Ovarian Carcinoma Presenting With a Large Cervical Mass.

Cervical metastasis in ovarian cancer is a rare entity. Therefore, care should be taken in the differential diagnosis of cervical masses as it may mimic a primary tumor. This report aimed to emphasize the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in these tumors. We present a case of a 73-year-old female who presented with post-menopausal vaginal bleeding and cervical mass. The patient was diagnosed with ovarian carcinoma with a multidisciplinary approach. Although cervical metastasis of ovarian cancer is rare, the possibility of secondary cancer should be kept in mind, especially in cervical tumors with atypical clinical course.

Angiogenesis in gynecological cancers and the options for anti-angiogenesis therapy.

Angiogenesis is required in cancer, including gynecological cancers, for the growth of primary tumors and secondary metastases. Development of anti-angiogenesis therapy in gynecological cancers and improvement of its efficacy have been a major focus of fundamental and clinical research. However, survival benefits of current anti-angiogenic agents, such as bevacizumab, in patients with gynecological cancer, are modest. Therefore, a better understanding of angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment in gynecological cancers is urgently needed to develop more effective anti-angiogenic therapies, either or not in combination with other therapeutic approaches. We describe the molecular aspects of (tumor) blood vessel formation and the tumor microenvironment and provide an extensive clinical overview of current anti-angiogenic therapies for gynecological cancers. We discuss the different phenotypes of angiogenic endothelial cells as potential therapeutic targets, strategies aimed at intervention in their metabolism, and approaches targeting their (inflammatory) tumor microenvironment.

Single-port hysterectomy: robotic versus laparoscopic.

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of robotic single port hysterectomy and laparoscopic single port hysterectomy, and to compare the perioperative parameters of the two systems. Twenty patients underwent robotic single port hysterectomy and 25 patients underwent laparoscopic single port hysterectomy. All hysterectomies were successfully performed via a single port and there were no conversions to conventional multi-port laparoscopy, multi-port robotic, open surgery, or vaginal surgery. The median operative time and hysterectomy time in robotic and laparoscopic groups were 90 vs. 90 min (P 0.74), 57.5 vs. 60 min (P 0.17), respectively. The median estimated blood loss was 40 ml in the robotic group and 50 ml in the laparoscopic group (P 0.77). No operative and post-operative complications were observed in the two groups. The median time to discharge from the hospital was one day for both techniques (P 0.17). Robotic and laparoscopic single port systems are feasible and safe for hysterectomy operation in terms of operative time, conversion to laparotomy or multiport laparoscopy/robotic rates, complication rates, and postoperative results in the hands of experienced surgeons. The possible benefits of robotic single port surgery compared with conventional laparoscopy should be evaluated in further randomized controlled studies.

Comparison of intracytoplasmic sperm injection with testicular spermatozoa success in infertile men with obstructive and non-obstructive azoospermia; a retrospective analysis.

The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and embryo transfer between couples with infertility due to male non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and obstructive azoospermia (OA). A retrospective analysis of 234 couples with azoospermia who were treated by ICSI and embryo transfer between January 2007 and October 2010 was performed. There were 61 couples in NOA group and 173 couples in OA group. Fertilization rates, pregnancy and clinical pregnancy rates were the main outcome measures. The number of retrieved mature oocytes, injected oocytes, metaphase II (MII) oocytes, two distinct pronuclei oocytes, cleavage embryos and embryos transferred was not significantly different between the groups. The fertilization rate was significantly lower in NOA group when compared to OA group (56.2 vs. 66.7%, respectively; p = 0.013) and the pregnancy rate was significantly lower in NOA group than OA group (36.1 vs. 50.9%, respectively; p = 0.046). The clinical pregnancy rates were not statistically different between the patients with NOA and OA azoospermia groups (24.6 vs. 36.4%, respectively; p = 0.09). This study suggests that ICSI and embryo transfer together with testicular sperm extraction results in statistically significant lower fertilization and pregnancy rates in men with NOA when compared to men with OA.

Mini-laparotomic Colpotomy for a Cervicovaginal Leiomyoma: Preservation of hymenal integrity.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the uterus. Removal of the prolapsed pedunculated submucous myoma represents a distinct entity. Evaluation and treatment of such cases may need intervention via the hymen.Mini-laparotomic management of a pedunculated submucous myoma while preserving hymen integrity in a virginal patient is described as a safe alternative.. CASE: A 30-year old, nulliparous virgin woman admitted to the outpatient- clinic with the complaint of irregular menstrual bleeding ongoing for three months. Pelvic ultrasound revealed a 5×6 cm solid mass in the cervico-vaginal location that filled the vaginal margins. Due to the patient's consistent desire for preserving hymenal integrity, mini-laparotomic colpotomy was performed and the mass was removed successfully. CONCLUSION: Mini-laparotomic colpotomy, preserving hymen integrity, provides excellent visualization and it is a convenient and effective tool in the management of a cervicovaginal pedunculated submucous myoma.

Ovarian cystectomy for a dermoid cyst with the new single-port robotic system.

We report a 27 year-old patient with a dermoid cyst who underwent robotic single port transumbilical ovarian cystectomy. She was operated through a 2 cm long single midline umbilical incision using a new platform from Intuitive Surgical. The operative time was 45 minutes and the docking time was 15 minutes. Ovarian cystectomy using the da Vinci single-port system is feasible and effective. This new semi-rigid robotic surgery platform may increase access to the potential advantages of single-site surgery. Robotic systems designed specifically for single port approach have the potential of alleviating several of the limitations associated with traditional laparoscopic single-site surgery.

Comparison of two oral contraceptive forms containing cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in the treatment of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of combined oral contraceptives (OCs) containing cyproterone acetate and drospirenone in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: Fifty-two patients with PCOS were randomized in two groups: group A (n = 26) received 0.035 mg ethinyl estradiol + 2 mg cyproterone acetate and group B (n = 26) received 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol + 3 mg drospirenone-containing OCs for 12 months. Baseline clinical features including body mass index, waist to hip ratio (WHR), and modified Ferriman-Gallwey (mFG) score were noted. Baseline biochemical parameters included androgen profile, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, and oxidative stress. The percentages of changes for all parameters were compared. RESULTS: The groups were comparable regarding the baseline characteristics. WHR decreased significantly from baseline (-4 % [-31 to 35]) in group B when compared to group A (0 % [-11 to 14]) (P = 0.033). The total mFG score decreased significantly from baseline (-35 % [-71 to 10]) in group A when compared to group B (-18 % [-72 to 30]) (P = 0.035). Changes in androgen hormone profile were comparable except DHEA-SO4 (-32 % [-53 to 15] in group B vs. -10 % [-49 to 63] in group A; P = 0.046). The effects of the drugs were similar regarding carbohydrate metabolism, lipid profile, and oxidative stress parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Cyproterone acetate containing OCs seem to be more effective to treat clinical hirsutism in patients with PCOS after 12 months of treatment.

Perinatal outcomes of idiopathic polyhydramnios.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the perinatal outcomes of cases with idiopathic polyhydramnios. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of 160 singleton pregnancies that were under routine surveillance at the department of obstetrics from 2008 to 2010 was performed to assess perinatal outcomes. Finally, 59 cases were included as idiopathic polyhydramnios, and 101 cases were included as controls. Preterm delivery (<37 weeks), gestational age at birth, low birth weight (<2500 g), very low birth weight (<1500 g), macrosomia (>4000 g), 1- and 5-min APGAR scores <7, small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses, large for gestational age (LGA) fetuses, C-section rates, number of fetal distress, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after delivery, neonatal death within the first 7 days, and deaths before the age of 1 year were selected as perinatal outcome variables. RESULT: Significantly higher preterm labors and low 1- and 5-min APGAR scores were noted in the idiopathic polyhydramnios group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Although perinatal outcomes are conflicting in literature, idiopathic polyhydramnios warrants close surveillance especially near term.

Predictive value of 3+ spot urinary protein value measured by dipstick in hypertensive pregnant patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the spot urinary protein (SUP) level has predictive value on pregnancy outcomes in hypertensive pregnant patients. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of 109 pregnant patients with hypertension and spot urinary proteinuria measured by dipstick. RESULTS: Presence of 24 h proteinuria was higher in patients with 3+ SUP. Gestational age at delivery was significantly lower in patients with 3+ SUP when compared with patients with ≤2+ SUP (p = 0.009). Rate of SGA babies was higher in patients with 3+ SUP when compared with patients with ≤2+ SUP (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although it cannot replace 24 h urinary protein determination, 3+ proteinuria with dipstick may have a prognostic value, particularly in emergency cases.

Can ovarian damage be reduced using hemostatic matrix during laparoscopic endometrioma surgery? A prospective, randomized study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of hemostatic matrix (HM) and electrosurgical bipolar coagulation (EBC) on ovarian reserve in patients undergoing endometrioma surgery. METHODS: Thirty patients with single ovarian endometrioma ≥4 cm were randomized to two groups. Ovarian reserve after laparoscopic excision of endometrioma was assessed by serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH); preoperatively and in postoperative months 1 and 3. RESULTS: The preoperative AMH levels were similar between the groups. Intra-group comparisons: the AMH levels were significantly lower in the first and third postoperative months as compared to basal levels in both groups. In each group, AMH levels were significantly higher in the third postoperative month as compared to first postoperative month. Inter-group comparisons: AMH levels were significantly lower in the EBC as compared to the HM at 1st postoperative month (1.64 ± 0.93 vs. 2.72 ± 1.49 ng/mL). However, the AMH levels were increased and became similar at 3rd postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: Although acute ovarian damage was more in EBC group, ovarian reserve was compensated at 3rd month. Further studies with long-term follow-up will clarify the importance of these findings.

Cervical stromal involvement can predict survival in advanced endometrial carcinoma: a review of 67 patients.

PURPOSE: To assess clinical, surgical and pathologic variables in survival of advanced endometrial cancer. METHODS: Sixty-seven advanced-stage (stages III and IV according to FIGO 2009) endometrial cancer cases were evaluated retrospectively. The effects on survival of age, histologic subtype, stage, grade, myometrial invasion, optimal cytoreduction, parity and cervical involvement were analyzed. RESULTS: Cervical involvement (P = 0.033) and nulliparity (P = 0.042) were worsening features in terms of survival. In 56 cases (83.5%) optimal cytoreduction could be achieved and survival was significantly longer in this group than the group who were not optimally cytoreduced (mean 30.4 vs. 9.6 months) (P < 0.01). Depth of myometrial invasion, histologic type of tumor, stage, grade, and age younger or older than 60 years were not found to be related to survival. Neither adjuvant therapy type nor their combination were superior to each other for improving survival. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical stromal involvement is a poor prognostic factor in cases of advanced endometrial carcinoma. Further studies are required to describe the effect of different surgical approaches such as radical hysterectomy on survival in the presence of cervical stromal invasion.

Absence of rapid and linear progressive motile spermatozoa "grade A" in semen specimens: does it change intrauterine insemination outcomes?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of the absence of rapid and linear progressive motile spermatozoa "grade A" on the intrauterine insemination success rates. METHODS: The present retrospective case-control study included 338 couples in their first intrauterine insemination cycles. All intrauterine insemination cycles were preceded by ovarian stimulation with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone starting on cycle day 3 with a standard protocol. A single intrauterine insemination was performed 36-40 hours after human chorionic gonadotropin administration. Multivariate analysis was performed to define the independent predictors of intrauterine insemination success. The main outcome measure, the clinical pregnancy rate per cycle, was assessed in 3 different categories, according to the total motile sperm count (TMSC). RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified a 2.7 times increased chance of clinical pregnancy in the presence of grade A spermatozoa, after adjustment for female and male age (P = .023, 95% confidence interval 1.149-6.359). The influence of the absence of grade A spermatozoa on the clinical pregnancy rate was significant when the TMSC was 5-10 × 10(6) (0% vs 9.2%, respectively, P = .033). CONCLUSION: The absence of grade A spermatozoa decreased the intrauterine insemination success rates in couples with male factor subfertility, especially when the TMSC was <10 × 10(6). In vitro fertilization, instead of intrauterine insemination, might be a more effective treatment option for couples with a TMSC <10 × 10(6) and no grade A spermatozoa.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presented as peritoneal adenocarcinoma or primary ovarian cancer: case series and review of the clinical and immunohistochemical features.

Diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is a rare, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease and it can present as primary peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer. Differential diagnosis is important to establish appropriate management. In this article the clinical presentation, immunuhistochemical and histopathological features of 8 diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma cases presented as peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer are evaluated. According to findings of all reported cases, we concluded that clinical distinction of malignant mesothelioma from ovarian cancer or peritoneal adenocarcinoma is very difficult. Differential diagnosis is reliably achieved by immune profile of the tumors with a systematic approach of both positive and negative mesothelioma markers.

Follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH agonist or GnRH antagonist.

OBJECTIVE: To compare follicular fluid concentrations of IGF-I, IGF-II, IGFBP-3, inhibin-B, VEGF, and AMH in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with a long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol or multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 80 cycles were included; long-luteal GnRH agonist group (n=40) and multiple dose GnRH antagonist group (n=40). All follicular fluid samples were obtained from mature follicles during oocyte retrieval. IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were measured by immunoradiometric assay. IGF-II, VEGF, AMH, and inhibin-B concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the concentrations of the studied follicular fluid markers, cycle parameters, and treatment outcomes between GnRH agonist and GnRH antagonist protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The long-luteal GnRH agonist protocol and multiple-dose GnRH antagonist protocol seem to have similar effects on the follicular microenvironment in women undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.

Uterine carcinosarcoma associated with pelvic radiotherapy for sacral chordoma: a case report.

OBJECTIVE: Postirradiation sarcoma of the female genital tract is rare, but a recognized event. Most reported cases have been associated with history of radiotherapy for various gynecologic conditions, particularly cancer of the uterine cervix and abnormal uterine bleeding. The occurrence of uterine sarcoma secondary to radiotherapy for a non-gynecologic tumor and, furthermore, this condition being simultaneous with the recurrence of primary tumor is unique. CASE REPORT: A 67-year-old woman presented with a uterine mass which was diagnosed as a sarcoma by endometrial curettage and history of pelvic radiotherapy 23 years previously for sacral chordoma. Surgical staging procedure for uterine malignancy was performed. The final pathologic diagnosis was carcinosarcoma of the uterus. CONCLUSION: In uterine masses seen in patients with history of irradiation to the pelvic field, the probability of uterine sarcomas should always be kept in mind. These tumors may occur simultaneously with recurrence of primary tumor previously treated by adjuvant radiation therapy.

Expression pattern of PAX2 in hyperplastic and malignant endometrium.

BACKGROUND: PAX2 is a member of paired box gene family and expressed during development of urogenital system. This study aimed to evaluate PAX2 expression pattern in hyperplastic and malignant endometrial tissues in comparison to non-pathological endometrial changes and to investigate the presence of any correlation between the PAX2 expression and tumor behavior. METHODS: The study was performed on the archival material of 121 endometrial tissues including complex hyperplasia (n = 18), complex atypical hyperplasia (n = 20), and endometrioid type adenocarcinoma (n = 47) as study groups, and proliferative endometrium (n = 21) and atrophic endometrium (n = 16) as control groups. One representative block for each case was selected for immunohistochemical evaluation. Sections with 4µm thickness were cut from the blocks and incubated with PAX2 rabbit anti-human polyclonal antibody. RESULTS: PAX2 nuclear staining was detected in all of the endometrial tissues. The mean percentages of PAX2 staining cells were 80.8, 96.7, 88.6, 92.7, and 99.2% with proliferative endometrium, atrophic endometrium, complex hyperplasia, complex atypical hyperplasia, and adenocarcinoma, respectively (Kruskal-Wallis; P < 0.001). The frequency of PAX2 staining increased as the pathology progressed in the manner of complex hyperplasia → complex atypical hyperplasia → adenocarcinoma. In cancer cases, there was no correlation between PAX2 expression levels and the stage, histological grade, myometrial invasion, and lymph node status. CONCLUSIONS: PAX2 is expressed in hyperplastic and malignant endometrium as well as proliferative and atrophic endometrium. As the neoplastic lesion progresses from a premalignant state to endometrial cancer, PAX2 expression increases. These findings suggest that PAX2 may contribute to the development of endometrial cancer.

Factors influencing the contraceptive method choice: a university hospital experience.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the factors influencing behavior of women in choosing contraceptive methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 4022 women who were admitted to our clinic in a year, were the subjects in this current study for contraception choices. Relationship between the current contraceptive choice and the age, marital status, educational level, gravidity and induced abortions were evaluated. RESULTS: Current users of any contraceptive methods were found to make up thirty-three percent of the entire study population. The most preferred method of contraception was an intrauterine device (46.4%), followed by, condom (19.2%), coitus interruptus (16.4%), tubal sterilization (11%), oral contraceptives (5.7%) and lastly the "other methods" that consisted of depot injectables and implants (1.2%). Among other contraceptive methods, the condom was found to be used mostly by the younger age group (OR:0.956, 95% CI:0.936-0.976, p<0.001), while tubal sterilization was preferred mainly by the elderly population (p<0.001, OR:1.091, 95% CI:1.062-1.122). Women that have a higher educational level, were found to use OC (76.3%, OR:5.970, 95% CI:3.233-11.022), tubal sterilization (59.6%, OR:4.110, 95% CI:2.694-6.271) and other methods (62.5%, OR:3.279, 95% CI:1.033-10.402) more commonly than the low educational group (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrated that the rates of both contraception utilization and the usage of more effective methods of contraception need to be increased by providing better family planning systems and counselling opportunities.

Recombinant FSH versus clomiphene citrate for ovarian stimulation in couples with unexplained infertility and male subfertility undergoing intrauterine insemination: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate (CC) and recombinant FSH (rFSH) protocols in ovarian stimulation (OS)/intrauterine insemination (IUI) cycles for couples with unexplained infertility or male subfertility. METHODS: One hundred and eighty-nine patients with unexplained or male subfertility were randomized to treatment with 100 mg/day CC for 5 days (93 patients) or rFSH with starting dose of 75-100 IU daily (96 patients). The main outcome measurement was ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR). RESULTS: The number of preovulatory (≥ 17 mm) follicles on the day of hCG administration was significantly greater in the rFSH group than in the CC group (1.7 vs. 1.4, P = .01). Multifollicular growth was observed in 35.1% in the CC group and 54.8% in the FSH group (P = .01). The OPR per cycle was 9.6 and 15.6% for CC and rFSH groups, respectively (P = .31). CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant FSH is superior to CC for enabling multifollicular development in OS/IUI cycles of unexplained and male subfertile couples. Although this finding did not lead to a statistically significant superiority of rFSH in terms of clinical outcomes, the presence of relative increase by 62.5% in OPR with rFSH may be regarded as a clinically significant trend.

Cervical varix complicating marginal placenta previa: a unique coexistence.

Uterine cervical varix (CV) is a very rare condition during pregnancy and may cause moderate to severe hemorrhage. We present the third reported case of huge CV coexisting with placenta previa in the English literature. A 40-year-old chronic hypertensive patient with marginal placenta previa also had cervical varix causing hemorrhage. At the 38th gestational week emergent cesarean section was performed because of placental abruption. Placenta previa is a risk factor for CV and patients with placenta previa who have moderate bleeding should be examined for this coexistence. The choice of management is close follow-up and cesarean section close to term.