Characterization of patients with vulvar lichen sclerosus and association to vulvar carcinoma: a retrospective single center analysis.

PURPOSE: Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a benign, cutaneous, chronic inflammatory (autoimmunological) disease. The differentiated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (dVIN) accounts for a precursor lesion of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and is often associated with lichen sclerosus. Although the association between lichen sclerosus and vulvar carcinoma has long been recognized, there is a lack of evidence in literature. METHODS: This retrospective study examined pseudonymized data of 499 women diagnosed with vulvar pathology between 2008 and 2020 at the Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Hannover Medical School (MHH). Data were further stratified for the time of onset, location of disease, accompanying disease, HPV status and progression of disease into vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC). RESULTS: In total, 56 patients were diagnosed with vulvar lichen sclerosus. The mean onset of disease was at 60.3 years of age. After subdividing cases of diagnosed LS into those who did not develop vulvar carcinoma in their course and those who did, the ages at onset are 52.66 ± 17.35 and 68.41 ± 10.87, respectively. The incidence of vulvar cancer in women diagnosed with lichen sclerosus was 48.2%. Twenty-five patients reported a diagnosis of VIN in their self-reported history. CONCLUSIONS: In our retrospective study, we showed a trend between vulvar lichen sclerosus and VSCC. The difference between the two age groups of patients diagnosed with lichen sclerosus who developed vulvar carcinoma and those who did not is statistically significant. Our results highlight the importance to diagnose lichen sclerosus early to ensure adequate follow-up and prevent progression to VSCC.

Perioperative morbidity of different operative approaches in early cervical carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing minimally invasive versus open radical hysterectomy.

PURPOSE: Radical hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy is the standard treatment for early cervical cancer. Studies have shown superior oncological outcome for open versus minimal invasive surgery, but peri- and postoperative complication rates were shown vice versa. This meta-analysis evaluates the peri- and postoperative morbidities and complications of robotic and laparoscopic radical hysterectomy compared to open surgery. METHODS: Embase and Ovid-Medline databases were systematically searched in June 2020 for studies comparing robotic, laparoscopic and open radical hysterectomy. There was no limitation in publication year. Inclusion criteria were set analogue to the LACC trial. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding the operative technique, the study design and the date of publication for the endpoints intra- and postoperative morbidity, estimated blood loss, hospital stay and operation time. RESULTS: 27 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five prospective, randomized-control trials were included. Meta-analysis showed no significant difference between robotic radical hysterectomy (RH) and laparoscopic hysterectomy (LH) concerning intra- and perioperative complications. Operation time was longer in both RH (mean difference 44.79 min [95% CI 38.16; 51.42]), and LH (mean difference 20.96 min; [95% CI - 1.30; 43.22]) than in open hysterectomy (AH) but did not lead to a rise of intra- and postoperative complications. Intraoperative morbidity was lower in LH than in AH (RR 0.90 [0.80; 1.02]) as well as in RH compared to AH (0.54 [0.33; 0.88]). Intraoperative morbidity showed no difference between LH and RH (RR 1.29 [0.23; 7.29]). Postoperative morbidity was not different in any approach. Estimated blood loss was lower in both LH (mean difference - 114.34 [- 122.97; - 105.71]) and RH (mean difference - 287.14 [- 392.99; - 181.28]) compared to AH, respectively. Duration of hospital stay was shorter for LH (mean difference - 3.06 [- 3.28; - 2.83]) and RH (mean difference - 3.77 [- 5.10; - 2.44]) compared to AH. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive radical hysterectomy appears to be associated with reduced intraoperative morbidity and blood loss and improved reconvalescence after surgery. Besides oncological and surgical factors these results should be considered when counseling patients for radical hysterectomy and underscore the need for new randomized trials.

Protective operative techniques in radical hysterectomy in early cervical carcinoma and their influence on disease-free and overall survival: a systematic review and meta-analysis of risk groups.

PURPOSE: Radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy presents the standard treatment for early cervical cancer. Recently, studies have shown a superior oncological outcome for open versus minimal invasive surgery, however, the reasons remain to be speculated. This meta-analysis evaluates the outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic hysterectomy compared to open hysterectomy. Risk groups including the use of uterine manipulators or colpotomy were created. METHODS: Ovid-Medline and Embase databases were systematically searched in June 2020. No limitation in date of publication or country was made. Subgroup analyses were performed regarding the surgical approach and the endpoints OS and DFS. RESULTS: 30 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Five prospective, randomized-control trials were included. Patients were analyzed concerning the surgical approach [open surgery (AH), laparoscopic surgery (LH), robotic surgery (RH)]. Additionally, three subgroups were created from the LH group: the LH high-risk group (manipulator), intermediate-risk group (no manipulator, intracorporal colpotomy) and LH low-risk group (no manipulator, vaginal colpotomy). Regarding OS, the meta-analysis showed inferiority of LH in total over AH (0.97 [0.96; 0.98]). The OS was significantly higher in LH low risk (0.96 [0.94; 0.98) compared to LH intermediate risk (0.93 [0.91; 0.94]). OS rates were comparable in AH and LH Low-risk group. DFS was higher in the AH group compared to the LH group in general (0.92 [95%-CI 0.88; 0.95] vs. 0.87 [0.82; 0.91]), whereas the application of protective measures (no uterine manipulator in combination with vaginal colpotomy) was associated with increased DFS in laparoscopy (0.91 [0.91; 0.95]). CONCLUSION: DFS and OS in laparoscopy appear to be depending on surgical technique. Protective operating techniques in laparoscopy result in improved minimal invasive survival.

Protective measures for patients with advanced cancer during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic: Quo vadis?

Cancer patients represent a vulnerable cohort during the Sars-CoV-2 pandemic. Oncological societies have generated a plethora of recommendations, but precise instructions about routine oncological procedures remain scarce. Here, we report on local COVID-19 protection measures established in an interdisciplinary approach at a tertiary care center during the first wave of the pandemia in Germany. Following these measures, no additional morbidity or mortality during oncological procedures was observed, and no nosocomial infections were registered. However, Validation of our measures is outstanding and regional SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was low. However, specific oncological measures might be important to ensure optimal oncological results, especially for advanced cancer stages during this and future pandemia. In the future, communication about these measures might be crucial to a cancer patient´s assigned network to reduce the danger of excess mortality within the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Completion of radical hysterectomy does not improve survival of patients with cervical cancer and intraoperatively detected lymph node involvement: ABRAX international retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The management of cervical cancer patients with intraoperative detection of lymph node involvement remains controversial. Since all these patients are referred for (chemo)radiation after the surgery, the key decision is whether radical hysterectomy should be completed as originally planned, taking into account an additional morbidity associated with extensive surgical dissection prior to adjuvant treatment. The ABRAX study investigated whether completing a radical uterine procedure is associated with an improved oncological outcome of such patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed retrospective analyses of 515 cervical cancer patients (51 institutions, 19 countries) who were referred for primary curative surgery between 2005 and 2015 (stage IA-IIB, common tumour types) in whom lymph node involvement was detected intraoperatively. Patients were stratified according to whether the planned uterine surgery was completed (COMPL group, N = 361) or abandoned (ABAND group, N = 154) to compare progression-free survival. Definitive chemoradiation was given to 92.9% patients in the ABAND group and adjuvant (chemo)radiation or chemotherapy to 91.4% of patients in the COMPL group. RESULTS: The risks of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 1.154, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 0.799-1.666, P = 0.45), pelvic recurrence (HR 0.836, 95% CI 0.458-1.523, P = 0.56), or death (HR 1.064, 95% CI 0.690-1.641, P = 0.78) were not significantly different between the two groups. No subgroup showed a survival benefit from completing radical hysterectomy. Disease-free survival reached 74% (381/515), with a median follow-up of 58 months. Prognostic factors were balanced between the two groups. FIGO stage and number of pelvic lymph nodes involved were significant prognostic factors in the whole study cohort. CONCLUSION: We showed that the completion of radical hysterectomy does not improve survival in patients with intraoperatively detected lymph node involvement, regardless of tumour size or histological type. If lymph node involvement is confirmed intraoperatively, abandoning uterine radical procedure should be considered, and the patient should be referred for definitive chemoradiation. CLINICAL TRIALS IDENTIFIER: NCT04037124.

Prophylactic HPV vaccination after conization: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is essential for cervical cancer prevention. However, the value of HPV vaccination in the context excisional treatment of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 3) remains unclear. METHODS: In this meta-analysis, three retrospective and three prospective studies, three post-hoc analyses of RCTs and one cancer registry study analysing the effect of pre- or post-conization vaccination (bi- or quadrivalent vaccine) against HPV were included after a systematic review of literature. Random-effect models were prepared to evaluate the influence of vaccination on recurrent CIN 2+. RESULTS: Primary end point was CIN2+ in every study. The overall study population included 21,059 patients (3,939 vaccinations vs. 17,150 controls). The results showed a significant risk reduction for the development of new high-grade intraepithelial lesions after HPV vaccination (relative risk (RR) 0.41; 95% CI [0.27; 0.64]), independent from HPV type. Due to the heterogeneous study population multiple sub analyses regarding HPV type, age of patients, time of vaccination and follow-up were performed. Age-dependent analysis showed no differences between women under 25 years (RR 0.47 (95%-CI [0.28; 0.80]) and women of higher age (RR 0.52 (95%-CI [0.41; 0.65]). Results for HPV 16/18 positive CIN2+ showed a RR of 0.37 (95% CI [0.17; 0.80]). Overall, the number of women that would have to be vaccinated before or after conization to prevent one case of recurrent CIN 2+ (NNV) is 45.5. CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis showed a significant risk reduction of developing recurrent cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after surgical excision and HPV vaccination compared to surgical excision only.

Psychological distress in cervical cancer screening: results from a German online survey.

PURPOSE: The PODCAD study aimed at assessing the degree of psychological stress that women experience due to notification of an abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear finding or a positive human papillomavirus (HPV) test result. METHODS: We designed a survey to address the question of psychological burden due to abnormal Pap smear results and/or positive HPV tests. In this online campaign approach, we aimed to reach > 2000 women all over Germany irrespective of kind and number of abnormal screening findings. We asked for different kinds of anxiety, distress and uncertainty regarding both, Pap and HPV status. RESULTS: A total of 3753 women completed the survey at least partially, and almost 2300 fully completed the survey. Of these, more than 50% were affected already since more than 1 year, and almost half of them had experienced at least three Pap smears in follow-up examinations. Almost 70% of the women were afraid of developing cancer. Intriguingly, almost half of the women with abnormal findings were not aware of their stage of the Pap smear. Furthermore, almost 30% of the women displayed signs of a post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSION: Abnormal results in cervical cancer screening have an impact on patients' psychology, irrespective of the knowledge and severity of the findings. Better information concerning risks and benefits of cervical cancer screening and about the meaning of the outcome of its procedures are required to decrease this anxiety.

Morbidity, fertility and pregnancy outcomes after myoma enucleation by laparoscopy versus laparotomy.

OBJECTIVES: Myomas are defined as benign tumours that arise from smooth muscle cells of the uterus. Clinically, they are found in 5-77% of women of reproductive age. The prevalence rate varies considerably in the literature and a large number of fibroids do not cause symptoms. The lifetime risk of acquiring myomas is 70% for Caucasian women and ≥ 80% for African American women. MATERIALS/METHODS: The data of 265 patients undergoing surgery for symptomatic myomas by laparoscopy or laparotomy, performed in the gynaecological department of Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany, between 2009 and 2013, were retrospectively analysed in this retrospective design study. RESULTS: High pregnancy rates (up to 70%) and birth rates (up to 86%) after myomectomy, regardless of the surgical approach adopted, were found in the current study. The trend was that ≥ 3 myomas and those that were ≥ 6 cm in size were almost always removed by laparotomy in our clinic. It was possible to remove up to 42 myomas without having to perform a hysterectomy. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed in relation to the association between the size of the largest myoma extracted and the pregnancy rate (p = 0.02). A statistically significant correlation between the number of removed myomas and the pregnancy rate was observed for patients who wished to bear children (p = 0.010). Elevated complication rates (of up to 50%) were reported for more than three extracted myomas with a statistically significance (p = 0.0471). CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to ensure sound preoperative selection of the surgical approach in order to achieve the most optimal results, especially for those patients who wished to bear children.

Systematic Comparison of Different Meta-analyses, Systematic Reviews and HTA Reports on Cervical Cancer Screening based on Cytology or HPV Test.

Introduction: Cervical cancer screening programs all over the world are being radically revised; preventive screening is increasingly based on detecting infection with human papillomavirus (HPV). This change was driven by large international studies (comparing cytological and HPV-based screening), which were then summarized in systematic reviews or HTA reports. We carried out a systematic comparison of these meta-analyses, comparing their contents, quality, results and recommendations. Material and Methods: A systematic search in MEDLINE identified eight meta-analyses. Seven more papers were also included in our analysis. The quality of these publications was reviewed using the AMSTAR criteria and presented in tabular form. Results: There were significant differences with regard to the primary studies included in the meta-analyses, the quality of the meta-analyses, the endpoints, and the outcomes and recommendations based on these endpoints. Conclusion: Different meta-analyses on the same or similar issues sometimes came to quite different conclusions because they used different approaches. This is quite significant because the underlying primary data did not change. The data indicated that HPV-based screening was superior. The heterogeneity of the meta-analyses affects the decisions taken by policymakers in the healthcare system.

[Indications, technique and results of the STARR procedure]. / Indikation, Technik und Ergebnisse der STARR-Operation.

Rectal intussusception and ventral rectocele are frequent morphological findings in patients suffering from obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). After failed conservative treatment a surgical option can be discussed. Surgical approaches include the stapled transanal rectal resection (STARR) procedure, which is performed as a transanal approach by using two circular (PPH01) staplers for ventral and dorsal full-thickness resection of the distal rectum. Both retrospective and prospective studies as well as data from the German STARR registry demonstrated that the STARR procedure is safe and effective for symptom improvement and resolution in ODS associated with rectal intussusception in the short-term; however, disappointing functional results, particularly related to fecal incontinence and urgency, severe complications and high rates of revision surgery have also been documented. In general, based on the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in ODS related to rectal intussusception, patient selection for STARR seems to be the key for success; therefore, this review summarizes and evaluates the indications, surgical technique, results, controversies and current trends of the "conventional" STARR procedure using two circular (PPH01) staplers.

Direct comparison of two vaginal self-sampling devices for the detection of human papillomavirus infections.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Two devices for vaginal self-sampling of dry cell material (Evalyn Brush, Rovers Medical Devices; Qvintip, Aprovix) were compared using the Abbott RealTime High Risk HPV test. STUDY DESIGN: Both self-sampling devices (change of order with every patient) including instructions for use and a questionnaire were handed to 146 patients in a colposcopy clinic prior to scheduled colposcopies with collection of cervical reference specimens by gynaecologists using a broom-like device. Matched self-collected and physician collected specimens were transferred to ThinPrep medium and tested for the presence of hr-HPV. Biopsies were taken if indicated by colposcopy. RESULTS: Evaluation of 136 patients with complete data (136/146; 93.2%) showed high agreement of overall hr-HPV detection rates between self-collected and clinician-collected specimens (Evalyn: 91.2% [kappa 0.822]; Qvintip: 89.0% [kappa 0.779]). Colposcopy and histological evaluation revealed 55 women without cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), 32 CIN1, 34 CIN2, 14 CIN3 and one adenocarcinoma in situ. Hr-HPV testing detected all CIN3+ cases on the clinician-taken or Evalyn self-samples (14/14) and 93% of them on the Qvintip samples (13/14). There was no significant difference regarding the sensitivity for CIN2+ or CIN3+ and specificity of hr-HPV testing on self- vs. clinician samples and on Evalyn vs. Qvintip. Based on signal intensities of ß-globin, the observed DNA concentration with Evalyn samples (mean CN: 22.0; 95%-CI: 21.5-22.6) was found to be significantly higher compared to that of Qvintip samples (mean CN: 23.8; 95%-CI 23.2-24.4), regardless of the order of self-sampling (p<0.0001). Most women considered self-sampling easy and comfortable. Qvintip was considered easier than the Evalyn Brush to understand (p<0.001) and to use (p=0.002). DISCUSSION: This study confirms that hr-HPV testing with a clinically validated PCR-based HPV assay is as accurate on self-samples as on clinician-samples without significant difference between both self-sampling devices.

New Screening Proposals: the Federal Joint Commission Defines the Parameters for Cervical Cancer Screening from 2018: Statement of the Gynecology Oncology Working Group (AGO).

The Gynecology Oncology Working Group (AGO e. V.) unequivocally welcomes the decision taken by the German Federal Joint Commission (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss, G-BA) on March 19, 2015 regarding screening for cervical cancer. AGO is convinced that, in view of recent medical advances, this evidence-based decision will improve screening for cervical cancer.

Accuracy of Colposcopically Guided Diagnostic Methods for the Detection of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia.

Introduction: Many factors can affect the accuracy of colposcopically guided biopsy, endocervical curettage (ECC) and differential cytology, all of which are standard, minimally invasive procedures used to detect cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Method: All conizations carried out between 2007 and 2013 in the gynecological department of Hannover Medical School were retrospectively reviewed. The agreement between colposcopic diagnosis and histology was evaluated retrospectively. The analysis included 593 complete datasets out of a total of 717 cases treated. Results: The overall agreement was 85.5 %; the accuracy was significantly higher (p = 0.029) when three biopsy specimens were taken rather than just one. The agreement between diagnosis and histological findings from conization was highest for women < 30 years (90.7 %) and lowest for women > 50 years (72.1 %; p = 0.008). The agreement between preoperative differential cytology and histology results after conization was 86.7 % and improved as patient age increased (p = 0.035). The agreement between ECC findings and the results of conization was only 49.1 % irrespective of patient age, transformation zone or the patient's menopausal status. Conclusion: The accuracy of colposcopically guided biopsy appears to increase when three biopsy specimens are taken and is particularly high for younger patients. Differential cytology was also found to be highly accurate and is particularly useful for patients aged more than 50 years. The accuracy of ECC was significantly lower; however ECC can provide important additional information in selected cases.

WITHDRAWN: Comparative evaluation of two vaginal self-sampling devices for the detection of human papillomavirus infections.

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Reaching women who do not participate in the regular cervical cancer screening programme by offering self-sampling kits: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials.

INTRODUCTION: Population coverage for cervical cancer screening is an important determinant explaining differences in the incidence of cervical cancer between countries. Offering devices for self-sampling has the potential to increase participation of hard-to-reach women. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the participation after an invitation including a self-sampling device (self-sampling arm) versus an invitation to have a sample taken by a health professional (control arm), sent to under-screened women. RESULTS: Sixteen randomised studies were found eligible. In an intention-to-treat analysis, the pooled participation in the self-sampling arm was 23.6% (95% confidence interval (CI)=20.2-27.3%), when self-sampling kits were sent by mail to all women, versus 10.3% (95% CI=6.2-15.2%) in the control arm (participation difference: 12.6% [95% CI=9.3-15.9]). When women had to opt-in to receive the self-sampling device, as used in three studies, the pooled participation was not higher in the self-sampling compared to the control arm (participation difference: 0.2% [95% CI=-4.5-4.9%]). CONCLUSION: An increased participation was observed in the self-sampling arm compared to the control arm, if self-sampling kits were sent directly to women at their home address. However, the size of the effect varied substantially among studies. Since participation was similar in both arms when women had to opt-in, future studies are warranted to discern opt-in scenarios that are most acceptable to women.

SPECT/CT for SLN dissection in vulvar cancer: Improved SLN detection and dissection by preoperative three-dimensional anatomical localisation.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we assessed the feasibility and clinical advantages of single photon emission computed tomography with CT (SPECT/CT) for sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in vulvar cancer. METHODS: This is a unicentric prospective trial. Vulvar cancer patients underwent preoperative SLN marking (10MBq Technetium (TC)-99m-nanocolloid) and subsequent planar lymphoscintigraphy (LSG) and SPECT/CT for SLN visualization. Directly before surgery, a patent blue dye was injected. We assessed detection rates of SPECT/CT and those of planar LSG and intraoperative detection. We analyzed the sensitivity, negative predictive value and false negative rate. RESULTS: At Hannover Medical School, 40 vulvar cancer patients underwent SLN dissection after preoperative LSG and SPECT/CT. The mean diameter of all tumors in final histology was 2.23 (0.1-10.5) cm with a mean tissue infiltration of 3.93 (0.25-11) mm. In preoperative imaging, SPECT/CT identified significantly more SLNs (mean 8.7 (1-35) LNs per patient) compared to LSG (mean 5.9 (0-22) LNs, p<0.01). In addition, SPECT/CT led to a high spatial resolution and anatomical localization of SLNs. Thus, SPECT/CT identified aberrant lymphatic drainage in 7/40 (17.5%) patients. There were no significant differences, but significant correlation was found between SPECT/CT and intraoperative SLN identification. Regarding inguino-femoral LNs, for all patients who underwent complete groin dissection, sensitivity was 100%, NPV was 100% and false negative rate was 0%. CONCLUSION: SPECT/CT leads to higher SLN identification compared to LSG in vulvar cancer. Due to its higher spatial resolution and three-dimensional anatomical localisation of SLNs, SPECT/CT provides the surgeon with important additional information, facilitates intraoperative SLN detection and predicts aberrant lymphatic drainage.

Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome after Myoma Enucleation by Minilaparotomy under Microsurgical Conditions in Pronounced Uterus Myomatosus.

Introduction: Besides the typical complaints and symptoms, myomas can cause sterility, infertility and complications during pregnancy. Laparoscopic interventions reach their limits with regard to organ preservation and the simultaneous desire to have children in the removal of multiple and larger intramural myoma nodes. The aim of this study is to examine fertility status and pregnancy outcome after myoma removal by minilaparotomy (skin incision maximal 8 cm) in women with pronounced uterus myomatosus. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study makes use of the data from 160 patients with an average age of 34.6 years. Factors analysed include number, size and localisation of the myomas, complaints due to the myoma, pre- and postoperative gravidity, mode of delivery, and complications of birth. Results: Indications for organ-sparing myoma enucleation were the desire to have children (72.5 %), bleeding disorders (60 %) and pressure discomfort (36.5 %). On average 4.95 (SD ± 0.41), maximally 46 myomas were removed. The largest myoma had a diameter of 6.64 cm (SD ± 2.74). 82.5 % of the patients had transmural myomas, in 17.5 % the uterine cavity was inadvertently opened. On average the operating time was 163 minutes (SD ± 45.47), the blood loss 1.59 g/dL (SD ± 0.955). 60.3 % of the patients with the desire to have children became pregnant postoperatively. 75.3 % of the pregnancies were on average carried through to the 38th week (28.4 % vaginal deliveries, 71.6 % Caesarean sections). In the postoperative period there was one case of uterine rupture in the vicinity of a previous scar. Discussion: By means of the microsurgical "mini-laparotomy" even extensive myomatous uterine changes can, in the majority of cases, be operated in an organ-sparing manner with retention of the ability to conceive and to carry a pregnancy through to maturity of the infant. The risk for a postoperative uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy and during delivery is minimal.

Surgical staging and prognosis in serous borderline ovarian tumours (BOT): a subanalysis of the AGO ROBOT study.

BACKGROUND: Incomplete surgical staging is a negative prognostic factor for patients with borderline ovarian tumours (BOT). However, little is known about the prognostic impact of each individual staging procedure. METHODS: Clinical parameters of 950 patients with BOT (confirmed by central reference pathology) treated between 1998 and 2008 at 24 German AGO centres were analysed. In 559 patients with serous BOT and adequate ovarian surgery, further recommended staging procedures (omentectomy, peritoneal biopsies, cytology) were evaluated applying Cox regression models with respect to progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: For patients with one missing staging procedure, the hazard ratio (HR) for recurrence was 1.25 (95%-CI 0.66-2.39; P=0.497). This risk increased with each additional procedure skipped reaching statistical significance in case of two (HR 1.95; 95%-CI 1.06-3.58; P=0.031) and three missing steps (HR 2.37; 95%-CI 1.22-4.64; P=0.011). The most crucial procedure was omentectomy which retained a statistically significant impact on PFS in multiple analysis (HR 1.91; 95%-CI 1.15-3.19; P=0.013) adjusting for previously established prognostic factors as FIGO stage, tumour residuals, and fertility preservation. CONCLUSION: Individual surgical staging procedures contribute to the prognosis for patients with serous BOT. In this analysis, recurrence risk increased with each skipped surgical step. This should be considered when re-staging procedures following incomplete primary surgery are discussed.

Isthmocervical labelling and SPECT/CT for optimized sentinel detection in endometrial cancer: technique, experience and results.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the clinical feasibility of a new injection technique for sentinel detection in endometrial carcinoma (EC), transcervical subepithelial injection into the isthmocervical region of the myometrium. We compared detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) by single photon emission computed tomography with CT (SPECT/CT) with planar lymphoscintigraphy. METHODS: This is a unicentric prospective study. In all patients, transcervical injection of 10 MBq Technetium-99m-nanocolloid was performed into the isthmocervical myometrium without anaesthesia. After 40 (30-60) min, lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT were performed. Patent blue was administered before surgery. The number and localisation of SLN detected in SPECT/CT and lymphoscintigraphy were recorded and compared to the SLN and non-SLN dissected intra-operatively. RESULTS: Between August 2008 and March 2012, 31 patients with EC were enrolled. The new transcervical injection of labelling substances led to high intra-operative (90.3%) detection rates, pelvic bilateral (57%), para-aortic (25%). SPECT/CT significantly identified more SLN than lymphoscintigraphy (mean 2.2 (1-8) to 1.3 (1-7)) in more patients (29/31 (93.5%) to 21/31 (68%), p<0.01). If SLN were identified in one hemi-pelvis, the histological evaluation of the SLN correctly predicted lymph node (LN) metastases for this basin which led to sensitivity 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) 100%, and false negative results 0%. CONCLUSION: Transcervical SLN marking in combination with SPECT/CT is easily applicable and leads to high physiologic detection rates in pelvic and para-aortic lymphatic drainage areas. Non-affected SLN truly predicted a non-affected LN basin. Combining both methods SLN dissection may be a safe and feasible staging technique for clinical routine in EC.