Paracervical block before laparoscopic total hysterectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that paracervical block with 0.5 % bupivacaine decreases postoperative pain after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). MATERIALS AND METHOD: This randomized double-blind placebo control trial included 152 women. We injected 10 mL 0.5 % bupivacaine (study group, n = 75) or 10 mL normal saline (control group, n = 77) at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions of the uterine cervix. The primary outcome was the visual analog scale score (VAS) determined 1 h (h) postoperatively. RESULTS: The 152 patients did not differ in their baseline demographics or perioperative characteristics. The mean VAS 1 h postoperatively was significantly lower in the study group than in controls (5.7 ± 1.2 vs. 6.8 ± 1.1, P < 0.001). The average VAS at 30 min, 3 h, and 6 h postoperatively was also significantly lower in the study group. Patients in the study group had a significantly lower analgesic requirement than did controls during the first 24 h postoperatively (6 [7.8 %] vs. 16 [21 %], P = 0.021). Total QoR-40 questionnaire scores were higher in patients who received bupivacaine. CONCLUSION: Paracervical bloc with 0.5 % bupivacaine just before TLH is an effective and safe method to reduce pain and lower postoperative analgesic requirement. URL LINK THAT LEADS DIRECTLY TO THE TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05341869?cond=NCT05341869&draw=2&rank=1.

Characteristics of patients with late recurrence endometrial cancer.

AIM: We planned this study to assess endometrial cancer (EC) patients who had late metastasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study constituted a review of the records of patients who were diagnosed with EC and underwent hysterectomy at the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic between 1996 and 2018. Relapses occurring after the first three years following primary treatment of EC are considered late recurrences. Post-relapse survival (PRS) refers to the time to the last follow-up or the patient's death after relapse. RESULTS: Late metastases were identified in 42 patients, 20 (47.6%) of whom had locoregional recurrence and 22 of whom (52.4%) had extrapelvic recurrence. Median disease-free survival (DFS) times were 61 (range: 43-78) and 65 (range: 48-81) months for the groups with locoregional and extrapelvic recurrences, respectively (P = 0.462). The 5-year PRS rate for the patients was 61.1%, with 63.8% having locoregional and 59.4% having extrapelvic late metastasis (P = 0.969). CONCLUSION: Among the patients with late metastases, those with endometrioid type EC were found to have a better prognosis. It has been shown that locoregional or extrapelvic organ recurrence does not significantly affect survival in patients with late relapse. Although our results are not statistically significant for cases of locoregional late metastases, surgical resection increases survival rates.

Effects of human papillomavirus and LEEP on sexual function.

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted viral infection in humans. AIMS: We evaluated the sexual function of human papillomavirus positive patients after colposcopy and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). METHODS: This study enrolled 344 patients with an HPV infection detected on routine screening in 2020-2022. Sexual function was evaluated using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which consists of six sections: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain. RESULTS: The mean age of the 344 HPV-positive patients was 37.2 ± 8.2 years, and 28.2% of them were unmarried. Colposcopy, cervical biopsy, and LEEP were performed in 251 (73.0%), 189 (54.9%), and 42 (12.2%) patients, respectively. The sexual history and FSFI scores of the patients were recorded. The total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI decreased significantly after colposcopy. Similarly, the total and individual parameter scores on the FSFI were lower at 8 weeks after LEEP compared to those before LEEP. CONCLUSION: Cancer-related fear and anxiety and LEEP may cause sexual dysfunction in HPV-positive patients.

Effect of abdominal hot pack application on gastrointestinal motility recovery after comprehensive gynecologic staging surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether abdominal hot water pack application improves gastrointestinal motility following gynecological oncology surgery. METHODS: The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04833699). (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04833699?cond=NCT04833699&draw=2&rank=1). In this randomized controlled trial, participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to the hot water pack group (standardized enhanced recovery protocols plus rubber water bag with a fluffy cover filled with boiled tap water [80°C] and placed on the abdomen at 3, 6, 9, and 12 h postoperatively for 30 min each time) or the control group (standardized enhanced recovery protocols). A subumbilical or supraumbilical vertical midline incision was made to perform staging surgery procedures, including hysterectomy, salpingo-oophorectomy with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy. The primary outcome was the time to first passage of flatus from the end of the staging procedure. RESULTS: In total, 121 women were randomized to the control (n = 62) or hot water pack (n = 59) group. The use of an abdominal hot water pack significantly reduced the mean time to passing first flatus (25.2 ± 3.6 vs. 30.6 ± 3.9 h; hazard ratio [HR] = 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8-7.1; P < 0.0001), mean time to first bowel movements (28.4 ± 4.0 vs. 34.4 ± 4.5 h; HR = 4.9; 95% CI: 3.0-7.9; P < 0.0001), mean time to first defecation (33.4 ± 4.9 vs. 41.0 ± 7.6 h; HR = 4.3; 95% CI: 2.1-6.8; P < 0.0001), and mean time to tolerating solid diet (2.1 ± 0.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.0 days; HR = 4.4; 95% CI: 2.2-8.7; P < 0.0001) compared to the control group. The postoperative ileus incidence was significantly lower in the hot water pack group (3.4%) than the control group (16.1%) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Abdominal hot water pack application improved gastrointestinal function recovery in women following surgical staging procedures for gynecological malignancy.

Risk factors for omental metastasis and the effect of omentectomy on survival in type 2 endometrial cancer patients.

To investigate the risk factors for occult omental metastasis and the effect of omentectomy on the survival of type 2 endometrial cancer (EC) patients. This study enrolled patients who were diagnosed with high-risk (grade 3, serous, clear cell, undifferentiated, carcinosarcoma, or mixed type) EC between 2000 and 2021 and underwent surgery in our center. Data from 482 patients were analyzed retrospectively. Omentectomy was performed in 405 (84.0%) patients. Omental metastases were detected in 61 (12.7%) patients. Eighteen (29.5%) of these metastases were occult. Adnexal involvement, malignant cytology, and peritoneal spread were independent risk factors for omental metastasis. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate was 59.5% in patients who underwent omentectomy and 64.7% in those who did not (P = 0.558). In patients with and without omental metastases, the overall 5-year OS rates were 34.9% and 63.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). The 5-year OS rates of patients with a normal omentum, gross tumors, and occult metastases were 63.5%, 26.9%, and 52.5%, respectively (P < 0.001). Omental metastases is not uncommon in type II endometrial cancer; approximately one third of patients have occult metastases. Factors - positive cytology, adnexal involvement, and peritoneal involvement are associated with higher probability of omental metastases.

The prognostic value of P53 index in predicting the recurrence of early low-risk endometrial cancer.

AIM: We aimed to clarify the clinical value of P53 index in patients with early low-risk endometrial cancer (EC) and find an optimal cut-off value of P53 index for predicting the recurrence of these patients. METHODS: The clinicopathological data of 157 patients with early low-risk EC (stage 1A with grade 1 or 2 endometrioid EC) were analyzed. The optimal cut-off value of the P53 index was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and Youden index. Cox regression model was used to evaluate the independent prognostic predictors of recurrence of EC. Then all patients were divided into two groups according to the optimal cut-off value of the P53 index. Differences of the clinicopathological parameters between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis showed age PR (p = 0.020) and P53 (p = 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for the recurrence of EC. The value of P53 index was found to be the optimal cut-off point of 17.5% in estimating the recurrence of EC. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rates of patients in the low P53 index group (<17.5%) and the high P53 index group (≥17.5%) were 94.6% and 65.4% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It has been revealed that the P53 index is a prognostic factor for recurrence in early low-risk EC. The optimal cut-off value of P53 index may contribute to the postoperative individualized treatment options for early low-risk EC patients.

The clinical significance of lymphovascular space invasion in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of lymphovascular space invasion on recurrence and disease-free survival in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS: The study included patients with stage 1A, grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Independent prognostic predictors of endometrial cancer recurrence were assessed using the Cox regression model. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of distant recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival curves, and the log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival curves. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 24 (12.7%) had lymphovascular space invasion. The median follow-up time was 60 (3-137) months. Distant recurrence was present in 11 of 22 patients who developed recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year disease-free survival rates of patients with lymphovascular space invasion(+) and lymphovascular space invasion(-) were 62.5 and 91.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower (p<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the presence of lymphovascular space invasion (p<0.001) and age ≥60 years (p=0.017) remained as prognostic factors for reduced disease-free survival. In binary logistic regression analysis, only lymphovascular space invasion (adjusted OR=13, 95%CI=1.456-116.092, p=0.022) was a prognostic factor for distant recurrence. CONCLUSION: lymphovascular space invasion is a prognostic risk factor for recurrence and distant metastasis and also a predictor of poorer disease-free survival outcomes in low-risk endometrial cancer.

Influence of General and Local Anesthesia on Postoperative Pain After a Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient satisfaction, histopathologic results, and short-term morbidity in patients undergoing loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) under local anesthesia (LA) versus general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to the LA group or GA group. Pain was determined by both objective (faces pain scale-revised) and subjective (visual analog scale score) methods. RESULTS: Data from 244 patients (123 in the LA group and 121 in the GA group) were analyzed. The median cone volume was 2.0 (0.4-4.7) cm 3 in the LA group and 2.4 (0.3-4.8) cm 3 in the GA group. There was no difference in margin involvement or repeat conization between the groups. The procedure time, time to complete hemostasis, intraoperative blood loss, and early postoperative blood loss were similar between the groups. The visual analog scale scores were higher in the LA group at 1, 2, and 4 hours postoperatively, but the differences between the groups were not significant. In addition, the median faces pain scale-revised scores at 1, 2, and 4 hours postoperatively were not significantly different between the LA and GA groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed no difference in pain during the postoperative period, need for additional analgesia, volume of the extracted cone specimens, rate of positive surgical margin, bleeding volume, or operation time in women undergoing loop electrosurgical excision procedure under LA versus GA.

Laparoscopic surgery of large adnexal masses (>12 cm): Single port or conventional?

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to compare single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) and conventional multiport laparoscopic surgery (CMLS) for large adnexal mass (AM). METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopy (LS) due to huge AMs (≥12 cm) between 2016 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. The SPLS procedure was applied in 25 cases, and CMLS was performed in 32 cases. The premier result was the grade of the postoperative improvement according to the Quality of Recovery (QoR)-40 questionnaire score (24 h after the surgical procedure; postoperative day 1). Observer Scar Assessment Scale (OSAS) and Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 57 cases undergoing SPLS (n = 25) or CMLS (n = 32) due to a large AM (≥12 cm) were analyzed. No meaningful distinctions in age, menopausal status, body mass index, or mass size were observed between the two cohorts. The operation time was shorter in the SPLS than CPLS cohort (42.2 ± 3.3 vs. 47.6 ± 6.2; p < 0.001). Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 84.0% of cases in the SPLS cohort and 90.6% of patients in the CMLS cohort (p = 0.360). The QoR-40 points were significantly higher in the SPLS than the CMLS group (154.9 ± 12.0 vs. 146.2 ± 17.1; p = 0.035). The OSAS and PSAS scores were lower in the SPLS than the CMLS group. CONCLUSION: LS can be used for large cysts that are not considered to be at risk of malignancy. The postoperative recovery time was shorter in patients undergoing SPLS compared to CMLS.

Prognostic value of lymph node features in patients diagnosed with stage IIIC endometrial adenocancer.

AIM: Our study investigated the lymph node (LN) features most affecting survival in endometrial adenocancer (EAC) patients with LN involvement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was based on a review of the records of patients diagnosed with EAC, who underwent hysterectomy and systematic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy at the gynecologic oncology clinics of three centers between January 2009 and January 2019. RESULTS: A total of 120 stage IIIC endometrioid-type EAC patients were included in the study. The patients were divided into small (<10 mm) and large (≥10 mm) groups according to the size of the largest metastatic LN. Patients were divided into single and multiple metastasis groups according to the number of metastatic LNs. The patients were divided into pelvic and paraaortic groups according to the location of the metastatic LNs. The effects of prognostic factors on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by Cox regression analysis. Large-sized metastatic LNs were an independent prognostic factor for DFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.-26.2; P = 0.035) and OS (HR = 9.0, 95% CI: 1.1-68.0; P = 0.033). The number (P = 0.093 for DFS, P = 0.911 for OS) and location (P = 0.217 for DFS, P = 0.124 for OS) of metastatic LNs were not independent prognostic factors for DFS or OS. CONCLUSIONS: Large-sized metastatic LNs were an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with stage IIIC EAC. Larger prospective studies including similar patient populations are required to verify these findings.

The clinical significance of lymphovascular space invasion in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of lymphovascular space invasion on recurrence and disease-free survival in patients with low-risk endometrial cancer. METHODS: The study included patients with stage 1A, grade 1-2 endometrioid endometrial cancer who underwent a total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy. Independent prognostic predictors of endometrial cancer recurrence were assessed using the Cox regression model. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify the predictors of distant recurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe survival curves, and the log-rank test was used to compare the differences in survival curves. RESULTS: A total of 189 patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 24 (12.7%) had lymphovascular space invasion. The median follow-up time was 60 (3-137) months. Distant recurrence was present in 11 of 22 patients who developed recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the 5-year disease-free survival rates of patients with lymphovascular space invasion(+) and lymphovascular space invasion(-) were 62.5 and 91.9%, respectively, which were significantly lower (p<0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the presence of lymphovascular space invasion (p<0.001) and age ≥60 years (p=0.017) remained as prognostic factors for reduced disease-free survival. In binary logistic regression analysis, only lymphovascular space invasion (adjusted OR=13, 95%CI=1.456-116.092, p=0.022) was a prognostic factor for distant recurrence. CONCLUSION: lymphovascular space invasion is a prognostic risk factor for recurrence and distant metastasis and also a predictor of poorer disease-free survival outcomes in low-risk endometrial cancer.

Comparison of laparoscopic adnexal mass extraction via the transumbilical and transvaginal routes.

This study was performed to compare the transumbilical (TU) and transvaginal (TV) routes for adnexal mass removal from the abdominal cavity. Data from 93 women who underwent laparoscopic (LS) surgery for the removal of benign adnexal masses at three centres between January 2016 and December 2020 were examined retrospectively. The specimen retrieval times in the TU and TV groups were 9.0 ± 2.0 and 9.8 ± 2.5 min, respectively (p = .373). Additional analgesic was required in 13.8% and 14.3% of cases in the TU and TV groups, respectively. The mean 3-month (2-4 months) postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was lower in the TV group than in the TU group. The postoperative vaginal length did not differ between the TU and TV groups (8.9 (8.7-9.1) vs. 8.7 (8.4-9.1) cm; p = .465). Oophorectomy and the TU route were found to be independent risk factors for the worsening of the VAS score. Sexual function index scores were similar in the two groups. The TV method for specimen removal in LS surgery may cause less pain in the early postoperative period and less dyspareunia in the later period without shortening the length of the vagina.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? Compared with open procedures, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is associated with faster recovery times, better patient quality of life and lower postoperative complication rates. The removal of an adnexal mass from the abdominal cavity is performed most commonly using the suprapubic, transumbilical (TU) or transvaginal (TV) route.What do the results of this study add? The specimen retrieval times in the TU and TV groups were 9.0 ± 2.0 and 9.8 ± 2.5 min, respectively (p = .373). The mean 3-month (2-4 months) postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was lower in the TV group than in the TU group. Oophorectomy and the TU route were found to be independent risk factors for the worsening of the VAS score. Sexual function index scores were similar in the two groups.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? In conclusion, specimen removal via the TV route in LS surgery may cause less pain in the early postoperative period and less dyspareunia in the later period without reducing the length of the vagina.

The effect of omentectomy on the blood levels of adipokines in obese patients with endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the blood levels of adipokines in obese patients with endometrial cancer who have and have not undergone omentectomy. METHODS: Between September 2017 and September 2019, the study recruited 54 patients with endometrial cancer. Measurements were taken of blood levels of human leptin, perilipin-1, adiponectin, adipolin, resistin, visfatin, and estrone preoperatively and postoperatively before adjuvant therapy or at the end of one month. The serum samples were separated by centrifugation for 10 mins at 3,000 revolutions/min, then stored at -80 °C until assay. RESULTS: In this prospective study, a total of 54 endometrial cancer patients were analyzed in two separate groups according to the omentectomy status. Comprehensive staging surgery with omentectomy and without omentectomy was performed in 26 patients and 28 patients, respectively. The age, body mass index, body fat index, waist circumference, and skin thickness values of the patients with and without omentectomy were found to be similar. No statistically significant difference was determined between the patients with and without omentectomy in respect of the blood level of the adipokines measured preoperatively. A strong statistically significant correlation was determined between the pre and postoperative levels of Human Leptin (p = 0.002), perilipin-1(p = 0.001), adipolin (p < 0.001), adiponectin (p < 0.001), resistin (p = 0.001), visfatin (p < 0.001), and estrone (p = 0.004) (r = -0.43, -0.47, 0.75, 0.84, -0.47, - 0.58, -0.41, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Omentectomy affected the postoperative blood levels of adipokines in obese patients with endometrial cancer. As omentectomy may have some positive effects on metabolism in these patients, it may be considered during endometrial cancer surgery due to the possible positive metabolic effects.

Survival outcomes of women with grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancer: the impact of adjuvant treatment strategies.

AIM: This multicenter investigation was performed to evaluate the adjuvant treatment options, prognostic factors, and patterns of recurrence in patients with grade 3 endometrioid endometrial cancer (G3-EEC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical reports of patients undergoing at least total hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy for G3-EEC between 1996 and 2018 at 11 gynecological oncology centers were analyzed. Optimal surgery was defined as removal of all disease except for residual nodules with a maximum diameter ≤ 1 cm, as determined at completion of the primary operation. Adequate systematic lymphadenectomy was defined as the removal of at least 15 pelvic and at least 5 paraaortic LNs. RESULTS: The study population consists of 465 women with G3-EEC. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of the entire cohort are 50.3% and 57.6%, respectively. Adequate systematic lymphadenectomy was achieved in 429 (92.2%) patients. Optimal surgery was achieved in 135 (75.0%) patients in advanced stage. Inadequate lymphadenectomy (DFS; HR 3.4, 95% CI 3.0-5.6; P = 0.016-OS; HR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.5; P = 0.019) was independent prognostic factors for 5-year DFS and OS. CONCLUSION: Inadequate lymphadenectomy and LVSI were independent prognostic factors for worse DFS and OS in women with stage I-II G3-EEC. Adequate lymphadenectomy and optimal surgery were independent prognostic factors for better DFS and OS in women with stage III-IV G3-EEC.

Factors associated with the involvement of lymph nodes in low-grade serous ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Evaluating nodal metastases in low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) patients. METHODS: Women with LGSOC who had undergone primary cytoreductive surgery comprising systematic pelvic-paraaortic lymphadenectomy were included. Data were obtained retrospectively from 12 oncology centers. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-eight women with LGSOC who had undergone comprehensive surgical staging were included. Seventy-one (48.0%) patients had metastatic lymph nodes. Preoperative serum CA-125 levels of ≥170 U/ml (odds ratio [OR]: 3.84; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-12.07; p = 0.021) and presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (OR: 13.72; 95% CI: 3.36-55.93; p < 0.001) were independent predictors of nodal metastasis in LGSOC. Sixty (40.5%) patients were classified to have apparently limited disease to the ovary/ovaries. Twenty (33.3%) of them were upstaged after surgical staging. Twelve (20.0%) had metastatic lymph nodes. Presence of LVSI (OR: 12.96; 95% CI: 1.14-146.43; p = 0.038) and preoperative serum CA-125 of ≥180 U/ml (OR: 7.19; 95% CI: 1.35-38.12; p = 0.02) were independent predictors of lymph node metastases in apparent Stage Ⅰ disease. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians may consider to perform a reoperation comprising systematic lymphadenectomy in patients who had apparently limited disease to the ovary/ovaries and had not undergone lymphadenectomy initially. Reoperation may be considered particularly in patients whose preoperative serum CA-125 is ≥180 U/ml and/or whose pathological assessment reported the presence of LVSI.

Prognostic factors and survival outcomes of women with uterine leiomyosarcoma: A Turkish Uterine Sarcoma Group Study-003.

To assess the clinicopathological features, prognostic factors, and survival rates associated with uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). Databases from 15 participating gynecological oncology centers in Turkey were searched retrospectively for women who had been treated for stage I-IV uLMS between 1996 and 2018. Of 302 consecutive women with uLMS, there were 234 patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I disease and 68 with FIGO stage II-IV disease. All patients underwent total hysterectomy. Lymphadenectomy was performed in 161 (54.5%) cases. A total of 195 patients received adjuvant treatment. The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 42% and 54%, respectively. Presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), higher degree of nuclear atypia, and absence of lymphadenectomy were negatively correlated with DFS, while LVSI, mitotic count, higher degree of nuclear atypia, FIGO stage II-IV disease, and suboptimal surgery significantly decreased OS. LVSI and higher degree of nuclear atypia appear to be prognostic indicators for uLMS. Lymphadenectomy seems to have a significant effect on DFS but not on OS.

Impact of cytoreductive surgery on survival of patients with low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma: A multicentric study of Turkish Society of Gynecologic Oncology (TRSGO-OvCa-001).

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyze the factors affecting recurrence-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of women diagnosed with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). METHODS: Databases from 13 participating centers in Turkey were searched retrospectively for women who had been treated for stage I-IV LGSOC between 1997 and 2018. RESULTS: Overall 191 eligible women were included. The median age at diagnosis was 49 years (range, 21-84 years). One hundred seventy-five (92%) patients underwent primary cytoreductive surgery. Complete and optimal cytoreduction was achieved in 148 (77.5%) and 33 (17.3%) patients, respectively. The median follow-up period was 44 months (range, 2-208 months). Multivariate analysis showed the presence of endometriosis (p = .012), lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (p = .022), any residual disease (p = .023), and the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage II-IV disease (p = .045) were negatively correlated with RFS while the only presence of residual disease (p = .002) and FIGO stage II-IV disease (p = .003) significantly decreased OS. CONCLUSIONS: The maximal surgical effort is warranted for complete cytoreduction as achieving no residual disease is the single most important variable affecting the survival of patients with LGSOC. The prognostic role of LVSI and endometriosis should be evaluated by further studies as both of these parameters significantly affected RFS.

Robotic platforms for endometrial cancer treatment: review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: The cornerstone in the management of endometrial cancer (EC) is surgical staging. Over the last few decades, minimally invasive surgery has been widely accepted as a mainstay in the treatment of endometrial cancer. The first robotic-assisted gynecological surgery was performed in 1998. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE and PUBMED databases from January 1998 to September 2020. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Several studies have reported the advantages of robotic-assisted surgery over laparoscopy in the management of EC. These are most pronounced in obese patients. Robotic-assisted surgery is also associated with a shorter learning curve, particularly for lymphadenectomy, which enables more surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery for EC. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness and oncological results of robotic surgery for EC appear to be similar to those of other surgical methods, but fewer intraoperative complications occur than with other methods.

Non-pharmacological interventions for the prevention of postoperative ileus after gynecologic cancer surgery.

Postoperative ileus (POI) is characterized by impaired gastrointestinal motility after surgery. POI is a major concern for surgeons because it increases hospital stay, the cost of care, and postoperative morbidity in patients who have undergone extensive gynecological oncological surgery. Although several interventions have been proposed and investigated, no effective treatment for the prevention and management of POI has been established. The present review summarizes the current evidence on non-pharmacological interventions, including coffee consumption and chewing gum, used to prevent and treat POI. We obtained studies from MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ISI Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases.

Is the extent of lymphadenectomy a prognostic factor in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer?

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of adequate lymph node dissection (LND) (≥10 pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) and ≥ 5 paraaortic LNs removed) in patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage II endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC). METHODS: A multicenter department database review was performed to identify patients who had been operated and diagnosed with stage II EEC at seven centers in Turkey retrospectively. Demographic, clinicopathological, and survival data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: We identified 284 women with stage II EEC. There were 170 (59.9%) patients in the adequate lymph node dissection (LND) group and 114 (40.1%) in the inadequate LND group. The 5-year overall survival (OS) rate of the inadequate LND group was significantly lower than that of the adequate LND group (84.1% vs. 89.1%, respectively; p = 0.028). In multivariate analysis, presence of lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-4.63; p = 0.009), age ≥ 60 (HR: 3.30, 95% CI: 1.65-6.57; p = 0.001], and absence of adjuvant therapy (HR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.40-5.35; p = 0.003) remained as independent risk factors for decreased 5-year disease-free survival (DFS). Inadequate LND (HR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.18-4.63; p < 0.001), age ≥ 60 (HR: 2.67, 95% CI: 1.25-5.72; p = 0.011), and absence of adjuvant therapy (HR: 4.95, 95% CI: 2.28-10.73; p < 0.001) were independent prognostic factors for decreased 5-year OS in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Adequate LND and adjuvant therapy were significant for the improvement of outcomes in FIGO stage II EEC patients. Furthermore, LVSI was associated with worse 5-year DFS rate in stage II EEC.