Abnormal Pathology Following Vaginal Hysterectomy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse Repair.

Objective: Uterine-sparing surgery for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair has shown good results, but the potential negative implications of leaving the uterus in place are yet to be fully defined. We aimed to assess the risk of unanticipated abnormal gynecological pathology at the time of reconstructive pelvic surgery. Methods: A retrospective consecutive case series including women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy for POP repair at a tertiary medical center in 2006-2020. All patients were offered a free Pap smear test at the age of 65 years as part of a national screening program. Transvaginal ultrasound was routinely performed preoperatively. Standard 3 pedicle hysterectomy was performed with/without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO). Results: The study comprised 462 women of mean age 63 ± 9.3 years without previous known malignant or premalignant pathology. Benign pathology was observed in 286 patients (61.9%). Endometrial malignancy was found in three patients (0.7%) and significant premalignant pathology in 15 patients (3.2%), including cervical intraepithelial neoplasia stage 2-3 in seven patients (1.5%) and complex hyperplasia with atypia in eight patients (1.7%). All these pathologies were found in postmenopausal women. None had preoperative clinical symptoms or endometrial thickness of ≥5 mm on preoperative ultrasound. In the 35 patients after BSO, adnexal findings were normal (77.2%) or benign (22.8%). Conclusions: Premenopausal women with uterovaginal prolapse and normal preoperative evaluation have a minimal risk of significant abnormal uterine pathology. In postmenopausal women, the risk of unanticipated malignant uterine pathology is 0.7% and 3.2% for significant premalignancy.

Long-term risk of adnexal operation after vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organs prolapse repair.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if women who undergo vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic floor prolapse repair without concomitant opportunistic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy are at increased risk of further complications related to the remaining adnexa later in life. STUDY DESIGN: The database of a tertiary university medical center was searched for all women who underwent vaginal hysterectomy as part of the treatment for pelvic organ prolapse, without opportunistic adnexectomy, from 2006 to 2015 to provide adequate time for long-term evaluation. Demographic and clinical data including surgeries performed during the long-term follow-up were collected from all medical insurer electronic medical records. RESULTS: The cohort included 427 women of mean age 63 ± 9.3 years; 90.9 % were postmenopausal. Mean duration of follow-up was 10.7 ± 2.6 years. During the follow-up period, only 3 patients (0.7 %) were re-operated for left adnexal pathology, non-malignant in all cases. CONCLUSION: In women undergoing vaginal hysterectomy for pelvic organ prolapse without opportunistic adnexectomy, preservation of the adnexa poses only a very low risk for adnexal pathology or need for reoperation later in life.

Acute Adnexal Torsion: Is Immediate Surgical Intervention Associated with a Better Outcome?

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate whether surgery for adnexal detorsion within 6 h from admission to the hospital was associated with less adnexal ischemia. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at two university-affiliated medical centers and assessed women aged 18-45 years with adnexal torsion who were hospitalized within 12 h from the pain onset and underwent surgery for detorsion within 24 h. The study group was divided into 2 groups: early, surgical intervention within less than 6 h and late, surgical intervention between 6 and 24 h. The primary outcome was the rate of macroscopic appearance of ischemic adnexa. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In 101 women, the adnexa with the torsion appeared macroscopically ischemic. There was no difference in ischemic adnexa between the early and late intervention groups (48% vs. 40%; p = 0.269). No significant association was found between the physical examination or ultrasonographic findings and the rate of ischemic adnexa within each group. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations of our study are its retrospective nature. Much of the clinical and ultrasonographic data are subjective and operator-dependent. The decision to operate may vary from one surgeon to another. CONCLUSION: Immediate surgical intervention in patients with adnexal torsion is not associated with a lower rate of adnexal ischemia. These findings suggest that in acute adnexal torsion, there is a wider time window for a thorough evaluation before surgery.

Isolated Fallopian Tube Torsion: A Unique Ultrasound Identity or a Serial Copycat?

OBJECTIVES: To report the preoperative ultrasound (US) signs of isolated fallopian tube torsion in surgically verified cases and to estimate whether preoperative US detection of this condition can be improved. METHODS: The charts of 27 women with a surgical diagnosis of isolated fallopian tube torsion at a tertiary medical center from 2005 to 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Data were collected from the electronic database of the US unit and compared with the surgical findings. RESULTS: Isolated fallopian tube torsion was correctly diagnosed by US before surgery in 8 of the 27 women (29.6%). In the remainder, the US signs were attributed to torsion of the ovary or the entire adnexa (n = 13), or no torsion was suspected (n = 6). Fallopian tube edema was listed as a US finding in 7 patients, of whom 5 had a correct diagnosis of isolated fallopian tube torsion. The presence of a paraovarian cyst concomitant with normal-appearing ovaries was assumed by US in 5 of the 8 cases that were accurately diagnosed as isolated fallopian tube torsion. The most misinterpreted US finding was an ovarian cyst (suspected in 10 patients and verified at surgery in 2). Absence of blood flow was described in 12 women, of whom 5 had an accurate diagnosis of isolated fallopian tube torsion. Six of the patients with a correct US diagnosis were adults (37.5% of total adults), and 2 were adolescents (18.2% of total adolescents). CONCLUSIONS: The US diagnosis of isolated fallopian tube torsion is challenging. A high index of suspicion is necessary to improve its detection, especially when there are possible US signs of torsion in the presence of a normal-appearing ovary.

Simple Hysterectomy for Residual Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasm.

OBJECTIVE: Many patients undergo hysterectomy for the treatment of cervical dysplasia. Factors that correlate with residual high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HGSIL) at hysterectomy are not clear. We set out to determine preoperative features that may predict residual disease for patients treated for cervical dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective database was reviewed for women who underwent simple hysterectomy for HGSIL between 1990 and 2013. Clinical data included age, history of dysplasia, initial treatment, follow-up colposcopy, indications for surgery, time elapsed between initial treatments, and pathology findings after hysterectomy. Significant residual disease was defined as HGSIL or cervical carcinoma. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS, independent Student t test, and Pearson χ test. Significance was set at p < .05. RESULTS: Eighty-three women met the study criteria. The indication for hysterectomy was residual histological finding at conization pathology in 30 women and patients' request in 53 women. Residual disease was found in 42 hysterectomy specimens: in 16 of 30 with residual histological finding and in 26 of the 53 patients' request. Reason for the hysterectomy was not statistically significant for residual disease (p = .708). Median age of patients with residual disease was 46.5 years versus 44.1 years for those without residua (p = .02). Postmenopausal patients had a higher rate of residual disease, 12 (32.4%) of the 28 premenopausal patients and 25 (67.6%) of the 54 postmenopausal patients (p = .04). Conization margin status was not associated with residual disease (p = .878). CONCLUSIONS: Older women and those in menopause are at significantly higher risk of residual disease at hysterectomy.

Outcome of vaginal mesh reconstructive surgery in multiparous compared with grand multiparous women: Retrospective long-term follow-up.

We aimed to compare the long-term surgical outcome and complications of multiparous and grand multiparous women undergoing reconstructive surgery with vaginal mesh implants for repair of pelvic organ prolapse. This retrospective, long-term follow-up (28.17±20.7 months) comprised 113 women who underwent surgical reconstructive surgery with vaginal polypropylene mesh in a high parity rate population medical center. The women were divided into 2 groups (multiparous and grand multiparous) and each group was evaluated for objective and subjective surgical outcome. Patient demographics and surgical data were retrieved from electronic medical records. Outcome measure included POP-Q exam as objective outcome and validated Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory questionnaire (PFDI) to assess subjective outcome. Average age of patients was 62±7.9 (range 42-83) years. Average parity was 5.6±3.1 (range 1-14). There were 54 (47.7%) multiparous women and 59 (52.3%) grand multiparous women. The grand multiparous women were younger than the multiparous women and had a significantly higher degree of prolapse. At the last follow-up, the only significant difference was related to symptoms of an overactive bladder. In conclusion, long-term follow-up demonstrates that vaginal mesh surgery in grand multiparous women offers anatomical and subjective cure rates comparable to multiparous women.

Diagnosis of deep pelvic masses on a gynaecology service: Trans-vaginal ultrasound-guided needle aspiration of pelvic solid and cystic lesions.

OBJECTIVES: Women with undiagnosed pelvic lesions are often referred for evaluation and treatment. Transvaginal ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (TVUS-FNA) biopsy can assist in making management decisions. We describe our experience with this modality. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all women who had a TVUS-FNA biopsy between January 2004 and December 2014. Charts were reviewed for clinicopathologic information. The pathologic results of the TVUS-FNA were compared with the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Fifty-nine women underwent TVUS-FNA; the median age was 66 years (range 27-85). Thirty-three lesions were evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the solid structure and 26 by aspiration of fluid for cytology. Pathologic feasibility rate was 88% (52/59). Of those with evaluable tissue, the sensitivity of the procedure was 100% and the specificity 92%. Considering the seven inconclusive results, the procedure had sensitivity of 88% (29/33) and specificity of 88% (23/26). Overall accuracy of TVUS-FNA for this patient cohort was 85%. No patient characteristics were found to distinguish between accurate and inaccurate or inconclusive TVUS-FNA result. No complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: TVUS-FNA offers an excellent modality for the diagnosis and management of deep pelvic lesions otherwise not amenable for histologic evaluation.

Direct and Indirect Effects of Personality Traits on Psychological Distress in Women With Pelvic Floor Disorders.

OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis and treatment of pelvic floor disorders may involve subjective self-report symptom measures that may be related to personality traits. We aimed to construct a model that integrates pelvic floor disorders, personality variables (optimism and neuroticism), psychological distress, and related demographic variables. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, conducted between August 2014 and June 2015, 155 women following an intake to an urogynecology outpatient clinic of a tertiary health center completed personality questionnaires of optimism and neuroticism (Life Orientation Test-Revised, 10-item Big Five Inventory), pelvic floor symptoms (Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory Short Form), psychological distress (18-item Brief Symptom Inventory), and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: A path analysis mediation model showed that patients who had more pelvic floor symptoms felt more psychological distress and that psychological distress increased as the level of neuroticism increased. As for optimism, the correlation to pelvic floor symptoms was nearly significant. Optimism and neuroticism had indirect effects on psychological distress through pelvic floor symptoms in women with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Neuroticism had a direct effect on psychological distress in these women as well. CONCLUSIONS: Our suggested statistical path analysis model supports the important role of personality traits in pelvic floor disorder self-reports and the effect of these traits on psychological distress. Therefore, the optimal treatment for pelvic floor symptoms should include psychological interventions in addition to traditional medical or surgical therapy in hope of reducing psychology distress associated with urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

Long-term functional outcomes following mesh-augmented posterior vaginal prolapse repair.

OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term patient-centered functional outcomes following posterior vaginal wall repair using mesh implants. METHOD: The present prospective telephone interview study enrolled a cohort of women who had undergone posterior vaginal wall repair with mesh between January 1, 2006 and February 28, 2009, at a single center in Israel. Patients were asked to report long-term outcomes, and demographic, clinical, intraoperative, and postoperative follow-up data were retrieved from patients' medical files. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to asses associations between baseline characteristics and long-term outcomes. RESULTS: In total, 102 patients were contacted, with 80 (78.4%) at 61-83months after surgery agreeing to participate. A recurrence of prolapse symptoms was reported by 14 patients (18%) (12 required a corrective procedure), mesh had been removed from two patients owing to erosion/extrusion, and two others had undergone removal of granulation tissue. Long-term, bothersome symptoms were reported by 13 (16%) patients. Parity and previous hysterectomy were associated with lower odds of long-term adverse outcomes, and the location of the apical (C/D) pelvic organ prolapse quantification point and a change in its position following surgery were associated with increased odds of adverse outcomes. CONCLUSION: The long-term adverse-outcome rate was low for patients who underwent posterior vaginal mesh augmentation. These results highlight the importance of apical support for good long-term functional outcomes.

Information seeking and perceptions of anxiety and pain among women undergoing hysterosalpingography.

OBJECTIVE: Hysterosalpingography (HSG) is an accepted diagnostic tool for infertility workup and is considered an invasive procedure that is generally regarded as uncomfortable and painful, though research on psychological consequences is scarce and outdated. The study objective was to investigate women's experience of HSG in terms of fear, anxiety and pain, as compared to colposcopy. STUDY DESIGN: This cross sectional questionnaire study was conducted at two public women's health clinics in Israel between January 2013 and March 2014. 137 women were included in the study. 42 consecutively sampled women referred for outpatient HSG and 95 consecutively sampled women referred for outpatient diagnostic colposcopy. The main outcome measures were: state-trait anxiety, information seeking behavior, fear of pain, fear of the results, retrospective pain. RESULTS: Compared to those undergoing colposcopy, women undergoing HSG expressed significantly higher anxiety prior to the procedure, feared the pain involved more, and rated the procedure as more painful retrospectively. HSG patients tended to report a higher degree of information seeking. Information seeking was correlated with higher anxiety among HSG but not colposcopy patients. CONCLUSION(S): HSG is a highly stressful procedure associated with fear, anxiety, pain and information seeking. Research is needed to find possible ways of ameliorating these emotions and behaviors as they may have negative impact on patient cooperation.

The Use of a Novel Optical Algorithm in the Diagnosis of Cervical Pre-Invasive Pathology - A Preliminary Proof of Principal Study.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a novel optical probe monitoring cervical tissues in real-time and to compare the new imaging technique to actual cervical pathologic findings on resected cone biopsy specimens. METHODS: A loop electro-excisional procedure was performed on 15 women with a biopsy diagnosis of dysplasia. The conization specimen was then assessed with the novel optical system and results recorded. The 'normal' and 'abnormal' areas were tested by the optical setup at several points. Extracted parameters were used as the input of the classifier function of a logistic regression algorithm model to assess for system accuracy vs. clinical examination. RESULTS: Ninety-seven samples were taken - forty-five samples from 'abnormal zones' and 42 samples from 'normal zones', as defined by the surgeon. The pathologist diagnosed 58 samples as dysplastic and 39 samples as normal. The novel optical method predicted 58 sample points as abnormal and 39 points as normal. The sensitivity of the system was 90% with a specificity of 77%. The probability of correct differentiation of dysplastic cervical tissue from normal cervical tissue was 85%. CONCLUSIONS: The optical probe and the algorithms of image processing in combination with the logistic regression algorithm correlated well with pathology results for cervical dysplasia ex-vivo.

Anatomical diversity of the female external genitalia and its association to sexual function.

OBJECTIVE: To provide data on the anatomical dimensions of adult female genitalia and to investigate the possible association of vulvar morphology and sexual function. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional prospective cohort study, using measurements of the external genitalia was performed in a day-care unit of a tertiary, university-affiliated medical center from 2013 to 2014. Thirty-two premenopausal women aged 20-51 years, undergoing gynecological procedures under general anesthesia (not involving the external genitalia) were asked to respond to both a local general data questionnaire and a validated sexual function questionnaire (PISQ-12). Based on reported orgasmic performance during sexual intercourse, patients were divided into two groups, and the measured genital features were compared. RESULTS: Age, body mass index, parity and sexual activity history were recorded. A wide range of values was noted for each measurement. There was no statistically significant association between external genitalia measurements and age, parity or sexual activity. There was no statistically significant difference in any of the external genitalia measurements between the groups. CONCLUSION: Wide variability exists in the appearance of female external genitalia. Sexual function does not appear to be associated with genital dimensions. This information is important for both women and surgeons when considering cosmetic vulvar surgery.

Factors Affecting Adnexal Torsion Direction: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

AIMS: To investigate a trend for adnexal torsion direction and factors that may be associated with direction. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical files of all women who underwent exploratory laparoscopy for suspected ovarian torsion in our center from August 2010 to December 2012. RESULTS: Fifty-five women had laparoscopically proven torsion. Medial rotation, defined as clockwise rotation of the left adnexa or counterclockwise rotation of the right adnexa, with the proximal (lateral) segment of the infundibulopelvic ligament serving as the referral point was noted in most cases (n = 47, 85.5%). There was no statistically significant difference between the medial and lateral rotation groups. However, the proportion of pregnant women and mean parity were significantly higher in the lateral compared to the medial rotation group: 62.5 vs. 19.1%, p = 0.009 and 1.1 ± 1.2 vs. 0.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.001. Medial torsion was present in 64.3% of pregnant women vs. 92.7% of nonpregnant women, p = 0.009. CONCLUSION: The direction of ovarian or adnexal torsion is usually medially rotated, opposite to the psoas muscles and the great blood vessels on the same side. However, surgeons should be aware of an increased rate of lateral rotation among pregnant women.

Colpocleisis surgery in women over 80 years old with severe triple compartment pelvic organ prolapse.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of Le Fort colpocleisis surgery, between women over 80 years old and younger women. STUDY DESIGN: We searched the medical files for all consecutive women who underwent Le Fort colpocleisis as a primary or recurrent surgery for severe pelvic organ prolapse at our university-affiliated tertiary center between February 2007 and July 2013. Exclusion criteria for performance of the procedure were post-menopausal bleeding, pelvic malignancy, pelvic irradiation, and the desire to preserve coital function. The objective and subjective recurrence of prolapse, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction were measured. RESULTS: Forty-seven women underwent Le Fort colpocleisis. Of them, 23 were above 80 years, mean age 84.0±3.3, oldest: 91; and 24 were 80 years old and younger, mean age 70.8±6.1, youngest: 61. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications were recorded for 2 women with lower urinary tract infection and one woman had longer hospitalization time for warfarin treatment adjustment (9 days). Objective cure rates were 82.7% (19/23) and 83.3% (20/24), p=0.32, for women over 80, and women aged 80 and younger, respectively. The subjective cure rate was 86.7% (20/23) and 91.6% (22/24), respectively, p=0.28. CONCLUSIONS: Objective and subjective cure rates of Le Fort colpocleisis in women over age 80 years were similar to those for younger women. The complications were mild and few, and unrelated to age. This procedure may be offered for women over 80 years old with severe symptomatic pelvic organ prolapse and medical comorbidities.

Multidimensional associations of pain and anxiety before and after colposcopy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of pre-procedural variables on post-procedural outcomes following colposcopy. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted at Concord Women's Health Center in Israel between March 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. Women waiting for colposcopy were approached and asked to complete questionnaires about anxiety, information-seeking patterns, fear associated with the examination, and demographics. After the procedure, participants answered questions about pain and state anxiety. The physician performing the procedure assessed the participant's levels of distress. A path analysis model was constructed. RESULTS: Path analysis showed direct and indirect effects of both demographic and psychological variables on the main outcome measures. Physician's appraisal was related to fear, information seeking, state anxiety, and pain. Post-procedural state anxiety was related to fear, trait anxiety, pre-procedural state anxiety, past experience, pain, and information seeking. Pain was related to information seeking and age. Information seeking, pre-procedural state anxiety, and subjective pain served as mediators for some of these relationships. CONCLUSION: The effect of various psychological and demographic variables on psychological outcome variables following colposcopy should not be measured independently but rather as inter-related variables.

Endometrial Cancer Surgery for Elderly Women--The Early Postoperative Period.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the early postoperative period and assess whether elderly patients recuperate differently than do their younger counterparts after surgery for endometrial cancer. METHODS: This retrospective chart review comprised all women older than 75 years who underwent laparotomy for endometrial cancer staging at our center from January 2005 through December 2010 and a consecutive control group of women younger than 74 years. Parameters included demographic variables, surgical procedure/findings, postoperative morbidity, and pathology. RESULTS: Ninety patients older than 75 years and 88 younger patients were identified. The elderly patients had a statistically significant prolonged wait for bowel movement (5.9 vs 3.1 days, P = 0.002) and ambulated later (4.1 vs 1.1 days, P < 0.001). Postoperative hospital stay was similar in both groups (5.8 vs 4.2 days, P = 0.37). Early postoperative complications (fever, bowel, wound, eventration, cardiopulmonary) occurred at a similar rate in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients after laparotomy for endometrial cancer staging ambulated later and recovered bowel function later than did the younger patients. This did not translate into prolonged hospital stay or excessive complications. Earlier intervention with physical therapy and stool softeners can possibly close this gap in recovery.

Characteristics and Management of Ovarian Torsion in Premenarchal Compared With Postmenarchal Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical, ultrasonographic, and operative characteristics of premenarchal and postmenarchal patients with surgically verified ovarian torsion. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of all patients with surgically verified ovarian torsion operated on at a single university-affiliated tertiary medical center during 1997-2013. Age at presentation, presenting symptoms, diagnostic studies, surgical procedure, and pathologic findings were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 41 premenarchal and 208 postmenarchal patients were diagnosed with ovarian torsion during the study period. Median ages were 9 and 27 years, respectively. Median duration of symptoms before first presentation was longer among the premenarchal patients (24.0 compared with 8.0 hours, P<.001) as was the median interval from hospital admission to surgery (9.5 compared with 4.6 hours, P<.001). Premenarchal girls had a higher rate of restlessness, fever, and evidence of pelvic mass at presentation and a similar rate of ultrasonographic signs for torsion (78.5% compared with 73.1% P=.53). During surgery, a finding of a black-bluish ovary was more common in premenarchal girls (61.0% compared with 41.3%, P=.02). CONCLUSION: Ovarian torsion in premenarchal girls is associated with a longer interval from onset of symptoms and an increased rate of fever and pelvic mass at presentation compared with postmenarchal patients. These data may aid the physician in the evaluation of abdominal pain in premenarchal girls. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II.

Uterine papillary serous carcinoma pre-operatively diagnosed as endometrioid carcinoma: Is omentectomy necessary?

BACKGROUND: Uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC) is a relatively rare but aggressive uterine malignancy comprising approximately 10% of endometrial cancers. Many women pre-operatively misdiagnosed as having endometrioid carcinoma have ultimately UPSC on final pathology. These women receive inadequate surgical staging without omentectomy. AIM: To assess the value of omentectomy on disease-free interval and overall survival in women with UPSC who had an initial diagnosis of endometrioid carcinoma. METHODS: This retrospective study included all women treated for the final diagnosis of UPSC in our centre from January 2007 to December 2012. Data regarding patient demographics, staging procedures, histology results, adjuvant therapy and follow-up outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 52 women with a final diagnosis of UPSC, more than 45% had an initial diagnosis of endometrioid carcinoma. All women underwent hysterectomy and removal of the adnexa. Lymph node evaluation was performed in 75% of women. Omentectomy was performed in 30/52 women (58%). Of those, three women (10%) had omental involvement. Mean disease-free interval with omentectomy was 24.5 months versus 30.5 months without (P = 0.29). Mean overall survival was 33 months with an omentectomy and 29 months without (P = 0.32). Recurrence patterns did not differ between groups. CONCLUSION: Women diagnosed pre-operatively with endometrioid carcinoma and eventually found to have UPSC can expect no change in prognosis despite not having undertaken a full staging procedure. Repeat surgery for omentectomy is probably of no benefit.

Presentation, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Ovarian Torsion in Premenarchal Girls.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical characteristics and treatment of ovarian torsion in premenarchal girls with surgically verified ovarian torsion. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective cohort study design was used. The medical charts of all premenarchal girls with surgically verified ovarian torsion treated in a university-affiliated tertiary medical center from 1997 to 2012 were reviewed for clinical, treatment, and outcome data. RESULTS: Thirty-two premenarchal girls were identified. Their median age was 9 years. There were 7 recurrences during the study period (17.9%), for a total of 39 cases. The main presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (92.3%) and nausea and vomiting (84.6%). Physical examination revealed abdominal tenderness in 25 cases (64.1%). Abdominal ultrasound, performed in 31 patients (38 cases), yielded pathologic findings in 28 (73.7%), mainly an enlarged ovary (11 cases, 28.9%). Doppler flow studies were abnormal in 15 cases. In 26 cases (68.4%), the tentative preoperative working diagnosis was ovarian torsion. Laparoscopy was performed in 26 cases, laparotomy in 10, and laparoscopy converted to laparotomy in 3 cases. Conservative management, mainly with additional cyst drainage or cystectomy, was used in 37 cases (95.2%) with oophoropexy in 5 cases. Two patients required oophorectomy because of a suspected neoplasm and severe ovarian necrosis. Pathologic examination demonstrated 5 simple cysts, 1 necrotic ovary, and 1 mature cystic teratoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian torsion in premenarchal girls is associated with nonspecific signs and symptoms. Abdominal ultrasound and Doppler imaging may assist in the diagnosis. Laparoscopy with conservative management is preferred. Owing to the high recurrence rate, oophoropexy may be considered.

The significance of paracardiac lymph-node enlargement in patients with newly diagnosed stage IIIC ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Extra-abdominal metastases in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) are relatively rare. Interpreting computed tomography (CT) scans, during initial work-up, little attention is focused on enlargement of paracardiac lymph nodes (PCLN) and their significance is not clear. We aimed to examine whether the presence of PCLN during initial diagnosis of EOC influences prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective study comparing patients with stage 3 EOC who were diagnosed with PCLN on CT scan during initial evaluation to stage 3C patients without PCLN. Scans were reviewed by a single radiologist for peritoneal involvement, distal metastases and presence of PCLN. Disease status at diagnosis, results of surgery, chemotherapy and response, disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS) were recorded. RESULTS: Thirty one patients with stage 3C EOC with PCLN on initial CT scan were included and compared with 41 controls. There was no significant difference between groups in abdominal optimal cytoreduction rate. Lower rates of complete response (CR) to initial treatment were detected in the study group (45.2% vs. 78.0%, p=.004). In survival analysis, the DFI for patients with PCLN was shorter (median 9.0 vs. 24.0 months, p=.0097) and overall survival was shorter (median 31.7 vs. 61.3 months, p=.001). Multivariate analysis showed that PCLN was significantly associated with a lower rate of CR, a shorter DFI and a shorter OS. CONCLUSION: The presence of enlarged PCLN at presentation appears to be associated with poor prognosis in stage 3C EOC. Further attention should be given to detection and follow-up of such findings when considering treatment.