Site-Specific Regulation of Sulfatase and Aromatase Pathways for Estrogen Production in Endometriosis.

Endometriosis is a highly prevalent gynecological disease characterized by lesions in different sites. Regulation of specific estrogen pathways may favor the formation of distinct microenvironments and the progression of endometriosis. However, no study has simultaneously evaluated the gene and protein regulation of the main estrogen-synthesizing enzymes in endometriosis. Thus, our goals were to study the relationship between gene and protein expression of aromatase (CYP19A1 or ARO), steroid sulfatase (STS), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase (HSD17B1) in superficial (SUP), ovarian (OMA), and deep infiltrating (DIE) endometriotic lesion sites as well as in the eutopic endometrium of patients with (EE) and without (control) endometriosis in the same and large cohort of patients. The site-specific expression of these enzymes within different cells (glandular and stromal components) was also explored. The study included 108 patients surgically diagnosed with endometriosis who provided biopsies of EE and endometriotic lesions and 16 disease-free patients who collected normal endometrium tissue. Our results showed that CYP19A1 was detected in all endometriosis tissues and was in higher levels than in control. Unique patterns of the STS and HSD17B1 levels showed that they were most closely regulated in all tissues, with manifestation at greater levels in DIE compared to the other endometriotic lesion sites, OMA and SUP. Gene and protein expression of ARO, STS, and HSD17B1 occurred at different rates in endometriotic sites or EE. The distinctive levels of these estrogen-synthesizing enzymes in each endometriotic site support the hypothesis of a tissue microenvironment that can both influence and be influenced by the expression of different estrogenic pathways, locally affecting the availability of estrogen needed for maintenance and progression of endometriotic lesions.

Validation of Laser Capture Microdissection Protocol in Endometriosis Studies.

Background and Objectives: The presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity is a key feature of endometriosis. Although endometriotic lesions appear to be histologically quite similar to the eutopic endometrium, detailed studies comparing both tissues are required because their inner and surrounding cellular arrangement is distinct. Thus, comparison between tissues might require methods, such as laser capture microdissection (LCM), that allow for precise selection of an area and its specific cell populations. However, it is known that the efficient use of LCM depends on the type of studied tissue and on the choice of an adequate protocol. Recent studies have reported the use of LCM in endometriosis studies. The main objective of the present study is to establish a standardized protocol to obtain good-quality microdissected material from eutopic or ectopic endometrium. Materials and Methods: The main methodological steps involved in the processing of the lesion samples for LCM were standardized to yield material of good quality to be further used in molecular techniques. Results: We obtained satisfactory results regarding the yields and integrity of RNA and protein obtained from LCM-processed endometriosis tissues. Conclusion: LCM can provide more precise analysis of endometriosis biopsies, provided that key steps of the methodology are followed.

Robot-assisted laparoscopy for deep infiltrating endometriosis: international multicentric retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the interest in robot-assisted laparoscopy for deep infiltrating endometriosis and to investigate the perioperative results. METHODS: From November 2008 to April 2012, 164 women with stage 4 endometriosis who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopy (da Vinci Intuitive Surgical System) were included by to eight international participating clinical centers. This study evaluated the procedures performed, the duration of the intervention, the complications, the recurrence, and the impact on fertility. RESULTS: The average operative time was 180 min. The main complications were laparotomy (n = 1, 0.6%), sutured bowel injury (n = 2, 1.2%), transfusion for a 2,300-ml bleed (n = 1), prolonged urinary catheterization (n = 1, 0.6%), ureter-bladder anastomotic leak (n = 1, 0.6%), and ureteral fistula after ureterolysis (n = 2, 1.2%). The reoperation rate was 1.8% (n = 3). The mean follow-up period was 10.2 months. A full recovery was experienced by 86.7% (98/113) of the patients. After surgery, 41.2% (42/102) of the patients had a desire for pregnancy, and 28.2% (11/39) of them became pregnant. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed the largest series of robot-assisted laparoscopies for deep infiltrating endometriosis published in the literature. No increase in surgical time, blood loss, or intra- or postoperative complications was observed. The interest in robot-assisted laparoscopy for deep infiltrating endometriosis seems to be promising.

Deep infiltrating colorectal endometriosis treated with robotic-assisted rectosigmoidectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Deep infiltrating pelvic endometriosis with bowel involvement is one of the most aggressive forms of endometriosis. Nowadays, robotic technology and telemanipulation systems represent the latest developments in minimally invasive surgery. The aim of this study is to present our preliminary results and evaluate the feasibility of robotic-assisted laparoscopic colorectal resection for severe endometriosis. METHODS: Between September 2009 and December 2011, 10 women with colorectal endometriosis underwent surgery with the da Vinci robotic surgical system (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). We evaluated the following parameters: short-term complications, clinical outcomes and long-term follow-up, pain relief recurrence rate, and fertility outcomes. RESULTS: Extensive ureterolysis was required in 8 women (80%). Ovarian cystectomy with removal of the cystic wall was performed in 7 women (70%). Torus resection was performed in all women, with unilateral and bilateral uterosacral ligament resection in 1 woman (10%) and 8 women (80%), respectively. In addition to segmental colorectal resection in all cases, partial vaginal resection was necessary in 2 women (20%). An appendectomy was performed in 2 patients (20%). The mean operative time with the robot was 157 minutes (range, 90-190 minutes). The mean hospital stay was 3 days. Six patients had infertility before surgery, with a mean infertility time of 2 years. After a 12-month follow-up period, 4 women (67%) conceived naturally and 2 (33%) underwent in vitro fertilization. CONCLUSION: We show that robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery for the treatment of deep infiltrating bowel endometriosis is feasible, effective, and safe.

Avaliação do perfil epidemiológico e clínico de portadoras de endometriose pélvica e identificação dos principais fatores de risco relacionados à doença obtidos através de questionário interativo / Epidemiological and clinical profiles in patients with pelvic endometriosis and identification of main risk factors related to the disease through an interactive program of women health integral assistance

A endometriose representa uma das doenças mais prevalentes em ginecologia, e afeta cerca de 10 a 15% das mulheres em idade reprodutiva. Apesar do grande aumento da ocorrência desta doença, pouco se sabe sobre sua epidemiologia, principalmente devido à dificuldade metodológica por tratar-se de patologia de definição e etiologia desconhecidas. A prevalência estimada varia de 4% entre mulheres assintomáticas a cerca de 50% entre adolescentes com dismenorréia incapacitante. Fatores de risco pessoais foram descritos, como idade, estado sócio-econômico, estado civil, fatores menstruais, como duração e intervalo dos ciclos e idade da menarca. Sintomas como dismenorréia, dor acíclica, dispareunia de profundidade, alterações urinárias e intestinais cíclicas e infertilidade, também são associados à doença. O objetivo do presente estudo foi determinar uma forma de predizer o diagnóstico cirúrgico baseado no perfil epidemiológico e sintomas da endometriose, através da utilização de um programa interativo para este cálculo. Para tal, analisou-se mulheres com diagnóstico histológico da doença e pacientes sem diagnóstico, pertencentes ao Ambulatório de Ginecologia Preventiva do HC-FMUSP (grupo controle), analisadas através deste programa interativo, constituindo amostra de 1872 pacientes estudadas. A avaliação estatística foi realizada pelos testes do qui-quadrado, t-Student e regressão logística multifatorial. Encontrou-se como fatores de risco significativos a idade, raça, grau de instrução, estado civil, intervalo do ciclo menstrual, presença de dismenorréia, alterações urinárias cíclicas, tipo de infertilidade, além de sintomas mais específicos como disúria, proctorragia e diarréia, dados que foram aplicados através do programa informatizado. Concluiu-se que tal modelo apresenta grande valor para a análise da razão de chances de ocorrência de endometriose na população geral...

Advances in understanding the epidemiology of endometriosis have lagged behind other diseases. To determine whether the surgical diagnosis of endometriosis can be predicted using noninvasive tools as epidemiological profile, medical history and symptoms related to the disease, were analyzed women with histological diagnosis of endometriosis and patients without diagnosis, analyzed through an interactive program, constituting a sample of 1872 studied patients. We could conclude that such model presents big value for the analysis of odds ratio to endometriosis in general population. Prospective analysis become imperative in order to create a predictive model to establish parameters that could suggest a surgical procedure.

Rectal endoscopic ultrasound with a radial probe in the assessment of rectovaginal endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of rectal endoscopic ultrasound and to evaluate endometriosis in the rectovaginal septum, rectum, and sigmoid walls. DESIGN: Validation of diagnostic test (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Thirty-two consecutive women clinically suspected of having rectovaginal septum endometriosis without previous surgical treatment. INTERVENTION: Colonoscopy, transrectal ultrasound, and rectal endoscopic ultrasound, followed by laparoscopy or laparotomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The disease was classified according to 1996 standards of the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Images obtained by colonoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and surgery and histologic findings were compared. In 6 patients endometriosis infiltrated bowel muscularis wall, in 20 it infiltrated rectovaginal septum, and in the remaining 6 there was no evidence of lesions. In all women in whom infiltration of the intestinal wall was suspected, rectal endoscopic ultrasound and colonoscopy confirmed the lesions (sensitivity 100%, specificity 67%). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound was useful in preoperative assessment of women with endometriosis.

Endometriose de septo retovaginal: doença de diagnóstico e tratamento específicos / Rectovaginal septum endometriosis: a disease with specific diagnosis and treatment

RACIONAL: O envolvimento do septo retovaginal, reto e sigmóide pela endometriose pode causar sintomas intensos como dismenorréia, dor pélvica, dispareunia de profundidade, tenesmo e proctorragia cíclicos, em mulheres em idade reprodutiva. O diagnóstico pode ser suspeitado diante da história clínica típica e exame ginecológico adequado, ou ainda através de exame retal, enema opaco ou colonoscopia, entre outros. As indicações cirúrgicas, em geral, estão relacionadas à intensidade dos sintomas e falha no tratamento conservador. No entanto, o tratamento de escolha, para este tipo de endometriose, é a ressecção cirúrgica do tecido acometido, a fim de aliviar os sintomas e evitar progressão da doença. A localização correta assim como a avaliação da presença de extensão do processo em direção ao reto, ligamentos uterossacros ou septo retovaginal é extremamente importante para se garantir um tratamento cirúrgico eficaz. OBJETIVO: Descrever os principais aspectos relacionados à endometriose de septo retovaginal e fornecer aos cirurgiões gerais algumas informações específicas sobre esta enigmática doença. CONCLUSAO: A endometriose de septo retovaginal é doença freqüente, de diagnóstico e tratamento específicos.

[Rectovaginal septum endometriosis: a disease with specific diagnosis and treatment]. / Endometriose de septo retovaginal: doença de diagnóstico e tratamento específicos.

BACKGROUND: The involvement of the rectovaginal septum, of rectum and sigmoid by endometriosis leads to intense symptoms as dysmenorrhea, pelvic pain, deep dyspareunia, tenesmus and hematochezia in young and middle aged women during periods. The diagnosis can be made by tipycal history and vaginal examination, rectal examination, barium enema, proctoscopy and so on. The indications of operation include severe clinic symptoms and failed conservative therapy. The treatment of choice for this type of endometriosis is the surgical resection of affected tissue, in order to relieve patient symptoms, and avoid disease progression. The correct assessment as to the presence and extension of the endometriosis-affected sites such as the rectum, uterosacral ligaments and rectovaginal septum is extremely important to provide better results with the surgical treatment of endometriosis. AIM: To describe the main aspects related to rectovaginal septum endometriosis and offer the general surgeon some information about this enigmatic disease. CONCLUSION: Rectovaginal septum endometriosis is a frequent disease, with specific diagnosis and treatment.

Atuaçäo das aromatases na endometriose pélvica / Aromatase's role in pelvic endometriosis

A endometriose é doença estrogênio dependente e sua etiopatogenia, assim como seu tratamento hormonal, tem sido reavaliado. A atividade anormal da aromatase e o metabolismo alterado do estradiol na endometriose säo conseqüências de defeitos metabólicos moleculares específicos. Relevância clínica destes achados foi demonstrada recentemente diante do sucesso no tratamento da endometriose com inibidores da aromatase. O objetivo deste estudo é revisar os mecanismos pelos quais a aromatase é implicada neste processo e como seu inibidor pode contribuir como modalidade terapêutica no tratamento desta doença.

Microlaparoscopy in gynecology: analysis of 16 cases and review of literature

Microlaparoscopy represents the development of endoscopic surgery towards a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The advantages include fewer surgical complications, faster return to daily activities, more comfortable postoperative recovery, and satisfactory aesthetic results. The possibility of performing surgery under sedation may result in shorter hospitalization, lower hospital costs, and easier anesthetic procedures. The authors report their preliminary experience with the use of microlaparoscopy, using optics and 2mm instruments, as well as a review of the literature since the introduction of this new technique. The report of these 16 cases demonstrates that microlaparoscopy is a feasible technique with satisfactory results. On the other hand, this new technique requires precise indications and a training period for the development of the skills necessary for performing these surgeries

Torcao anexial: diagnostico e conduta / Adnexal torsion: diagnosis and management

A torcao anexial representa importante emergencia cirurgica na pratica ginecologica. Acomete mulheres em idade fertil ocasionando quadro de dor severa, podendo comprometer o futuro reprodutivo destas pacientes. Frequentemente, esta associada a tumores ovarianos e/ou paraovarianos, que exercem efeito de massa, proporcionando a rotacao da gonada e da tuba sobre o eixo vascular. Foram revistos os casos de torcao anexial atendidos do Setor de Urgencias Ginecologicas da Disciplina de Ginecologia da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo...

Infeccao da ferida cirurgica em ginecologia / Infection of surgical lesion in gynecology

As infeccoes operatorias apos procedimentos cirurgicos ginecologicos e obstetricos ainda representam fator de importante morbidade apesar do desenvolvimento de tecnicas cirurgicas mais apuradas e uso de antibioticoterapia profilatica. Acredita-se que 2-5 por cento das cirurgias limpas e mais de 40 por cento das contaminadas sao complicadas por infeccao pos-operatoria. Antibioticos administrados antes do procedimento cirurgico tendem a reduzir significativamente os sitios de infeccao, a morbidade febril e o tempo de permanencia hospitalar. Patogenos como o Streptococcus hemolitico, Escherichia coli, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Clamydia trachomatis e o Staphylococcus coagulase negativo sao...