Chronic Pancreatitis in Females is Not Associated With Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The effects of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on pregnancy and vice versa have not been studied well. We aimed to study the impact of CP on pregnancy-related outcomes and the effect of pregnancy on clinical profile of CP. STUDY AND GOALS: We did a retrospective analysis of all female patients of CP of child-bearing age (above 18 y). The pregnancy-related outcomes of patients with CP were compared with the age-matched 115 controls from the low-risk pregnancy group identified using a simplified antepartum high-risk pregnancy scoring form. The clinical course of CP during pregnancy was compared with the pre-pregnancy course. RESULTS: Among the 338 eligible patients, 46 patients were included after exclusions. All these 46 patients had at least 1 conception and 41 had at least 1 completed pregnancy with a total of 117 conceptions and 96 completed pregnancies. The pregnancy-related outcomes in patients with CP like abortions (21.7% vs. 11.3%; P =0.087), preterm deliveries (14.6% vs. 10.4%; P =0.47), antepartum course (82.7% vs. 82.6%; P =0.58), stillbirths (4.9% vs. 4.3%; P =0.88), cesarean section (36.6% vs. 34%; P =0.849) were comparable with controls. There was overall improvement in the severity and frequency of pain during pregnancy as compared with the pre-pregnancy symptoms ( P =0.001). CONCLUSION: CP is not associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Also, there is trend toward improvement in the clinical symptoms because of CP during the pregnancy.

Successful Pregnancy Outcome after Coiling of Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysm.

Rupture of intracranial aneurysm is a serious condition, prompt diagnosis and treatment may prevent potentially lethal complications in pregnancy and otherwise. Clipping and endovascular coiling are treatment modalities available. We accessed outcome of a pregnancy with ruptured intracranial aneurysm managed with endovascular coiling. We report a pregnant woman who suffered from SAH due to rupture of posterior cerebral artery aneurysm in third trimester. Endovascular coiling with Guglielmi detachable coil (GDC) followed by caesarean section done. She required coiling twice in pregnancy.

Role of dehydroepiandrosterone in improving oocyte and embryo quality in IVF cycles.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the number and quality of oocytes and embryos in poor responders undergoing IVF cycles. A total of 50 patients with a history of poor ovarian response in the previous cycle(s) were enrolled in a prospective cohort study. They were treated with oral micronized DHEA 25mg three times a day for 4 months. Oocyte and embryo number and quality were recorded before and after treatment. The results were analysed using Student's paired t-test. After treatment with DHEA, a significant increase in number of mature follicles was seen in the post treatment period (⩽ 35 years P<0.001; ⩾ 36 years P = 0.002). There were significant increases in numbers of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates and, consequently, the total number of embryos available. More embryos were vitrified among patients ⩽ 35 years (P<0.001) post treatment, and clinical pregnancy rate in this group was 26.7%. DHEA treatment resulted in a higher number of oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, embryos overall and of grade-I embryos. It can help in increasing pregnancy rate in poor responders. This study was performed to evaluate the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment on the number and quality of oocytes and embryos in poor responders undergoing IVF cycles. Fifty patients with a history of poor ovarian response in the previous cycle(s) were enrolled in the study and a prospective cohort study was performed. Patients were prescribed oral micronized DHEA 25mg three times a day for 4 months. Oocytes and embryos in terms of both number and quality were measured before and after treatment. A significant increase in mean number of mature follicles was seen in the post-treatment group. There was a significant increase in the number of oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates and, consequently, in the total number of embryos available after treatment with DHEA. More embryos were vitrified post treatment and the overall pregnancy rate was 20%. DHEA resulted in a significant improvement in the numbers of oocytes retrieved, oocytes fertilized, embryos and grade-I embryos. DHEA can help improve pregnancy rate in poor responders with history of previous failed IVF cycles.

Thinking Before the Journey of First 1000 Days of Life.

For any nation the health of its citizens especially that of the reproductive age women is critical and of paramount importance as they are the ones who usher in the new generation. Now that India is undergoing triple burden of malnutrition, if the pregnant woman is underweight, overweight, obese or diabetic both the mother and the baby are at a high risk of developing complications not only during pregnancy but also postpartum. Hence, having a good nutritional status is so important even before the woman conceives.

The Effect of Salpingectomy on Ovarian Reserve Using Two Different Electrosurgical Instruments: Ultrasonic Shears Versus Bipolar Electrocautery.

Background Salpingectomy is a common surgical procedure in gynecology performed for various indications. Given its proximity to the ovaries and shared vascular supply, concerns have arisen regarding compromised ovarian reserve post-salpingectomy. Objective We aim to study the effect of two different energy sources (group 1: salpingectomy using bipolar electrocautery followed by division with scissors versus group 2: salpingectomy with ultrasonic shears) on residual ovarian reserve. The effect on ovarian reserve was assessed using serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), antral follicle count (AFC), and ovarian size pre- and postoperatively. Materials and methods According to the inclusion criteria, 68 women were included in the study and randomized into the bipolar electrocautery group and the ultrasonic shear group. The final analysis included 34 women in the bipolar electrocautery group and 32 in the ultrasonic shear group. Preoperatively, the ovarian reserve of all women was assessed using FSH, AMH, AFC, and ovarian size. These parameters were then reassessed at three months postoperatively, and the percentage change was analyzed. Results The mean baseline serum AMH and serum FSH values in the bipolar electrocautery group were 3.9 ± 2.9 ng/ml and 6.6 ± 2.1 IU/L, respectively, comparable with the values in the ultrasonic shear group, where serum AMH was 3.2 ± 2.9 ng/ml and serum FSH was 7.3 ± 3.9 IU/L. AFC and ovarian size were comparable between the two groups preoperatively (bipolar electrocautery group AFC was 8 ± 2.2, ovarian size on the right side was 3.3 ± 0.7 cm and on the left was 3.2 ± 0.6 cm; ultrasonic shear group AFC was 5.7 ± 2.3, ovarian size on the right side was 3.4 ± 0.8 cm and on the left was 3.2 ± 0.8 cm). After three months of postoperative analysis, AFC showed a significant fall from the preoperative value in the bipolar electrocautery group compared to the ultrasonic shear group (AFC reduced from 8 ± 2.2 to 5.5 ± 2.3 vs. 8.6 ± 0.5 to 7.9 ± 2.3; p=0.002). The other parameters showed no statistically significant change. Conclusion Our study suggests that ultrasonic shear is safer than bipolar electrocautery for preserving ovarian reserve after salpingectomy. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

A prospective study on role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on improving the ovarian reserve markers in infertile patients with poor ovarian reserve.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on the ovarian reserve markers in infertile patients who were poor responders in previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 30 patients with history of poor response in previous IVF cycles. These patients were treated with DHEA, (Tab Eema-D, Corona Remedies Pvt Ltd., Ahmedabad, Gujurat, India) 25 mg thrice a day for four months. Ovarian stimulation was done using the previous protocol. Clinical parameters were measured before and treatment with DHEA. Results were analysed using Student's "t" paired test. RESULTS: DHEA resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the serum Antimullerian hormone in all age groups (35, 36-38 and >38 years). Peak estradiol level on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration also increased significantly (p < 0.05). A significant decrease (p < 0.05) was noted in Day 2 follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in all age groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the antral follicle count (AFC). Pregnancy rate was 16.7% after treatment. Thus, DHEA has a significant effect in improving the ovarian reserve in poor responders with previously failed IVF cycles. It can help in enhancing clinical pregnancy rate in these patients.

Comparison of Intraperitoneal Irrigation With Sodium Bicarbonate Versus Normal Saline in Reducing Pain After Operative Laparoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background It has been postulated that sodium bicarbonate can reduce postoperative pain by neutralizing the acidic peritoneal environment created by carbon dioxide. It also prevents phrenic nerve damage and peritoneal irritation. The present study is a randomized controlled trial aimed at studying the effects of sodium bicarbonate in reducing postoperative pain in laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. Materials and methods This was a single-center, prospective, two-arm, double-blinded randomized control trial in which intraperitoneal irrigation with sodium bicarbonate was compared with normal saline in operative laparoscopy. Group I (intervention group) consisted of 40 patients who received intraperitoneal sodium bicarbonate, and Group II (control group) consisted of 40 patients who received normal saline. All procedures were conducted under general anesthesia. Postoperative pain scores were compared between intervention and control groups.  Results The most common indication of laparoscopy was infertility. There was no difference in the duration of surgery between the two arms (p=0.27). The mean value of the visual analog scale (VAS) score at the shoulder tip was found to be significantly reduced in the intervention group at two hours (p=0.02), four hours (p=0.0009), and 12 hours (p=0.0002) after surgery. The mean VAS score at the abdomen and port sites was also found to be significantly reduced in the intervention group in the first 24 hours after surgery (p<0.05). With the increase in the time period from surgery, the mean VAS scores decreased in both intervention and control groups.  Conclusion Intraperitoneal irrigation with sodium bicarbonate is beneficial in reducing postoperative pain in operative laparoscopy. However, multicenter randomized trials with a greater number of participants will be helpful to confirm the findings.

Meta-analysis comparing diabetes in pregnancy study group India (DIPSI) vs the international association of the diabetes and pregnancy study groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of gestational diabetes among Indian population.

Despite consensus on universal screening of women at 24-28 weeks for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, controversy remains on an appropriate criterion. The study is aimed to find out the sensitivity and specificity of Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) criteria compared to the International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria for diagnosis of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). A meta-analysis of studies comparing DIPSI as an index test to IADPSG as the reference test for diagnosing GDM was carried out. A total of 8 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed a sensitivity of 0.44 [0.29 to 0.60] and specificity of 0.97 [0.94 to 0.98], which means the index test DIPSI will correctly identify only 44% of the subjects who have the disease (GDM positive) but it will also fail to identify 56% of the GDM positive subjects. Derek's funnel graph revealed fewerchances of publication bias. Though convenient, DIPSI criteria was not found to be sensitive enough for a diagnosis of GDM and missed an opportunity to improve pregnancy and subsequent long-term outcomes for a substantial number of women. Further studies should focus on comparing pregnancy outcomes for the two criteria, so that decision to adopt any criteria is more evidence-based.

Vaginal Vault Infiltration with Bupivacaine for Postoperative Pain Control after Total Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized control trial.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess the effect of local infiltration of anesthetic to the vaginal vault on postoperative pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, randomized trial. Women assigned to laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups. In the intervention group (n = 30), the vaginal cuff was infiltrated with 10 ml of bupivacaine, whereas the control group (n = 30) did not receive local anesthetic infiltration to vaginal vault. The primary outcome measure was to analyze the efficacy of bupivacaine infiltration in the study group by comparing the postoperative pain in both the groups at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h using pain visual analog scale (VAS). The secondary outcome was to measure the need for rescue opioid analgesia. Results: Group I (intervention group) had lesser mean VAS score at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th, and 24 h compared to Group II (control group). There was an additional requirement of opioid analgesia for postoperative pain in Group II than in Group I, which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Injection of local anesthetic into the vaginal cuff increased the number of women experiencing only minor pain after laparoscopic hysterectomy and decreased postoperative opioid usage and its side effects. Local anesthesia of the vaginal cuff is safe and feasible.

Comparison of Outcomes following Vaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery and Laparoendoscopic Single-site Surgery in Benign Hysterectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Gradually increasing interest in laparoscopic surgeries has led to the advent of various lesser invasive techniques in the form of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) and laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery. Very few studies have analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of vNOTES over LESS surgeries in hysterectomy. After a comprehensive search, full texts of relevant manuscripts were obtained to assess eligibility for recruitment. A comprehensive meta-analysis was subsequently performed to compare the outcomes of vNOTES and LESS in hysterectomy, and forest plots were constructed. Four articles were rendered for review (three retrospective cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial). Three studies showed lesser postoperative pain in vNOTES compared to LESS. In one study, postoperative vaginal pain was higher in vNOTES due to additional suture between uterine artery and vaginal wall. The meta-analysis concluded that vNOTES could be better alternative to LESS hysterectomies. However, further large multicentric randomized trials are required for the standardization of the surgical method.

Hysteroscopy in COVID 19 pandemic: safety concerns.

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global health crisis that negatively impacts the health infrastructure by diverting resources to manage this infection. The long-term impact on the health of patients due to a lack of appropriate medical care to avoid COVID-19 infection is already visible in the mortality rates of the general population. The presence of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the female genital tract is not clear. Bubbles produced during hysteroscopy tend to cool down to the temperature of the distension medium and then dissolve. Hence, aerosols are not produced during hysteroscopy, which is usually performed in an office setting. If anesthesia is required, conscious sedation or regional anesthesia should preferably be used to reduce aerosol production. Hence, hysteroscopy is not an aerosol-generating procedure and the risk of COVID-19 infection is low; therefore, hysteroscopy should not be ruled out in emergencies.

Ovarian Ligament Plication as a Treatment for Patient with Elongated Ovarian Ligament with Recurrent Abdominal Pain in the Absence of Ovarian Torsion.

Elongated ovarian ligament can lead to adnexal torsion. Several cases of ovarian torsion have been reported where the ovarian ligament was elongated, and ovarian detorsion and ovarian ligament plication were done. In our case, a young girl presented with recurrent left lower abdominal pain, especially after exercise, with normal ovaries found on ultrasound. Laparoscopy was performed given recurrent pelvic pain and found elongated left ovarian ligament with normal ovaries. Considering the possibility of recurrent torsion and detorsion of the ovary due to elongated left ovarian ligament, left ovarian ligament plication was done. The patient remained pain-free till 1 year of follow-up. No such case has been reported in the literature where the ovarian ligament plication was performed without torsion. Hence, elongated ovarian ligament could cause recurrent pelvic pain due to possible torsion, and a simple, easy procedure of ovarian ligament plication can help relieve pain.

Exploring the Role of Levonorgestrel Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) as a Method of Emergency Contraception (EC).

Copper T 380-A (CuT380A) intrauterine device (IUD) has been an effective method of emergency contraception (EC). Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) has not been approved by the Food and Drug Association for EC till now. There are few studies that provide data regarding the efficacy of LNG-IUS as EC. This systematic review tried to explore the efficacy of LNG-IUS in preventing accidental pregnancies up to five days of unprotected intercourse. A systematic review of the published studies on the use of LNG-IUS as EC was done. All randomized trials, prospective cohorts, retrospective cohorts. and case-control study designs pertaining to this topic were included in this review. Abstracts were retrieved and reviewed by two authors independently. Variables pertaining to socio-demographic parameters, EC use-related variables (reason for use, frequency, time elapsed since coitus), and those associated with sexual habits were selected and recorded. A total of six articles were rendered for the review. High school students and those attending college accounted for 36.8%-51.8% of the study population. Data on the reason for seeking EC showed noncompliance to routine contraception as the most common reason, followed by failure of withdrawal method, breach of barrier contraception, and unplanned intercourse. With a negligible failure rate, LNG-IUS seemed to be a good alternative to the existing copper EC. Considering the plethora of noncontraceptive benefits associated, LNG-IUS can be safely provided as an option of EC in the cafeteria approach within five days of unprotected intercourse.

Assessing the Barriers to Postpartum Tubal Ligation Among Multiparous Women.

BACKGROUND: Unmet demands for postpartum tubal ligation are estimated to be greater than the actual number of tubal ligations done, especially in low-resource settings. Through this study, we therefore assessed the barriers to postpartum tubal ligation in the developing world. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a prospective cohort study including 3671 multiparous women from northern India. Recruited patients were given survey questionnaires during their antenatal and postpartum period which evaluated the patient-related, healthcare facility-related and social factors which were the determining factors for the unfulfillment of their desire for permanent sterilization. RESULTS: Out of the recruited population, 1576 women wished to undergo tubal ligation. Following attrition, a total of 1024 were followed up prospectively. Of them, sterilization was successfully done only in 309 (30.18%) participants. A large proportion of mothers had their demand unmet (715 mothers; 69.82%). Out of them, 505 (70.63%) women stated that tubal ligation was not done because they did not deliver by Caesarean section. Insufficient counselling regarding tubal ligation was quoted by 325 (45.45%) mothers. Majority of the participants denied tubal ligation as they were not given enough information about the procedure (589 participants; 82.38%). While 568 (79.44%) mothers had changed their mind after delivery, 257 (35.94%) thought that their health was not fit to undergo the procedure and 213 (29.79%) mothers wanted more children in the future. We found that there was strong opposition from their male partners (56.78%). CONCLUSION: Postpartum tubal ligation is of paramount importance in women with completed families, especially in developing countries. This prospective study addressed the barriers to tubal ligation, which would help combat future unintended pregnancies.

Assessment of Pain at Different Steps of Diagnostic Hysteroscopy Using Room Temperature Normal Saline versus Warmed Normal Saline Solution as Distension Medium: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objectives: Compare pain intensity at entry into the cervical os, during uterine distension and 15 min after the procedure, in patients undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy with room temperature normal saline versus that with saline warmed to 38-40°C, using visual analog scale (VAS) score. Furthermore, compare the time taken and failed procedures between them. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized controlled, prospective study conducted at a Tertiary Care Center on 100 patients planned for diagnostic hysteroscopy with a 4 mm 30° hysteroscope using vaginoscopy technique. They were divided into two groups of 50 each, with control undergoing the procedure using normal saline at room temperature and the test with saline warmed to 38-40°C as distension medium. Primary outcomes were VAS at the point of entry into the internal os (T0), 1 min later (T1), and 15 min after the procedure (T15). Secondary outcomes were procedural acceptance, time taken, and failed procedures. Results: The mean VAS in the control group at T0, T1, T15 was 3.31 (1.461;‒0.870-0.245), 2.46 (1.398;‒0.539-0.498), 0.75 (0.911;‒0.379-0.338), respectively, as compared to the test group of 3.62 (1.282;‒0.870-0.245), 2.48 (1.148;‒0.540-0.498), 0.77 (0.911;‒0.379-0.379), respectively. About 73.5% of controls and 68.8% in the test group were willing to undergo the procedure again. About 93.9% of controls would recommend it further as against 93.8% among the test controls. The time taken and number of failed procedures showed no statistical difference. Conclusion: No significant difference was noted in terms of outcomes measured by warming the distension medium.

Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO (1999) diagnostic criteria for GDM: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is challenging and controversial due to the heterogeneity or lack of consensus regarding the screening and diagnostic criteria for GDM. METHODS: A meta-analysis of studies comparing Diabetes in Pregnancy Study Group India (DIPSI) and WHO 1999 for diagnosing GDM was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 6 comparative studies were included. Pooled analysis showed sensitivity and specificity as 0.79 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.92) and 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94 to 0.98) respectively. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the meta-analysis, DIPSI showed higher specificity when compared to WHO 1999, hence may be used to rule in disease in probable GDM cases. However, the results should be interpreted more cautiously and carefully since only a few studies were included.

Gynaecological Laparoscopic Surgeries in the Omicron Era: Improvising the Management Skills After Lessons Learnt From the Delta Wave.

Background During the peak of the Omicron wave, elective laparoscopic surgeries were restricted; however, semi-emergency and emergency cases were managed despite the limited resources and manpower. We conducted this study to assess the types of gynaecological laparoscopic surgeries performed, the difficulties faced during the Omicron wave, and how we could implement the lessons learnt from the previous Delta wave for better management of gynaecological cases in the Omicron wave. Methodology We conducted a prospective cohort study over a period of three months involving 105 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgeries. Based on the decision regarding surgical incision time, the surgeries were sub-classified into immediate, urgent, and expedited. The surgical outcome and satisfaction rates among the patients were assessed through various parameters. Results Most of the women (81.9%) were pre-menopausal. Diabetes and chronic hypertension were the predominant medical co-morbidities. Three patients had a history of cardiac valve replacement which required switching warfarin to unfractionated heparin in the pre-operative period. Nearly three-fourthsof the study patients were doubly vaccinated against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) (77; 73.4%). A total of 14 (13.3%) patients had a history of COVID-19 infection in the past two weeks prior to the current admission. Immediate, urgent, and expedited surgeries comprised 11.4%, 22.8%, and 65.8% of total surgeries, respectively. On assessing the ease of pre-operative preparation according to the five-point Likert scale, immediate, urgent, and expedited surgeries were rated with a mean score of two, four, and five, respectively. The mean duration of surgery in the immediate and urgent groups was 37.6 and 44.2 minutes, respectively. The expedited group comprising mostly laparoscopic myomectomies and hysterectomies required an average duration of 92.6 minutes. The mean rating of patient satisfaction measured by the Likert scale was four, five, and five, respectively, in the three subgroups. Pre-operative patient preparation during the Omicron wave was faster, thereby decreasing the decision to incision interval compared to the Delta wave. Conclusions The lessons learnt from the previous Delta wave were used to modify the existing hospital policies in the Omicron wave. More number of vaccinated ground staff, less stringent intubation and extubation protocols during surgery, and lesser duration of post-operative stay helped modify our existing hospital policies for better patient care and satisfaction.

Laparoscopic gynecological surgery in COVID-19 pandemic.

The major concern that has confronted surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic is the risk of infection during surgery. So far, no studies have found SARS-CoV-2 in surgical smoke, and if it was found, whether it was infectious or not is unknown. To date, no evidence shows that respiratory viruses can be transmitted through a surgical plume or an aerosolized gas. There are various advantages of laparoscopy over laparotomy that must be kept in mind in the COVID-19 era, such as early recovery and shorter hospital stay, which can greatly help to conserve valuable hospital resources, and reduced risk of spillage of blood and body fluids, which can help to reduce transmission risk; most importantly, the distance between surgeons and between surgeons and patient is greater. Certain precautionary measures can be taken to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission during laparoscopy. Whenever possible, it should be the surgical option of choice.