The Cukurova score in the prediction of primary cytoreduction in ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Primary debulking surgery has been the preferred surgical route and is still considered a quality indicator for advanced ovarian cancer surgery. However, a significant number of patients are not amenable to upfront surgery. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and interval debulking surgery may be the most suitable approach for this group. This study aimed to evaluate a novel score for prediction of the cytoreduction results at primary debulking surgery for ovarian cancer patients. METHODS: This observational prospective study was conducted at a tertiary gynecologic oncology center between December 2020 and August 2022. Presumed primary stage III-IV epithelial ovarian carcinoma cases were included. Borderline tumors, and metastatic or non-epithelial ovarian malignancies, were excluded. Based on imaging findings, points were assigned to each anticipated surgical procedure required for complete cytoreduction. The sum of these points was multiplied by the patient's Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, and thus, the Cukurova-clinic score was established. Furthermore, the required surgical procedures based on laparoscopic evaluation were recorded, and the score was readjusted and calculated to obtain the Cukurova score. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients were included in the study. Primary debulking surgery was performed in 70% of cases. Among them, complete cytoreduction (Cukurova score ≤12) was obtained in 97.3% of cases. Complete cytoreduction was not achieved in cases with Cukurova score >12. The odds ratio of 90-day mortality was 13.4 for patients with Cukurova score >12, compared with those with Cukurova score ≤12. CONCLUSION: The Cukurova score is a model for classifying advanced ovarian cancer patients who may be candidates for primary debulking surgery.

Prognostic significance of omental disease and the role of omentectomy in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Non-endometrioid endometrial cancers (non-EEC) have different management from endometrioid endometrial cancers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of omental disease and the role of omentectomy in non-endometrioid endometrial cancer and discuss the current literature with the findings. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included two hundred-three patients with non-EEC who underwent surgical treatment and follow-up between January 1996 and December 2018 in a University Hospital Gynecologic Oncology Center. The patients were divided into three groups according to whether omentectomy was performed and the presence of omental metastasis. The patient's demographics, clinical characteristics such as stage, grade, histopathologic type, lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), myometrial invasion, lymph node involvement, and survival outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The study included 203 patients. Twenty-five patients (12%) had omental metastases. LVSI was reported in 57.3%, 88.0%, and 43.2% of the non-omentectomy, no-omental metastasis, and omental metastatic groups, respectively (p = 0.001). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates according to the tumor grade, peritoneal cytology, and lymphadenectomy were also compared and were found to be statistically similar. The five-year OS rates were 70.6% for the group without omental metastases and 16.2% for the group with omental metastases, respectively (p = 0.001). In the group of omentectomy, the five-year DFS rates were 62.2% in cases without omental metastasis and 13.0% in cases with omental metastasis (p = 0.001). The five-year OS rates of 86.3% and DFS rates of 80.0% in the group without omentectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In non-endometrioid tumors, the survival rate was better in the group that did not undergo omentectomy. Based on these results, we can say that omentectomy may not be necessary for non-endometrioid tumors whose omentum is found to be normal in intraoperative visual examination.

Comparison of Posterior and Antero-Lateral Renal Tumors in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

This study aimed to compare the antero-lateral and posterior localized renal masses in laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with the retroperitoneal approach in terms of operative, functional, and oncological outcomes. Patients who underwent retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy by a single surgeon between January 2013 and January 2021 were included in the study. A one-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to obtain two balanced groups. The patients were divided into two groups as posterior and antero-lateral according to the localization of the mass. A total of 239 patients were included in the PSM analysis, with 65 patients allocated to each group. The mean operative time was 79.2 ± 11.2 min in the posterior group, while it was 90.0 ± 11.6 min in the antero-lateral group (P < 0.001). Warm ischemia time was 15.9 ± 2.4 min in the posterior group and 18.6 ± 2.7 min in the antero-lateral group (P < 0.001). The median decrease in eGFR at 1 year was 4.8 (IQR, 2.9-6.9) mL/min in the posterior group and 5.0 (IQR, 2.8-11) mL/min in the antero-lateral group (P = 0.219). The warm ischemia time and clamping technique were found to be significant factors for predicting eGFR change after surgery (ß:0.693, 95% CI: 0.39-0.99, P < 0.001; ß:6.43, 95% CI: 1.1-11.7, P = 0.017, respectively). We report that retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy provided longer warm -ischemia and operative time for antero-lateral renal masses than posterior masses. However, long-term oncological and functional results were similar for both localizations.

Predictive factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

PURPOSE: To determine the factors affecting morcellation efficiency in holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent HoLEP surgery by a single surgeon between 2018 and 2022 were included in the study. Our primary outcome of interest in this study was morcellation efficiency. The effect of preoperative and perioperative variables on morcellation efficiency was evaluated with linear regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 410 patients were included in the study. The mean morcellation efficiency was 6.95±1.70 g/min. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting morcellation efficiency. Presence of the "beach ball" effect (small, round prostatic tissue fragments that are fibrotic and difficult to morcellate), the learning curve, resectoscope sheath type, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) density, morcellated tissue weight, and the presence of prostate calcification were found to be independent predictive factors (ß=-1.107, 95% CI: -1.59 to -0.55, p<0.001; ß=-0.514, 95% CI: -0.85 to -0.17, p=0.003; ß=-0.394, 95% CI: -0.65 to -0.13, p=0.003; ß=-0.302, 95% CI: -0.59 to -0.09, p=0.043; ß=0.062, 95% CI: 0.05 to 0.06, p<0.001; ß=-0.329, 95% CI: -0.55 to -0.10, p=0.004; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that presence of the beach ball effect, the learning curve, small resectoscope sheath, PSA density, and presence of prostate calcification negatively affect morcellation efficiency. On the contrary, morcellated tissue weight has a linear relationship with morcellation efficiency.

Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy for vaginal malignant melanoma with cervical metastasis

The presented case is a 63-years-old multiparous woman admitted with the complaint of postmenopausal bleeding. On gynecologic examination multifocal lesions were detected, including 1 cm on lateral vaginal wall, 4 cm on posterior vaginal wall and 0.5 cm on the left lateral part of the cervix. Histopathology examination gave a diagnosis of epithelioid malignant melanoma. Consequently, laparoscopic radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy with bilateral pelvic and inguinofemoral lymph node dissection were planned. On both sides, pararectal and paravesical spaces were created and the ureter was identified. Then, the vesicouterine and vesicovaginal spaces were developed. Uterine artery and superior vesical artery were coagulated, cut and the lateral parametrium was prepared. The left ureter was dissected and the ureteral tunnel was unroofed up to the bladder entrance. Subsequently, the anterolateral parametrium was transected. Then, the infundibulopelvic and sacrouterine ligaments were sealed and transected. At this time, the rectovaginal space was developed. Bilateral paracolpos were transected. The endopelvic fascia with the levator muscles were sealed and cut circumferentially. Anteriorly, the pubovesicocervical fascia was transected and the bladder was mobilized up to the uretrovesical junction. Thereafter, through a vaginal approach, the cervix and vagina were inverted by grasping the cervix with a tenaculum. An incision on the posterior vaginal wall at the introitus was made and the urogenital diaphragm was dissected to connect with the pelvic cavity. The vaginal entrance was cut circumferentially and the surgical specimen was extracted. In conclusion, laparoscopy can be considered as a feasible approach for radical hysterectomy and total vaginectomy in selected patients.

Predictability of lymph node involvement in uterus-confined endometrioid endometrial cancer by tumour size, pattern and location measured with transvaginal ultrasonography: can we save time?

We aimed to investigate whether transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUSG)-measured tumour size, pattern and location were significant predictors for lymph node metastasis in the uterus-confined endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) patients. A total of 213 patients with EEC were recruited and 73 of them were considered eligible and were analysed according to lymph node involvement. Tumour size, pattern and location measured by transvaginal ultrasound were recorded. Thereafter, patients were distributed according to their lymph node involvement and were compared with respect to these parameters. The patients' median age was 56 (27-80). Mean of the resected lymph nodes was 29.68 and 33.5 in lymph-node-negative and positive patients, respectively (p=.525). Tumour diameter was measured >2 cm on transvaginal ultrasound in 28 (48.3%) and 13 (86.7%) cases of the lymph node-negative and positive arms, respectively (p=.008). Transvaginal ultrasound revealed that 18 (31.0%) tumours in lymph node-negative and two (13.3%) in the node positive patients had polypoid pattern (p=.171). Seventeen (54.8%) tumours of the lymph node-negative group and three (42.9%) of the node positive group were determined in the lower uterine segment (p=.250). While tumour diameter measured with TVUSG was predictable for lymph node involvement in the uterus-confined EEC, its pattern and location were not.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? In clinically early-stage endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC), it has been recognised for decades that selective lymphadenectomy is a more acceptable strategy than the systematic lymphadenectomy, owing to the low rate of lymph node metastases in the patients. Preoperative imaging, frozen section and recently accepted lymph node concept are the prominent methods in designating appropriate candidates for lymphadenectomy. The measurement of tumour diameter or size obtained intraoperatively by frozen section assessment is one of the parameters used in MAYO criteria for selective lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer patients.What do the results of this study add? In our study, tumour diameter measured with transvaginal ultrasonography was predictable for lymph node involvement in the uterus-confined EEC.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Transvaginal ultrasonography-measured tumour diameter can be considered in deciding to proceed with pelvic lymphadenectomy while waiting for the frozen section result. It should be remembered that this approach could be considered only in clinics using MAYO criteria for selective lymphadenectomy, and it needs to be confirmed with more prospective studies.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Urological Emergencies, 8 Months Results of a Multicenter Retrospective Study From Turkey.

Objectives: We aimed to reveal the change of urological emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the same period of the previous year. Methods: The number of admissions to the emergency department (ED), admissions to the urology outpatient clinic, emergency urological consultations, and urological and emergency urological surgeries during the periods April-November-2019 and April-November-2020 were recorded. The data of the COVID-19 period were compared with the previous year. Results: While the number of admissions to the urological outpatient clinic was 160,447 during the COVID period, it was 351,809 during the non-COVID period. The number of admissions to the ED decreased from 3.2 million to 2.4. The number of admissions to the urology outpatient clinic significantly decreased by 54% during the pandemic (p=0.001). Percutaneous cystostomy performed due to acute urinary obstruction decreased by 27.96%, double J stent, nephrostomy decreased by 16.61%, and ureterorenoscopy decreased by 12.26%. Urogenital trauma also decreased. On the contrary, surgical procedures performed due to penile fracture, gross hematuria, Fournier gangrene, and testicular torsion increased. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant decrease was observed in non-COVID patients' admissions to the emergency and urology department, and in urologic surgeries.

The efficiency of oxerutin on apoptosis and kidney function in rats with renal ischemia reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is the most frequent cause of acute renal failure in clinical conditions such as trauma and shock as well as renal surgeries. Oxerutin is a member of the flavonoid family and possesses antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to investigate whether oxerutin has protective effects on RIRI. METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham control group (n=8), RIRI group (n=10), and RIRI + oxerutin group (n=10). RIRI was achieved by clamping the left renal artery for 30 min, followed 1-h reperfusion period. Thereafter, blood samples and left kidney tissue samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examination. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea, creatinine, and cystatin C levels, which are indicators of kidney function, as well as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which is an indicator of inflammation were analyzed in blood samples. Total antioxidant status and total oxidant status (TOS), which are indicators of oxidative stress were analyzed on renal tissues. The apoptotic index, an indicator of kidney damage, as well as histopathological changes were evaluated on renal tissues. RESULTS: The apoptotic index, TOS, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, BUN, and urea levels were lower in the RIRI + oxerutin group than in the RIRI group (p<0.05). The results demonstrated that the histopathological and biochemical properties of oxerutin protected rats from RIRI. CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in this study show that prophylactic administration of oxerutin has protective effects on apoptosis and renal failure caused by RIRI. Therefore, oxerutin can be used as an effective prophylactic agent in the treatment of RIRI.

Cardiophrenic and costophrenic lymph node resection via subxiphoid approach only

When enlarged cardiophrenic lymph nodes (CPLN) are resected the impact on survival is still uncertain, but resection contributes to accurate staging and complete gross resection in advanced ovarian cancer. CPLN resection can be performed via video-assisted thoracic surgery or transabdominally through the subxiphoid or transdiaphragmatic routes. The subxiphoid approach is used to reach the prepericardiac nodes located in the anterior mediastinum. The transdiaphragmatic route is used to remove the costophrenic and supradiaphragmatic paracaval lymph nodes located in the middle and posterior mediastinum, respectively. However, the transdiaphragmatic approach necessitates diaphragm opening and, in most cases, liver mobilization. Costophrenic nodes can be resected through the subxiphoid route in appropriate patients without opening the diaphragm. Thus, the subxiphoid approach may be preferred to remove the costophrenic lymph nodes, in cases in whom diaphragm resection is not anticipated, and especially when the resection procedure is planned to include the prepericardiac nodes. In this video article, we present the method of resecting both prepericardiac and costophrenic lymph nodes using only the subxiphoid approach in a case of advanced ovarian cancer. The subxiphoid virtual space between the pericardium and diaphragm was developed. The observed and palpated CPLNs were dissected and excised from the prepericardiac and right latero-cardiac spaces. Thereafter, diaphragm peritoneum beneath the right costophrenic nodes was dissected. After identifying any enlarged costophrenic nodes by palpation, the sternal and costal diaphragmatic attachments were incised and the right latero-cardiac space was extended. When the single enlarged node was reached, it was grasped and pulled with curved-ring forceps and ultimately resected.

Could the Long-Term Oncological Safety of Laparoscopic Surgery in Low-Risk Endometrial Cancer also Be Valid for the High-Intermediate- and High-Risk Patients? A Multi-Center Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Group Study Conducted with 2745 Endometrial Cancer Cases. (TRSGO-End-001).

This study was conducted to compare the long-term oncological outcomes of laparotomy and laparoscopic surgeries in endometrial cancer under the light of the 2016 ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classification system, with particular focus on the high-intermediate- and high-risk categories. Using multicentric databases between January 2005 and January 2016, disease-free and overall survivals of 2745 endometrial cancer cases were compared according to the surgery route (laparotomy vs. laparoscopy). The high-intermediate- and high-risk patients were defined with respect to the 2016 ESMO-ESGO-ESTRO risk classification system, and they were analyzed with respect to differences in survival rates. Of the 2745 patients, 1743 (63.5%) were operated by laparotomy, and the remaining were operated with laparoscopy. The total numbers of high-intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer cases were 734 (45%) patients in the laparotomy group and 307 (30.7%) patients in the laparoscopy group. Disease-free and overall survivals were not statistically different when compared between laparoscopy and laparotomy groups in terms of low-, intermediate-, high-intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer. In conclusion, regardless of the endometrial cancer risk category, long-term oncological outcomes of the laparoscopic approach were found to be comparable to those treated with laparotomy. Our results are encouraging to consider laparoscopic surgery for high-intermediate- and high-risk endometrial cancer cases.

Protective Effects of Quercetin on Oxidative Stress-Induced Tubular Epithelial Damage in the Experimental Rat Hyperoxaluria Model.

Background and Objectives: The most common kidney stones are calcium stones and calcium oxalate (CaOx) stones are the most common type of calcium stones. Hyperoxaluria is an essential risk factor for the formation of these stones. Quercetin is a polyphenol with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and many other physiological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of quercetin in hyperoxaluria-induced nephrolithiasis. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar-Albino rats weighing 250-300 g (n = 24) were randomized into three groups: Control (n = 8), ethylene glycol (EG) (n = 8), and EG + quercetin (n = 8). One percent EG-water solution was given to all rats except for the control group as drinking water for five weeks. Quercetin-water solution was given to the EG + quercetin group by oral gavage at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), urea, calcium, and oxalate levels were analyzed in blood and urine samples. Histopathological assessments and immunohistochemical analyses for oxidative stress and inflammation indicators p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38-MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB) were performed on renal tissues. Results: The MDA levels were significantly lower in the quercetin-treated group than in the EG-treated group (p = 0.001). Although CAT levels were higher in the quercetin-treated group than the EG-administered group, they were not significantly different between these groups. The expression of p38 MAPK was significantly less in the quercetin-treated group than the EG group (p < 0.004). There was no statistically significant difference between the quercetin and EG groups in terms of NF-kB expression. Conclusions: We conclude that hyperoxaluria activated the signaling pathways, which facilitate the oxidative processes leading to oxalate stone formation in the kidneys. Our findings indicated that quercetin reduced damage due to hyperoxaluria. These results imply that quercetin can be considered a therapeutic agent for decreasing oxalate stone formation, especially in patients with recurrent stones due to hyperoxaluria.

What Is the Risk of Reactivation in Patients with Resolved and Past HBV Infection During Immunosuppressive Therapy If HBV-DNA Negative before Treatment?

BACKGROUND: Reactivation of Hepatitis B (HBVr) related to immunosuppressive drug therapy (ISDT) in patients with resolved and past infection is a challenging entity. The number of prospective long-term studies is limited. METHODS: Two groups of patients with resolved and past HBV infection were analyzed prospectively. The patients were further categorized as 266 patients receiving ISDT (group 1) and 246 patients receiving antineoplastic therapy (group 2). RESULTS: We did not detect any cases of HBVr among 108 patients receiving rituximab (71 of which were anti-HBc positive only), 111 patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (66 of which were anti-HBc positive only), and 42 patients receiving high-dose glucocorticoids for more than 4 weeks (24 of which were anti-HBc positive only) during a mean follow-up time of more than 24 months. Subgroup analysis of the anti-HBs (+) patients showed that in group A (anti-HBs >1000 mIU/mL) the antibody levels did not change; in group B (anti-HBs between 100 and 1000 mIU/mL) the antibody levels changed non-significantly (P = .25), and in Group C (anti-HBs between 0 and 100 mIU/mL) the antibody levels declined significantly (P = .002). Furthermore, 16 patients in Group C had an anti-HBs loss during follow-up, but no HBVr was detected. CONCLUSION: The risk of HBVr by immunosuppressive therapy in this group may be lower than that suspected in the literature and anti- HBs levels may not seem to correlate with the risk of reactivation.

Clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis comparison of the uterine high grade endometrial carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: Grade 3 endometrioid adenocarcinomas (G3 EAC), type two endometrial carcinomas (Type 2 EC), and also uterine carcinosarcomas (UCS) are considered as high-grade endometrial adenocarcinomas. The aim of this study was to compare the clinicopathologic features and survival of patients with UCS, G3 EAC, Type2 EC. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included two hundred and thirty-five patients in this study. Patients were divided into three groups according to the type of tumor as uterine G3 EAC (group 1, n = 62), Type 2 EC (serous, clear and mixed types; group 2, n = 93), and UCS (group 3, n = 80). We compared the groups according to age, initial symptom, surgical approach, stage, myometrial invasion (MI), lymph node invasion (LNI), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), adjuvant therapy, and survival. When comparing the survival outcomes the Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed. RESULTS: The groups were similar according to age, menopausal status, nulliparity, initial symptoms, stage, LVSI, and LNI. Positive cytology was determined significantly more in group 3. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of myometrial invasion degree. Optimal cytoreduction was similar among the groups. The primary adjuvant treatment was chemotherapy for UCS and Type2 EAC whereas radiotherapy was the main adjuvant treatment for G3 EAC. There were no significant differences among the groups according to overall survival (OS) (p = 0.290). CONCLUSIONS: Although the survival difference among the groups can not be revealed, these patients have different clinical and pathological features and they should be considered as different groups.

Feasibility and rationale of a novel approach in advanced ovarian cancer surgery: Bat- shaped en-bloc total peritonectomy and total hysterectomy salpingo-oophorectomy with or without rectosigmoid resection (Sarta-Bat approach).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of bat-shaped en-bloc total peritonectomy and total hysterectomy-salpingo-oophorectomy with or without rectosigmoid resection as a novel approach in advanced ovarian cancer surgery. METHODS: Advanced ovarian cancer patients with widespread peritoneal implants requiring total peritonectomy were the subject of the study. Thirteen cases were operated with Sarta-Bat approach between February 2019 and July 2020. Patients' clinical and surgical data were collected and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 52 (40-65). Histopathology of the tumors were high-grade serous carcinoma in 12 (92.3%) and carcinosarcoma in one (7.7%) cases and all of them originated from the ovary. Eight (61.5%), two (15.4%) and three (23.1%) patients were stage 3c, 4a, and 4b, respectively. Upper abdomen was involved in all cases. Nine cases underwent primary cytoreductive and four cases interval cytoreductive surgery. Sarta-Bat approach was performed as en-bloc total peritonectomy, total hysterectomy bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with rectosigmoid resection in three and without rectosigmoid resection in 10 cases. Final surgery resulted in complete cytoreduction (no macroscopic residual) in all cases, with acceptable grade 2-3 morbidity rates. CONCLUSION: Sarta-Bat approach is a feasible and convenient technique for cytoreductive surgery of advanced ovarian cancer with disseminated peritoneal metastases.

The impact of morbid obesity on survival of endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Morbid obesity is identified as patients with a body mass index more than 40 kg/m2. Obesity is known as a risk factor for endometrial cancer due to the increase of the deposited estrogen. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of morbid obesity on the survival of endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The archival records and pathologic reports of patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery and were followed up in Çukurova University Gynecologic Oncology Center between January 1996 and December 2018 were reviewed, retrospectively. Data regarding body mass index and survival was reported in 520 patients. These patients were stratified into two groups according to their body mass index, <40 and ≥40 kg/m2. The groups' clinic, pathologic features, and survival rates were compared. RESULTS: There were 146 patients in the morbidly obese group and 374 patients in the obese group. The mean age of the groups was 58.5 and 56.2 years, respectively. The mean follow-up time was 51.6 months. Comorbidities were significantly higher in the morbidly obese group. The five-year disease-free and overall survival rates were 78.3% and 85.3% in the morbidly obese group, and 81.6% and 90.1% in the obese group, respectively. Although the groups' clinical and pathologic features were homogeneously distributed, disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly different (p=0.053 and p=0.054, respectively). CONCLUSION: Morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer were associated with 2.7-fold increased risk of death and 1.7-fold increased risk of recurrence compared with those who had body mass index <40 kg/m2. It is important to deal with the frequent comorbidities in this special group, which could be simply altered by lifestyle changes. Morbidly obese patients with endometrial cancer should be encouraged in lifestyle changes and consulted by dieticians and endocrinologists.

Challenges on the morbidly obese endometrial cancer surgery: Laparotomy or laparoscopy, lymphadenectomy or no lymphadenectomy?

OBJECTIVES: A considerable proportion of endometrial cancer patients are morbidly obese. Management of these cases is a serious dilemma. The aim of this study was to investigate the relevance of laparoscopic route and omission of lymphadenectomy as morbidity-reducing strategies in this special population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Endometrial cancer patients' archival records were retrospectively reviewed and cases with body mass index ≥ 40 kg/m2 were selected. A comparative evaluation of their characteristics and survival rates were performed. Firstly, according to the surgical approach; laparoscopy or laparotomy, and then regarding to performing lymphadenectomy or not. RESULTS: There were 146 patients enrolled in this study. Whereas, significantly higher postoperative complications and longer hospital stays were determined in the laparotomy compared to laparoscopy groups. Five years disease-free and overall survival were not significantly different (83.6% vs 70.7%, p = 0.184 and 83.9% vs 86.6%, p = 0.571, respectively). On the other hand, operation length, postoperative hospitalization time, both intraoperative and postoperative complications were significantly lower in the non-lymphadenectomy compared to the lymphadenectomy groups. However, five-years disease-free and overall survival were not significantly different (77.3% vs 81.3%, p = 0.586 and 87.5% vs 78%, p = 0.479, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic approach and omission of lymphadenectomy are worthy policies in the morbidly obese endometrial cancer patients.

Performing gynecologic cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey: A multicenter retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To report the perioperative outcomes of 200 patients with gynecologic cancer who underwent surgery during the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the safety of surgical approach. METHODS: Data of patients operated between March 10 and May 20, 2020, were collected retrospectively. Data were statistically analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows v. SP21.0. RESULTS: Data of 200 patients were included. Their mean age was 56 years. Of the patients, 54% (n=108), 27.5% (n=55), 12.5% (n=25), and 2% (n=4) were diagnosed as having endometrial, ovarian, cervical, and vulvar cancer, respectively. Of them, 98% underwent non-emergent surgery. A minimally invasive surgical approach was used in 18%. Stage 1 cancer was found in 68% of patients. Surgeons reported COVID-related changes in 10% of the cases. The rate of postoperative complications was 12%. Only two patients had cough and suspected pneumonic lesions on thoracic computed tomography postoperatively, but neither was positive for COVID-19 on polymerase chain reaction testing. CONCLUSION: Based on the present findings, it is thought that gynecologic cancer surgery should continue during the COVID-19 pandemic while adhering to the measures. Postponement or non-surgical management should only be considered in patients with documented infection. Gynecologic cancer surgery should continue during the COVID-19 pandemic while adhering to measures. Only 1% of patients developed COVID-19-related symptoms during the postoperative follow-up period.