Intestinal endometriotic nodules with a length greater than 2.25 cm and affecting more than 27% of the circumference are more likely to undergo segmental resection, rather than linear nodulectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of intestinal ultrasonography with bowel preparation (TVUSBP) for endometriosis mapping in evaluating intestinal endometriosis to choose the surgical technique (segmental resection or linear nodulectomy) for treatment. DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. SETTING: University Hospital-Center for Advanced Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery from April 2010 to November 2014. PATIENT(S): One hundred and eleven women with clinically suspected endometriosis and intestinal endometriotic nodule or intestinal adherence in TVUSBP for endometriosis mapping. INTERVENTION(S): All patients with suspected endometriosis underwent TVUSBP for endometriosis mapping prior to videolaparoscopy for complete excision of endometriosis foci, including intestinal foci, using the linear nodulectomy or segmental resection techniques, depending on the characteristics of the intestinal lesion with confirmation of endometriosis on anatomopathological examination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Preoperative ultrasonographic assessment of the length of the intestinal nodule, circumference of the intestinal loop affected by the endometriotic lesion, distance from the anal verge and intestinal wall layers infiltrated by endometriosis, as well as other endometriosis sites. Of the 111 patients who participated in the study, 63 (56.7%) presented intestinal endometriotic nodules in ultrasonography, performed by a single examiner (A.L.A.N.), and underwent intestinal surgical treatment of deep endometriosis-linear nodulectomy or segmental resection. The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that a longitudinal length of the intestinal nodule of 2.25 cm and a loop circumference of 27% are cutoff points separating linear nodulectomy from segmental resection techniques for excising intestinal endometriosis. The information obtained by TVUSBP helps the surgeon and patient, in the preoperative period, to select the surgical technique to be performed for resection of intestinal endometriosis and plan the surgical procedure while taking into account postoperative morbidity.

Gynecological Surgery and COVID-19: What is the Impact and How Should I Manage it?

It is estimated that around 28 million surgeries will be postponed or canceled worldwide as a result of this pandemic, causing a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of more than 2 million cancer cases. In Brazil, both the National Health Agency (ANS) and National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) advised the postponement of elective and non-essential surgeries, causing a considerable impact on the number of surgical procedures that decreased by 33.4% in this period. However, some women need treatment for various gynecological diseases that cannot be postponed. The purpose of this article is to present recommendations on surgical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Estima-se que cerca de 28 milhões de cirurgias sejam postergadas ou canceladas no mundo em decorrência desta pandemia, causando atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento de mais de 2 milhões de casos oncológicos. No Brasil, tanto a ANS (Agencia Nacional de Saúde) como a ANVISA (Agencia Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) orientaram o adiamento das cirurgias eletivas e não essenciais, tendo um impacto considerável no número de procedimentos cirúrgicos com diminuição de 33,4% neste período no Brasil. No entanto, algumas mulheres necessitam de tratamento para várias doenças ginecológicas, algumas das quais não podem ser adiadas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar recomendações sobre o tratamento cirúrgico durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

Cirurgia ginecológica e COVID-19: qual o impacto e como devo conduzir? / Gynecological Surgery and COVID-19: What is the Impact and How Should I Manage it?

Estima-se que cerca de 28 milhões de cirurgias sejam postergadas ou canceladas no mundo em decorrência desta pandemia, causando atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento de mais de 2 milhões de casos oncológicos. No Brasil, tanto a ANS (Agência Nacional de Saúde) como a Anvisa (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) orientaram o adiamento das cirurgias eletivas e não essenciais, tendo um impacto considerável no número de procedimentos cirúrgicos, com diminuição de 33,4% neste período no Brasil. No entanto, algumas mulheres necessitam de tratamento para várias doenças ginecológicas, algumas das quais não podem ser adiadas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar recomendações sobre o tratamento cirúrgico durante a pandemia de COVID-19.(AU)

Gynecological surgery and Covid-19: what is the impact and how should I manage it? / Cirurgia ginecológica e Covid-19: qual impacto e como devo conduzir?

Abstract It is estimated that around 28 million surgeries will be postponed or canceled worldwide as a result of this pandemic, causing a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of more than 2 million cancer cases. In Brazil, both the National Health Agency (ANS) and National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) advised the postponement of elective and non-essential surgeries, causing a considerable impact on the number of surgical procedures that decreased by 33.4% in this period. However, some women need treatment for various gynecological diseases that cannot be postponed. The purpose of this article is to present recommendations on surgical treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Estima-se que cerca de 28 milhões de cirurgias sejam postergadas ou canceladas nomundo em decorrência desta pandemia, causando atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento de mais de 2 milhões de casos oncológicos. No Brasil, tanto a ANS (Agencia Nacional de Saúde) comoa ANVISA (Agencia Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) orientaram o adiamento das cirurgias eletivas e não essenciais, tendo um impacto considerável no número de procedimentos cirúrgicos comdiminuição de 33,4% neste período no Brasil.No entanto, algumasmulheres necessitam de tratamento para várias doenças ginecológicas, algumas das quais não podem ser adiadas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar recomendações sobre o tratamento cirúrgico durante a pandemia de COVID-19.

The Impact on Ovarian Reserve of Different Hemostasis Methods in Laparoscopic Cystectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review was to analyze the impact on ovarian reserve of the different hemostatic methods used during laparoscopic cystectomy. DATA SOURCES: The studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS) and scanning reference lists of articles. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: We selected clinical trials that assessed the influence of hemostatic techniques on ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian cysts with benign sonographic appearance submitted to laparoscopic cystectomy by stripping technique. The included trials compared different laparoscopic hemostatic techniques: suture, bipolar electrocoagulation, ultrasonic energy and hemostatic sealants. The outcomes evaluated were level of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). The possibility of publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. TABULATION, INTEGRATION AND RESULTS: Twelve trials involving 1,047 patients were evaluated. Laparoscopic suture was superior to bipolar coagulation when evaluating serum AMH and AFC, in the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month after surgery. In the comparison between bipolar and hemostatic sealants, the results favored the use of hemostatic agents. The use of ultrasonic energy was not superior to the use of bipolar energy. CONCLUSION: We recommend suture for hemostasis during laparoscopic cystectomy.

OBJETIVO: O objetivo desta revisão foi comparar o impacto dos diferentes métodos hemostáticos na reserva ovariana durante a ooforoplastia laparoscópica. FONTES DE DADOS: Os estudos foram identificados através da pesquisa de bases de dados eletrônicas (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS) e listas de referência de artigos. SELEçãO DOS ESTUDOS: Selecionamos ensaios clínicos que avaliaram a influência das técnicas hemostáticas na reserva ovariana em pacientes com cistos ovarianos com aspecto ultrassonográfico benigno submetidos à ooforoplastia laparoscópica pela técnica de tração e contra-tração. Os estudos incluídos compararam as técnicas hemostáticas: sutura, energia bipolar, energia ultrassônica e selantes hemostáticos. COLETA DE DADOS: Os desfechos avaliados foram o hormônio antimülleriano e a contagem de folículos antrais. A possibilidade de viés de publicação foi avaliada por gráficos de funil. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Doze estudos envolvendo 1.047 pacientes foram avaliados. A sutura foi superior à coagulação bipolar, e, na comparação entre selantes e energia bipolar, os resultados favoreceram o uso do primeiro grupo. O uso de energia ultrassônica não foi superior ao uso da energia bipolar. CONCLUSãO: Em conclusão, recomendamos a sutura para hemostasia durante a ooforoplastia laparoscópica.

The impact on ovarian reserve of different hemostasis methods in laparoscopic cystectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Impacto das diferentes técnicas hemostáticas empregadas na ooforoplastia videolaparoscópica sobre a reserva ovariana: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Abstract Objective The objective of this review was to analyze the impact on ovarian reserve of the different hemostatic methods used during laparoscopic cystectomy. Data Sources The studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS) and scanning reference lists of articles. Methods of Study Selection We selected clinical trials that assessed the influence of hemostatic techniques on ovarian reserve in patients with ovarian cysts with benign sonographic appearance submitted to laparoscopic cystectomy by stripping technique. The included trials compared different laparoscopic hemostatic techniques: suture, bipolar electrocoagulation, ultrasonic energy and hemostatic sealants. The outcomes evaluated were level of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC). The possibility of publication bias was evaluated by funnel plots. Tabulation, Integration and Results Twelve trials involving 1,047 patients were evaluated. Laparoscopic suturewas superior to bipolar coagulationwhen evaluating serum AMHand AFC, in the 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12thmonth after surgery. In the comparison between bipolar and hemostatic sealants, the results favored the use of hemostatic agents. The use of ultrasonic energy was not superior to the use of bipolar energy. Conclusion We recommend suture for hemostasis during laparoscopic cystectomy.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo desta revisão foi comparar o impacto dos diferentes métodos hemostáticos na reserva ovariana durante a ooforoplastia laparoscópica. Fontes de Dados Os estudos foram identificados através da pesquisa de bases de dados eletrônicas (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS) e listas de referência de artigos. Seleção dos estudos Selecionamos ensaios clínicos que avaliaram a influência das técnicas hemostáticas na reserva ovariana em pacientes com cistos ovarianos com aspecto ultrassonográfico benigno submetidos à ooforoplastia laparoscópica pela técnica de tração e contra-tração. Os estudos incluídos compararam as técnicas hemostáticas: sutura, energia bipolar, energia ultrassônica e selantes hemostáticos. Coleta de dados Os desfechos avaliados foram o hormônio antimülleriano e a contagem de folículos antrais. A possibilidade de viés de publicação foi avaliada por gráficos de funil. Síntese dos dados Doze estudos envolvendo 1.047 pacientes foram avaliados. A sutura foi superior à coagulação bipolar, e, na comparação entre selantes e energia bipolar, os resultados favoreceram o uso do primeiro grupo. O uso de energia ultrassônica não foi superior ao uso da energia bipolar. Conclusão Em conclusão, recomendamos a sutura para hemostasia durante a ooforoplastia laparoscópica.

Endometriosis on the uterosacral ligament: a marker of ureteral involvement.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between ultrasound measurements of endometriosis nodules on the uterosacral ligament (USL) and the risk of ureteral involvement, as well as to assess whether associations with other ultrasound variables increase the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnosis of ureteral endometriosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, observational study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Four hundred sixty-three women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). INTERVENTION(S): Patients diagnosed with DIE underwent transvaginal ultrasound endometriosis mapping before laparoscopic surgery for full excision of endometriotic lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Preoperative ultrasound evaluation, intra- and postoperative assessment, and anatomopathologic confirmation. RESULT(S): Of the 463 patients who participated in the study, 111 (23.97%) presented with endometriosis nodules with USL involvement on ultrasound examination conducted by a single radiologist. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the size of the USL nodule had a statistically significant association with ipsilateral ureteral involvement. After multivariate logistic regression, the variables reduction in ovarian mobility, ureteral changes on the right side, size of the USL nodule, and presence of endometrioma on the left side were significantly associated with a ureteral endometriosis nodule. However, the combined result for the variables cited was worse than the diagnostic analysis using only the size of the USL nodule. CONCLUSION(S): Uterosacral ligament nodules with ultrasound measurements of 1.75 cm and 1.95 cm on the right and left sides, respectively, significantly increase the risk of ureteral involvement. Even with the association of other ultrasound variables, there was no improvement in sensitivity. Therefore, USL nodule size is a key measure for therapeutic planning and consent of the patient.

Anti-apoptotic activity in deep pelvic endometriosis.

Since endometriosis is a proliferative disease we evaluated the presence of anti-apoptotic factor (Bcl-2) and pro-apoptotic factor (Bax) in deep pelvic endometriosis. A Cross-sectional observational study was performed at Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. Forty women aged 26 to 46 years with deep endometriosis were selected. They had not been clinically treated for at least 3 months prior to surgery and then underwent surgical laparoscopy to treat the disease. During the surgery, tissue was collected from the uterosacral ligaments and the rectosigmoid; an endometrial biopsy was also performed as a control. All interventions were performed by the same surgeon. The specimens were sent for pathological and immunohistochemical analyses; endometriosis was confirmed in all patients. After the immunohistochemical reaction a semi-quantitative evaluation of the staining intensity (relative optical density-ROD) was conducted, applying the digital densitometric analysis system. In the uterosacral ligaments 97.5% of the specimens were positive for Bcl2 whereas in the rectosigmoid 100% were positive. In the endometrium we observed that 87.5% were positive for Bcl2. BAX expression was null in the rectosigmoid and in the endometrium. In the uterosacral ligaments 2.5% of the specimens expressed BAX. The relative optical density of Bcl2 was higher in the rectosigmoid and in the uterosacral ligament when compared to the endometrium, 0.141±0.002; 0.129±0.001, respectively (p<0.01). We concluded that the anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 was expressed in all studied specimens, but in a higher staining intensity in the rectosigmoid and in the uterossacral ligaments in comparison to the endometrium. The pro-apoptotic factor Bax had virtually no expression in the studied tissues.

Nerve fibers in uterosacral ligaments of women with deep infiltrating endometriosis.

UNLABELLED: Endometriosis is a disease of high prevalence and enigmatic origin. One aspect not yet clarified is the relationship between endometriosis and nerve tissue. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate, by immunohistochemistry, the presence of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers in the uterosacral ligament and adjacent connective tissue in women with deep pelvic endometriosis and women without endometriosis. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study (Canadian Task Force II). SETTING: University Hospital. Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Santa Casa Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: We selected 49 patients, 20 of them with deep endometriosis in the uterosacral ligament and 29 patients without endometriosis. Secondary antibodies to NSE (pan-neuronal marker), NPY (that identifies sympathetic nerve fibers), and VIP (that identifies parasympathetic nerve fibers) were used for the immunohistochemistry analyses. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical staining by the NSE antibody was positive in 40% of cases of women with endometriosis and in 20.7% of patients without endometriosis (non-significant). The immunohistochemical staining by the NPY antibody was positive in 60% of patients with endometriosis and in 20.7% of the control group (p=0.005), while staining by the VIP antibody was 60% in patients with endometriosis and 13.8% in patients without endometriosis (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Immunoexpression of NPY (sympathetic fibers) and VIP (parasympathetic fibers) is higher in women with deep pelvic endometriosis than in women without endometriosis.

Double-contrast barium enema and transrectal endoscopic ultrasonography in the diagnosis of intestinal deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value, association, and agreement of double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) and transrectal endoscopic ultrasonography (Tr EUS) in the diagnosis of rectosigmoid colon endometriosis. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: We evaluated 37 patients with clinically suspected deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) from January 2004 through January 2005. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical examination, DCBE, Tr EUS, and laparoscopy for histologic confirmation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Deeply infiltrating endometriosis was confirmed by laparoscopic visualization and by histopathologic examination in all patients. Intestinal endometriosis was observed in 27 patients (72.9%). DCBE showed abnormalities suggestive of bowel endometriosis in 24 patients (64.9%) and Tr EUS in 28 patients (75.7%). Considering the DCBE findings we observed among the 24 abnormal examination results, 16 (42.3%) had spiculation, 16 (42.3%) had circumferential narrowing of the bowel, and 4 (10.8%) had the mass effect sign. For DCBE the sensitivity was 88%, the specificity was 54%, the negative predictive value (NPV) was 70%, and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 78%. For Tr EUS the sensitivity, specificity, NPV, and PPV were 96%, 100%, 90%, and 100%. A significant association of the DCBE and the Tr EUS in the diagnosis of intestinal DIE (p = .017) and a moderate agreement of the methods (kappa = 0.44) was also observed. CONCLUSION: Our data, although limited by sample size, confirmed that DCBE has a good sensitivity and a low specificity in the diagnosis of intestinal DIE. The Tr EUS proved to have a higher sensitivity and specificity with elevated NPV and PPV. A significant association of the DCBE and the Tr EUS in the diagnosis of intestinal DIE and a moderate agreement of the methods was also observed.