Management of endometriosis: CNGOF/HAS clinical practice guidelines - Short version.

First-line diagnostic investigations for endometriosis are physical examination and pelvic ultrasound. The second-line investigations are: targeted pelvic examination performed by an expert clinician, transvaginal ultrasound performed by an expert physician sonographer (radiologist or gynaecologist), and pelvic MRI. Management of endometriosis is recommended when the disease has a functional impact. Recommended first-line hormonal therapies for the management of endometriosis-related pain are combined hormonal contraceptives (CHCs) or the 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (IUS). There is no evidence base on which to recommend systematic preoperative hormonal therapy solely to prevent surgical complications or facilitate surgery. After surgery for endometriosis, a CHC or 52mg levonorgestrel-releasing IUS is recommended as first-line treatment when pregnancy is not desired. In the event of failure of the initial treatment, recurrence, or multiorgan involvement, a multidisciplinary team meeting is recommended, involving physicians, surgeons and other professionals. A laparoscopic approach is recommended for surgical treatment of endometriosis. HRT can be offered to postmenopausal women who have undergone surgical treatment for endometriosis. Antigonadotrophic hormonal therapy is not recommended for patients with endometriosis and infertility to increase the chances of spontaneous pregnancy, including postoperatively. Fertility preservation options must be discussed with patients undergoing surgery for ovarian endometriomas.

[Interest of hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy in the surgical treatment of endometriosis: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]. / Intérêt de l'hystérectomie avec ou sans annexectomie bilatérale dans le traitement chirurgical de l'endométriose, RPC Endométriose CNGOF-HAS.

OBJECTIVE: In women with symptomatic endometriosis and no desire for pregnancy, hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy is often presented as a definitive solution to their symptoms. Despite this radical treatment, it should be known that nearly 15% of these patients will have persistent pain. Thus the objective of this review was to determine the interest of total hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy for the treatment of deep endometriosis. METHOD: The research was conducted from the US National Library of Medicine's National Institutes of Health from the following keywords: endometriosis, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, ovariectomy, radical treatment. Only articles written in English have been selected. RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Hysterectomy with or without bilateral oophorectomy, associated with endometriotic lesions exeresis could decrease the rate of recurrence and surgical reoperations compared to resection alone endometriosis lesions (NP4). In women with no desire for pregnancy, the benefit-risk balance of a hysterectomy, with or without bilateral oophorectomy, may be discussed in order to reduce the risk of recurrence of endometriotic disease (Expert Agreement). Taking into account the multiple adverse effects of early menopause on expectancy and quality of life (NP2), ovarian preservation should be discussed with the patient in case of hysterectomy for deep endometriosis (Expert Agreement). The use of menopausal hormone therapy (THM) does not appear to increase the symptoms of endometriosis after surgical castration (NP3). THM is not contraindicated in postmenopausal women with endometriosis (grade C).

[Management of endometriosis: CNGOF-HAS practice guidelines (short version)]. / Prise en charge de l'endométriose : recommandations pour la pratique clinique CNGOF-HAS (texte court).

First-line investigations to diagnose endometriosis are clinical examination and pelvic ultrasound. Second-line investigations include pelvic examination performed by a referent clinician, transvaginal ultrasound performed by a referent echographist, and pelvic MRI. It is recommended to treat endometriosis when it is symptomatic. First-line hormonal treatments recommended for the management of painful endometriosis are combined with hormonal contraceptives or levonorgestrel 52mg IUD. There is no evidence to recommend systematic preoperative hormonal therapy for the unique purpose of preventing the risk of surgical complications or facilitating surgery. After endometriosis surgery, combined hormonal contraceptives or levonorgestrel SIU 52mg are recommended as first-line therapy in the absence of desire of pregnancy. In case of initial treatment failure, recurrence, or multiple organ involvement by endometriosis, medico-surgical and multidisciplinary discussion is recommended. The laparoscopic approach is recommended for the surgical treatment of endometriosis. HRT may be offered in postmenopausal women operated for endometriosis. In case of infertility related to endometriosis, it is not recommended to prescribe anti-gonadotropic hormone therapy to increase the rate of spontaneous pregnancy, including postoperatively. The possibilities of fertility preservation should be discussed with the patient in case of surgery for ovarian endometrioma.

[Strategies and surgical management of endometriosis: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]. / Synthèse des stratégies et prise en charge chirurgicale de l'endométriose, RPC Endométriose CNGOF-HAS.

The article presents French guidelines for surgical management of endometriosis. Surgical treatment is recommended for mild to moderate endometriosis, as it decreases pelvic painful complaints and increases the likelihood of postoperative conception in infertile patients (A). Surgery may be proposed in symptomatic patients with ovarian endometriomas which diameter exceeds 20mm. Cystectomy allows for better postoperative pregnancy rates when compared to ablation using bipolar current, as well as for lower recurrences rates when compared to ablation using bipolar current or CO2 laser. Ablation of ovarian endometriomas using bipolar current is not recommended (B). Surgery may be employed in patients with deep endometriosis infiltrating the colon and the rectum, with good impact on painful complaints and postoperative conception. In these patients, laparoscopic route increases the likelihood of postoperative spontaneous conception when compared to open route. When compared to conservative rectal procedures (shaving or disc excision), segmental colorectal resection increases the risk of postoperative stenosis, requiring additional endoscopic or surgical procedures. In large deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum (>20mm length of bowel infiltration), conservative rectal procedures do not improve postoperative digestive function when compared to segmental resection. In patients with bowel anastomosis, placing anti-adhesion agents on contact with bowel suture is not recommended, due to higher risk of bowel fistula (C). Various other recommendations are proposed in the text, however, they are based on studies with low level of evidence.

Assessing technical competence in laparoscopic surgery in France: Ratification of the GOALS rating scale.

BACKGROUND: The question of assessing surgical competence is the focus of mainly Anglo-Saxon studies. The GOALS questionnaire (Global Operative Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills) specific to laparoscopic surgery assessment has been developed since 2005. The aim of the study was to assess the metrological qualities of the GOALS questionnaire after ratification in French language. METHODS: To produce a French version of the GOALS surgical competence assessing tool according to an established method (translation - backward translation - retranslation) and to check the metrological qualities (user satisfaction, acceptability, reliability and validity) of this questionnaire through observing residents while in training program on 22 residents in Gynaecology Obstetrics during the laparoscopy training, with the performance of a nephrectomy on a porcine model. RESULTS: The discrepancies in the initial translations were mainly due literal translations. Only synonymous differences were observed in the two backward translations. Comparison with original version led to 8 minor changes. No changes occurred between the 2 French versions. Satisfaction surveys when using the GOALS questionnaire by both examiners and students are similar. Face and content validity seemed good and there is no significant discrepancy between the examiners and the students (11.5 [9-15]; 12.4 [9-15]; P=0.40). Assessment by examiners showed an median value of 17.8 [9-26] with good correlation (α=0.80). By contrast, self-assessment, although there is no significant discrepancy, showed heterogeneity. GOALS French version was able to prove a significant progression both in self-assessment and external evaluation between the act performed on the first nephrectomy on the first day of the first session of the training and the fourth nephrectomy performed on the first day of the second session of the training. CONCLUSION: Our work allowed obtaining a GOALS French version with acceptable validity, good consistency between the assessments and ability to measure progress.

Endometriotic lesions of the lower troncular nerves.

Although exceptional, endometriotic lesions of the troncular nerves of the lower limb may occur and are often diagnosed with delay. We report, hereby, the first case of femoral nerve endometriosis the treatment of which consisted of radical resection with femoral nerve transplant. We completed a review of the literature on sciatic nerve endometriotic lesions and discussed the physiopathology and surgical treatment.

[Permanent tubal hysteroscopic sterilization]. / Contraception permanente par pose hystéroscopique d'implants tubaires.

Tubal sterilization, of common practice all over the world, has had a quick spread in France since its legalization in 2001 and the income of a new hysteroscopic method. As a matter of fact, France is the second greater country for women having Essure® and the first country where Essure® method forestall surgical tubal ligation. Thus we focus on good practice and update knowledge about Essure® method.

[Management of symptomatic fibroids: role of supracervical hysterectomy and laparoscopy]. / Place de l'hystérectomie supracervicale et de l'abord cœlioscopique pour fibromes symptomatiques.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the relevance of supracervical hysterectomy, in particular by laparoscopy, in the treatment of symptomatic myomas. METHODS: Examination of the literature in the MEDLINE and Cochrane databases, between 1960 and 2010. RESULTS: Because of reduced or identical complications when performed in laparotomy or laparoscopy, respectively, subtotal hysterectomy is a possible alternative to total hysterectomy (grade B). In case of previous or current cervical dysplasy, total hysterectomy is preferable to subtotal hysterectomy (grade B). Conical resection of the endocervix is recommended in case of subtotal hysterectomy (grade C). There is no advantage to subtotal hysterectomy for the sole purpose of avoiding functional or sexual pelvic troubles (grade A). CONCLUSION: In case of symptomatic myomas, subtotal hysterectomy can be beneficial.

[Emergency cervical cerclage during mid-trimester of pregnancy: Experience of Clermont-Ferrand]. / Cerclage cervical en urgence au deuxième trimestre de la grossesse : expérience clermontoise.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with favourable perinatal outcome after emergency cervical cerclage during mid-trimester of pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study of all cases who underwent emergency cervical cerclage between 16 to 28 weeks of gestation (WG) over a period of 16 years in a University Hospital. RESULTS: Among the 32 cases, the postnatal survival rate (day 28) was 80%. Delivery occurred at a mean gestational age of 33.1 WG [18-41.3 WG] and after 37 WG in 39% of cases. The perinatal outcome was improved by absence of bleeding (P=0.01), unripened cervix (P=0.02), cervical dilatation below 2 cm (P=0.002), no protruding membranes (P=0.02) and more advanced gestational age at the procedure (P=0.005). When no uterine contraction and no maternal blood inflammation were observed at admission, an expectancy of 48 hours before the procedure did not improve significantly perinatal outcome (gestational age at birth and survival rate [P=0.1 and P=0.3 respectively]). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Perinatal outcome after emergency cerclage depends on cervical status and gestational age at procedure. It is not influenced by an expectancy of 48 hours before intervention for patients with no uterine contraction and no maternal blood inflammation at admission.

[Favourable outcome after fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome: experience of an emerging centre]. / Résultats favorables d'une équipe émergente dans le traitement du syndrome transfuseur-transfusé par photocoagulation-laser.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to report perinatal outcome during the first three years of an emerging centre for laser photocoagulation in twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and to compare with outcome observed earlier in the same centre when management consisted in recurrent amniodrainage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a single centre retrospective study. We compared perinatal outcome of 19 consecutive cases of mid trimester TTTS managed by amniodrainage over a 10-year period with 49 cases of TTTS managed by laser photocoagulation over a 3-year period. RESULTS: Laser photocoagulation increased survival rate at birth (P=0.02) and at postnatal day 28 (P=0.01). Neurologic and cardiologic complications did not differ significantly (P=0.5 and P=0.3 respectively). We observed a significant increase in survival of the donor after laser coagulation at birth (P=0.04). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated better outcome after laser photocoagulation. Early results of an emerging centre appeared comparable to those of more experienced centres.

[Postoperative pain after transvaginal repair of pelvic organ prolapse with or without mesh]. / Douleurs postopératoires après cure de prolapsus génital par voie vaginale avec ou sans renfort prothétique.

OBJECTIVE: To assess postoperative pain after POP surgery by vaginal approach with and without mesh. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two consecutives patients operated on for POP (POP-Q ≥ 2) were enrolled. Surgical procedure was a traditional repair without mesh in 66 women and a mesh repair (Prolift) in 66 women. Postoperative pain was prospectively assessed by autoadministred questionnaires including analog visual scale. Pain scores were recorded 1 day after surgery (D1), at discharge, at 1 month follow-up (M1) and at 3 to 6 months follow-up (M3-6). We focused specially on mesh repair, age, previous prolapse procedure, hysterectomy, sacrospinofixation, transobturator sling, pre- and postoperative POP-Q score. RESULTS: At discharge, pain score was significantly higher in the mesh group (1.2 ± 1.8 versus 0.5 ± 0.9, P=0.021). Pain score were low (VAS<3) and similar in the two groups with or without mesh at M1 and M3-6 follow-up. When focusing on associated factors, hysterectomy as a significant higher pain score at day 1, transobturator slings associated to traditional repair are more painful at D1 versus associated to mesh repair, sacrospinofixation has only a statistical tendency (P=0.08) more painful at D1. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Pain score are low after both traditional or mesh repair by vaginal route. Mesh repair, hysterectomy and sacrospinofixation are more painful only in the first days after surgery. Our study supports the theory that transvaginal mesh procedure allows a quick return to normal life.

[Which invasive diagnostic procedure should we use for twin pregnancies: chorionic villous sampling or amniocentesis?]. / Quel prélèvement choisir pour les grossesses gémellaires: choriocentèse ou amniocentèse?

OBJECTIVE: To describe invasive diagnostic procedures (amniocentesis/choriocentesis) and subsequent risks in twin pregnancies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: PubMed and Cochrane database investigations were conducted using following key words: twin gestation, amniocentesis, chorionic villous sampling, karyotype. Guidelines for twin management edicted by different societies were reviewed. RESULTS: Risk of pregnancy loss after invasive diagnostic procedure in twin pregnancies seems to be slightly higher to singletons, i.e about 1.5-2% after mid-trimester amniocentesis and about 2% after first trimester choriocentesis. Dual sampling is not always mandatory but can be performed on parent's request. Specific risks are associated with twins: redundant sampling, permutation or misidentification of affected twin in case of discordant status. Procedures should be performed by highly-skilled operators under permanent ultrasound-guidance. A scheme describing placental locations and funicular insertions appears to be useful for correct identification. If foeticide can be anticipated, diagnostic procedure and foeticide should be performed by the same operators. For amniocentesis, one or two needles can be used except for cases with infectious disease (two needles and two separate insertions required). For choriocentesis, sampling should be performed close to funicular insertions. CONCLUSION: First-trimester choriocentesis makes earlier diagnosis and earlier foeticide possible compared with mid-trimester amniocentesis. Both techniques require highly-skilled operators to reduce subsequent risks in the context of twin pregnancies.

[Management of gestational hypertriglyceridemia by plasmapheresis]. / Prise en charge d'une hypertriglycéridémie gravidique par plasmaphérèse.

We report a case of unexpected severe hypertriglyceridemia (140N) diagnosed at 33 weeks during a second gestation. The risk of acute pancreatitis indicated plasmapheresis (three procedures) with reduction of hypertriglyceridemia (6N) and no impact on fetal well-being. Immediate recurrence led to induction of labour at 34 weeks. Spontaneous regression occurred after delivery. We demonstrated reduced lipoprotein lipase activity with no mutation for apolipoprotein E, nor lipoprotein lipase in favour of a potential pregnancy-induced inhibitor of lipoprotein degradation.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy to stage patients with cutaneous melanoma at the National Cancer Institute of Naples. Results from 240 sentinel node biopsies.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: The presence of lymph node metastases in patients with cutaneous melanoma represents the basis for correct therapy planning and is the most powerful prognostic factor to evaluate overall survival at diagnosis. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: Since 1992, when Dr. Morton published his first experience, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy technique seems to have resolved this matter by correctly staging patients. We analyzed our data from 240 SLN biopsies performed in the last five years at the National Cancer Institute of Naples, evaluating the total identification rate and the nodal recurrence rate, and compared them with the preliminary data of the MSLT (melanoma sentinel lymph node trial). RESULTS: Of all SLNs evaluated 18.5% were micrometastatic and 14% were identified by immunohistochemical staining. Forty-one patients had metastatic SLNs and nodal dissection of the positive basins revealed no other tumor-positive lymph nodes in more than 80% of them. All patients with a Breslow thickness of less than 2 mm had micrometastases only in the SLN, while with increasing thickness two, three or more positive nodes were found. Among SLN-negative patients nine (4%) developed lymph node recurrence in the previously treated basin and were therefore considered as false negative SLN biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: The prognostic value of SLN biopsy needs to be confirmed by the final results of the MSLT evaluating the therapeutic use of this procedure in patients with a Breslow thickness of less than 2 mm and its possible impact on the course of the disease.