Pain and daily interference among reproductive-age women with myofascial pelvic pain: Serial mediation roles of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing.

BACKGROUND: Myofascial pelvic pain (MFPP), which is identified by tender points in the pelvic floor musculature, is a prevalent source of chronic pelvic pain in women. It may lead to physical and mental exhaustion, reproductive concerns, and coping difficulties in daily life and work than the disease itself. Pain-related cognitive processes can affect pain relief and quality of life. Kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing are frequently treated as mediators between pain and its related consequences. Greater kinesiophobia and pain catastrophizing have been shown to be associated with adverse functional outcomes, while higher self-efficacy has been related with improved quality of life. Regarding MFPP in females of childbearing age, it remains unclear whether the effects of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing on daily interference are direct or indirect; the influence on each variable is, therefore, not entirely evident. AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate the relationship between pain and daily interference in reproductive-age women with MFPP through kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and pain catastrophizing, as well as to identify areas for future investigation and intervention based on the data collected from this population. METHODS: This is a multi-center cross-sectional study. The study was conducted from November 15, 2022 to November 10, 2023, 202 reproductive-age women with MFPP were recruited from 14 hospitals in ten provinces of China. The demographic variables, Brief Pain Inventory, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, and Pain Catastrophizing Scale were used to measure the participants' related information. The data was described and analyzed using Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation analysis, and Serial mediation modeling. RESULTS: Pain not only had a direct positive impact (B = 0.575; SE = 0.081; 95%CI: LL = 0.415, UL = 0.735) on daily interference, but also had an indirect impact on daily interference through the independent mediating role of pain catastrophizing (B = 0.088; SE = 0.028; 95%CI: LL = 0.038, UL = 0.148), the chain mediating of kinesiophobia and catastrophizing (B = 0.057; SE = 0.019; 95%CI: LL = 0.024, UL = 0.098), and the four-stage serial mediating of kinesiophobia, self-efficacy and catastrophizing (B = 0.013; SE = 0.006; 95%CI: LL = 0.003, UL = 0.027). The proposed serial mediation model showed a good fit with the collected data. CONCLUSION: The findings illustrate the significance of addressing pain catastrophizing and kinesiophobia (especially catastrophizing), and increasing self-efficacy in pain therapy, and suggest that functional recovery be integrated into pain therapy for reproductive-age women suffering from MFPP.

Epithelial cells derived exosomal miR-203a-3p facilitates stromal inflammation of type IIIA chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome by targeting DUSP5 and increasing MCP-1 generation.

Increased proinflammatory cytokines and infiltration of inflammatory cells in the stroma are important pathological features of type IIIA chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS-A), and the interaction between stromal cells and other cells in the inflammatory microenvironment is closely related to the inflammatory process of CP/CPPS-A. However, the interaction between stromal and epithelial cells remains unclear. In this study, inflammatory prostate epithelial cells (PECs) released miR-203a-3p-rich exosomes and facilitated prostate stromal cells (PSCs) inflammation by upregulating MCP-1 expression. Mechanistically, DUSP5 was identified as a novel target gene of miR-203a-3p and regulated PSCs inflammation through the ERK1/2/MCP-1 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the effect of exosomes derived from prostatic fluids of CP/CPPS-A patients was consistent with that of exosomes derived from inflammatory PECs. Importantly, we demonstrated that miR-203a-3p antagomirs-loaded exosomes derived from PECs targeted the prostate and alleviated prostatitis by inhibiting the DUSP5-ERK1/2 pathway. Collectively, our findings provide new insights into underlying the interaction between PECs and PSCs in CP/CPPS-A, providing a promising therapeutic strategy for CP/CPPS-A.

The reporting quality and spin of randomized controlled trials of endometriosis pain: Methodological study based on CONSORT extension on abstracts.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reporting quality of published RCT abstracts regarding patients with endometriosis pelvic pain and investigate the prevalence and characteristics of spin in these abstracts. METHODS: PubMed and Scopus were searched for RCT abstracts addressing endometriosis pelvic pain published from January 1st, 2010 to December 1st, 2023.The reporting quality of RCT abstracts was assessed using the CONSORT statement for abstracts. Additionally, spin was evaluated in the results and conclusions section of the abstracts, defined as the misleading reporting of study findings to emphasize the perceived benefits of an intervention or to confound readers from statistically non-significant results. Assessing factors affecting the reporting quality and spin existence, linear and logistic regression was used, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 47 RCT abstracts were included. Out of 16 checklist items, only three items including objective, intervention and conclusions were sufficiently reported in the most abstracts (more than 95%), and none of the abstracts presented precise data as required by the CONSORT-A guidelines. In the reporting quality of material and method section, trial design, type of randomization, the generation of random allocation sequences, the allocation concealment and blinding were most items identified that were suboptimal. The total score for the quality varied between 5 and 15 (mean: 9.59, SD: 3.03, median: 9, IQR: 5). Word count (beta = 0.015, p-value = 0.005) and publishing in open-accessed journals (beta = 2.023, p-value = 0.023) were the significant factors that affecting the reporting quality. Evaluating spin within each included paper, we found that 18 (51.43%) papers had statistically non-significant results. From these studies, 12 (66.66%) had spin in both results and conclusion sections. Furthermore, the spin intensity increased during 2010-2023 and 38.29% of abstracts had spin in both results and conclusion sections. CONCLUSION: Overall poor adherence to CONSORT-A was observed, with spin detected in several RCTs featuring non-significant primary endpoints in obstetrics and gynecology literature.

Mindfulness in Facilitating Pelvic Floor Botulinum Toxin Injection in Women with Chronic Pelvic Pain.

Botulinum toxin (BoNT) injection can safely be done as an office-based procedure, but can be painful itself, especially when injecting pelvic floor muscles to treat chronic pelvic pain (CPP). Mindfulness interventions may reduce procedure-associated acute anxiety and pain. We applied mindfulness techniques to increase the tolerability of office-based pelvic floor BoNT injections in women with CPP. Women enrolled in a clinical trial of BoNT for endometriosis-associated CPP were offered a brief, guided mindfulness session before and/or after transvaginal injection. Anxiety, pain, and dysphoria were rated on a 0-10 numerical rating scale (NRS) before and after each mindfulness session. Eight women underwent mindfulness sessions. Five participants had a session before and two after the transvaginal injection. One participant had two sessions: one before and one after separate injections. All six women completing a session prior to injection had at least moderate anxiety, which lessened after the mindfulness session (median NRS change: -3.3/10). All three women reporting injection-associated pain experienced less intense pain following the post-injection session (median NRS change: -3/10). Three women experiencing dysphoria improved after the session (median NRS change: -3/10). A brief, guided mindfulness session may lessen acute pain, anxiety, and dysphoria associated with office-based transvaginal BoNT injection.

Long acting progestogens versus combined oral contraceptive pill for preventing recurrence of endometriosis related pain: the PRE-EMPT pragmatic, parallel group, open label, randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of long acting progestogens compared with the combined oral contraceptive pill in preventing recurrence of endometriosis related pain. DESIGN: The PRE-EMPT (preventing recurrence of endometriosis) pragmatic, parallel group, open label, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: 34 UK hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: 405 women of reproductive age undergoing conservative surgery for endometriosis. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were randomised in a 1:1 ratio using a secure internet facility to a long acting progestogen (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate or levonorgestrel releasing intrauterine system) or the combined oral contraceptive pill. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was pain measured three years after randomisation using the pain domain of the Endometriosis Health Profile 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes (evaluated at six months, one, two, and three years) included the four core and six modular domains of the EHP-30, and treatment failure (further therapeutic surgery or second line medical treatment). RESULTS: 405 women were randomised to receive a long acting progestogen (n=205) or combined oral contraceptive pill (n=200). At three years, there was no difference in pain scores between the groups (adjusted mean difference -0.8, 95% confidence interval -5.7 to 4.2, P=0.76), which had improved by around 40% in both groups compared with preoperative values (an average of 24 and 23 points for long acting progestogen and combined oral contraceptive pill groups, respectively). Most of the other domains of the EHP-30 also showed improvement at all time points compared with preoperative scores, without evidence of any differences between groups. Women randomised to a long acting progestogen underwent fewer surgical procedures or second line treatments compared with those randomised to the combined oral contraceptive pill group (73 v 97; hazard ratio 0.67, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative prescription of a long acting progestogen or the combined oral contraceptive pill results in similar levels of improvement in endometriosis related pain at three years, with both groups showing around a 40% improvement compared with preoperative levels. While women can be reassured that both options are effective, the reduced risk of repeat surgery for endometriosis and hysterectomy might make long acting reversible progestogens preferable for some. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN registry ISRCTN97865475.

Acupoint Catgut Embedding for Treatment of Chronic Pelvic Pain due to the Sequelae of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease.

Chronic pelvic pain caused by the sequelae of inflammatory pelvic disease is a common clinical condition of pelvic pain in women. At present, the main challenges in its treatment are the limited effectiveness of pain relief and the frequent recurrence of symptoms, which significantly impact patients' quality of life and impose a considerable psychological burden on them. It is a clinically challenging disease. After summarizing years of treatment experience, the author's team discovered that acupoint catgut embedding demonstrated notable clinical efficacy in managing chronic pelvic pain stemming from pelvic inflammatory disease sequelae. Compared to existing Western medicine treatment methods, acupoint catgut embedding offers advantages such as a good analgesic effect, lower recurrence rate, economic benefits, and a relatively straightforward procedure. This article provides a comprehensive guide on embedding absorbable catgut into patients' acupoints for the treatment of chronic pelvic pain in females resulting from the sequelae of pelvic inflammatory disease.

FEMaLe: The use of machine learning for early diagnosis of endometriosis based on patient self-reported data-Study protocol of a multicenter trial.

INTRODUCTION: Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects up to 190 million women and those assigned female at birth and remains unresolved mainly in terms of etiology and optimal therapy. It is defined by the presence of endometrium-like tissue outside the uterine cavity and is commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain, infertility, and decreased quality of life. Despite the availability of various screening methods (e.g., biomarkers, genomic analysis, imaging techniques) intended to replace the need for invasive surgery, the time to diagnosis remains in the range of 4 to 11 years. AIMS: This study aims to create a large prospective data bank using the Lucy mobile health application (Lucy app) and analyze patient profiles and structured clinical data. In addition, we will investigate the association of removed or restricted dietary components with quality of life, pain, and central pain sensitization. METHODS: A baseline and a longitudinal questionnaire in the Lucy app collects real-world, self-reported information on symptoms of endometriosis, socio-demographics, mental and physical health, economic factors, nutritional, and other lifestyle factors. 5,000 women with confirmed endometriosis and 5,000 women without diagnosed endometriosis in a control group will be enrolled and followed up for one year. With this information, any connections between recorded symptoms and endometriosis will be analyzed using machine learning. CONCLUSIONS: We aim to develop a phenotypic description of women with endometriosis by linking the collected data with existing registry-based information on endometriosis diagnosis, healthcare utilization, and big data approach. This may help to achieve earlier detection of endometriosis with pelvic pain and significantly reduce the current diagnostic delay. Additionally, we may identify dietary components that worsen the quality of life and pain in women with endometriosis, upon which we can create real-world data-based nutritional recommendations.

Relugolix/Estradiol/Norethisterone Acetate: A Review in Endometriosis-Associated Pain.

An oral fixed-dose combination of relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone (also known as norethindrone) acetate [Myfembree® (USA); Ryeqo® (EU)] (hereafter referred to as relugolix combination therapy) has been approved in the USA for the management of moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis in premenopausal women and in the EU for the symptomatic treatment of endometriosis in adult women of reproductive age with a history of previous medical or surgical treatment for their endometriosis. The gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonist relugolix decreases estradiol and progesterone levels, while the addition of estradiol/norethisterone acetate mitigates hypoestrogenic effects including bone mineral density (BMD) loss and vasomotor symptoms. In two pivotal phase III trials, relugolix combination therapy significantly improved dysmenorrhoea and non-menstrual pelvic pain in premenopausal women with moderate to severe endometriosis. The combination also reduced overall pelvic pain and dyspareunia, reduced analgesic and opioid use, and improved health-related quality of life. The efficacy of relugolix combination therapy was sustained over the longer term (up to 2 years). Relugolix combination therapy was generally well tolerated and BMD loss over time was minimal. With the convenience of a once daily oral dosing regimen, relugolix combination therapy is a valuable addition to the options currently available for the management of endometriosis-associated pain.

Endometriosis is a disease where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus and may reach other organs. This causes chronic pain as a result of increased inflammation and scar tissue. Women with endometriosis may experience painful menstrual periods, pelvic pain between periods, pain during sex, painful bowel movements and painful urination. Recently, a fixed-dose tablet comprising relugolix, estradiol and norethisterone (also known as norethindrone) acetate [Myfembree^® (USA); Ryeqo^® (EU)] (hereafter referred to as relugolix combination therapy) has been approved to treat endometriosis-associated pain. The treatment works by decreasing levels of ovarian hormones (estrogen and progesterone). In clinical trials, relugolix combination therapy improved period pain and pain between periods in women with moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis. The treatment also improved other symptoms (overall pelvic pain and pain during sex), reduced the need for pain medications and improved health-related quality of life. Relugolix combination therapy was generally well tolerated and caused minimal bone loss, which is known to occur with some hormone therapies. With the convenience of a once daily oral pill, relugolix combination therapy is a valuable addition to the options currently available for women with endometriosis-associated pain.

Acute diverticulitis of the appendix.

Acute diverticulitis of the appendix (ADA), though uncommon, often presents similarly to acute appendicitis but carries a higher risk of complications such as perforation and malignancy. We report the case of a male patient in his 50s with acute right iliac fossa abdominal pain, diagnosed via CT scan with ADA. Urgent laparoscopic appendicectomy was performed, and the patient was discharged without further issues. This case highlights the importance of promptly identifying and managing such conditions to minimise complications and improve outcomes. Despite the overlap in symptoms between appendiceal diverticulitis and acute appendicitis, accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers should maintain a high index of suspicion, particularly in older patients presenting with an acute appendicitis, like clinical picture to ensure timely intervention and optimal patient care.

Psychological and sexological assessment of patients with chronic prostatitis.

PURPOSE: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is characterized by a multiform clinical presentation requiring a differentiated treatment based on different phenotypes including the psychosocial and sexual domains. The aim of this study was assessing the complex correlations between somatic, psychological, and sexual symptoms of CP/CPPS patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on patients attending a Prostatitis Clinic. Patients were administered the following questionnaires: National Institutes of Health- Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7), Oxford Happiness Questionnaire (OHQ), and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). RESULTS: Linear regression analyses show highly significant correlations between scores of the NIH-CPSI and the scores of the GAD-7, PHQ-9 and OHQ psychometric questionnaires. IPSS scores correlate significantly with the psychometric scores only when a non-parametric analysis is performed. IIEF and PEDT sexual function scores did not correlate with any of the psychometric tests. NIH-CPSI scores correlate positively with most of the TEMPS-A profiles but the hyperthymic profile correlated negatively with the total and QoL NIH-CPSI and with PEDT scores. CONCLUSIONS: Scores measuring anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being in patients with CP/CPPS are strictly correlated with prostatitis-like symptoms although they are poorly correlated with symptoms of prostatism, as measured by IPSS, and not correlated with scores of sexual dysfunctions, as measured by IIEF and PEDT. A hyperthymic temperament may increase resilience against the disease.

Granulosa cell tumor of the ovary: a series of 6 cases.

Granulosa cell tumor (GCT) is a rare ovarian malignancy that represents only 2-3% of all cases. There are two subtypes of GCT: juvenile/JGCT (5% of cases) and adult/AGCT (95% of cases). This study aimed to describe a series of 6 GCT cases. The 6 study patients were managed from June 2011 to November 2022 in a private oncology clinic located in Teresina (PI), Brazil. At diagnosis, the mean patient age was 47 years, and symptoms in 5 patients (83%) were pelvic pain and/or increased abdominal volume. The majority of the patients (N=4/67%) had no comorbidities or findings related to GCT on physical examination. The mean tumor size was 11 cm. Five (83%) tumors were stage Ia and one tumor (17%) was stage III. Regarding tumor subtype, 5 (83%) were AGCT and 1 (17%) was JGCT. Surgical treatment consisted of unilateral salpingo-ophorectomy in 2 patients (33%), total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy in 3 patients (50%), and cytoreduction (suboptimal) in 1 patient (17%). After a mean follow-up period of 62.7 months, 5 patients (83%) are still alive and free of disease. One (17%) died from disease progression after 126 months. In the current study, disease-free overall survival was 83%, in a mean follow-up period of 62.7 months.

[Metabolic features of the inflammatory syndrome of chronic pelvic pain (category IIIA of chronic non-bacterial prostatitis) in young men, depending on the somatotype].

PURPOSE: dentification of bioimpedance and clinical features in young men with chronic pelvic pain inflammatory syndrome (CP/CPPS NIH IIIa) depending on the somatotype. METHOD: s. 150 men of the first period of adulthood from 22 to 35 years old with CP/CPPS NIH IIIa were examined from 2018 to 2022 years. The average age was 31 [28; 34] year. Somatotypes were computed according to Carter and Heath. Body composition was assessed anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis. RESULTS: Ectomorphs had the least clinical, laboratory and instrumental manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, the levels of total and free testosterone were the highest. The active cell mass predominated in the component composition of the body. Manifestations in mesomorphs had a moderate degree of severity. Endomorphs had the most severe manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, the largest amount of fat mass was noted in the body composition than in men of other somatotypes, the hormonal status was characterized by the lowest levels of free and total testosterone, and the highest level of estradiol. DISCUSSION: Based on the literature data and our own results, it can be assumed that the identified changes in the body component composition and hormonal status of men contribute to the maintenance of chronic inflammation in the prostate, organ ischemia, impaired intracranial metabolism, recurrent course of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa, which significantly reduces the patients quality of life and increases the risk of prostate inflammation with age. CONCLUSION: Determining the somatotype and conducting a component analysis of body composition allows patients to be divided into groups according to the severity of manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa. The revealed patterns allow us to classify male endomorphs into the group with the most severe manifestations of CP/CPPS NIH IIIa.

Presence of endometriosis and chronic overlapping pain conditions negatively impacts the pain experience in women with chronic pelvic-abdominal pain: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Evidence of overlap between endometriosis and chronic pain conditions is emerging; however, little is known about how the pain experience differs based on the presence or absence of endometriosis. OBJECTIVES: In a sample of women reporting chronic pelvic-abdominal pain (CPP), the aim of this study was to characterize differences in pain symptomatology between women with and without endometriosis and to examine the influence of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) on pain among these two groups. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study, based on an online survey. METHODS: Participants (aged 18+ years) completed a survey collecting pain diagnoses and symptoms assessing pelvic pain severity, pain interference, and pain impact. Independent sample t-tests, chi-square, and multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze group differences in pain symptomatology and COPCs. RESULTS: Of the 525 respondents with CPP, 25% (n = 133) reported having endometriosis. Women with endometriosis were younger at the onset of pelvic pain, relative to women without endometriosis (p = 0.04). There were no differences in age, race, ethnicity, or duration of pelvic pain between women with and without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis reported higher pelvic pain severity (+0.8, 95% CI = 0.4-1.1), pain interference (+5.9, 95% CI = 2.4-9.3), and pain impact (+1.9, 95% CI = 0.8-2.9). Endometriosis was associated with a higher number of COPCs (p = 0.003), with 25% (n = 33) of women reporting ⩾3 overlapping pain conditions compared with 12% (n = 45) of those without endometriosis. Women with endometriosis had a higher frequency of fibromyalgia (p < 0.001), chronic fatigue syndrome (p < 0.001), and temporomandibular disorder (p = 0.001). The number of COPCs was associated with higher pain severity, interference, and impact, independently of endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Women with endometriosis experienced higher levels of pain-related burden and COPCs compared with those without endometriosis. Pain intensity, interference, and impact increased with a higher number of pain conditions regardless of endometriosis presence.

Presence of endometriosis and chronic overlapping pain conditions negatively impacts the pain experience in women with chronic pelvic­abdominal pain: A cross-sectional surveyThe presence of endometriosis was associated with a higher number of chronic overlapping pain conditions (COPCs) and greater pain symptomatology, while a greater number of COPCs corresponded to increased pain burden among women with and without endometriosis. These findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive assessment of endometriosis that addresses the full experience of the disease, including its comorbidities. A greater characterization and measurement of COPCs has the potential to facilitate the development of tailored interventions for individuals with pain comorbidities, thereby contributing to improved clinical care strategies for endometriosis-related pain.

Effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial. / é’ˆåˆºæ²»ç–—å¯¹æ ¢æ€§å‰åˆ—è ºç‚Ž/æ ¢æ€§ç›†è ”ç–¼ç—›ç»¼åˆå¾æ‚£è€ ç”Ÿæ´»è´¨é‡çš„å½±å“ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect and safety of acupuncture on quality of life, pain, and prostate symptoms in patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). METHODS: Seventy patients with CP/CPPS were randomly divided into an acupuncture group (35 cases, 1 case was eliminated) and a sham acupuncture group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped out). The patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture at bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), while the patients in the sham acupuncture group were treated with shallow needling at non-meridian and non-acupoint points beside bilateral Zhongliao (BL 33), Huiyang (BL 35), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6),without manipulation to induce arrival of qi (deqi). Both groups retained the needles for 30 min, with one session every other day, three times a week, for a total of 8 weeks (24 sessions). Before and after treatment, and at the follow-up of 24 weeks after treatment completion, the scores of MOS 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36, including 8 dimensions of physical function [PF], role physical function [RP], bodily pain [BP], general health status [GH], vitality [VT], social function [SF], role emotional [RE], and mental health [MH], which can be summarized as physical component summary [PCS] and mental component summary [MCS]), pelvic pain visual analogue scale (VAS), National Institutes of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) were evaluated, and safety of both groups was assessed. RESULTS: After treatment and at the follow-up, the scores of each dimension and PCS, MCS scores of SF-36 in the acupuncture group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01); compared before treatment, the RP, BP, and SF scores and PCS score in the sham acupuncture group were increased after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment, the acupuncture group had higher scores in RP, BP, GH, MH and PCS, MCS than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01); at the follow-up, except for PF and RE dimensions, the scores in each dimension and PCS, MCS scores in the acupuncture group were higher than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). After treatment and at the follow-up, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI, IPSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01); in the sham acupuncture group, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI scores were lower after treatment, and NIH-CPSI score at the follow-up was lower compared with those before treatment (P<0.01). After treatment and at the follow-up, pelvic pain VAS, NIH-CPSI, IPSS scores in the acupuncture group were lower than those in the sham acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). No significant adverse reactions were observed in both groups, and the incidence rates of adverse reactions had no significant difference (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture could effectively improve the quality of life, reduce pain levels, alleviate prostate symptoms, and shows favorable long-term efficacy in patients with CP/CPPS.

The effect of physical therapy and mechanical stimulation on dysfunction of lower extremities after total pelvic exenteration in cervical carcinoma patient with rectovesicovaginal fistula induced by radiotherapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Total pelvic exenteration is the ultimate solution for rectovesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation therapy, yet total pelvic exenteration frequently causes intraoperative complications and postoperative complications. These complications are responsible for the dysfunction of lower extremities, impaired quality of life, and even the high long-term morbidity rate, thus multidisciplinary cooperation and early intervention for prevention of complications are necessary. Physical therapy was found to reduce the postoperative complications and promote rehabilitation, yet the effect on how physiotherapy prevents and treats complications after total pelvic exenteration and pelvic lymphadenectomy remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 50-year-old Chinese woman gradually developed perianal and pelvic floor pain and discomfort, right lower limb numbness, and involuntary vaginal discharge owing to recurrence and metastasis of cervical cancer more than half a year ago. Diagnosed as rectovesicovaginal fistula caused by radiation, she received total pelvic exenteration and subsequently developed severe lower limb edema, swelling pain, obturator nerve injury, and motor dysfunction. The patient was referred to a physiotherapist who performed rehabilitation evaluation and found edema in both lower extremities, right inguinal region pain (numeric pain rate scale 5/10), decreased temperature sensation and light touch in the medial thigh of the right lower limb, decreased right hip adductor muscle strength (manual muscle test 1/5) and right hip flexor muscle strength (manual muscle test 1/5), inability actively to adduct and flex the right hip with knee extension, low de Morton mobility Index score (0/100), and low Modified Barthel Index score (35/100). Routine physiotherapy was performed in 2 weeks, including therapeutic exercises, mechanical stimulation and electrical stimulation as well as manual therapy. The outcomes showed that physiotherapy significantly reduced lower limb pain and swelling, and improved hip range of motion, motor function, and activities of daily living, but still did not prevent thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Standardized physical therapy demonstrates the effect on postoperative complications after total pelvic exenteration and pelvic lymphadenectomy. This supports the necessity of multidisciplinary cooperation and early physiotherapy intervention. Further research is needed to determine the causes of thrombosis after standardized intervention, and more randomized controlled trials are needed to investigate the efficacy of physical therapy after total pelvic exenteration.

Long-term treatment for endometriosis with dienogest: efficacy, side effects and tolerability.

BACKGROUND: Dienogest (DNG) improves endometriosis-associated pain (EAP) and patients' quality of life; however, the modern cornerstone of the management of endometriosis is the long-term adherence of the patient to medical treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate DNG as a long-term treatment of endometriosis, focusing on patients' compliance and side effects, also correlating with different phenotypes of endometriosis. METHODS: This was a cohort study on a group of patients with endometriosis (n = 114) undergoing long-term treatment with DNG. During the follow up visits (12, 24, and 36 months) patients were interviewed: an assessment of EAP was performed by using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and side effects were evaluated by using a specific questionnaire of 15 items. RESULTS: At 12 months, 81% were continuing the DNG treatment, with a significant reduction of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, dyschezia, dysuria and chronic pelvic pain. Of the 19% that discontinued the treatment: 62% was due to spotting, reduced sexual drive, vaginal dryness, and mood disorders. The improvement of EAP was significant for all endometriosis phenotypes, especially in patients with the deep infiltrating type. At 36 months, 73% of patients were continuing the treatment, showing a significant reduction of EAP through the follow up, along with an increase of amenorrhea (from 77% at 12 months to 93% at 36 months). In a subgroup of 18 patients with gastrointestinal disorders, DNG was administered vaginally at the same dosage, showing similar results in terms of efficacy and tolerability. CONCLUSIONS: DNG was an effective long-term treatment for all endometriosis phenotypes, with few side effects that caused the discontinuation of the treatment mainly during the first year. Thus, the course of 1-year treatment is a predictive indicator for long-term treatment adherence.

Savi Scout Localization for Extrapelvic Endometriosis Resection.

BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a common cause of chronic pelvic pain among women globally. Pharmacological therapy for endometriosis includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and hormonal contraceptives, while surgical therapy often involves either laparoscopic excision and ablation of endometriosis implants or open surgery. Surgical therapy is one of the mainstays of treatment especially for extrapelvic endometriomas. However, little guidance exists for the treatment of non-palpable or intermittently palpable lesions of this nature. CASE REPORT A 33-year-old woman with a previous cesarean section presented with complaints of intermittent discomfort in the area between her umbilicus and the surgical incision, for the previous 7 years, that worsened during her menstrual cycle. A 3×3-cm area of fullness was only intermittently palpable during various clinic visits, but was visualizable on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Given the lesion's varying palpability, a Savi Scout radar localization device was placed into the lesion pre-operatively to aid with surgical resection. The mass was excised, pathologic examination revealed endometrial tissue, and the patient had an uncomplicated postoperative course with resolution of her symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Surgical removal of extrapelvic endometrioma lesions can be made difficult by varying levels of palpability or localizability due to a patient's menstrual cycle. The Savi Scout, most commonly used in breast mass localization, is a useful tool in guiding surgical excision of non-palpable or intermittently palpable extrapelvic endometrioma lesions.

CGRP neuropeptide levels in patients with endometriosis-related pain treated with dienogest: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endometriosis (EM) involves the peripheral nervous system and causes chronic pain. Sensory nerves innervating endometriotic lesions contribute to chronic pain and influence the growth phenotype by releasing neurotrophic factors and interacting with nearby immune cells. Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a pain-signaling neurotransmitter, has a significant role. This study examines the effect of Dienogest (DNG), a hormone therapy used for managing EM -related pain, on serum CGRP levels in EM patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed pain in diagnosed EM. INDIVIDUALS: Serum samples were obtained to measure CGRP concentration. Participants received a 2 mg/day oral dose of DNG for six months as prescribed treatment. Additional serum samples were collected after this period to measure CGRP levels. RESULTS: In the EM group, 6.7%, 33.3%, and 20% had ovarian EM, ovarian plus uterosacral, and ovarian plus bladder, respectively. The EM group showed higher CGRP serum levels than the control group (80.53 ± 16.13 vs. 58.55 ± 6.93, P < 0.0001). Still, after drug administration, CGRP serum levels significantly decreased compared to pre-treatment levels (69.66 ± 11.53 vs. 80.53 ± 16.13, P < 0.05). The EM group showed higher pain compared to the control group (7.93 ± 1.58 vs. 0.13 ± 0.35, P < 0.0001), but after drug administration, pain significantly decreased compared to pre-treatment levels (1.00 ± 2.00 vs. 7.93 ± 1.58, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DNG administration reduces pain and serum CGRP levels in EM patients, offering the potential for innovative treatments and tailored options. Understanding neurotransmitter roles and drug effects can aid in discovering more effective modulators for these pathways.

Correlation Between Surgical Phenotype and Pain Improvement After Endometriosis Surgery.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To examine pain improvement after endometriosis surgery and whether it can be predicted by the observed surgical phenotype. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal survey study. SETTING: A University hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 125 patients completed a preoperative questionnaire (response rate: n = 227 of 277, 81.9%), had surgically confirmed endometriosis (n = 202 of 227), and returned a second postoperative questionnaire (response rate: n = 125 of 202, 61.9%). INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent complete laparoscopic removal of the endometriotic lesions. Surgical phenotype was classified according to the rASRM and #Enzian classification. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The intensity of 5 specific pain symptoms was questioned by postal paper-pencil questionnaires with a numerical rating scale (0-10) both preoperatively (3.01 ± 2.72 months before surgery) and one year after surgery (12.62 ± 1.59 months). A postoperative pain improvement score was computed (postoperative pain-preoperative pain) for each specific pain symptom (0-10) and for the overall/global pain sum score (0-50). The mean intensity of all pain scores was lower postoperatively as compared with preoperatively (p <.0001). A statistically significant weak correlation was observed between the surgical phenotype "rectovaginal endometriosis" and postoperative improvement of dyspareunia (r = .265; p = .003). The other 11 hypothesized correlations between surgical phenotype and postoperative improvement of pain intensity failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Clinicians can inform patients that surgery is effective in reducing endometriosis-related pain symptoms and the overall/global pain scores at 12 months postoperatively. From our data, we can conclude that patients with rectovaginal endometriosis might benefit the most from the reduction of their sexual pain. On the basis of these results, we could suggest that deep dyspareunia (even if present as an isolated symptom) might be a valid indication for surgery. Further research could explore the association between a certain surgical phenotype and more detailed assessments of sexual functioning, as well as explore whether feedback from the surgeon on expected pain improvement affects patient-reported outcomes.