Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) of early breast cancer with low-energy x-rays in breast-conserving surgery : Prospective identification of pre- and intraoperative factors influencing the feasibility of IORT.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to identify pre- and intraoperative factors indicating the feasibility of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) during breast-conserving surgery (BCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 128 women undergoing BCS due to early breast cancer were included in this prospective observational study, independent of whether IORT was planned or not. Patient and tumor characteristics as well as surgical parameters that could potentially influence the feasibility of IORT were recorded for the entire collective. In addition, a preoperative senological assessment was performed and analyzed to assess the feasibility of IORT. Logistic regression was then used to identify relevant preoperative parameters and to generate a formula predicting the feasibility of IORT. RESULTS: Of the 128 included women undergoing BCS, 46 were preoperatively rated to be feasible, 20 to be questionably feasible for IORT. Ultimately, IORT was realized in 30 patients. The most frequent reasons for omission of IORT were insufficient tumor-to-skin distance and/or an excessively large tumor cavity. Small clinical tumor size and large tumor-to-skin distance according to preoperative ultrasound were significantly related to accomplishment of IORT. CONCLUSION: We observed that preoperative ultrasound-based tumor-skin distance is a significant factor in addition to already known parameters to predict feasibility of IORT. Based on our findings we developed a formula to optimize IORT planning which might serve as an additional tool to improve patient selection for IORT in early breast cancer.

Major complications after intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy x-rays in early breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To describe and analyze major local complications after intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with low-energy x­rays during breast-conserving surgery (BCS) in early breast cancer. METHODS: Ten women out of 408 who were treated with IORT between 2002 and 2017 and subsequently developed a severe local complication requiring surgical intervention were retrospectively identified and analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical parameters as well as complication characteristics and treatment methods were evaluated. RESULTS: At initial presentation, eight patients (80%) showed redness, six (60%) seroma, six (60%) wound infection, six (60%) suture dehiscence, and four (40%) induration of the former surgical area. Hematoma and necrosis were observed in one case (10%) each. Time interval until appearance of the first symptoms ranged from directly postoperative until 15 years postoperatively (median 3.1 months). Initial treatment modalities comprised antibiotic therapy (n = 8/80%) and transcutaneous aspiration of seroma (n = 3/30%). In the majority of patients, smaller surgical interventions (excision of a necrotic area/fistula [n = 6/60%] or secondary suture [n = 5/50%]) were sufficient to overcome the complication, yet larger interventions such as complex flap surgery and mastectomy were necessary in one patient each. CONCLUSION: IORT is an efficient and safe treatment method as < 2.5% of all IORT patients experienced major local complications. However, it seems to pose the risk of causing severe local complications that may require lengthy and burdensome treatment. Thorough preoperative counseling, implementation of recommended intraoperative precautions, and high vigilance for first symptoms of complications during follow-up appointments are necessary measures.

Longitudinal cosmetic outcome after planned IORT boost with low kV X-rays-monocentric results from the TARGIT BQR registry.

Background: Intraoperative radiotherapy can serve as an anticipated boost (IORT boost) in combination with a subsequent external whole breast irradiation in high-risk breast cancer patients and is part of many guidelines. Nevertheless, there are only few prospective data available regarding cosmetic outcome after IORT boost using kV X-rays. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cosmetic outcome of patients treated within the prospective phase IV TARGeted Intraoperative radioTherapy (TARGIT) Boost Quality Registry (BQR) study (NCT01440010) in one center. Methods: In the context of the TARGIT BQR study standardized photos in three positions (arms down, arms up, from the side) were available for different time points. For this analysis a layperson, a radiation oncologist and a gynecologist evaluated available photos at different time points during follow-up with up to 4 years using the Harvard scale (comparison of treated and the untreated breast; rating: excellent, good, fair, poor). Longitudinal results were compared to preoperative results (baseline). Results: Seventy-three patients were available for the analysis. Baseline cosmetic assessment was excellent/good in 98.8% (mean value for all three positions). Postoperative cosmetic outcome (median) was good for all positions and remained constant for 4 years. Around 30% of the patients showed a constant or even improved cosmetic outcome compared to baseline. Only few patients showed a poor result at 4 years. The majority of patients showed an excellent or good cosmetic outcome at all time points. Conclusions: Patients from the prospective TARGIT BQR study treated with IORT boost and additional whole breast irradiation showed good or excellent cosmetic outcomes in most cases during 4 years of follow-up. These results add important information for shared decision making in breast cancer patients.

Therapy Guidance by Vaginal Smears of Pregnant Women With Preterm Complications in Correlation With Maternal and Neonatal Outcome: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: This retrospective cohort study enrolled hospitalized women with 24+0 to 33+6 gestational weeks with conditions associated with preterm birth. We evaluated the ability of vaginal swab isolates to guide antibiotic management decisions in the setting of threatened preterm towards a clinical advantage, i.e., longer delay between diagnosis and birth, better neonatal outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Vaginal swabs were obtained from all patients and antibiotic resistance profiles determined in case of growth. The cohort was divided into two groups: the antibiogram-noncongruently managed Group 1 and the antibiogram-congruently managed Group 2. These groups were compared in regard to multiple maternal and neonatal endpoints. RESULTS: In total, 698 cases were analyzed - 224 in Group 1 and 474 in Group 2. Antibiotics were ordered/continued by the treating physician in 138 cases (138/698; 19.8%) upon review of vaginal swab cultures results. Forty-five among them (32.6%) received antibiotics inactive against the isolated bacteria. 335 (25.4%) patients had only normal vaginal flora, and 95.6% of them had not received antibiotics. Facultatively pathogenic microorganisms were isolated in 52% patients. Only 5% of the neonates had bacterial isolates identical to those of their mothers. There were no significant differences in outcomes between Group 1 and Group 2. CONCLUSION: No association was found between a swab-result-guided antibiotic management protocol and maternal or fetal outcome in the setting of preterm birth risk between 24 and 34 gestational weeks. These findings underline the importance of critical rethinking the frequency of vaginal smears and fine-tuning the indications for antibiotic treatment.

Forensic Medical Examination After Sexual Violence: Implications Based on Victims' Perceptions.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of this study was to assess the perception of the forensic medical examination (FME) by victims of sexual violence. Based on patient-related outcomes gained in terms of personnel, chronological and spatial parameters, an additional aim was to derive improved examination procedures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 49 sexually assaulted women were enrolled in this study. After standardized FME by a forensic doctor followed by a gynecologist, women were asked to complete a questionnaire addressing general perception, preferences regarding attending staff's sex, sequence and time frame of the examinations performed. The attending gynecologist also completed a questionnaire addressing demographic and medical parameters of the patient as well as assault-related information. RESULTS: The examination setting in general was evaluated positively. Nevertheless, 52% of examined victims perceived the FME as an additional psychological burden. Overall, 85% of the affected women preferred a female forensic physician and 76% a female gynecologist to perform the examination. When women said they experienced a violation of their privacy during the gynecological examination, a male was more often present (60% vs. 35%, p=0.0866). Regarding the sequence of the examination components, 65% of the victims preferred to start with their medical history followed by the forensic and then the gynecological examination. CONCLUSION: Forensic medical and gynecological examination after sexual assault is an essential procedure, yet it is a potentially further traumatizing experience for the victim. The identified patient preferences should be taken into account in order to diminish further trauma.

Microscopic, Macroscopic and Thermal Impact of Argon Plasma, Diode Laser, and Electrocoagulation on Ovarian Tissue.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare the microscopic, macroscopic and thermal damage inflicted to ovarian tissue by conventional monopolar and bipolar energy, argon plasma coagulation (APC) and diode laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bovine ovaries were used as a substitute for human tissue and subjected to the four aforementioned techniques and the inflicted damage was measured. Sixty fresh and morphologically similar cadaveric bovine ovaries were divided into five equal groups, each group was subjected to one of the following energy applications for both 1 and 5 s: Monopolar, bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser, preciseAPC® and forcedAPC® Ovarian temperatures were measured at 4 and 8 s after treatment. Formalin-fixed ovarian specimens were examined by pathologists regarding macroscopic, microscopic and thermal tissue damage. RESULTS: None of the ovaries reached the temperature producing severe damage (40°C) after 1 s of energy transfer. Heating of adjacent ovarian tissue was least pronounced when preciseAPC® and monopolar electrocoagulation were applied (27.2±3.3°C and 28.2±2.9°C after 5 s of application, respectively). Conversely, 41.7% of the ovaries subjected to bipolar electrocoagulation for 5 s overheated. ForcedAPC® resulted in the most pronounced lateral tissue defects (2.8±0.3 mm after 1 s and 4.7±0.6 mm after 5 s). When the modalities were applied for 5 s, the electrosurgical instruments (mono- and bipolar) and preciseAPC® induced similar lateral tissue damage (1.3±0.6 mm, 1.1±1.6 mm and 1.2±1.3 mm, respectively). preciseAPC® created the shallowest defect of all the techniques (0.05±0.1 mm after 5 s of application). CONCLUSION: Our study hints at superior safety profiles of preciseAPC® and monopolar electrocoagulation compared to bipolar electrocoagulation, diode laser and forcedAPC® for ovarian laparoscopic surgery.

Prevalence of higher-grade dysplasia in persistently high-risk human papillomavirus positive, cytology negative women after introduction of the new cervical cancer screening in Germany.

PURPOSE: According to the recently implemented organized cervical cancer screening program in Germany, women older than 35 years with negative cytology but persistent high-risk human papilloma virus (hrHPV) infection > 12 months should be referred to colposcopy for further evaluation. This study aimed to present and dissect colposcopic and histopathological findings with particular focus on associated hrHPV genotypes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective analysis of clinical data from 89 hrHPV positive patients with normal cytology who underwent colposcopic examination at a certified dysplasia outpatient clinic in Germany in 2021. RESULTS: While 38 (43%) women had a normal colposcopic finding, 45 (51%) had minor and 6 (7%) major changes. Thirty-one (35%) of the women were HPV 16 and/or HPV 18 positive and 58 (65%) women were positive for other hrHPV only. Among patients who underwent colposcopy with biopsies (in case of an abnormal finding or type 3 transformation zone, n = 68), eight (12%) had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 and six (9%) had CIN 2. The proportion of women diagnosed with CIN 3 varied among different hrHPV genotypes (HPV 16: 11%, HPV 18: 33%, HPV 31: 27%, HPV 33: 33%, HPV 52: 33%). CONCLUSION: Persistently hrHPV positive women with negative cytology are at increased risk of being diagnosed with CIN 3. As CIN 3 prevalence seems to differ with regard to hrHPV strain, immediate HPV genotyping for risk stratification and subsequent early referral for colposcopy might constitute a feasible strategy.

First experiences with a diode laser in major gynecological laparoscopic procedures show lack of benefit and impaired feasibility.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate feasibility and potential benefit of a diode laser in major laparoscopic procedures in gynecology. METHODS: Between 2018 and 2020, a total of 42 cases were enrolled in this study comparing standard electrosurgery with diode laser-supported therapy in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH), total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH), or laparoscopic myoma enucleation (LME). Dual wavelength 45 W diode laser light was used to cut and coagulate during laparoscopy in the prospective interventional arm consisting of 11 cases, while 31 matching patients who received conventional treatment with monopolar/bipolar current for the same interventions were retrospectively identified in our laparoscopy database. Recruitment in the prospective interventional laser diode arm was terminated after only 11 patients (instead of planned 50) due to intense hemorrhage and massive smoke development. RESULTS: A total of 42 cases were analyzed (11 LME, 19 LASH, and 12 TLH). Strong smoke development was evident in all 11 cases in the diode laser arm. It was necessary to convert to bipolar or monopolar current in all hysterectomies (n = 9) with initial diode laser implementation due to increased bleeding and smoke development. Conventional current sources had to be used in LMEs (n = 2) due to excessive bleeding and poor visibility during enucleation of the fibroid. A significant difference (p < 0.0001) was observed regarding smoke development when comparing the laser arm with the control arm. CONCLUSION: We found a 45-W diode laser to be inferior to electrosurgical techniques for major laparoscopic gynecologic surgeries regarding bleeding control and smoke development.

The hysterectomy: influence of the surgical method in benign disease on convalescence and quality of life.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postoperative course after different methods of hysterectomy for benign diseases with special emphasis on time to recovery and patient-centred aspects such as postoperative quality of life and satisfaction. METHODS: A collective of 242 women who had undergone vaginal hysterectomy (VH), laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) or total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for various benign conditions was studied in this retrospective investigation. Patients completed a standardised questionnaire addressing quality of life, recovery and sick leave as well as general questions on their postoperative course after hysterectomy. RESULTS: A total of 242 cases were analysed (82 VH, 92 LASH and 68 TLH). The data demonstrate significant differences in regard to age between groups. The present study shows shorter hospitalisation with laparoscopy, with LASH patients returning to work at least one week earlier on average. There were no relevant differences in the overall postoperative course during the index hospital stay. In the long run, laparoscopic patients were not more satisfied with their choice than VH patients. CONCLUSION: No significant long-term differences could be observed in terms of quality of life and overall postoperative satisfaction between VH and LH groups. In regard to socioeconomic aspects, laparoscopic approaches were associated with shorter hospitalisation and LASH patients returning to work at least one week earlier on average. Contrary to these data on objective recovery; however, a laparoscopic approach did not lead to patient-perceived, i.e. subjective improvement of time to full recovery.

Female genital injury-which findings have to be considered physiological using colposcopy with and without toluidine blue dye?

This study aimed to assess the validity and efficacy of blue dye in colposcopic assessment of genital injury in pre- and postmenopausal women with and without history of consensual sexual intercourse. Two hundred women were prospectively enrolled and examined colposcopically with and without toluidine blue dye in order to detect and categorize genital lesions (laceration, bruise and abrasion). Examination of genital trauma was accomplished in a standardized way and findings were photo documented. A wide range of influencing factors with a potential impact on prevalence and nature of genital injury was recorded beforehand using a questionnaire. The frequency of diagnostic injury differed substantially depending on the examination technique, ranging from 9% using colposcopic magnification only to 28% with the additional use of toluidine blue dye. A vertical laceration affecting the posterior fourchette was the most frequent lesion detected (17%, n = 32). Menopausal status seems to have significant impact on genital injury prevalence (p = 0.0165), as 42% (16/ 38) of postmenopausal compared to 24% (36/ 151) of premenopausal women had at least one genital lesion. Furthermore, vaginal medication (p = 0.0369), vaginal dryness (p = 0.0228), dyspareunia (p = 0.0234) and low frequency of sexual intercourse (p = 0.0022) were found to significantly correlate with the presence of genital lesions. According to our findings, standardized colposcopy in combination with toluidine blue dye facilitates accurate assessment of genital lesions. Genital trauma situated at another site than the posterior part of the vaginal introitus seems to be uncommon after consensual intercourse.

Wound Fluid from Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Intraoperative Radiotherapy Exhibits an Altered Cytokine Profile and Impairs Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Function.

Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) displays an increasingly used treatment option for early breast cancer. It exhibits non-inferiority concerning the risk of recurrence compared to conventional external irradiation (EBRT) in suitable patients with early breast cancer. Since most relapses occur in direct proximity of the former tumor site, the reduction of the risk of local recurrence effected by radiotherapy might partially be due to an alteration of the irradiated tumor bed's micromilieu. Our aim was to investigate if IORT affects the local micromilieu, especially immune cells with concomitant cytokine profile, and if it has an impact on growth conditions for breast cancer cells as well as mammary mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC), the latter considered as a model of the tumor bed stroma.42 breast cancer patients with breast-conserving surgery were included, of whom 21 received IORT (IORT group) and 21 underwent surgery without IORT (control group). Drainage wound fluid (WF) was collected from both groups 24 h after surgery for flow cytometric analysis of immune cell subset counts and potential apoptosis and for multiplex cytokine analyses (cytokine array and ELISA). It served further as a supplement in cultures of MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells and mammary MSC for functional analyses, including proliferation, wound healing and migration. Furthermore, the cytokine profile within conditioned media from WF-treated MSC cultures was assessed. Flow cytometric analysis showed no group-related changes of cell count, activation state and apoptosis rates of myeloid, lymphoid leucocytes and regulatory T cells in the WF. Multiplex cytokine analysis of the WF revealed group-related differences in the expression levels of several cytokines, e.g., oncostatin-M, leptin and IL-1ß. The application of WF in MDA-MB 231 cultures did not show a group-related difference in proliferation, wound healing and chemotactic migration. However, WF from IORT-treated patients significantly inhibited mammary MSC proliferation, wound healing and migration compared to WF from the control group. The conditioned media collected from WF-treated MSC-cultures also exhibited altered concentrations of VEGF, RANTES and GROα. IORT causes significant changes in the cytokine profile and MSC growth behavior. These changes in the tumor bed could potentially contribute to the beneficial oncological outcome entailed by this technique. The consideration whether this alteration also affects MSC interaction with other stroma components presents a promising gateway for future investigations.

Cardiac serum marker alterations after intraoperative radiotherapy with low-energy x-rays in early breast cancer as an indicator of possible cardiac toxicity.

PURPOSE: To assess acute cardiac toxicity caused by intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) with low-energy x­rays for early breast cancer. METHODS: We prospectively analyzed pre- and postoperative troponin I and NT-proBNP in 94 women who underwent breast-conserving surgery between 2013 and 2017 at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics of the University Medical Center Mannheim, Germany. Thirty-nine women received IORT using low-energy x­rays during breast-conserving surgery while 55 patients without IORT formed the control group. Demographic and surgical parameters as well as cardiac markers were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences concerning age and side of breast cancer between the groups. Furthermore, no significant difference between the troponin I assays of the IORT and control groups could be found (preoperatively: 0.017 ± 0.006 ng/ml vs. 0.018 ± 0.008 ng/ml; p = 0.5105; postoperatively: 0.019 ± 0.012 ng/ml vs. 0.018 ± 0.010 ng/ml; p = 0.6225). N­terminal fragment of B­type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was significantly higher in the control group 24 h after surgery (preoperatively: 158.154 ± 169.427 pg/ml vs. 162.109 ± 147.343 pg/ml; p = 0.56; postoperatively: 168.846 ± 160.227 pg/ml vs. 232.527 ± 188.957 pg/ml; p = 0.0279). CONCLUSION: Troponin I levels as a marker of acute cardiac toxicity did not show any significant differences in patients who received IORT during breast-conserving surgery compared to those who did not.

Influence of Peripartum Expectations, Mode of Delivery, and Perineal Injury on Women's Postpartum Sexuality.

BACKGROUND: Sexual health has been identified as an important factor for postpartum quality of life. Although pregnancy-related changes in anatomy and metabolism return to their prepregnancy state, female sexual function may not be at the level it was before birth because of physical and psychological changes. AIM: The goal of our study was to explore the influence of the mode of delivery, perineal injury, and peripartum expectations on postpartum sexual function. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2018, 522 women were enrolled in this prospective investigation. At time of recruitment during the peripartum hospitalization, patients completed a standardized questionnaire addressing expectations concerning postpartum sexuality with focus on expected influence of the mode of delivery. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) at time of recruitment to evaluate baseline sexual function (4 weeks before pregnancy). Follow-up assessments were conducted at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum. OUTCOMES: Peripartum expectations, influence of the mode of delivery, and perineal injury were analyzed for their impact on women's sexual function within 12 months postpartum by repetitive FSFI and SAQ assessments. RESULTS: A total of 522 women with 263 spontaneous vaginal deliveries, 41 operative vaginal deliveries, and 218 cesarean sections were analyzed. Although the data demonstrate a significant postpartum decline in sexual function at 3 and 6 months postpartum, sexual functioning converges to baseline prepregnancy values 12 months postpartum. This observation was independent of the mode of delivery and perineal injuries with no significant between-group differences at any of the analyzed time points. Apart from breastfeeding, for which negative anticipations resulted in impaired sexuality, women's expectations (pertaining to quantity and quality of female orgasm, partner's sexuality, fear of altered sexuality, frequency of intercourse, the mode of delivery) do not influence female sexual function at 12 months postpartum. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Deciphering the potential influence of patient expectations as well as pregnancy- and childbirth-related aspects on female postpartum sexuality will help in the effort to improve women's postpartum sexual health. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: As a strength of this study, postpartum sexuality was independently assessed with 2 different scoring systems (FSFI and SAQ). Limitations include that our follow-up is incomplete and amounts to about 2-thirds of patients who were initially recruited. CONCLUSION: The mode of delivery and perineal trauma do not influence women's postpartum sexual function. With the exception of breastfeeding, peripartum expectations do not result in altered sexual functioning at 12 months postpartum. Spaich S, Link G, Alvarez SO, et al. Influence of Peripartum Expectations, Mode of Delivery, and Perineal Injury on Women's Postpartum Sexuality. J Sex Med 2020;17:1312-1325.

Intraoperative radiotherapy for breast cancer treatment efficiently targets the tumor bed preventing breast adipose stromal cell outgrowth.

OBJECTIVES: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in bone marrow have been shown to be radioresistant, which is related to pronounced DNA repair mechanisms. Intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) during breast-conserving surgery for early breast cancer is an innovative technique applying low energy x­ray to the tumor bed immediately after removal of the tumor. IORT is considered to reduce the risk of local tumor recurrence by directly targeting cells of the tumor bed and altering the local microenvironment. Aim of this study was to investigate whether IORT affects the outgrowth potential of breast adipose tissue-derived MSC (bASC) as part of the tumor bed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After surgical tumor resection, biopsies of the tumor bed were taken before (pre IORT) and after IORT (post IORT) and processed applying well-established protocols for ASC isolation and characterization. RESULTS: In all, 95% of pre IORT tumor bed samples yielded persistently outgrowing bASC with typical ASC characteristics: fibroblastoid morphology, proliferation, adipogenic and osteogenic differentiation and ASC surface marker expression. However, none of the post IORT samples yielded persistent outgrowth of bASC. CONCLUSIONS: After breast-conserving surgery, approximately 90% of local recurrences emerge in close proximity to the initial tumor bed, potentially reflecting a significant contribution of the tumor bed to relapse. Our data show that IORT, besides the proven effect on breast cancer cells, efficiently modifies the tumor environment by having an impact on tumor bed bASC. This effect on tumor bed stromal cells might contribute to reduce the risk of tumor relapse and metastases.

Long-term outcome after intraoperative radiotherapy as a boost in breast cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate long-term oncological outcome and incidence of chronic side effects in patients with breast cancer and intraoperative radiotherapy given as an upfront boost (IORT boost). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 400 patients with an IORT boost with low-energy X­rays (20 Gy), subsequent whole-breast irradiation (46-50 Gy), and annual oncological follow-up. Side effects were prospectively evaluated (LENT-SOMA scales) over a period of up to 15 years. Side effects scored ≥grade 2 at least three times during follow-up were judged to be chronic. RESULTS: The median age was 63 years (30-85) and the median follow-up was 78 months (2-180) after IORT boost. In 15 patients a local recurrence occurred, resulting in a local recurrence rate at 5, 10, and 15 years of 2.0%, 6.6%, and 10.1%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 5, 10, and 15 years were 92.1%, 81.8%, and 80.7%, respectively. The most common high-grade side effects were fibrosis (21%) and pain (8.6%). The majority of side effects occurred within the first 3 years. The actuarial rates of chronic fibrosis were 19.1% and 21.1% at 5 and ≥8 years, of chronic pain 8.6% at ≥4 years, of chronic edema of the breast 2.4% at ≥2 years, of chronic lymphedema 0.0% at 5 and 10 years, and of chronic hyperpigmentation 0.5% at ≥2 years. Side effects were similar or less than expected from an external beam boost. CONCLUSION: IORT boost appears to be a highly efficient and safe method for upfront delivery of the tumor bed boost in high-risk breast cancer patients.

Induction of Labour in Growth Restricted and Small for Gestational Age Foetuses - A Historical Cohort Study.

Purpose Induction of labour for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) foetus or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is common, but data are limited. The aim of this study was therefore to compare labour induction for SGA/IUGR with cases of normal foetal growth above the 10th percentile. Material and Methods This historical multicentre cohort study included singleton pregnancies at term. Labour induction for SGA/IUGR (IUGR group) was compared with cases of foetal growth above the 10th percentile (control group). Primary outcome measure was caesarean section rate. Results The caesarean section rate was not different between the 2 groups (27.0 vs. 26.2%, p = 0.9154). In the IUGR group, abnormal CTG was more common (30.8 vs. 21.9%, p = 0.0214), and foetal blood analysis was done more often (2.5 vs. 0.5%, p = 0.0261). There were more postpartum transfers to the NICU in the IUGR group (40.0 vs. 12.8%, p < 0.0001), too. Conclusion Induction of labour for foetal growth restriction was not associated with an increased rate of caesarean section.

[Induction of Labour In Growth Restricted and Small for Gestational Age Fetuses - A Historical Cohort Study]. / Ist die Geburtseinleitung bei intrauteriner Wachstumsrestriktion und small-for-gestational-age-Feten problematisch? Eine historische Kohortenstudie.

PURPOSE: Induction of labour for small-for-gestational-age (SGA) foetus or intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is common, but data are limited. The aim of this trial was therefore to compare labour induction for SGA/IUGR with cases with normal fetal growth beyond the 10th percentile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This historical multicentre cohort study included singleton pregnancies at term. Labour induction for SGA/IUGR (IUGR group) was compared with cases of fetal growth beyond the 10th percentile (control group). Primary outcome measure was caesarean section rate. RESULTS: The caesarean section rate was not different between the 2 groups (27.0 vs. 26.2%, p=0.9154). In the IUGR group, abnormal CTG was more common (30.8 vs. 21.9%, p=0.0214), and fetal blood analyses were conducted more often (2.5 vs. 0.5%, p=0.0261). There were more postpartum transfers to the NICU in the IUGR group (40.0 vs. 12.8%, p<0.0001), too. CONCLUSION: Induction of labour for fetal growth restriction was not associated with an increased rate of caesarean section.

Hemodynamic effects of intramyometrial epinephrine injection for blood loss reduction in laparoscopic myomectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in hemodynamic effects of intramyometrial epinephrine injection for blood loss reduction in laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: A total of 185 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled in this study. Eighty-six women (study collective) received an intramyometrial injection of epinephrine and were compared to ninety-nine women (control collective) who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without an intramyometrial epinephrine injection. Demographic parameters, change of hemodynamic parameters during surgery as well as hemoglobin drop after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: In the study collective maximum systolic blood pressure (p < 0.001), maximum increase of the systolic blood pressure within 5 min (p = 0.003), duration of hypertension (p = 0.012), maximal (p < 0.001) and mean heart rate (p = 0.005), maximal increase of heart rate within 5 min (p = 0.003) and difference of mean to maximal heart rate (p < 0.001) were higher compared to the control collective. There was no difference in pre- and postoperative hemoglobin levels in both collectives and no intraoperative clinically relevant complication occurred due to intramyometrial epinephrine injection. CONCLUSION: The intramyometrial application of epinephrine seems to be safe but leads to significant alterations of hemodynamic parameters without a significant change in postoperative hemoglobin levels.

Changes in sexuality during ulipristal acetate treatment in women with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate changes in sexuality in women treated with Ulipristal acetate (UPA) due to symptomatic uterine fibroids. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 102 women with symptomatic uterine fibroids undergoing conservative therapy with UPA were enrolled in this observational study. Sexuality was evaluated before and after a three month UPA treatment using the Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI) as well as the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ). Before treatment was initiated, participants additionally filled in a standardised questionnaire addressing the expected changes in sexuality due to UPA. Demographic parameters, expectations concerning changes in sexuality, and FSFI- and SAQ-scores were analysed. RESULTS: The average age of the study collective was 42.3 years. For the majority of the included women (n = 70; 71.4%) sexuality was rated as an important issue and 86 women (87.8%) did not think that UPA would have an impact on the frequency of sexual intercourse, the quality (n = 91; 92.9%) or frequency of orgasms (n = 87; 88.8%) neither sexual receptivity (n = 88; 89.8%). Full data sets were available for 73 patients (71.6%). The FSFI showed significantly higher sub scores regarding desire (3.6 ±â€¯1.2 vs. 3.9 ±â€¯1.2; p = 0.0012) and arousal (4.2 ±â€¯1.7 vs. 4.4 ±â€¯1.9; p = 0.0151) as well as a higher total score (26.6 ±â€¯9.0 vs. 27.4 ±â€¯9.5; p = 0.0008) after UPA treatment. Regarding the SAQ a statistically significant difference regarding the subscore "habit" was found (p < 0.0001) comparing pre with post interventional scores. CONCLUSION: Sexuality in general seems to be important for women with symptomatic uterine fibroids. As the treatment with UPA appears to improve sexuality, this circumstance can be mentioned in a pre-therapeutic counselling.

Sexual functioning after total versus subtotal laparoscopic hysterectomy.

AIM: To evaluate postoperative sexual functioning and the influence of patients' expectations on the change in sexuality following laparoscopic total (TLH) versus subtotal hysterectomy (LASH). METHODS: A total of 120 women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy were preoperatively enrolled in this bicentric prospective study. Sexual functioning (SF) was evaluated using the female sexual function index (FSFI). Additionally, participants filled in a standardised questionnaire concerning expected changes in SF after surgery. At 3, 6 and 12 months following surgery, women were asked again to assess their level of SF (FSFI). Data of women who participated in at least one FSFI follow-up assessment were analysed (n = 92). We compared the change in SF after surgery between patients with TLH (n = 46) and LASH (n = 46). Additionally, we calculated regression analyses with the patients' expectations as a predictor for change in FSFI scores. RESULTS: Comparing the change of FSFI scores after surgery in both collectives revealed differences only 3 months after surgery, as improvement was stronger for the LASH collective compared to the THL group (p = 0.006). There were no changes comparing collectives after 6 (p = 0.663) and 12 (p = 0.326) months. Concerning patients' expectations, for the LASH group baseline SF (p < 0.001), but not expectations (p = 0.567) predicted the strength of change at each of the follow ups: a lower level of baseline SF was linked to a stronger improvement after surgery. For the THL collective, both baseline SF (p < 0.001) as well as patients' expectations (3 months: p = 0.077, 6 months: p = 0.37, 12 months: p = 0.024) predicted the strength of change: both, a lower level of baseline SF and higher expectations towards an improvement predicted a stronger improvement. CONCLUSION: The preservation of the cervix does not show an advantage in improving SF after surgery. Both methods induce a comparable improvement in long-time SF, especially in patients with an impaired sexuality pre-surgery. Furthermore, patients' expectations concerning this matter seem to have an impact on the postoperative outcome; therefore, this circumstance should be considered in future projects.