospital stay. CONCLUSION: CD classification and PPE-15 may be helpful instruments to evaluate the quality of care in gynecology. The application of both instruments for the assessment of treatment quality in clinical routine should be further investigated in prospective studies.

Report of the survey on current opinions and practice of German Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (AGE) members regarding the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian malignancies.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this survey was to assess the opinions of members of the German Society of Gynecologic Endoscopy (AGE) regarding the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian malignancies and current practice at their institutions. METHODS: Between February and October 2015, the AGE sent an anonymous online survey via mail to its members. The questionnaire solicited participants' opinions about the laparoscopic treatment of ovarian cancers according to T stage and borderline tumors, and information about current practice at their institutions. Participants were also asked their opinions on currently available data on this issue. RESULTS: Of 228 AGE members who completed the survey, 132 (58%) were fellows or attending physicians and 156 (68%) worked at university hospitals or tertiary referral centers. Most [212 (93%)] respondents stated that < 10% of all ovarian cancer cases were currently treated laparoscopically at their institutions. Most participants indicated that T1 (a, b, c) tumors [145 (64%)] and ovarian borderline tumors [206 (90%)], but not T2 [48 (21%)] or T3/4 [9 (4%) ovarian tumors] should or could be treated laparoscopically. One hundred seventy-two (75%) participants considered currently available data on this topic to be insufficient and 152 (66%) stated that they would take part in a clinical trial assessing a laparoscopic approach to T1/2 ovarian cancer. CONCLUSION: According to this survey, to the opinion of the majority of AGE members, laparoscopy might be a considerable option for the treatment of early ovarian malignancies and borderline tumors and should be evaluated further in future studies.

LAVH superior to TVH when concomitant salpingo-oophorectomy is intended in prolapse hysterectomy: a comparative cohort study.

PURPOSE: This comparative cohort study evaluated the influence of surgical route for prolapse hysterectomy (vaginal or laparoscopically assisted) on the achievement of intended elective salpingo-oophorectomy, which was a procedural goal planned with the patient before primary vaginal native-tissue prolapse surgery. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent total vaginal hysterectomy (TVH; n = 163) or laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH; n = 144) and vaginal native-tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse at Jena University Hospital were enrolled. RESULTS: Peri- and postoperative parameters, including Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification of surgical complications, were compared between groups using Student's t test, Fisher's exact test, and multivariable regression. Patient characteristics were similar, except that grade IV prolapse was more common in the LAVH group (p < 0.001). The following parameters differed between the TVH and LAVH groups: concomitant salpingectomy (1.2% vs. 34%) and salpingo-oophorectomy (45% vs. 66%), non-performance of intended salpingo-oophorectomy (36% vs. 0% OR 0.006, 95% CI < 0.001-0.083), adhesiolysis (0% vs. 44%), CD II-III complications (51% vs. 14.6% p < 0.001), operating time (153 ± 61 vs. 142 ± 27 min), and postoperative in-patient days (9.02 ± 4.9 vs. 4.99 ± 0.96; all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LAVH enabled the safe performance of planned concomitant salpingo-oophorectomy in all cases. To achieve the procedural goal in such cases, laparoscopic assistance in prolapse hysterectomy should be considered.

Instrument usage in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery: a prospective clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate instrumental usage in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries and to develop key timesets of a laparoscopic operation, which allows categorization of the operation time into different sections. METHODS: In this prospective clinical observational study, frequency of instrument usage, time for instrument switches, and instrument utilization time were recorded in a standardized manner for laparoscopic surgeries in 103 endoscopic surgeries. RESULTS: A standard equipment (including atraumatic grasping forceps, irrigation and suction device, bipolar clamp, and laparoscopic scissors) was used for nearly all interventions. Bipolar clamps and scissors were changed most frequently. The tool used for the longest amount of time was the atraumatic grasping forceps. Laparoscopic instruments were switched 51 times per surgery (range 2-250 times). One instrument switch lasted for a median of 0.13 min (0.08-1.2 min). Median time for instrument switch for a single surgery added up to 6.83 min. Instrument switches required 10.5% of the overall operation time. CONCLUSION: We analyzed the current instrument usage in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. The results of our standardized investigation suggest ways to reduce the time required for surgery and provide starting points for the standardization of the work routine.

Systematic assessment of surgical complications in 438 cases of vaginal native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse adopting Clavien-Dindo classification.

PURPOSE: To systematically review surgical complications of vaginal native tissue prolapse repair using Clavien-Dindo classification and to show whether concomitant surgery leads to increased complication rates. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of complications in 438 consecutive vaginal native tissue prolapse repairs and subgroup analysis was performed for concomitant hysterectomy or sacrospinous fixation for level I defects using Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: Anterior and posterior colporrhaphia was performed in all 438 patients and sacrospinous fixation (SSF) for level I defects in 269 patients. Prolapse repair was combined with hysterectomy in 255 cases. One intra-operative bladder lesion (0.23%) and one rectal lesion (0.23%) occurred. Postoperative urinary tract infection requiring antibiotics was noted in 34 cases (7.8%). Post-void residual volume was medically treated in 24 cases (5.5%). Four patients (0.9%) underwent postoperative suprapubic catheter insertion. Asymptomatic gluteal hematomas were noted in 11 cases (2.5%). Four patients (0.9%) underwent re-operations for postoperative hemorrhage. Mean hospital stay was 5.6 days. Minor complications were classified as CD grade I in 2.5%, as CD grade II in 13.2%, complications requiring surgical intervention as grade IIIa in 0.9% and as grade IIIb in 0.9% of patients. No CD grade IV or V complications occurred. Apart from gluteal hematomas classified as CD grade I occurring in the SSF group (p = 0.019), no other differences of complication rates were found in the hysterectomy subgroup or in the SSF subgroup. CONCLUSION: Surgery was associated with low rate of CD grade III complications. Re-operation rate was 0.9%. The authors suggest introduction of CD classification for comparability of prolapse surgery.

Influences of different hysterectomy techniques on patients' postoperative sexual function and quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Hysterectomy ranks among the most frequently performed gynecological surgical procedures. At the time of operation, the majority of patients are premenopausal and sexually active. Hence, detailed counseling about the effects of hysterectomy on postoperative sexuality and quality of life can be regarded as an integral part of preoperative counseling. However, available data on these subjects are limited and contradictory. AIM: The aim of this study was to assess quality of life and sexuality following three common hysterectomy procedures-total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), and vaginal hysterectomy (VH)-in premenopausal patients using the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative EQ-5D and FSFI scores were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Kruskal-Wallis analysis and Mann-Whitney U-test with post hoc Bonferroni correction were used to assess differences among the three subgroups. METHODS: All premenopausal patients who underwent TLH, SLH, or VH without adnexectomy due to benign uterine disorders between April 2011 and June 2013 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Saarland University Hospital were enrolled in this observational cohort study. Sexuality and quality of life status were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using two standardized validated questionnaires: the FSFI, a multidimensional, self-reported instrument for the assessment of female sexual function, and the EQ-5D, a standardized, validated instrument to measure an individual's health status. RESULTS: Of 402 eligible patients, 237 completed the study. Patient characteristics and preoperative FSFI and EQ-5D scores did not differ among the three hysterectomy subgroups. Postoperative FSFI and EQ-5D scores were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) than preoperative scores for all procedures but did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of premenopausal women, hysterectomy without adnexectomy performed due to benign uterine pathologies had significant positive effects on postoperative sexual function and quality of life, regardless of the surgical technique used.

Laparoscopic myomectomy: a 6-year follow-up single-center cohort analysis of fertility and obstetric outcome measures.

PURPOSE: To evaluate fertility, pregnancy and delivery outcomes after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) during long-term follow-up. METHODS: In this single-center retrospective observational study, data were analyzed from 59 women aged 23-42 years with the desire to have children and who underwent LM for symptomatic uterine leiomyoma between January 2001 and December 2006 and subsequently delivered at our hospital. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up period of 73.55 months, the post-LM conception rate was 68 %. The proportion of miscarriages (n = 16) among all pregnancies (n = 55) was lower after (24 %) than before (43 %) LM. Thirty-nine (46 %) deliveries were primary cesarean sections (CSs). CS was performed due to patients' preference, placental complications, and uterine rupture (UR). Labor was successful in 62 % of all vaginal delivery trials. UR and placental complications occurred in 10 and 13 % of all pregnancies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LM reduced the abortion rate and increased the CS rate in our cohort. UR risk may have been affected by suturing technique, the size and location of myomas removed.

Reduction mammaplasty for symptomatic macromastia: which factors influence the post-operative outcome?

PURPOSE: We evaluated the long-term results and patient's satisfaction in reduction mammaplasties for symptomatic mammary hypertrophy. METHODS: From 2002 to 2008 a total of 92 women underwent bilateral mammaplasty for a symptomatic macromastia at our department. Three different surgical techniques for reduction mammaplasty were used (Bostwick, Stroembeck, Ribeiro). Patients were re-contacted in 2009 and asked to complete a self-assessment survey in order to asses their satisfaction with the post-operative symptom-relief and the overall outcome. RESULTS: 90.5 % of all patients stated, that they would retrospectively re-opt for a reduction mammaplasty. Preoperative patients' age, BMI and severity of macromasty-related symptoms were found to be factors positively correlated with a high post-interventional satisfaction with the achieved symptom-relief and the overall outcome. No correlation was found between the amount of intra-operatively resected breast tissue and the post-operative patients' assessment. Patients' assessment regarding the achieved post-operative symptom relief was comparable for all three surgical techniques, however the overall outcome rating for both bi-pedicled approaches (Stroembeck and Ribeiro) was higher compared to the mono-pedicled Bostwick technique. CONCLUSIONS: Reduction mammaplasty for patients with a mammary hypertrophy and somatic symptoms could offer a causal and effective treatment. The predictive factors for a high patients' satisfaction identified in this study could become a valuable tool in the pre-operative patients counceling and their role should be further evaluated prospectively. The use of bi-pedicled surgical techniques seems to favor a high post-operative patients' assessment.

[The influence of medical informed consent discussion on postoperative satisfaction and quality of life of patients with uterine fibroids after myomectomy or hysterectomy]. / Der Einfluss des ärztlichen Aufklärungsgespräches auf die postoperative Zufriedenheit und Lebensqualität von Patientinnen mit Uterus myomatosus nach Myomenukleation oder Hysterektomie.

The surgical treatment of uterine fibroids represents an important column in the therapy of this disease. Aim of this study was to find out preoperative factors that influence the treatment success of a minimal-invasive surgical -therapy.In a retrospective study 228 patients were assessed. Measures comprised questions on the decision for surgery, satisfaction with the treatment, and the EQ-5D as a measure of QoL.The sample revealed an overall satisfaction with treatment and high QoL. A better postoperative contentment and QoL in patients who felt well informed about the surgical methods and who felt secure with their decision for a specific surgery was found.Regardless of the surgical method, the preoperative consultation and the certainty of the decision turned out to be determinants of the patients' postoperative contentment and QoL. The counseling gynecologist has an essential part in the patients' decision for the treatment.

Quality of life and sexual function in patients aged 35 years or younger undergoing hysterectomy for benign gynecologic conditions: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how hysterectomy performed for benign gynecologic pathologies affects the quality of life and sexual function of patients aged 35 years or younger, and if outcomes differ according to the surgical technique. METHODS: Seventy-three patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), supracervical laparoscopic hysterectomy (SLH), or vaginal hysterectomy (VH) for benign uterine disorders between April 2014 and June 2020 at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany, were enrolled in this prospective observational cohort study. Quality of life and sexual function were assessed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively using standardized validated questionnaires: the European Quality of Life Five-Dimension Scale (EQ-5D) and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). RESULTS: Thirty-three (45%) patients underwent TLH, 25 (34%) underwent SLH, and 15 (21%) patients underwent VH. The median preoperative EQ-5D score, FSFI score, and EQ-5D visual analog scale were 0.9 (range 0.62-1), 19.25 (range 2.4-27.4), and 50 (range 0-100); postoperative scores were 1 (range 0.61-1), 24.15 (range 3.9-29.3), and 90 (range 30-100), respectively (P ≤ 0.001). Postoperative scores were significantly higher than preoperative scores, with no significant difference according to the surgical technique. CONCLUSION: Hysterectomy for benign indication in women aged 35 years or less significantly improved the patients' quality of life and sexual function with no differences regarding the surgical technique. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German trial registry (no. DRKS00005622).

Laparoscopic Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early Ovarian Malignancies.

The demand for fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) has increased in the last decade due to increased maternal age, increased incidence of ovarian malignancies in younger patients, and technical advances in surgery. Data on oncological safety and fertility outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer after laparoscopic FSS are sparse, but some retrospective studies have shown that open FSS may be offered to selected patients. We assessed the role of minimally invasive FSS in comparison with radical surgery (RS) in terms of oncological safety and reproductive outcomes after FSS in this multicenter study. Eighty patients with FIGO stage I/II ovarian cancer treated with laparoscopic FSS or RS between 01/2000 and 10/2018 at the participating centers (comprehensive gynecological cancer centers with minimally invasive surgical expertise) were included in this retrospective analysis of prospectively kept data. Case-control (n = 40 each) matching according to the FIGO stage was performed. Progression-free survival [150 (3-150) and 150 (5-150) months; p = 0.61] and overall survival [36 (3-150) and 50 (1-275) months; p = 0.65] did not differ between the FSS and RS groups. Eight (25.8%) women became pregnant after FSS, resulting in seven (22.5%) deliveries; three (37.5%) patients conceived after in vitro fertilization, and five (62.5%) conceived spontaneously. Laparoscopic FSS seems to be applicable and oncologically safe for patients with early-stage ovarian cancer, with adequate fertility outcomes.