Analysis of Hysterectomy Trends in the Last 5 Years at a Tertiary Center.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess trends by evaluating the types and complications of hysterectomies performed for benign gynecological reasons at our clinic, which is one of the largest hospitals in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Hysterectomies performed for benign reasons at our gynecology and obstetrics clinic between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2020 were retrospectively reviewed and included in the analysis. Of the 4288 patients who had undergone hysterectomy, 888 patients were excluded some reasons. The data of the remaining 3400 patients were analyzed. Results: For the 3400 patients, the hysterectomy methods performed were as follows: Total Abdominal Hysterectomy (TAH (60%, n = 2055), Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy (TLH), (27%, n = 948), Vaginal Hysterectomy (VH), (8.9%, n = 302), Conversion from laparoscopy to laparotomy (L / S > LT). (1.4%, n = 49), Robotic hysterectomy (RH), (1%, n = 33), and Subtotal hysterectomy (SH), (0.4%, n = 13). The length of hospital stay was statistically significantly lower in the TLH group than in the TAH group (P < 0.05). A statistically significant and moderate correlation was noted between the length of hospital stay and the duration of operation (r: 0.68 P = 0.00). Conclusion: The ratio of TLH group among hysterectomy modalities has increased over the years. There are many factors that affect the surgeon's decision in determining the hysterectomy method. TLH is the first option in patients who are not suitable for vaginal hysterectomy.

Which combination cause less inflammatory response during laparoscopic hysterectomy? Ligasure plus monopolar cautery or harmonic plus bipolar cautery?

Objective: We aimed to compare the inflammatory response with alterations in hemogram parameters, in patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for benign gynecologic conditions with ligasure plus monopolar cautery or harmonic plus conventional bipolar cautery. Methods: Patients who underwent Laparoscopic hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy between January 2017 and January 2022 for benign gynecologic pathology were identified. Patients were divided into two group, according to instruments used during surgery. Instruments were used according to surgeons preference. Preoperative and postoperative in the first 24 hours hematocrit (HCT), WBC, trombocyt, neutrophil- lymphocyte (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte (PLR) ratio, mean platelet volume- lymphocyte ratio (MPVLR) and red cell distribution width- platelet ratio (RPR) values were compared. Results: During study period, a total of 462 patients underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecologic pathology. After exclusion, 212 patients were included in the study. In the study group, 147 patients were operated with ligasure plus monopolar electrocauter and 65 with harmonic scalpel plus bipolar electrocautery. In the postoperative period, regardless of the procedure, WBC and RPR count increase, hematocrit and trombocyt decrease in both group but the inflammatory markers lymphocyte count, neutrophyl, NLR, PLR and MPVLR count changed less in the harmonic plus bipolar cautery group which shows less inflamatuar response in this group. Conclusions: Ligasure plus monopolar cautery group compared with harmonic plus bipolar cautery group cause more inflammatory changes in complete blood count values. However, further studies are needed to show whether these changes in laboratory findings affect clinical situations.

The effect of experience on the outcomes of total laparoscopic hysterectomy surgery: 1295 cases.

OBJECTIVES: To reveal the effect of surgeon's experience on the outcomes of the total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Design: Retrospective case series. SETTING: A tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: 1295 cases with an indication for hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy. RESULTS: All cases were grouped according to the surgeon's experience. For 30 different surgeons, their first 20 operations constituted Group A, 21st-50th operations Group B, 51st-100th operations Group C, and their operations after the 100th surgery Group D. Demographic data and post-operative results were compared between the groups. There were no statistical differences in terms of demographic data and major complications. A statistically significant decrease was observed in the post-operative fall in hemoglobin level and the duration of hospitalization in the groups with increased experience (p = 0.021, p < 0.001, respectively). There wasn't an increase in uterine specimen weight with increased experience (p = 0.267). CONCLUSIONS: We obtained that the peak value in the learning curve cannot be evaluated according to the operation time or complication rates. Although the complication rate seems unaffected by surgical experience, concerns about complications may decrease as experience increases. Since the trend of minimally invasive surgery will continue increasingly in the next century because of higher patient comfort, all gynecologists should gain competence in endoscopic surgery.

Clinical value of metabolic PET parameters of primary vulvar carcinoma.

PURPOSE: We aim to establish the prognostic value of metabolic parameters of the primary tumor in patients diagnosed with vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) who underwent a pretreatment F-18 FDG PET/CT scan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 47 patients with a histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of VSCC, and who underwent a F-18 FDG PET/CT scan prior to treatment. The disease stage and age at diagnosis, and the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), SUVmean, metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) values of the primary tumor, based on a baseline PET scan, were recorded. The relationship between these factors, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the 47 study patients was 69.6±1.9 years. Among the patients, 18 were in early stage of the disease and 29 were in the advanced stage. The age, and SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV and TLG values were statistically significantly associated with OS and PFS. Furthermore, it was noted that OS and PFS were significantly longer in the early stage patients than in the advanced stage patients, in patients with a tumor size <4cm than those with a tumor size ≥4cm, and in patients with a negative lymph node metastasis than those with a positive lymph node metastasis. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PET parameters are prognostic factors for VSCC. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the prognostic value of the PET parameters of primary tumors in patients with VSCC, and as such, we believe it contributes to literature.

PET Parameters are Useful in Predicting Endometrial Cancer Risk Classes and Prognosis.

AIM: We investigate the role of preoperative PET parameters to determine risk classes and prognosis of endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: We enrolled 81 patients with EC who underwent preoperative F-18 FDG PET/CT. PET parameters (SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV, TLG), grade, histology and size of the primary tumor, stage of the disease, the degree of myometrial invasion (MI), and the presence of lymphovascular invasion (LVI), cervical invasion (CI), distant metastasis (DM) and lymph node metastasis (LNM) were recorded. The relationship between PET parameters, clinicopathological risk factors and overall survival (OS) was evaluated. RESULTS: The present study included 81 patients with EC (mean age 60). Of the total sample, 21 patients were considered low risk (endometrioid histology, stage 1A, grade 1 or 2, tumor diameter < 4 cm, and LVI negative) and 60 were deemed high risk. All of the PET parameters were higher in the presence of a high-risk state, greater tumor size, deep MI, LVI and stage 1B-4B. MTV and TLG values were higher in the patients with non-endometrioid histology, CI, grade 3 and LNM. The optimum cut-off levels for differentiating between the high and low risk patients were: 11.1 for SUVmax (AUC = 0.757), 6 for SUVmean (AUC = 0.750), 6.6 for MTV(AUC = 0.838) and 56.2 for TLG(AUC = 0.835). MTV and TLG values were found as independent prognostic factors for OS, whereas SUVmax and SUVmean values were not predictive. CONCLUSIONS: The PET parameters are useful in noninvasively differentiating between risk groups of EC. Furthermore, volumetric PET parameters can be predictive for OS of EC.

Uterine manipulator requirement in laparoscopic surgery of Ectopic Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: The advantages of laparoscopic surgery used in the treatment of ectopic pregnancy is well-known; however, the efficacy of uterine manipulators remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of uterine manipulators in the laparoscopic treatment of ectopic pregnancy. METHODS: Overall, 118 patients who underwent laparoscopy due to ectopic pregnancy in Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Tepecik Education and Research Hospital between January 2010 and January 2018 and who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Groups of patients undergoing surgery with or without the use of a uterine manipulator were compared in terms of demographic data, operative and postoperative results. RESULTS: No difference was noted between the groups in terms of age, parity, body mass index, smoking, side of ectopic pregnancy mass, previous operations and pregnancy type. However, the size of ectopic pregnancy mass measured by ultrasonography was significantly larger (p = 0.006) and the operation time was significantly shorter (p<0.001) in the group where uterine manipulators were not used than in the uterine manipulator group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that not using a uterine manipulator in laparoscopic procedures for ectopic pregnancy did not increase operative complications and that operation time was higher in procedures using uterine manipulators.

Evaluation of occult uterine leiomyosarcomas.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of occult uterine leiomyosarcomas following hysterectomies and myomectomiesperformed for benign reasons at our clinic and to draw comparisons with similar studies in the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All hysterectomies and myomectomies that have been performed for benign reasons at our clinicbetween 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively examined via the hospital's information system and the patients that werefound to have leiomyosarcomas were analysed. The incidence of occult uterine leiomyosarcoma per 1000 surgeries at ourclinic was calculated using the Wilson score interval. RESULTS: A total of 6,173 hysterectomies were performed, and occult uterine leiomyosarcoma was identified in 5 patients. Theincidence of occult uterine leiomyosarcoma was calculated to be 0.08% (95% CI 0.03-0.018%). Only 1 of the 771 patientswho underwent myomectomy was identified with occult uterine leiomyosarcoma, making its incidence in myomectomy0.12% (95% CI 0.02-0.073%). When all the patients are considered, occult uterine leiomyosarcoma was identified in 6 of the6,944 patients, and the general incidence of occult uterine leiomyosarcoma was calculated as 0.08% (95% CI 0.03-0.018%). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the incidence of occult uterine sarcoma following myomectomy and hysterectomy was foundto be lower than that reported in the literature. The reason for this lower incidence includes not only genetic causes andracial differences but also preoperative imaging, endometrial and cervical sampling that is performed on every patient.

The effects of threatened abortions on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: The effects of first trimester threatened abortions on prenatal and postnatal pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 24.835 pregnant women were retrospectively analysed. The pregnant women were divided into two groups according to whether they had a first trimester threatened abortion or not. The demographic data and prenatal, postnatal and labour outcomes were compared for the two groups. Those cases with miscarriages during their follow-up, pregnant women with systemic diseases, multiple pregnancies and patients who were diagnosed with cervical erosion and cervical polypoid formation during vaginal bleeding examinations were all excluded. RESULTS: The age (p < 0.001), ART pregnancy rate (p = 0.03) and nulliparity rate (p = 0.013) in those with the risk of miscar- riage were statistically significantly higher than those without the risk. The gestational weeks (p < 0.001) and birth weights (p < 0.001) were significantly lower for the miscarriage group than in the control group. Hyperemesis gravidarum (p < 0.001), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (p < 0.001) and placenta previa (p = 0.018) rates were statistically significantly and more frequent in the pregnancies with the threatened abortion group than in the control group. The rates of caesarean delivery were statistically significantly higher in the threatened abortion group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Threatened abortion between 6- and 14-weeks gestational age is a complication that may cause anxiety in the early weeks of pregnancy. But the treatment, follow-up and cause of threatened abortion all remain unclear.

Effects of fetal gender and low first trimester aneuploidy screening markers on preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To show the relation between fetal gender and preterm birth (PTB) in low values of first trimester aneuploidy test markers. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 29,528 patients included the study of them 7382 was PTB and all patients grouped according to fetal gender. Demographic data and perinatal complications were determined. According low PAPP-A MoM (<0.4) and low free BhCG MoM (<0.5) values PTB subgroup relative risks were calculated for each fetal gender. RESULTS: The PTB rate and birth weight was significantly higher in male gender. At low PAPP-A MoM values Late PTB in male infant (aRR 95% CI 2.028) and late miscarriage (LM) category with low free BhCG MoM values in female infant (aRR 95% CI 0.907) was determined statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Male gender has an effect on PTB rate. In low values of first trimester aneuploidy test markers late PTB risk is increasing in male gender and also LM risk is decreasing in female gender. Further studies are required in order to determine the relation between PTB and fetal gender and first trimester aneuploidy screening test.

The prognostic significance of serum CA125 levels with ER, PR, P53 and Ki-67 expression in endometrial carcinomas.

OBJECTIVES: The present study evaluates the relationship between the expression levels of hormone receptors (HRs), Ki-67, p53 and serum cancer antigen 125 (CA125) levels in endometrial cancer and clinicopathological risk factors, and determines their prognostic values. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 49 patients with endometrial cancer whose estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) Ki-67 and p53 expression levels were determined through immunohistochemical methods, and whose preoperative serum CA125 levels were measured. These factors relationship with various clinicopathological factors, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was investigated. RESULTS: The study included 49 patients with EC with a mean age of 61 ± 10 years. The rate of HR positivity was significantly higher in the endometrioid histology group than in the non-endometroid histology group (p = 0.026). A high level of Ki- 67 expression was found to be associated with a non-endometroid histology (p = 0.016), and a high tumor grade (p < 0.001) and a high p53 expression were found to be associated with advanced disease stage (p = 0.026). A positive correlation was found between p53 and Ki-67, a negative correlation was found between p53 and Ki-67 and the presence of HR. Significant relationship was not found between HR status, p53, Ki-67, CA125 and either other clinicopathological risk factors or survival. CONCLUSIONS: While HR positivity indicates favorable clinicopathological prognostic factors, high Ki-67 and high p53 expression indicate unfavorable ones. However, no direct effect of these factors on prognosis was found in this study.

Importance of transvaginal ultrasonography before endometrial sampling in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients.

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TV USG) is considered to be the first-line diagnostic method for the evaluation of endometrial cancer. 213 asymptomatic postmenopausal patients (192 benign, 21 patients malignant endometrial findings after endometrial sampling) who underwent evaluation with gray-scale TV USG at maximum 48h before endometrial sampling were included. Except for hypertension (P=0.004) and endometrial thickness (P=0.003), there was no significant difference in the demographic data, endometrial fluid and endometrial cystic areas detected on TV USG between the groups. A cut-off value of 8.35mm for endometrial thickness yielded 98.05% positive predictive value with 95% CI. If the endometrial thickness is ≥8.35mm at TV USG performing endometrial curettage will be reasonable not to wait until 11mm and endometrial sampling is not required if TV USG shows fluid and cystic areas in the endometrial cavity.

The incidence, causes, and management of lower urinary tract injury during total laparoscopic hysterectomy.

OBJECTIVES: Determining the incidence and causes of lower urinary tract injury in patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy and examining the procedures applied for management. METHODS: Patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy in a large referral center between 1 January 2015 and 31 October 2017 for benign gynecological reasons were included in the study. Patients who underwent laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy, laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic hysterectomy were not included in this study. The hospital records of all patients included in the study were examined and the incidence, causes and management of lower urinary tract injuries were reviewed. RESULTS: Total lower urinary tract injury rate was found as 2.01%, and these injuries were evaluated separately as bladder and ureter injuries. All the bladder injuries had occurred on the posterior wall of the bladder during vesicouterine dissection; six cases were intraoperatively detected and one case was detected on the first postoperative day. Most of ureteral injury cases were detected in the early postoperative period (75%). The rates of previous cesarean section and endometriosis were significantly higher in patients with injury to the bladder and ureter than in the control group (p<0,001). There was no significant difference between the patients with lower urinary tract injury and the control group regarding uterine weight, estimated blood loss, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, the presence and location of fibroids, and laparoscopic or vaginal closure of the vaginal cuff. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hysterectomy may be a good option in appropriate patients, but in case of previous cesarean section and endometriosis cases, patients should be informed about the possible complications in detail before the operation and care should be taken during dissection.

Evaluation of patients undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy due to symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse in terms of gastrointestinal complications.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the intra- and postoperative gastrointestinal complications following abdominal sacrocolpopexy and determine the possible causes. METHODS: A total of 86 patients who underwent abdominal sacrocolpopexy due to symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse between January 2014 and January 2016 at Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic were retrospectively reviewed using the hospital information system. Patients were divided into two groups: those with and without prolonged length of hospital stay. They were evaluated in terms of gastrointestinal complications and risk factors. RESULTS: The reason for prolonged hospitalization was nausea and vomiting in 24 (88%) of 27 patients. The symptoms in these patients were recovered with hydration, stopping of oral intake, and administration of antiemetics. Nasogastric decompression and parenteral nutrition were required in three (11%) patients due to clinical and radiological evidence of ileus. The parameter that significantly prolonged the length of hospital stay was prior abdominal surgery (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There were obvious gastrointestinal complications in three out of 27 patients with prolonged length of hospital stay. These findings may be beneficial for preoperative patient counselling.

Is it safe to have multiple repeat cesarean sections? A high volume tertiary care center experience.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the obstetric outcomes of cesarean section in women who had a history of four or more previous cesarean sections with those who had a history of two or three previous cesarean sections. METHODS: Total 1318 women who underwent repeat cesarean section between January 2013 and January 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Of these, 244 (18.5%) had previously had four or more cesarean sections (multiple repeat cesarean section group) and 1074 (81.5%) had previously had two or three cesarean sections (control group). Demographic characteristics and obstetric outcomes were compared using the Independent t and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The adhesion rate (p < 0.001), number of blood transfusion (p = 0.044), operation time (p = 0.012), length of hospital stay (p < 0.001) and tubal ligation surgery (p < 0.001) were significantly higher in multiple repeat cesarean section group compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Although multiple repeat cesarean section are asscociated with adhesion occurrence, higher number of blood transfusion, increased operation time and length of hospital stay, there is no remarkable difference in serious morbidity associated with multiple repeat cesarean section.

Differentiated therapy in pre- and postmenopausal adnexal torsion based on malignancy rates: A retrospective multicentre study over five years.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical presentation, intra and postoperative outcomes in pre and postmenopausal women who underwent operations for adnexal torsion, and to define our experience diagnosing and managing postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-seven patients who underwent operation with a diagnosis of adnexal torsion were analyzed according to demographic characteristics, menopausal status, preoperative signs and symptoms, surgical findings and applied surgical procedures, and pathological results in four tertiary centers. RESULTS: The main indication for surgery for the postmenopausal women was pelvic mass (58% vs. 40%), while for premenopausal women the main indication was suspicion of torsion (55% vs. 24%), (each p < 0.001). The duration of time between being admitted to the hospital and entering operating room as well as the duration of surgery and postoperative hospitalization were statistically longer in the postmenopausal group (each p < 0.001). While extensive surgeries were performed for 68% of the postmenopausal group, this was required for only 3% of the premenopausal group. Functional cysts were the most common pathologic finding in premenopausal women, and only 2 cases of malignancy (1.6%) were seen as opposed to the postmenopausal group, where malignancy was diagnosed in 16% of cases (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION: Adnexal torsion in postmenopausal women is an uncommon event. Malignancy risk should be considered before operation. CONCLUSION: The malignancy rate was 16% in postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion. Thus, extensive surgeries are more common in postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion.

Is adjuvant radiotherapy necessary for FIGO stage 1a grade 2 endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma?

OBJECTIVE: The impact of adjuvant radiotherapy on the rates of survival and local recurrence was analyzed in patients diagnosed with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage 1a grade 2 endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of 82 patients diagnosed and treated for FIGO stage 1a grade 2 endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma were reviewed retrospectively. A group of 59 patients who received postoperative radiotherapy was compared with a control group of 23 subjects treated without adjuvant radiotherapy; the duration of survival as well as the local recurrence and metastasis rates were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The analysis of patient data has revealed the rate of local recurrence as 4.3% vs. 1.7% (p=0.485), the rate of distant metastasis as 4.3% vs. 6.9% (p=1.000), and the mean survival time as 83.6±38.7 vs. 81.5±37.5 months (p=0.828) in the adjuvant radiotherapy and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: In the presented study, adjuvant radiotherapy failed to improve the overall survival of the patients in the low-risk group (stage 1a grade 2). With the addition of the significant risk of radiation toxicity, it is highly probable that these patients will not benefit from postoperative radiotherapy. Close observation should be performed following the primary surgery in this patient group. Nevertheless, it should also be considered that adjuvant radiotherapy is a very effective treatment modality for the recovery of patients with vaginal relapse.