Hypopituitarism: A Rare but Often Neglected Condition.

Pituitary insufficiency is an uncommon disorder. The most common cause is compression due to a pituitary mass. Other causes include inflammatory damage and vascular injury like postpartum pituitary apoplexy. Postpartum pituitary apoplexy, also known as Sheehan's syndrome, leads to hormonal deficiencies and causes postpartum amenorrhea, lactational failure, chronic hyponatremia, hypoglycemia, and loss of secondary sexual characters. Here we are discussing the clinical course of 15 female patients of panhypopituitarism. Most of them had a history of postpartum hemorrhage. Knowledge about this entity is essential as it is a treatable condition and ignorance could prove to be fatal. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Bhushan D, Agarwal M, Shukla RK. Hypopituitarism: A Rare but Often Neglected Condition. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(5):350-352.

Guaiacum Toxicity: An Unusal Poisoning.

Guaiacum is a homeopathic medicine used for arthritis, syphilis and tonsillitis. Its use as a substance abuse is not properly described in literature. Its excess intake may be life threatening and can damage the vision permanently.

Effect of Pneumoperitoneum and Patient Positioning on Intracranial Pressures during Laparoscopy: A Prospective Comparative Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pneumoperitoneum and head position during laparoscopic surgery on intracranial pressures (ICPs) using sonographic measurements of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD). DESIGN: Prospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: A tertiary-level hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-one women aged 15 to 50 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1 risk and body mass index ≤ 29 kg/m2 were admitted to the hospital between November 2015 and October 2016 for elective laparoscopic surgery and were included in this study. INTERVENTION: Patients were placed in the Trendelenburg position with head down (group I; n = 33) and reverse Trendelenburg position with head up (group II; n = 28). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: ONSD was measured via sonography at 4 time points: at baseline before pneumoperitoneum, after pneumoperitoneum, after patient was placed in respective position, and once pneumoperitoneum was released. Patient demographics were comparable in all respects. ICP as indicated by ONSD showed a significant increase after pneumoperitoneum (p = .0001 in group I and p = .0011 in group II). When patients were placed in either head position, ONSD showed a further increase in ICP. This increase was more pronounced in patients assuming the head-down Trendelenburg position compared with patients in reverse Trendelenburg (head-up) position. Baseline and preoperative ONSD measurements were not reached even after 5 minutes of desufflation. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumoperitoneum causes an increase in ICP. The patient position, either head up or head down as in gynecologic laparoscopic procedures, further worsens ICP. ONSD does not revert back to baseline until 5 minutes after desufflation.

Laparoscopic-assisted neo-cervico-vaginal anastomosis and neo-vagina creation in congenital atresia: A retrospective study measuring the outcome and success.

Cervico-vaginal agenesis is a developmental disorder classified as a Mullerian duct anomaly. STUDY OBJECTIVE: We aimed to study the surgical outcomes of vaginoplasty and laparoscopic-assisted cervical-vaginoplasty carried out using our set-up from June 2016 to December 2022. Additionally, we measured the success of our modified laparoscopy-assisted neo-cervical creation. DESIGN: A retrospective study. SETTING: The study was conducted in a tertiary care center and included all patients who underwent vaginoplasty and neo-cervico-vaginal creation using the rail-road method. PATIENTS: A total of 33 patients were followed-up meticulously and their outcomes were noted. The study was retrospective and largely depended on patient compliance during follow-up. INTERVENTION: Of the 33 patients, 22 underwent vaginoplasty (McIndoe technique) and 11 underwent neo-cervico-vaginoplasty (rail-road method using both open and laparoscopic methods). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The most common presentation was primary amenorrhea (cyclic abdominal pain with primary amenorrhea) and urinary retention. Four patients underwent hysteroscopy-guided hematometra drainage and none underwent hysterectomy. The average vaginal length measured during the follow-up was 5.2 ± 1.90 cm. Significant symptom relief was observed. Longest follow-up duration was 4.7 years with a mean duration of 210 (180) days. CONCLUSION: Although the procedure is strenuous, postoperative results showed satisfactory outcomes in improving the quality of life of patients. With expertise in the technique, the associated comorbidity is reduced, which provides relief for the patients.

Understanding Adolescent Gynecological Issues: A Cross-Sectional Study at a Tertiary Care Center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adolescence is a crucial phase in a woman's life, as it signifies the beginning of her reproductive journey. During this time, there are notable variations in sexual development and a sense of caution that can present challenges for healthcare providers. The rationale for studying adolescent gynecological problems lies in the need to understand and address the unique reproductive health challenges faced by young girls. By investigating these issues, researchers and healthcare professionals can develop effective strategies for prevention, early detection, and treatment of gynecological conditions in adolescents. This knowledge is crucial for promoting the overall well-being and reproductive health of young girls, ensuring they receive appropriate care and support during this critical stage of development. This study focuses on identifying the most common gynecological issues in teenagers, exploring the root causes, examining the available treatment options, and understanding how they are managed at a tertiary care facility.  Methods: This cross-sectional observational study took place at a tertiary care center and focused on gynecological issues in adolescent females who sought care at the gynecology department from January 2016 to December 2022. The study participants were categorized into three groups: early adolescence (10-13 years), middle adolescence (14-16 years), and late adolescence (17-19 years) for analysis. Ethical approval was obtained for this hospital-based research, which involved examining, investigating, and treating the study participants. RESULTS: Out of the 49,700 new female patients, 2000 (4.02%) fell within the specified age range. The average age of the participants was 16.87±2.16, and the majority of them sought help for menstrual issues (63.45%), followed by abdominal discomfort (15.6%) and vaginal discharge (7.2%). Menstrual disorders were the most common concern, with dysmenorrhea and puberty menorrhagia being prevalent issues. Abdominal pain was caused by various factors, such as urinary tract infections, ovarian tumors, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, and endometrial tuberculosis. The majority of cases were treated conservatively, with only a small percentage requiring surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: The significance of early detection and intervention in addressing gynecological issues among adolescents is highlighted in the findings of this research, underscoring the necessity for specialized healthcare services that cater to the specific needs of this demographic. Adolescent gynecology plays a crucial role in safeguarding the reproductive health and overall well-being of young women, emphasizing the importance of seeking assistance proactively.

Vaginal Vault Closure Following Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: Laparoscopic versus Conventional Technique - A Comparative Study.

Objectives: Vault closure is the final step to hysterectomy, protecting the abdominal cavity from the exterior environment. Thus, closure becomes crucial in preventing ascend of infection to the peritoneal cavity. Our study aims to compare vault closure between laparoscopic and vaginal routes, their operating time, and postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: The ambispective comparative study was done in a tertiary care teaching center from June 2016 to December 2022. Three hundred and forty-four patients were included in the study that underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Interventions - Patients who had laparoscopic vault closure were in Group 1 (N = 198) and those who had vaginal closure were in Group 2 (N = 146). The results were compared. It included age, body mass index of the patient, the indication of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, size of the uterus, time taken during vault closure, and postoperative complications. Results: The time taken by laparoscopic vault repair was significantly less than vaginal repair (19.7 ± 13.3 min vs. 30.1 ± 6.6 min, P < 0.001). There was postoperative vault infection (2.7%), vault hematoma (1.3%), and no vault prolapse seen in vaginal repair. The organisms isolated were mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella. Conclusion: Laparoscopic vault closure has shown significantly improved results compared to vaginal route repair.

Massive Ovarian Mucinous Cystadenoma Complicating Term Birth.

Usually, symptomatic ovarian cysts in pregnancy require surgical removal in the second trimester. However, occasionally, large ovarian cysts may be encountered in the third trimester, which might hinder normal vaginal delivery. Herein, we present one such case to highlight the challenges of managing a large ovarian cyst in a full-term pregnancy.

Surgical Site Infection in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy versus Abdominal Hysterectomy in Gynecological Disease(s): An Overview.

Objective: Surgical site infection (SSI) is an unsettled complication seen in any surgery. The aim of this study is to assess the rate of postoperative SSIs between total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH). Can the rate of SSI be reduced with the use of a laparoscopic mode of hysterectomy over abdominal? Materials and Methods: It was a retrospective comparative study. The study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department at a tertiary care center from June 2016 to March 2020. A total of 300 patients who underwent hysterectomy either via laparoscopic or abdominal route were included in the study. They were subdivided into two groups: a total of 167 underwent TLH (Group 1) and 133 had TAH (Group 2). The results were compared. It included the age and body mass index of the patient, indication of surgery, size of the uterus, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative SSIs, duration of hospital stay, and readmission rates. Results: It was found a high rate of SSI in TAH (82.4% vs. 17.6%, P < 0.001, Cramer's V-0.18), the operative time taken (75 ± 25 min vs. 128 ± 52 min, P < 0.001), and the mean blood loss during TLH (110 ± 30 ml vs. 160 ± 116 ml, P < 0.001) was found significant for patients. The hospital stay after TLH was found to be significantly shorter (4 ± 2.47 days vs. 7 ± 2.43, P < 0.001). Conclusion: TLH has improved the psychological, physical, and financial burden on the health care department. Thus, it has proved a preferred route over TAH.

Serum Uric Acid Levels as a Risk Stratification Tool in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are among the leading causes of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Serum uric acid is a test that can evaluate the severity of HDP and the associated maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. AIM: To examine the relationship between maternal serum uric acid levels and the severity of HDP and overall pregnancy outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on women with a gestational age > 20 weeks and BP >140/90 mmHg over three years. A total of 134 patients were included in the study. Patients with chronic hypertension, hyperuricemia without hypertension, and other major illnesses were excluded. Data were collected from medical records, including age, gravida, parity, weight, height, gestational age, blood pressure at admission, urine albumin, and serum uric acid levels. RESULTS: Of the 134 enrolled women with HDP, 76 had gestational hypertension, 41 had preeclampsia, and 17 had eclampsia. Mean uric acid levels in mg/dL were 6.06±1.651, 6.20±0.824, and 7.38±1.26 in gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, respectively, which was a significant association (p=0.002). Mean uric acid in mg/dL was 5.86±1.27 in intensive care unit (ICU) patients compared to 6.45±1.39 in ward patients (p=0.015). There was a significantly increased risk of ICU admission and preterm delivery (r=-0.401, p<0.001) in patients with elevated uric acid levels. There was a significantly increased risk of low-birth-weight babies with elevated uric acid levels (r=-0.278, p=0.001). However, there was no statistically significant increased risk of newborn intensive care unit admissions (p=0.264) with elevated uric acid levels. CONCLUSION: Serum uric acid levels vary significantly in HDP and were found to be elevated in severe preeclampsia and eclampsia. It can be considered for risk stratification in HDP based on disease severity; however, its role in determining outcomes is debatable. Using serum uric acid levels in predictive models along with known biomarkers may determine its possible additional value in disease prediction and severity.

Large Vaginal Hematoma in a Puerperium Patient: Treating a Delayed Diagnosis & Management Caused by an Incomplete Clinical Examination.

Here, we report a case where the lack of pelvic examination in a puerperium patient led to a delay in diagnosis and appropriate management of a large posterior vaginal wall hematoma for about a month. The patient had a history of difficult vaginal breech delivery of a macrosomic asphyxiated baby 28 days prior, following which, she started having gradually increasing distension of the abdomen, inability to void urine and pass stools by herself, and a history of fever on and off. Her family members took her to a private hospital for a consultation, where she was examined and assessed. However, a pelvic examination was not done. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis showed a large organized hematoma of size 13.6cm×11.1cm×10.5cm with a volume of 802 ml in the pouch of Douglas. Following this report, diagnostic laparoscopy was done on day 10 of puerperium where a large hematoma was seen beneath the peritoneum in the pouch of Douglas without any intraperitoneal collection. As the hematoma was not seen to be expanding, conservative management was done with 5 units of blood transfusion and antibiotic coverage, and the patient was discharged. However, the patient's symptoms were not relieved due to which she presented to us on day 28 of puerperium with the same symptoms. On pelvic examination, purulent, foul-smelling discharge was present in the vagina, and a huge tense bluish bulge was seen in the posterior vaginal wall more towards the right side obliterating the whole vagina. After taking informed consent and with proper pre-operative preparations of laparotomy, the hematoma was drained vaginally, and approximately 1300 ml of blood and clots were removed, following which, the patient had a speedy recovery and relief of her symptoms.

A Rare and Unique Case Report of Lateral Uterine Wall Rupture and Its Review.

Rupture of the uterus is a deadly obstetric complication. Its occurrence is uncommon and much less common in the second trimester. Given that the mother and fetus are in danger, it is a catastrophe for both. The incidence has increased in recent years as the cesarean section rate has increased, but in developing nations, multiparity and the inappropriate use of uterotonics are more common. This potentially disastrous event may have a vague initial presentation. Here forth, we present a case with solitary right lateral wall uterine rupture covering the entire length of the uterus, the fetus and placenta enclosed in between the broad ligament leaves, most likely due to injudicious misoprostol use at a private health care center superimposed on multiparity, and a literature review. As far as we know, this is the first instance of an isolated right lateral uterine wall rupture sparing the lower segment and, with the fetus trapped between the broad ligaments simulating abdominal pregnancy.

Complete Laparoscopic Ovarian Cystectomy of Giant Ovarian Serous Cystadenoma.

We report here a case of an unmarried teenage girl with a 19-kg giant ovarian cystic tumors of size 37cm×31cm×22cm, which was presumably benign on imaging and with negative tumor markers; treated by complete laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy following decompression and the patient was discharged the next day.

Comparison of Bleeding Pattern and Quality of Life Before and After the Insertion of a Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Seven-Year Review.

Background This study aimed to examine the role of a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) in the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) regarding improvements in bleeding patterns and quality of life (QOL) and determine the reason for its failure or withdrawal from treatment in some patients. Methodology This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care center in eastern India. A seven-year assessment, with both qualitative and quantitative assessments, of the effect of LNG-IUS in women with HMB was performed using the Menorrhagia Multiattribute Scale (MMAS) and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (MOS SF-36) score as a tool to assess the QOL, and the pictorial bleeding assessment chart (PBAC) to assess bleeding patterns. The study population was divided into the following four groups based on duration: three months to one year, one to two years, two to three years, and more than years. The continuation, expulsion, and hysterectomy rates were evaluated. Results The mean MMAS and MOS SF-36 scores increased significantly (p < 0.05) from 36.73 ± 20.40 to 93.72 ± 14.62 and 35.33 ± 6.73 to 90.54 ± 15.89, respectively. The mean PBAC score decreased from 176.36 ± 79.85 to 32.19 ± 63.87. In total, 348 women (94.25%) continued the LNG-IUS, and 3.44% had uncontrolled menorrhagia. Furthermore, at the end of seven years, the expulsion rate was 2.28% due to adenomyosis and pelvic inflammatory disease, and the hysterectomy rate was 5.75%. In addition, 45.97% and 48.27% of the participants had amenorrhea and hypomenorrhea, respectively. Conclusions LNG-IUS improves bleeding and QOL in women with HMB. In addition, it requires less skill and is a non-invasive and nonsurgical option, which should be considered first.

Overcoming Obstacles During Caesarean Section with a Fibroid in the Uterus, from Diagnosis to Decision: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: We regularly face pregnancy with fibroid since pregnancy at advanced ages has been more prevalent and the prevalence of lower segment caesarean section (LSCS) has also increased over the previous three decades. Myomectomy with cesarean section has historically been avoided because of the danger of haemorrhage, but obstetricians now place more emphasis on it. Since fibroids can range widely in terms of location, size, and patient features, the intervention should be individualized. Under this article, we, therefore, provide a case series of seven pregnant women with uterine myomas who had delivery via LSCS. METHOD: Seven pregnant patients who had uterine fibroid and undergone cesarean section were enrolled in this observational study done over the period of one year with consent and after taking ethical approval.  Results: The mean age was 27.7 years. Three of the cases were primigravida, while the remainder were multigravida. One patient had red degeneration and was hospitalized with abdominal discomfort at 29 weeks gestation. Four patients had a solitary fibroid, while the three had numerous. The biggest myoma size was 8×7 cm, while the smallest was 5×5 cm. Due to the presence of the fibroid in the lower segment of the uterus, three patients had a caesarean myomectomy, while in rest four cases it was not done. During cesarean myomectomy, two of them had uterine artery ligation to limit the moderate intraoperative haemorrhage. CONCLUSION: If the patient is wisely chosen and the surgeon has the experience, a caesarean myomectomy can be performed safely and successfully during LSCS, especially if located in the lower uterine segment (LUS).

Postcoital Vaginal Laceration in a Nursing Mother: A Rarely Reported Entity.

Postcoital vaginal injury is an uncommon entity in parous women, although it is a commonly encountered problem in virgins. Herein, we present a case of postcoital vaginal injury after consensual intercourse in a seven-month postpartum lactating woman, leading to a 5 cm laceration between the left lateral vaginal wall and posterior vaginal fornix. There was no evidence of colporrhexis. Ultrasonography was done to rule out any intraperitoneal collection or any broad ligament hematoma. The vaginal laceration was repaired in double layers. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery. It should be emphasized that, even though uncommon, postcoital vaginal injuries can also occur in parous women.

Maternal Near-Miss Secondary to Concealed History: A Case Report.

A mother and her child constitute an essential part of the healthcare system. Maternal death due to obstetrical causes is tragic for the family and the healthcare system. A maternal near-miss is a woman who survived problems during pregnancy and childbirth and has been examined as an intermediary for maternal deaths. Reviews of such situations are viewed as a less risky strategy by the service provider to improve maternal health care. This will allow us to take advantage of possibilities to prevent the deaths of mothers who may meet a similar fate. This is the case of a survivor of pregnancy termination challenges whose concealed history eventually led to a series of events compromising her health to a near-mortality condition. Providing complete information to a clinician is a crucial component of quality healthcare, as a family is the first in contact with a patient. The significance is evident in this case report.

A Catastrophic Outcome of Ineffectual Episiotomy Causing Acquired Vaginal Atresia: A Case Report.

Episiotomy is an aid done to prevent perineal tears, which may involve the anal sphincter and rectum. However, if not given judiciously, this can result in an increase in morbidity in patients. We present a case report of two young females who presented to our outpatient department with a complaint of vaginismus after their previous vaginal deliveries. The first patient had partial vaginal atresia and the second patient had complete vaginal atresia after an episiotomy repair. The complication arose due to mismanaged episiotomy repair that had a severe impact on their physical, sexual, and psychological well-being. They both underwent vaginal stricture release and adhesiolysis showed satisfactory outcomes during their follow-up. Though not recommended, prophylactic episiotomy continues to be widely performed. The approach adopted during the operative delivery stays unclear, as episiotomy execution is likely to be impacted by the physician's working environment, as well as maternal and fetal circumstances. Trained execution at rural or urban and private or public facilities is the need of the hour. Counseling regarding prophylactic or emergency episiotomy and its consequences during labor should be considered as a part of their antenatal care.

Surgical Morbidity of Laparoscopic Hysterectomy versus Abdominal Hysterectomy: A Retrospective Overview.

Objectives: Laparoscopic skills are not an innate behavior, nor can they be easily mimicked, and can only be acquired through hands-on training. The need for reliable training and its assessment is becoming increasingly important with the course of time. Materials and Methods: A retrospective comparative study was done in a tertiary care center where all patients undergoing hysterectomy by laparoscopic and abdominal route were included in the study. Objectives: Our study aims to compare the operative and postoperative complications of laparoscopic hysterectomy with abdominal hysterectomy. The study was conducted from June 2016 to October 2022. Results: The mean operative time for uteri size lesser than 12 weeks was found significant in the total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) group (75 ± 25 min) to total abdominal hysterectomy (TAH) (117 ± 28 min, P < 0.001). The mean blood loss in the TLH group was significant (110 ± 30 ml vs. 160 ± 116 ml, P < 0.002). The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in TLH (4 ± 2.4 days vs. 7 ± 2.41 days, P < 0.002). The operative and postoperative complications observed were 3.1% in the TLH group and 11.7% in the TAH group. Conclusion: TLH when performed efficiently has proved to be a preferable route over other conventional hysterectomies.