The #Enzian classification: A comprehensive non-invasive and surgical description system for endometriosis.

Advances in preoperative diagnostics as well as in surgical techniques for the treatment of endometriosis, especially for deep endometriosis, call for a classification system, that includes all aspects of the disease such as peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis, deep endometriosis, and secondary adhesions. The widely accepted revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification (rASRM) has certain limitations because of its incomplete description of deep endometriosis. In contrast, the Enzian classification, which has been implemented in the last decade, has proved to be the most suitable tool for staging deep endometriosis, but does not include peritoneal or ovarian disease or adhesions. To overcome these limitations, a comprehensive classification system for complete mapping of endometriosis, including anatomical location, size of the lesions, adhesions and degree of involvement of the adjacent organs, that can be used with both diagnostic and surgical methods, has been created through a consensus process and will be described in detail-the #Enzian classification.

Assessing practical laparoscopic training in certified Training Centers of the Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) of the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (DGGG).

PURPOSE: This study was performed to assess the practical laparoscopic training in Gynecological Endoscopy Working Group (AGE) certified Training Centers (TC) and evaluate the possible implementation for a manual dexterity skills-training within the Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIC) certification process. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online questionnaire was developed and the link provided for the heads of the AGE TC. The questionnaire comprised topics on TC organization, practical training performance and perspectives for future training and demographic data. RESULTS: Response rate was 78.9% (15/19) of AGE TC. Grasping for the basic and suturing exercises for the advanced curricula, respectively, are thought to be of highest value (each 1.0 ± 0, on a scale from 1 = very valuable to 6 = not at all valuable). Most valuable parameter in assessing training was thought to be pressure/tension with 1.80 ± 1.08 The most valuable training capacity was considered for box training under supervision (1.27 ± 0.59) and feed-back box training with direct evaluation of various surgical skills (1.40 ± 0.63). Supervised box training was also thought to have the most positive influence on surgical performance (1.33 ± 0.49). The majority of respondents (86.7%) were qualified with the highest MIC certification and additional 66.7% were sub-specialized Gynecological Oncologists. CONCLUSION: The AGE certified TC offer a structured curriculum with emphasis on practical training. The results of this questionnaire and the additional respondents comments on value and future perspectives/changes of practical training support the concept and the implementation of a skills-training to the AGE MIC concept.

Laparoscopic Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Early Ovarian Malignancies.

The demand for fertility-sparing surgery (FSS) has increased in the last decade due to increased maternal age, increased incidence of ovarian malignancies in younger patients, and technical advances in surgery. Data on oncological safety and fertility outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer after laparoscopic FSS are sparse, but some retrospective studies have shown that open FSS may be offered to selected patients. We assessed the role of minimally invasive FSS in comparison with radical surgery (RS) in terms of oncological safety and reproductive outcomes after FSS in this multicenter study. Eighty patients with FIGO stage I/II ovarian cancer treated with laparoscopic FSS or RS between 01/2000 and 10/2018 at the participating centers (comprehensive gynecological cancer centers with minimally invasive surgical expertise) were included in this retrospective analysis of prospectively kept data. Case-control (n = 40 each) matching according to the FIGO stage was performed. Progression-free survival [150 (3-150) and 150 (5-150) months; p = 0.61] and overall survival [36 (3-150) and 50 (1-275) months; p = 0.65] did not differ between the FSS and RS groups. Eight (25.8%) women became pregnant after FSS, resulting in seven (22.5%) deliveries; three (37.5%) patients conceived after in vitro fertilization, and five (62.5%) conceived spontaneously. Laparoscopic FSS seems to be applicable and oncologically safe for patients with early-stage ovarian cancer, with adequate fertility outcomes.

Recommendations for the surgical treatment of endometriosis. Part 2: deep endometriosis.

STUDY QUESTION: How should surgery for endometriosis be performed? SUMMARY ANSWER: This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for deep endometriosis in women of reproductive age. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Endometriosis is highly prevalent and often associated with severe symptoms. Yet compared to equally prevalent conditions, it is poorly understood and a challenge to manage. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations for (surgical) treatment of deep endometriosis, based on the best available evidence, but without technical information and details on how to best perform such treatment in order to be effective and safe. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: A working group of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of surgery for treatment of deep endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: This document focused on surgery for deep endometriosis and is complementary to a previous document in this series focusing on endometrioma surgery. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The document presents general recommendations for surgery for deep endometriosis, starting from preoperative assessments and first steps of surgery. Different approaches for surgical treatment are discussed and are respective of location and extent of disease; uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal septum with or without involvement of the rectum, urinary tract or extrapelvic endometriosis. In addition, recommendations are provided on the treatment of frozen pelvis and on hysterectomy as a treatment for deep endometriosis. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise. Where available, references of relevant studies were added. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These recommendations complement previous guidelines on management of endometriosis and the recommendations for surgical treatment of ovarian endometrioma. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. Dr Roman reports personal fees from ETHICON, PLASMASURGICAL, OLYMPUS and NORDIC PHARMA, outside the submitted work; Dr Becker reports grants from Bayer AG, Volition Rx, MDNA Life Sciences and Roche Diagnostics Inc. and other relationships or activities from AbbVie Inc., and Myriad Inc, during the conduct of the study; Dr Tomassetti reports non-financial support from ESHRE, during the conduct of the study; and non-financial support and other were from Lumenis, Gedeon-Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals and Merck SA, outside the submitted work. The other authors had nothing to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: na.

Uterine Adenosarcoma.

Uterine adenosarcoma is a rare malignancy. It is defined as a biphasic tumor composed of both sarcomatous stroma and benign epithelium. While the sarcomatous component usually is a low-grade homologous uterine sarcoma, the epithelium most often consists of endometrium-like cells. If the sarcomatous part occupies more than 25% of the tumor volume, the situation is referred to as sarcomatous overgrowth - accounting for about 10% of cases. While adenosarcoma usually may be considered a tumor of low malignant potential, the sarcomatous overgrowth most often presents as high-grade sarcoma and is associated with aggressive clinical behavior. Adenosarcomas stage I without sarcomatous overgrowth have a rather good prognosis, with a 5-year overall survival up to 80%. For treatment, complete surgical removal is advocated. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are not defined. Recurrences should again be treated surgically, attempting to achieve complete tumor resection. While the optimum medical treatment for relapsed and metastasized adenosarcomas has yet to be found, chemotherapy and endocrine therapy are potential options.

Uterine Carcinosarcomas - Diagnosis and Management.

Uterine carcinosarcomas are rare tumors that account for less than 5% of all uterine malignancies. These tumors (previously called malignant mixed Müllerian tumors) are dedifferentiated carcinomas that comprise carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements and arise from a single malignant clone. They are considered a high-risk variant of endometrial adenocarcinoma because carcinosarcomas share more similarities in epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical behavior with endometrial carcinoma than with uterine sarcomas. The clinical features, diagnosis, staging, and treatment of uterine carcinosarcoma will be discussed in this review.

Recommendations for the Surgical Treatment of Endometriosis. Part 1: Ovarian Endometrioma.

STUDY QUESTION: What does this document on the surgical treatment of endometriosis jointly prepared by the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) provide? SUMMARY ANSWER: This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for endometriomas in women of reproductive age. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts) are a commonly diagnosed form of endometriosis, owing to the relative ease and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. They frequently present a clinical dilemma as to whether and how to treat them when found during imaging or incidentally during surgery. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations based on the best available evidence, but without technical details on the management of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN SIZE DURATION: A working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of endometrioma surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING METHODS: This document focused on endometrioma surgery. Further documents in this series will provide recommendations for surgery of deep and peritoneal endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The document presents general recommendations for surgery of endometrioma, and specific recommendations for cystectomy, ablation by laser or by plasma energy, electrocoagulation and a combination of these techniques applied together or with an interval between them. LIMITATIONS REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These recommendations complement previous guidelines on the management of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. C.B. declares to be a member of the independent data monitoring committee for a clinical study by ObsEva, and receiving research grants from Bayer, Roche Diagnostics, MDNA Life Sciences, and Volition. E.S. received honoraria for provision of training to healthcare professionals from Ethicon, Olympus and Gedeon Richter. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NA.

Recommendations for the surgical treatment of endometriosis-part 1: ovarian endometrioma.

STUDY QUESTION: What does this document on the surgical treatment of endometriosis jointly prepared by the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE), ESHRE, and the World Endometriosis Society (WES) provide? SUMMARY ANSWER: This document provides recommendations covering technical aspects of different methods of surgery for endometriomas in women of reproductive age. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN: Endometriomas (ovarian endometriotic cysts) are a commonly diagnosed form of endometriosis, owing to the relative ease and accuracy of ultrasound diagnosis. They frequently present a clinical dilemma as to whether and how to treat them when found during imaging or incidentally during surgery. Previously published guidelines have provided recommendations based on the best available evidence, but without technical details on the management of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN SIZE AND DURATION: A working group of ESGE, ESHRE and WES collaborated on writing recommendations on the practical aspects of endometrioma surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS SETTING AND METHODS: This document focused on endometrioma surgery. Further documents in this series will provide recommendations for surgery of deep and peritoneal endometriosis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: The document presents general recommendations for surgery of endometrioma and specific recommendations for cystectomy, ablation by laser or by plasma energy, electrocoagulation and a combination of these techniques applied together or with an interval between them. LIMITATIONS AND REASONS FOR CAUTION: Owing to the limited evidence available, recommendations are mostly based on clinical expertise. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: These recommendations complement previous guidelines on the management of endometriosis. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS: The meetings of the working group were funded by ESGE, ESHRE and WES. CB declares to be a member of the independent data monitoring committee for a clinical study by ObsEva and receiving research grants from Bayer, Roche Diagnostics, MDNA Life Sciences and Volition. ES received honoraria for provision of training to healthcare professionals from Ethicon, Olympus and Gedeon Richter. The other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Surgical Treatment of Early-Stage Cervical Cancer.

Surgical treatment of cervical cancer has been a cornerstone in the management of this malignancy for more than 100 years. Today, for early-stage and low-risk cervical cancer, surgery is still considered the gold standard. If the preoperative assessment of the tumor reveals a situation prompting postoperative adjuvant radiochemotherapy, the latter should be planned as the primary treatment option, being preceded by staging laparoscopy including pelvic and paraaortic lymph node dissection. As an alternative to the open approach, the definitive surgical treatment should be either performed laparoscopically, or be laparoscopic-assisted, or laparoscopically robotic-assisted.