Reproductive Outcomes in Young Women with Early-Stage Cervical Cancer Greater than 2 cm Undergoing Fertility-Sparing Treatment: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: Despite advancements in detection and treatment, cervical cancer remains a significant health concern, particularly among young women of reproductive age. Limited data exists in the literature regarding fertility-sparing treatment (FST) of cervical cancers with tumor sizes greater than 2 cm. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the reproductive outcomes of women diagnosed with cervical cancer greater than 2 cm who underwent FST. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out on the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), the Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science. Only original studies (retrospective or prospective) that reported reproductive outcomes of patients with cervical cancer >2 cm were considered eligible for inclusion in this systematic review (CRD42024521964). Studies describing only the oncologic outcomes, involving FST for cervical cancers less than 2 cm in size, and case reports were excluded. Results: Seventeen papers that met the abovementioned inclusion criteria were included in the present systematic review. In total, 443 patients with a cervical cancer larger than 2 cm were included in this systematic review. Eighty pregnancies occurred, with 24 miscarriages and 54 live births. Conclusions: FST appears to be a viable option for women of childbearing age diagnosed with cervical cancer larger than 2 cm. However, careful consideration is advised in interpreting these encouraging results, as they are subject to limitations, such as variability in study designs and potential biases. In addition, reproductive outcomes should be further cross-referenced with oncologic outcomes to clarify the potential risk-benefit ratio. It is critical to conduct further research using standardized approaches and larger participant groups to strengthen the validity of the conclusions drawn.

Reproductive and Oncologic Outcomes in Young Women with Stage IA and Grade 2 Endometrial Carcinoma Undergoing Fertility-Sparing Treatment: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in both Europe and the USA. Approximately 3-5% of cases occur in women of reproductive age. Fertility-sparing treatment (FST) options are available, but very limited evidence regarding grade 2 (G2) ECs exists in the current literature. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively evaluate reproductive and oncologic outcomes among young women diagnosed with stage IA or G2EC disease who underwent FST. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out on the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), the Health Technology Assessment Database, and Web of Science. Only original studies that reported the oncologic and reproductive outcomes of patients with stage IA and G2EC tumors who underwent FST were considered eligible for inclusion in this systematic review (CRD42023484892). Studies describing only the FST for endometrial hyperplasia or G1 EC were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-two papers that met the abovementioned inclusion criteria were included in the present systematic review. Preliminary analysis suggested encouraging oncologic and reproductive outcomes after FST. CONCLUSIONS: The FST approach may represent a feasible and safe option for women of childbearing age diagnosed with G2EC. Despite these promising findings, cautious interpretation is warranted due to inherent limitations, including heterogeneity in study designs and potential biases. Further research with standardized methodologies and larger sample sizes is imperative for obtaining more robust conclusions.

Cornual Pregnancy: Results of a Single-Center Retrospective Experience and Systematic Review on Reproductive Outcomes.

Background and Objectives: Cornual pregnancies (CPs) are rare forms of ectopic pregnancy. When abortion does not occur, it can be a life-threatening condition for the mother and can also impair future fertility. We present our experience in the diagnosis and management of CPs. A systematic review was also conducted to investigate the reproductive outcomes after treatment. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2022, we performed a retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center, and descriptive data collection and analysis (ClinicalTrial ID: NCT06165770). The search for suitable articles published in English was carried out using the following databases (PROSPERO ID: CRD42023484909): MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database, Web of Science, and search register such as ClinicalTrial. Only studies describing the impact of CP treatment on fertility were selected. Results: Two studies were included in the systematic review. Seventeen patients suffering from CPs were selected. In our series, a pelvic ultrasound allowed for the diagnosis of a cornual localization in 35.30% of cases. Thirteen women (76.47%) underwent immediate surgical management. The laparoscopic approach was the most used (76.92%), with a laparotomic conversion rate of 30%. Four patients (23.52%) received medical treatment with methotrexate. After treatment, two patients managed to achieve pregnancy. Conclusions: CP is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy that can quickly become life-threatening for the mother. Ultrasound does not lead to a precise diagnosis in all cases. In the absence of complications and emergencies, laparoscopy is an approach that could be considered valid. For selected asymptomatic patients, medical treatment may be a valid alternative. The data from the studies included in the systematic review, although demonstrating a superiority of medical treatment in terms of future pregnancies, are heterogeneous and do not allow us to reach a definitive conclusion.

The impact of single-use digital flexible cystoscope for double J removal on hospital costs and work organization: A multicentric evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Isiris-α® is a single-use digital flexible cystoscope with an integrated grasper designed for double J (DJ) stent removal. Aim of this study was to conduct a multicentric evaluation of the costs and criticalities of stent removals performed with Isiris®-α in different hospitals and health systems, as compared to other DJ removal procedures. METHODS: After gathering 10 institutions worldwide with experience on Isiris-α®, we performed an analysis of the reported costs of DJ removal with Isiris-α®, as compared to the traditional reusable equipment used in each institution. The cost evaluation included instrument purchase, Endoscopic Room (EnR)/ Operatory Room (OR) occupancy, medical staff, instrument disposal, maintenance, repairs, decontamination or sterilization of reusable devices. RESULTS: The main factor affecting the costs of the procedure was OR/EnR occupancy. Decontamination and sterilization accounted for a less important part of total costs. Isiris-α® was more profitable in institutions where DJ removal is usually performed in the EnR/OR, allowing to transfer the procedure to outpatient clinic, with a significant cost saving and EnR/OR time saving to be allocated to other activities. In the only institution where DJ removal was already performed in outpatient clinics, there is a slight cost difference in favor of reusable instruments in high-volume institutions, given a sufficient number to guarantee the turnover. CONCLUSION: Isiris-α® leads to significant cost benefit in the institutions where DJ removal is routinely performed in EnR/OR, and brings significant improvement in organization, cost impact and turnover.

Assessment of Disease Activity in Small Bowel Crohn's Disease: Comparison between Endoscopy and Magnetic Resonance Enterography Using MRIA and Modified MRIA Score.

Objectives. To retrospectively compare the results of the MRIA (magnetic resonance index of activity) with a modified MRIA (mMRIA), which was calculated excluding from MRIA formula the data of relative contrast enhancement (RCE). Materials and Methods. MR-E and corresponding endoscopic records of 100 patients were reviewed. MRIA, mMRIA, and SES endoscopic index were calculated for all the patients. Namely, MRIA was calculated as follows: (1.5 × wall thickening + 0.02 × RCE + 5 × intramural edema + 10 × ulcers), while mMRIA was calculated with the modified formula (1.5 × wall thickening + 5 × intramural edema + 10 × ulcers). Results. Mean MRIA and mMRIA values were 19.3 and 17.68, respectively (p < 0.0001). A significant correlation (p < 0.0001) was observed between MRIA and mMRIA scores and between both MR indexes and SES (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. mMRIA was comparable to MRIA in the evaluation of disease activity in Crohn's disease.

[Multidetector CT for the assessment of the groin region]. / La TC multidetettore nello studio del canale inguinale.

Assessment of the complex anatomy of the groin region using different imaging modalities is important to identify those pathological conditions that may present with atypical symptoms. In obese patients or in the presence of complications, physical examination may be unremarkable and instrumental studies based on non-invasive techniques (e.g., ultrasounds) do not allow accurate assessment of this region. Multidetector CT scanning and reconstruction can provide useful information on inguinal canal anatomy and its related diseases, contributing to timely therapeutic interventions.

Multidetector CT assessment of postgastrectomy patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the usefulness of multidetector CT (MDCT) with multiplanar reconstructions (MPR) and 3D reconstruction software, in the follow-up of patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to March 2003, 25 patients (16 males and 9 females) aged between 40 and 70 years (55 years on average) were assessed after gastric resection for gastric carcinoma. All patients underwent chest-abdominal MDCT and esophago-gastro-duodenoscopy (EGD). A biopsy was performed on 11 patients. All patients were examined after achieving gastric wall distension by administering 2 sachets of negative contrast agents, before and after intravenous injection of water-soluble contrast medium (2 ml for kg) at a flow-rate of 3-4 of ml/sec. RESULTS: CT demonstrated the absence of disease in 15 cases, tumour recurrence in 9 cases, associated with liver metastases in one case and lymphadenopathy in one case. All lesions were recognizable in the axial scans. MPR improved the visualization of the longitudinal extension of lesions and the 3D reconstructions were of assistance in the study of the inner surface of the anastomotic loops. EGD showed absence of disease in 15 cases, tumour recurrence in 9 cases and congested mucosa with small areas of superficial ulceration in one case, found at biopsy to be secondary to gastritis, in one case. CONCLUSIONS: MDCT with MPR and 3D reconstructions should be regarded as a promising method for the postoperative follow-up of patients after gastrectomy. This method is useful to demonstrate recurrences at the site of anastomosis, lymph node metastases or distant metastases, even if it cannot as yet replace traditional endoscopy.

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: multi-detector row helical CT assessment of hepatic involvement.

PURPOSE: To describe findings obtained with multi-detector row helical computed tomography (CT) of the liver in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiphasic multi-detector row helical CT was performed in 70 consecutive patients (29 females and 41 males; mean age, 48.5 years; age range, 15-75 years): 64 considered to have hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and six suspected of having the disease. Scanning delay was achieved by using a test bolus of contrast medium to obtain early arterial phase, late arterial phase, and portal venous phase images. Multiplanar and angiographic reconstructions were then generated. The presence of shunts, hepatic perfusion disorders, telangiectases, other vascular lesions, indirect signs of portal hypertension, and vascular anatomic variants were evaluated by two radiologists in consensus. RESULTS: Fifty-two of 70 (74%) patients had hepatic vascular abnormalities. Only four of 52 (8%) patients were symptomatic. Arterioportal shunts were present in 27 of 52 (52%) patients, arteriosystemic shunts in eight of 52 (15%), and both shunt types in 17 of 52 (33%). In 34 of 52 (65%) patients, parenchymal perfusion disorders were detected. Telangiectases were found in 33 of 52 (63%) patients. Large confluent vascular masses were identified in 13 of 52 (25%) patients. In 31 of 52 (60%) patients, indirect CT signs of portal hypertension were detected, but only one had clinical signs of this condition. Vascular anatomic variants were detected in seven patients (13%). CONCLUSION: Multi-detector row helical CT and reconstructions depict the complex hepatic vascular alterations typical of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Congenital stenosis of ureteropelvic junction: assessment with multislice CT.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of Multislice spiral CT (MSCT) with volume rendering (VR) and maximum intensity projection (MIP) reconstructions in recognizing ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients with UPJO underwent MSCT. To visualise the excretory system, 50 ml of uroangiografic contrast medium was administered by drip infusion via the cubital vein 180 minutes before the CT scan. MSCT was performed after the injection of 120 ml of contrast medium at a flow rate of 3.5 ml/sec. Dual-phase scanning was performed 25s and 55s after contrast medium administration. MIP and VR reconstructions were obtained on a dedicated workstation. RESULTS: In 11/27 (41%) patients, UPJO was due to an anomalous ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). In 9/27 (33%), the stenosis was caused by anomalous vessels. In 3/27 (11%), stenosis was due to an anomalous UPJ position even though anomalous accessory vessels could be seen. In 4/27 (15%), anomalous vessels were also identified but the presence of a pyeloureteral stent did not allow us to establish whether these vessels were the cause of UPJO. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT and MIP and VR reconstructions allow identification of the causes of congenital UPJO and provide useful information for appropriate treatment planning.