ABSTRACT
The evaluation of endometriosis in an adolescent girl is a challenging topic. The initial stage of the disease and the limited diagnostic instrument appropriate for the youth age and for its typical features can reduce the ability of the gynecologist. At the same time, missing a prompt diagnosis can delay the beginning of specific and punctual management of endometriosis, which could avoid a postponed diagnosis from 6 to 12 years, typical of adolescent girls complaining of dysmenorrhea. This article aimed to answer all the potential questions around the diagnosis and management of endometriosis in adolescents starting from a clinical case looking at the possible solution that is easily reproducible in the clinical practice.
Subject(s)
Endometriosis , Female , Adolescent , Humans , Endometriosis/complications , Endometriosis/diagnosis , Endometriosis/surgery , Dysmenorrhea/etiology , Dysmenorrhea/therapy , Dysmenorrhea/diagnosisABSTRACT
STUDY OBJECTIVE: To clarify the relationship of hypogastric nerves (HNs) with several pelvic anatomic landmarks and to assess any anatomic differences between the 2 sides of the pelvis, both in cadaveric and in vivo dissections. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: An anatomic theater for cadaveric dissections and a university hospital for in vivo laparoscopy. PATIENTS: Five nulliparous female cadavers underwent laparotomic dissection; 10 nulliparous patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectosigmoid endometriosis without posterolateral parametrial infiltration. INTERVENTIONS: Measurements of the closest distance between HNs and ureters, the midsagittal plane, the midcervical plane, and uterosacral ligaments on both hemipelvises. A comparison of anatomic data of the 2 hemipelvises was conducted. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The right and left HNs were identified in all specimens, both on cadavers and in vivo dissections. A wide anatomic variability was reported. Regarding the differences between the 2 hemipelvises, we found that the right HN was significantly (p <.001) farther to the ureter (meanâ¯=â¯14.5 mm; range, 10-25 mm) than the left one (meanâ¯=â¯8.6 mm; range, 7-12 mm). The HN was closer to the midsagittal plane on the right side (meanâ¯=â¯14.6 mm; range, 12-17 mm) than on the left side (meanâ¯=â¯21.6 mm; range, 19-25 mm). The midcervical plane was found 2.7 mm (range, 2-4 mm) to the left of the midsagittal one. The right HN was found to be nonsignificantly closer to the midcervical plane and the uterosacral ligament on the right side than on the left side (p >.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a wide anatomic variability of position and appearance, the HNs are reproducibly identifiable using an "interfascial" technique and considering the ureters and uterosacral ligaments as anatomic landmarks.
Subject(s)
Autonomic Nervous System/physiology , Hypogastric Plexus/anatomy & histology , Intraoperative Complications/prevention & control , Organ Sparing Treatments/methods , Pelvis/surgery , Adult , Cadaver , Dissection , Female , Humans , Hypogastric Plexus/injuries , Laparoscopy/methods , Pelvis/innervation , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
Dysmenorrhea, cyclic pelvic pain, and acyclic pelvic pain are common in adolescent girls, and at least 10% of these girls are at risk for subsequent development of endometriosis. In this article we highlight practical tips for the management of dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain and how to diagnose endometriosis as early as possible and detect patients at risk for developing the disease in the future. We suggest five practical rules for managing adolescents with dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain: (1) Never underestimate the pain; (2) Always consider endometriosis as a possible cause of severe cyclic pain; (3) Obtain a detailed and accurate history before performing clinical evaluation and pelvic sonography; (4) Treat the pain with hormonal therapies (combined oral contraceptives or progestogen-only pill) and analgesics (acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs); and (5) Plan frequent follow-up visits to re-evaluate the patient. [Pediatr Ann. 2016;45(9):e332-e335.].
Subject(s)
Dysmenorrhea/etiology , Endometriosis/diagnosis , Pelvic Pain/etiology , Adolescent , Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal/therapeutic use , Contraceptives, Oral, Combined/therapeutic use , Dysmenorrhea/therapy , Early Diagnosis , Female , Guidelines as Topic , Humans , Pelvic Pain/therapyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To present a case of primary mixed (clear cell and endometrioid type) adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum, probably arising from endometriosis and associated with a highly differentiated, early-stage endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. The case was managed by a minimally invasive approach and postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: The patient underwent clinical/instrumental follow-up and a second-look laparoscopy after the primary surgery as well as adjuvant chemotherapy. No evidence of disease could be observed after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Surgery with postoperative chemotherapy can be recommended for the treatment of mixed adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum.