Primary ectocervical epithelial cells display lower permissivity to Chlamydia trachomatis than HeLa cells and a globally higher pro-inflammatory profile.

The tumoral origin and extensive passaging of HeLa cells, a most commonly used cervical epithelial cell line, raise concerns on their suitability to study the cell responses to infection. The present study was designed to isolate primary epithelial cells from human ectocervix explants and characterize their susceptibility to C. trachomatis infection. We achieved a high purity of isolation, assessed by the expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 14. The infectious progeny in these primary epithelial cells was lower than in HeLa cells. We showed that the difference in culture medium, and the addition of serum in HeLa cultures, accounted for a large part of these differences. However, all things considered the primary ectocervical epithelial cells remained less permissive than HeLa cells to C. trachomatis serovar L2 or D development. Finally, the basal level of transcription of genes coding for pro-inflammatory cytokines was globally higher in primary epithelial cells than in HeLa cells. Transcription of several pro-inflammatory genes was further induced by infection with C. trachomatis serovar L2 or serovar D. In conclusion, primary epithelial cells have a strong capacity to mount an inflammatory response to Chlamydia infection. Our simplified purification protocol from human explants should facilitate future studies to understand the contribution of this response to limiting the spread of the pathogen to the upper female genital tract.

Comparison of different surgical techniques for pelvic floor repair in elderly women: a multi-institutional study.

PURPOSE: The prevalence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is increasing. The number of women aged 70-80 years requiring surgical management for POP is also increasing. The purpose of this study was to compare the complications associated with three pelvic organ prolapse repair methods, sacrocolpopexy (SCP), native tissue repair (NTR), and vaginal mesh repair (VMR), in women aged 70-80 years. METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective analysis of 213 women who underwent POP surgical repairs between December 2012 and December 2017. Treatment-related complications were classified using the ClavienDindo grading system and compared among the three groups. Perioperative data, anatomical success rates, patient satisfaction, and postoperative complication data were collected during the follow-up period, which lasted up to 12 months. RESULTS: Of 213 patients, 70 (33%) underwent SCP, 85 (40%) underwent NTR, and 58 (28%) underwent VMR. By postoperative day 30, the all-inclusive complication rate was lower in the SCP group than in the NTR or VMR group; however, there was no between-group difference in complication grade. The VMR group underwent fewer concomitant hysterectomies than the other groups, and operative time was the longest for SCP. Overall, recovery time, anatomical success rate, and patient satisfaction were comparable for all three repairs. CONCLUSIONS: All three surgical techniques were equivalent in patient satisfaction, anatomical success rate, and complication rate. SCP should be recommended to elderly women who meet criteria for prolonged general anesthesia, as it was associated with fewer perioperative complications than NTR and VMR.

Descending Perineum Associated With Pelvic Organ Prolapse Treated by Sacral Colpoperineopexy and Retrorectal Mesh Fixation: Preliminary Results.

Introduction and hypothesis: Descending Perineum Syndrome (DPS) is a coloproctologic disease and the best treatment for it is yet to be defined. DPS is frequently associated with pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and it is reasonable to postulate, that treatment of POP will also have an impact on DPS. We aimed to evaluate the subjective satisfaction and improvement of DPS for patients who have undergone a sacral colpoperineopexy associated with retrorectal mesh for concomitant POP. Methods: This retrospective cohort study, conducted between February 2010 and May 2016 included all women who had undergone surgery to treat POP and DPS. Improvement of POP was assessed clinically and subjective satisfaction was assessed with a survey. Results: Among the 37 operated patients, 31 responded to the questionnaire and 77.4% were satisfied with this surgical procedure. 94.6% were objectively cured for POP. There was a 60% improvement rate for constipation, 63.5 and 68% were cured or improved for ODS and the need for digital maneuvers respectively. Conclusion: Sacral colpoperineopexy associated with retrorectal dorsal mesh appears to objectively and subjectively improve POP associated with DPS.

Single-port laparoscopy and extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy for locally advanced cervical cancer: assessment after 52 consecutive patients.

BACKGROUND: To report the feasibility and reproducibility of single-port extraperitoneal para-aortic (PA) lymphadenectomy exclusively using conventional instruments in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) and to evaluate the learning curve. METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2013, 52 a total of consecutive patients with LACC were candidates for extraperitoneal PA lymphadenectomy via an original single-port approach that we developed. All patients underwent positron emission tomography-computed tomography that indicated no PA uptake. RESULTS: Fifty consecutive patients underwent single-port staging surgery. Two patients had peritoneal carcinomatosis and were not submitted to PA lymphadenectomy. Median age and body mass index were, respectively 47 (range 27-68) years and 23 (range 16-37) kg/m(2). In one case, lymphadenectomy was unfeasible because of renal vessel anomalies (a bifurcated left renal vein crossed the aorta at the level of the inferior mesenteric artery), and two nodes were removed. Conventional instruments were used in all cases. The median operative time was 180 (range 110-270) min. The median and mean number of nodes removed were, respectively, 18 (range 2-47) and 19.4. Six (12 %) patients had metastatic PA disease. No conversion to laparotomy or conventional multiport laparoscopy was required. The median postoperative hospital stay and the interval between staging surgery and the beginning of chemoradiation were, respectively, 2 (range 1-26) days and 16.5 (range 1-60) days. The learning curve was evaluated at seven procedures with a decreased median operative time at 160 (range 110-240) min. CONCLUSIONS: Extraperitoneal staging via a single-port left iliac approach is feasible with conventional tools, is reproducible and safe, and offers a high degree of cosmetic satisfaction.

The role of oncoplastic breast surgery in the management of breast cancer treated with primary chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit of Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) compared to standard BCS after primary CT, in terms of oncologic safety and cosmetic outcomes. BACKGROUND: The development of new drugs has led to greater use of primary chemotherapy (CT) for bulky breast cancer (BC) and has allowed wider indications for conservative surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We identified 259 patients consecutively treated with BCS for primary BC from January 2002 to November 2010. All patients had undergone Oncoplastic Breast Surgery (OBS) or standard BCS after primary CT. Mastectomy rates, and oncological and cosmetic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: A total of 45 OBS and 214 standard BCS were analyzed. The median tumor size was 40 mm in the two groups (p = 0.66). The median operative specimen volumes were larger in the OBS group than in the standard group (respectively, 180 cm3 and 98 cm3, p < 0.0001). Re-excision (9% vs. 2%) and mastectomy (24% vs. 18%) rates were similar (p = 0.22 and p = 0.30) in the standard BCS group and in the OBS group respectively. At a median follow-up of 46 months, local relapse (p = 0.23) and distant relapse (p = 0.35) rates were similar. CONCLUSION: OBS allows excision of larger volumes of residual tumor after primary CT. OBS outcomes results were similar to those of standard BCS. Oncoplastic Breast Conserving Surgery (BCS) after primary chemotherapy allows wider breast resection than standard BCS. Survival and relapse probabilities are similar in both groups.

Fertility sparing treatment of recurrent stage I serous borderline ovarian tumours.

Here we report the outcomes of 26 patients who relapsed following conservative surgical treatment of stage I serous borderline ovarian tumours treated initially with fertility-sparing surgery. All recurrences were diagnosed by systematic ultrasonography during follow-up. Eleven patients relapsed at least twice after such management. Twenty-one pregnancies were observed in 13 patients. Eleven of these patients became pregnant after the treatment of their first recurrence. All patients had a borderline ovarian tumour and/or non-invasive peritoneal implants at the time of the first recurrence but two of them had invasive ovarian and peritoneal disease at the time of the second or third recurrence (one of them died of disease). Fertility-preserving surgery remains a valuable alternative (if technically feasible), in young patients with recurrent SBOT, in the form of a non-invasive ovarian lesion, who wish to start a pregnancy. However, it should be associated with meticulous follow-up because the risk of progression to carcinoma exists, albeit small.

Lymphocele and ovarian cancer: risk factors and impact on survival.

INTRODUCTION: We describe the incidence, impact on survival, and the risk factors for symptomatic lymphoceles in patients with ovarian cancer. METHODS: This retrospective study includes patients with ovarian cancer who had complete cytoreductive surgery and para-aortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy performed in our institute from 2005 to 2011. Patients were classified into two groups: patients with symptomatic lymphoceles and a control group. RESULTS: During the study period, 194 patients with epithelial ovarian cancer underwent cytoreductive surgery and a lymphadenectomy without macroscopic residual disease. Fifty-four patients had symptomatic lymphoceles (28%). In the multivariate analysis, only supraradical surgery was significantly and independently associated with the risk of symptomatic lymphoceles occurring postoperatively. Median follow-up was 24.8 months (range, 1-74 months). Survival rates were not significantly different between the symptomatic lymphocele group and the control group. Two-year disease-free survival rates were 54% for the lymphocele group and 48% for the control group. Two-year overall survival rates were 90% for the lymphocele group and 88% for the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic lymphoceles occur frequently after cytoreductive surgery in ovarian cancer. Supraradical surgery is an independent risk factor. The occurrence of symptomatic lymphoceles does not decrease survival. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to reduce the risk of lymphoceles in such patients.

Single-port laparoscopy and extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy: 3 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE: We report the feasibility and the technique of single-port extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in locally advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: The same single port was used for the transperitoneal step (to discriminate intraperitoneal disease) and the extraperitoneal approach used thereafter (in the absence of peritoneal or ovarian spread) for the lymphadenectomy. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed via the left-sided extraperitoneal approach by a 2- to 3-cm incision, which was made 1 cm above the usual incision to the left of McBurney's point. We used conventional instruments in all cases. RESULTS: Three consecutive patients with cervical cancer had undergone a pretherapeutic laparoscopic staging procedure (1 stage IB2 and 2 stage IIB). The histologic types were squamous carcinoma (n = 2) and adenocarcinoma (n = 1). No patients had pelvic or para-aortic uptakes on preoperative positron emission tomography computed tomography imaging. The mean operative time was 223 minutes (range, 210-250 minutes). The mean number of lymph nodes removed was 19 (range, 15-23). The definitive pathological analysis had revealed that one patient had metastatic disease. No failures occurred with the single-port procedure, and no conversion to conventional multiport laparoscopy was reported. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary series reports on the feasibility of the para-aortic lymphadenectomy technique via the extraperitoneal approach with a multichannel single port using conventional instruments. Nevertheless, the safety of this procedure (compared to conventional laparoscopic approach) needs to be explored in a further larger study.

Single-port laparoscopy and extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy: about fourteen consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the feasibility and reproducibility of single port extraperitoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in locally advanced cervical cancer. METHODS: The same single port was used for the transperitoneal step and the extraperitoneal approach used thereafter (in the absence of peritoneal disease) for the lymphadenectomy. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was performed via a left-sided extraperitoneal approach. RESULTS: Fourteen consecutive patients with cervical cancer underwent a laparoscopic staging procedure (3 stage IB2, 10 IIB and 1 stage IVA). No patient had para-aortic FDG uptake on PET/CT. In one case lymphadenectomy was unfeasible because of vascular anomalies of the renal vessels (low insertion of 2 left renal arteries). The median operative time was 190 min (range, 135-250). The median number of lymph nodes removed was 14 [range, 2-23]. The definitive pathological analysis revealed that three patients had metastatic disease. No conversion to conventional multiport laparoscopy was necessary. CONCLUSIONS: This series reports that para-aortic lymphadenectomy technique via the extraperitoneal approach with a multichannel single port is feasible and reproducible.

Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage secondary to intrauterine intravascular transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Small-volume fetomaternal hemorrhage is frequently observed after intrauterine transfusion. The Kleihauer-Betke test, the reference method for identifying fetomaternal hemorrhage, cannot be used after intrauterine transfusion, because the adult red blood cells used for transfusion cannot be distinguished from maternal red blood cells. CASE: Massive fetomaternal hemorrhage secondary to intrauterine transfusion led to fetal hemorrhagic stroke. We used a method based on blood group identification in the maternal blood to confirm and to quantify fetomaternal hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Fetal stroke may result from severe hypovolemia and low cerebral blood flow caused by fetomaternal hemorrhage, rather than from fetal anemia itself.

Prognostic value of lymph node involvement in ovarian serous borderline tumors.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the prognosis value of lymph node involvement (LN positive) lymph node involvement for borderline ovarian tumor (BOT). STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective study on 49 patients treated at our institution for advanced-stage serous BOT (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] III or IV). Pathological characteristics and survival were compared according to the lymph node status. The same analysis was performed on 1503 patients of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. RESULTS: In our institution, 14 patients were LN positive. Eight patients have been upstaged after lymph node dissection. No patient has died during follow-up (median 53 months). LN positivity was not associated with recurrence. In the SEER registry, 93 patients (6.2%) had LN positivity. These patients were younger and with more advanced local extension. Survival curves were similar after adjustment for FIGO stage. CONCLUSION: Lymph node involvement does not appear as a prognosis factor for advanced-stage BOT.

Prognosis and prognostic factors of the micropapillary pattern in patients treated for stage II and III serous borderline tumors of the ovary.

BACKGROUND: To determine the prognosis of a micropapillary (MP) pattern in patients with stage II and stage III serous borderline tumor of the ovary (SBOT). METHODS: Review of patients with stage II and stage III SBOT treated or referred to our institution with characterization of an MP pattern and its clinical impact. RESULTS: In 1969-2006, 168 patients were reviewed. Fifty-six patients had SBOT-MP. The rate of conservative surgery was lower in the SBOT-MP group than in the typical SBOT group, but the rate of patients with more than three peritoneal sites with implants was higher in the SBOT-MP group. The rate of invasive implants was not statistically different between the two groups. Eighteen recurrences were observed (six of them in the form of invasive disease) in the SBOT-MP group. Only one death was observed. The overall survival times and recurrence-free intervals were similar in both groups. The only prognostic factor for recurrence in the SBOT-MP group was the use of conservative surgery. CONCLUSIONS: In the present series, an MP pattern doesn't appear to signify a poor prognosis. The only prognostic factor for recurrence in SBOT-MP was the use of conservative surgery. Further studies on the MP pattern are needed to evaluate prognosis and the results of conservative surgery.

Term labor management and outcomes in treated HIV-infected women without contraindications to vaginal delivery and matched controls.

OBJECTIVE: To assess labor management and outcomes for treated HIV-infected pregnant women with no obstetric or virologic contraindications to vaginal delivery. METHOD: A retrospective case-control study was conducted at a single center with 146 treated HIV-infected pregnant women without obstetric or virologic contraindications to vaginal delivery and 146 controls. Cases and controls were matched for parity, previous cesarean delivery, and geographic origin. RESULTS: The mode of delivery was similar in the 2 groups but the episiotomy rate was significantly lower among the HIV-infected women (29.6% vs 45.6%, P = 0.01), with no difference in mean birth weight, simple or complex perineal laceration rates or neonatal outcome. Postpartum morbidity was also similar for controls and HIV-infected women with a CD4(+) cell count of 200 cells/mL or higher. However, in the study group, postpartum morbidity was higher among those whose CD4(+) cell count was lower than this threshold (3.2% vs 22.2%, P = 0.007). No case of mother-to-child transmission of HIV occurred. CONCLUSION: HIV-infected women with no contraindication to vaginal delivery seem to have the same labor outcomes as uninfected women.

Fertility results and outcomes after pure laparoscopic management of advanced-stage serous borderline tumors of the ovary.

The outcomes of 18 patients treated with pure laparoscopic management (treated conservatively in 14 patients) of serous borderline ovarian tumors with peritoneal implants were reviewed. Eight patients relapsed (three with an invasive recurrence), but none of the patients without residual disease at the end of surgery, or invasive implants or disease with a micropapillary pattern relapsed under the form of invasive carcinoma.

Secondary surgery in patients with serous low malignant potential ovarian tumors with peritoneal implants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of secondary surgery in patients treated for a serous low malignant potential ovarian tumor (LMPOT) and peritoneal implants. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with a serous LMPOT and peritoneal implants treated in or referred to our institution. The characteristics of patients who had undergone surgery were compared with those who had not. We analyzed the clinical impact of this procedure. RESULTS: From 1969 to 2006, 171 patients were reviewed. Secondary surgery was defined as classic second-look surgery (residual disease at the time of initial surgery, a different histological analysis between the initial and definitive diagnosis) and surgery for abnormal radiological findings during follow-up. Fifty-seven patients had undergone secondary surgery (which was positive in 16 of them). The percentages of patients with residual disease and invasive implants at the time of initial management who had received adjuvant therapy were higher among subjects who had undergone secondary surgery. The recurrence-free interval between patients in whom secondary surgery was negative and in patients who had not undergone a secondary procedure was statistically different. Four factors were predictive of recurrent disease: the use of conservative surgery, the use of laparoscopic surgery, the presence of residual disease at the end of surgery, and positive secondary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary surgery seems to reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with serous LMPOT and peritoneal implants. Patients with residual disease are probably those likely to benefit from such surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.

Prognostic factors in patients with ovarian serous low malignant potential (borderline) tumors with peritoneal implants.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine prognostic factors in a large series of patients with stage II or III serous low malignant potential ovarian tumor (LMPOT) and peritoneal implants. METHODS: Patients with a serous LMPOT and peritoneal implants treated at or referred to our institution were retrospectively reviewed. The slides of ovarian tumors and peritoneal implants were reviewed by the same pathologist. RESULTS: From 1969 to 2006, 168 patients were reviewed, 21 of whom had invasive implants. Tumors exhibited a micropapillary pattern in 56 patients. Adjuvant treatment had been administered to 61 patients. The median duration of follow-up was 57 months (range, 1-437). Forty-four patients had relapsed and 10 patients had died. The 5-year overall survival rate was 98%. Among patients with noninvasive and invasive implants, 8% and 10%, respectively, had relapsed at 5 years in the form of invasive disease (p = .08). In a multivariate analysis, the use of conservative treatment was the only prognostic factor. INTERPRETATION: The prognosis of serous LMPOT with peritoneal implants remains good. The strongest prognostic factor in patients with an advanced-stage borderline tumor is the use of conservative surgery. In this series, a micropapillary pattern and implant subtype (invasive versus noninvasive) were not prognostic factors.

Intrauterine fallopian tube incarceration: an uncommon complication of termination of pregnancy by vacuum aspiration.

A 34-year-old woman presented with an intermittent abdominal pain 5 years after voluntary vacuum aspiration for interruption of a first-trimester pregnancy. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated complete septate uterus and a cystic mass that infiltrated the posterior myometrial wall of the right side of the uterus. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy revealed an intra uterine fallopian tube incarceration.

Appendiceal abscess revealed by ureteral stenosis and hydronephrosis.

Acute appendicitis presenting with ureteral stenosis and hydronephrosis is very rare. Here, we report the case of a patient who had complicated acute appendicitis with perforation and abscess resulting in right pyeloureteral dilation.