Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsion: An Underdiagnosed Entity with Debatable Management.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study features of isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) to promote early diagnosis of this entity and describe options for management. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study from October 2017 through October 2020. SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: All patients with surgically confirmed adnexal torsion or IFTT during the study period. INTERVENTIONS: All of the patients underwent gynecological examination, imaging, and laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: During this 3-year period, 64 patients underwent laparoscopy owing to confirmed torsion, of which 55 had adnexal torsion, and 9 had IFTT. Patients with IFTT tended to be younger (21.2 years ± 8.2 vs 29.1 years ± 11.9, p = .06) and had more fever on admission (p = .007). On ultrasound examination, isolated hydrosalpinx was demonstrated only in patients with IFTT (p <.001). During surgery, more para-ovarian cysts were observed in patients with IFTT (44.4% vs 10.9%, p = .01), whereas patients with adnexal torsion had more ovarian cysts (52.7% vs 0%, p = .003). The most common procedure was detorsion in both groups. Most patients that underwent detorsion of the tube had a normal ultrasound scan on follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: IFTT is probably underdiagnosed. Its clinical presentation is more equivocal than adnexal torsion, and ovaries are usually of normal size on ultrasonography. Hydrosalpinx or para-ovarian cysts should raise suspicion toward IFTT. Detorsion of the tube is probably a valid management option, although further research with long-term follow-up analyzing tubal patency is necessary to define the optimal management for this condition.

[GASTRIC CANCER IN PREGNANCY].

INTRODUCTION: Gastric carcinoma in pregnancy is rare and occurs in only 0.025% to 0.1% of all pregnancies. Due to it's symptoms of abdominal discomfort and nausea, which are common during pregnancy, the diagnosis is usually made in an advanced stage. We present a case of a 37 years old woman who presented at 18 weeks of gestation with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting accompanied with severe maternal ascites. Her workup included an MRI scan, abdominal and obstetrical ultrasound scans, sampling of the peritoneal fluid, gastroscopy and diagnostic laparoscopy. She was diagnosed with a stage four gastric carcinoma. As seen in this case and in the current literature, diagnosis of gastric carcinoma in pregnancy is difficult. It often tends to be made in stage three or four and usually carries a very poor prognosis. In this paper, we describe our experience with this patient and review the literature.

A Pilot Study of Guided Conservative Hysteroscopic Evacuation of Early Miscarriage.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate initial feasibility and experience with guided hysteroscopic morcellation for uterine evacuation of early miscarriage. DESIGN: A prospective pilot study of 10 cases. SETTING: A tertiary university hospital in Israel. PATIENTS: Women with confirmed early miscarriage at a gestational age of below 10 weeks from the last menstrual period. INTERVENTIONS: From May 2020 to October 2020, the hysteroscopic TruClear tissue removal system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) was used for evacuation of early miscarriage in 10 women. The procedures were recorded. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data including the length of the procedure, visibility, complete evacuation, bleeding, complications, and follow-up ultrasonography (US) were recorded. The mean duration of the procedure was 24 minutes. Complete evacuation was recorded in all cases. No adverse events were recorded in any of the 10 procedures. Normal uterine cavity without evidence of retained products of conception was documented in follow-up evaluation by US in all cases. Four patients underwent a follow-up office hysteroscopy that demonstrated a normal cavity without evidence of adhesions. In 4 cases (40%), an additional suction curettage was performed immediately after the hysteroscopic procedure owing to obscured visibility or an abnormal US scan at the end of the procedure. However, retained products of conception were found in only 1 of these 4 suction specimens (25%). CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic morcellation under vision seems to be a safe and feasible technique for management of early missed abortion. This method may have potential as an innovative treatment of miscarriage in selected cases. Further studies are needed to refine the indications and the surgical technique.

Addition of Lidocaine to the Distension Medium in Hysteroscopy Decreases Pain during the Procedure-A Randomized Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of adding a local anesthetic to the distension medium in office diagnostic hysteroscopy using the vaginoscopic approach on pain during the procedure. Secondary aims included documenting side effects, patient satisfaction, and the time needed to complete the procedure. DESIGN: Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital; office hysteroscopy clinic. PATIENTS: Total of 100 patients who underwent office hysteroscopies divided in half with 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group. INTERVENTIONS: Ten mL of lidocaine 2% added to 1000 mL of saline solution that was used as the distension medium for hysteroscopy in the study group vs 1000 mL of saline alone in the control group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the increment of pain as measured by visual analog scale after the hysteroscopy between the 2 groups. Patients receiving lidocaine had an average rise of 1.9 in the visual analog scale score after the procedure compared with 2.9 in the control group (p = .033). There was also a nonsignificant trend for shorter duration of hysteroscopy in the intervention group compared with the control group (180.1 vs 222.1 seconds, p = .08). Patients' satisfaction was high in both groups (98% for the study group and 92% for the control group). Success rates were also similar between the 2 groups at approximately 95%. No side effects were recorded in either group. CONCLUSION: The addition of local anesthetic to the distension medium in office hysteroscopy produces significant reduction in pain during the procedure without adding time to the procedure and without side effects.

Laparoscopic Removal of an Abdominal Pregnancy in the Pelvic Sidewall.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the presentation, diagnosis, and management of a patient with abdominal pregnancy and to illustrate the laparoscopic technique used to manage this patient. DESIGN: A descriptive study approved by our local Institutional Review Board. Consent was given from the patient. SETTING: A university hospital in Ashdod, Israel. PATIENT: On May 15th 2018, a gravida 3, para 2, 37-year-old asymptomatic patient was referred to our hospital's gynecologic emergency department due to a suspected ectopic pregnancy. The patient had no relevant medical or surgical history. Her obstetric history consisted of 2 spontaneous vaginal deliveries with no other significant gynecologic history. Her menses were regular every month. Her last menstrual period was 6 weeks before presentation. Her ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) level measured on the day before presentation was 24,856 IU/L. Physical examination was unremarkable except for a small amount of brownish vaginal discharge. A transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) exam on presentation did not demonstrate an intrauterine gestational sac, but revealed a gestational sac and a fetus next to the right adnexa, with a crown-rump length of 1.3 cm, consistent with 7+3 gestational weeks. There was a minimal amount of fluid in the pouch of Douglas. INTERVENTION: Owing to an extrauterine pregnancy with high ß-hCG value, laparoscopic operative management was chosen. On entrance to the abdominal cavity, a normal uterus and 2 ovaries and fallopian tubes were observed. A small to moderate amount of blood was present in the pouch of Douglas. a 3- to 4-cm distension was noted over the right uterosacral ligament. Following delicate probing of the area, moderate to severe bleeding commenced, which was initially controlled with local pressure and oxidized regenerated cellulose. An intraoperative TVUS identified an abdominal pregnancy in the right pelvic sidewall. The gestational sac was completely dissected and removed following ureterolysis and separation of the right ureter from the specimen. Local injection of vasopressin was also used. The ß-hCG level before surgery of 19,008 IU/L decreased to 6339 IU/L on postoperative day 1. The patient was discharged in good condition on postoperative day 2. A final histopathological report confirmed a gestational sac. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: This patient referred for a tubal ectopic pregnancy was eventually diagnosed with an abdominal pregnancy and was treated operatively with complete excision of the abdominal pregnancy, which was located at the right pelvic sidewall. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pregnancy is a rare type of ectopic pregnancy with a reported incidence of 1:10,000 to 1:30,000 pregnancies, and accounts for approximately 1% of ectopic pregnancies [1]. It carries a high risk for maternal morbidity and mortality. Many different locations at different gestational ages have been reported in the literature, including the pouch of Douglas, pelvic sidewall, bowel, broad ligament, omentum, and spleen [2-4]. These varied locations and the rarity of this type of pregnancy make diagnosis and treatment challenging. The location of the growing fetal tissue may endanger the patient's life if it impinges on vital anatomic structures. In the present case, the gestational sac was very close to the right ureter, and we opted to surgically excise the gestational sac in its entirety.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the omentum presenting as an ovarian carcinoma, case report and review of the literature.

Primary omental leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor. We report a case of successfully resected omental leiomyosarcoma whose presentation mimicked ovarian carcinoma. Symptoms of abdominal distension and discomfort that lasted 8 months followed by pain lead to a diagnosis of a large mass in the abdomen. Physical examination revealed a large, over 20 cm tumor, suspected to be of ovarian origin. A small amount of ascites was found on Computerized Tomography (CT) and ultrasound (US) scans. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, omentectomy and tumor debulking procedure was planned. Laparotomy revealed normal uterus ovaries and tubes with a leiomyosarcoma of the omentum which was completely resected successfully. Only 26 cases of primary leiomyosarcoma of the omentum were previously described in the literature. A review of the literature is also presented.

Primary Ovarian Ectopic Pregnancy: Still a Medical Challenge.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical presentation of women with primary ovarian pregnancy diagnosed in recent years and to compare it to tubal pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: Seven women treated for primary ovarian pregnancy from 2002-2013 were retrospectively identified and compared to 42 women with tubal pregnancies (involving either tubal rupture or tubal abortion) operated on during the same period. In the ovarian pregnancy group the pathology examination confirmed primary ovarian pregnancy according to the Spiegelberg criteria. RESULTS: Seven women underwent surgery for primary ovarian pregnancy during the study period. Five women presented with hemodynamic shock. A ruptured ovarian pregnancy was identified in all cases. Wedge resection was performed by laparotomy in 1 case and by laparoscopy in 6 cases. The mean estimated blood loss was significantly higher in those women with ovarian versus tubal pregnancy (1057.1 ± 472.1 mL vs. 250.2 ± 241.5 mL, respectively, p<0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference was found when we compared postoperative hospitalization days (2 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.7, respectively; p=0.01) in the ovarian pregnancy group as compared with the tubal pregnancy group. CONCLUSION: Primary ovarian ectopic pregnancy is still a major challenge for early diagnosis and treatment; it is associated with rupture and massive intraabdominal bleeding.

Intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic treatment for retained products of conception: what are the risk factors?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and risk factors for intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic treatment of retained products of conception (RPOC). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Gynecologic endoscopy unit. PATIENT(S): A total of 167 women referred to our institution from 2009 to 2013. INTERVENTION(S): Operative hysteroscopy for treatment of RPOC and office hysteroscopic follow-up to assess for IUA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): We investigated demographic characteristics, obstetrics parameters, and surgical variables to evaluate which factors could be associated with IUA formation. RESULT(S): Of 167 women treated for RPOC, 84 (50.3%) had undergone a follow-up hysteroscopic evaluation after the operative hysteroscopy and were included in the study. Intrauterine adhesions were found in 16 cases (19.0%), of which only 3 (3.6%) were severe adhesions. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of IUA was associated with RPOC after cesarean section (5 of 10 [50.5%] developed IUA, vs. 7 of 49 [14.3%] after vaginal delivery). Intrauterine adhesions were also found in 4 of 23 women (17.4%) undergoing hysteroscopy for RPOC after abortion. Patient age, gravidity, parity, and the interval between the index pregnancy and treatment for RPOC were not associated with postoperative IUA. CONCLUSION(S): Hysteroscopic treatment for RPOC had a 3.6% incidence of severe intrauterine adhesions formation in this descriptive series. Women with RPOC occurring after delivery by cesarean section are particularly at risk for development of IUA.

Hysteroscopic management of retained products of conception: meta-analysis and literature review.

OBJECTIVE: Hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception (RPOC) may allow complete removal of RPOC and decreased rates of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) when compared to the traditional blind curettage. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the current evidence regarding the use of hysteroscopy for treatment of RPOC. STUDY DESIGN: A literature search was conducted in December 2012 using MEDLINE and ClinicalTrials. The study selection criteria were use of the standard hysteroscopic technique for removal of RPOC in 5 or more cases, in any study design. We reviewed 11 studies, of which 5 retrospective studies met the selection criteria (comprising 326 cases). The rates of incomplete RPOC removal, surgical complications, post-operative IUA and subsequent pregnancies were abstracted and weighted events rates using a fixed meta-analysis model were calculated. RESULTS: Only one study compared the rates of IUA following hysteroscopy and curettage, precluding a meta-analysis comparison of the two techniques. There were no cases of incomplete RPOC removal. Three perioperative complications occurred (uterine perforation, infection, and vaginal bleeding). IUA on follow-up hysteroscopy were found in 4/96 women (weighted rate of 5.7%, 95% CI 2.4%, 13.0%). Of the 120 women desiring a subsequent pregnancy 91 conceived (weighted rate of 75.3%, 95% CI 66.7%, 82.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of traditional curettage comparison groups in most studies precludes the conclusion that hysteroscopy is superior to traditional curettage, but this procedure does appear to have low complication rates, low rates of IUA, and high rates of subsequent pregnancies.

[The findings and sequence of events leading to termination of pregnancy due to Down's syndrome--before and after the verge of viability: 10 years experience at a single medical center].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the differences in the sequence of events, leading to termination of pregnancy (TOP) due to diagnosis of Down syndrome (DS). The study compared women who were referred to institutional abortion committees (< 23 weeks) to those who were referred to supreme regional abortion committees (> 23 weeks). METHODS: Cases of singleton pregnancy ending in TOP due to DS in our institute during the period January 2000-December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The women were divided into two groups according to the gestational age at the time of the TOP. Group 1 included women who underwent TOP prior to 23 weeks of pregnancy; group 2 included women who had TOP at 23 weeks and onwards. The groups were compared regarding their demographic, sonographic and biochemical parameters during the affected pregnancy. Women in group 2 completed a telephone questionnaire about the circumstances leading to a late TOP after 23 weeks. RESULTS: There were 303 cases of DS, which had TOP during this period of time. All cases were diagnosed by fetal karyotyping. A total of 282 cases (93%) had earlier TOP while 21 cases (7%) had late TOP. The mean gestational age in each group was 18 weeks (range 12-22 weeks] versus 24 weeks (18-34 weeks) respectively (p < 0.001). In group 2, there were significantly more abnormal cardiovascular findings (67% vs. 21% in group 1, p < 0.002). No other significant differences were found between the groups regarding the demographic parameters, biochemical screening results (triple test), nuchal translucency (NT) and early and/or late sonographic anomaly scans. In Group 2 a total of 9 (42.8%) out of 21 women agreed to answer the telephone questionnaire. In this group the triple test, was performed in the upper recommended time limit according to the Ministry of Health. This may have led to the delay in the TOP. CONCLUSION: In our institutional experience we found that the circumstances leading to late TOPs because of DS were maternal dependent and not related to the screening findings. This stresses the efficiency of current screening programs, leading to early karyotyping and diagnosis of DS.

Laparoscopic removal of adnexal cysts: is it possible to decrease inadvertent intraoperative rupture rate?

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to characterize surgical risks for intraoperative rupture of benign adnexal lesions during laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective review of cases of laparoscopic removal of ovarian cysts (adnexectomy or cystectomy) in our institution from 2002-2006, excluding procedures in which cysts were intentionally ruptured. RESULTS: There were 256 operations (263 ovarian cysts). The patients' mean age was 40.9 +/- 15.8 years. The overall rate of inadvertent intraoperative rupture of cyst was 16.6% (adnexectomies 7.4% and conservative cystectomies 29.5%; P < .001). There was no significant correlation between inadvertent intraoperative rupture and adnexal torsion, pelvic adhesions, bilateral adnexal surgery, concomitant uterine surgery, presence of pelvic endometriotic foci, pregnancy, and surgeons' experience. Only cyst size and cystectomy procedure were positively and significantly associated with inadvertent cyst rupture (multivariate regression analysis). CONCLUSION: Inadvertent intralaparoscopic rupture of adnexal cyst is significantly associated with cystectomies of large ovarian cysts for which laparotomy or laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal cystectomy should be considered.