Impact of Health Literacy on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Benign Gynecology: A Systematic Review.

The objective of this study was to systematically review the relationship between low health literacy and patient-reported outcomes in patients with benign gynecologic conditions. In this specific population, we also sought to determine the current reported prevalence of low health literacy, examine demographic characteristics that may be related to low health literacy, and collate any health literacy interventions described in the literature. A systematic search of MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), Embase, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, PubMed, and clinicaltrials.gov was performed on July 12, 2021, and repeated on October 13, 2023, for terms related to health literacy, specific health literacy measures, and benign gynecologic conditions. There were language or publication period restrictions. Inclusion required primary literature to report associations between health literacy and patient-reported outcomes, using validated tools to quantitatively measure each, in adult women with benign gynecologic conditions. Title screening, abstract screening, and full-text review were conducted with Covidence software (Melbourne, Australia) assisting with the review process. Of the 18,701 studies returned using our search strategy, 25 were selected for full-text review. Of these, no studies met inclusion criteria and reported an association between health literacy and patient-reported outcomes. This study identified a large gap in the literature. Future work should be directed at evaluating the association between health literacy and patient-reported outcomes in benign gynecology to inform patient-centered interventions and care provision.

Development and evaluation of a "simulator-based" ultrasound training program for university teaching in obstetrics and gynecology-the prospective GynSim study.

Introduction: This study addresses the challenges of ultrasound education in obstetrics and gynecology, focusing on the potential benefits of simulation techniques in medical training. Aiming to evaluate the impact of a structured simulator-based training program, this prospective, randomized, interventional study examines its effects on educational outcomes for 5th year medical students. Methods: A total of 153 medical students were randomized into two groups: one receiving both theoretical instruction and hands-on ultrasound simulator training (study group), and the other receiving only theoretical instruction (control group). The study assessed theoretical knowledge and practical skills at two time points: upon enrollment and at the end of the course. The practical skills were specifically evaluated using a dedicated test on the ultrasound simulator. Results: Out of 153 students, 113 completed the study (study group n=59, control group n=54). The students in the study group demonstrated a greater improvement in theoretical test scores. They also achieved better results at the practical test, with regard to image quality, accuracy, and efficiency. Both groups showed an increase in self-confidence and competency in performing ultrasound examinations independently. Students expressed high satisfaction with the course and a positive attitude toward simulator-based training. Discussion: Simulator-based training presents a valuable supplement to traditional clinical education methods in obstetrics and gynecology. This approach is particularly effective in overcoming the challenges posed by the sensitive nature of gynecological examinations in medical student training. The study highlights the benefits of integrating simulator-based methods into medical curricula, improving both theoretical and practical ultrasound skills among students.

Contraceptive strategies for reducing the risk of reproductive cancers.

Reproductive cancers, encompassing various malignancies like endometrial, ovarian, cervical cancer, and gestational trophoblastic neoplasia, pose a significant global health burden. Understanding their patterns is vital for effective prevention and management. Contraceptives show a protective effect against some of these cancers. This clinical guidance document aims to elucidate the disease burden of reproductive cancers and the evidence supporting contraceptive methods in prevention and management. Regional disparities in incidence and mortality highlight the urgent need for targeted interventions, particularly in low-resource settings. Healthcare providers must weigh individual risk profiles and medical eligibility criteria when discussing contraceptive options. Enhanced health literacy through direct patient education is essential for leveraging low-cost behavioral interventions to mitigate reproductive cancer risks.

Comparative Analysis of External and Internal Radiotherapy- Dependent Plans in Patients with Gynecological Cancer.

Background/Aim: Radiotherapy plays a key role in the treatment of gynecological cancer. Modern radiotherapy techniques with external beams (e-RT) are applied in a broad spectrum of gynecological cancer cases. However, high radiation doses, affecting normal tissue adjacent to cancer, represent the main disadvantage of e-RT regimens. For this reason, brachytherapy (BT), an internal beam-based technique (i-RT), is suggested following e-RT. Our purpose was to compare e-RT plans using volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) with those using 3D conformal techniques (3D-CRT) and compare BT plans guided by 3D or 2D imaging based on the potential corresponding toxicity levels. Materials and Methods: In this preliminary, non-randomized comparative retrospective study, 15 females suffering gynecological cancer were enrolled. Modern e-RT and i-RT (BT) techniques were applied. Results: Concerning e-RT, D95/D99/rectum 2cc/bladder 2cc and small intestine 2cc were measured and compared; in i-RT, rectum 2cc/bladder 2cc were measured and compared. The median dose to the planning target volume in VMAT was 97.4 Gy compared with 92.9 Gy in 3D-CRT. Τhe rectum received almost 5 Gy less in VMAT compared to 3D-CRT (median of 43.5 Gy vs. 48.6 Gy; p=0.001). In the bladder, dose differences were minimal, while the small intestine received 47.6 Gy in VMAT (p=0.001). Regarding 3D-BT, the rectum received 63.1 Gy compared with 49.9 Gy (p=0.009) in 2D-BT. Concerning the bladder, mean 2D-BT and 3D-BT doses were 71.9 and 65 Gy, respectively, differing non-significantly. Conclusion: VMAT was found to be superior to 3D-CRT, especially in dose distribution, volume coverage and protection of critical organs. Similarly, 3D-BT should be preferred over 2D-BT due to critical advantages.

Assessment of socioeconomic and racial differences in patients undergoing concurrent gynecologic oncology and urogynecology surgeries: a National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess social determinants of health impacting patients undergoing gynecologic oncology versus combined gynecologic oncology and urogynecology surgeries. METHODS: We identified patients who underwent gynecologic oncology surgeries from 2016 to 2019 in the National Inpatient Sample using the International Classification of Diseases-10 codes. Demographics, including race and insurance status, were compared for patients who underwent gynecologic oncology procedures only (Oncologic) and those who underwent concurrent incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse procedures (Urogynecologic-Oncologic). A logistic regression model assessed variables of interest after adjustment for other relevant variables. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019 the National Inpatient Sample database contained 389 (1.14%) Urogynecologic-Oncologic cases and 33 796 (98.9%) Oncologic cases. Urogynecologic-Oncologic patients were less likely to be white (62.1% vs 68.8%, p=0.02) and were older (median 67 vs 62 years, p<0.001) than Oncologic patients. The Urogynecologic-Oncologic cohort was less likely to have private insurance as their primary insurance (31.9% vs 38.9%, p=0.01) and was more likely to have Medicare (52.2% vs 42.8%, p=0.01). After multivariable analysis, black (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.89, p=0.02) and Hispanic patients (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.10, p=0.02) remained more likely to undergo Urogynecologic-Oncologic surgeries but the primary expected payer no longer differed significantly between the two groups (p=0.95). Age at admission, patient residence, and teaching location remained significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this analysis of a large inpatient database we identified notable racial and geographical differences between the cohorts of patients who underwent Urogynecologic-Oncologic and Oncologic procedures.

Anatomy of the clitoris: the corona of the glans clitoris, clitoral coronal papillae, and the coronopreputial frenulum.

The corona of the glans clitoris is a clinically important yet poorly understood anatomical structure. There has been longstanding confusion regarding the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and, moreover, its very existence. Therefore, this anatomical study assesses the prevalence of the corona of the glans clitoris and the gross anatomy of the proximal glans clitoris. Anatomy was assessed in 104 female donor bodies ranging in age from 50 to 102 years with an average age-at-death of 78.1±10.9 years (mean±SD). All clitorises (100%; 104:104 dorsums and 100%; 208:208 sides) were found to have a well-defined clitoral corona. Three of 104 (2.9%) coronas possessed grossly visible, outward-projecting, bluntly rounded papillae. Some donors possessed a coronopreputial frenulum. Clitoropreputial adhesions were common and associated with clitoral pearls. Clitoral pearls were identified in 37.8% (14:37) of unembalmed donors and observed to create clitoral craters, structural deformations in the surface of the corona and glans. The results of this study suggest that the corona of the glans clitoris is a ubiquitous anatomical structure. The clitoral coronal papillae and coronopreputial frenulum are novel, previously undescribed, anatomical structures. This study identifies that the corona of the glans clitoris is prone to pathological processes such as clitoral pearl formation and clitoral deformation. In addition to novel anatomical findings, the results of this study call attention to the need for life-long clitoral examinations. Furthermore, the corona of the glans clitoris should be regularly included in anatomical texts and accurately depicted in anatomical illustrations.

Prognostic performance of the 2023 FIGO staging schema for endometrial cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the prognostic performance of the 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) endometrial cancer staging schema. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study queried the Commission-on-Cancer's National Cancer Database. Study population was 129,146 patients with stage I-IV endometrial cancer per the 2009 FIGO staging schema. Stage-shifting and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to the 2023 FIGO staging schema. RESULTS: Upstage (IA → II, 21.4 %; IB → II, 53.0 %) and downstage (IIIA→IA3, 22.2 %) occurred in both early and advanced diseases. Inter-stage prognostic performance improved in the 2023 schema with widened 5-year OS rate difference between the earliest and highest stages (68.2 % to 76.9 %). Stage IA1-IIB and IIC had distinct 5-year OS rate differences (85.8-96.1 % vs 75.4 %). The 5-year OS rate of the 2009 stage IIIA disease was 63.9 %; this was greater segregated in the 2023 schema: 88.0 %, 62.4 %, and 55.7 % for IIIA→IA3, IIIA1, and IIIA2, respectively (inter-substage rate-difference, 32.3 %). This 5-year OS rate of stage IA3 disease was comparable to the 2023 stage IB-IIB diseases (88.0 % vs 85.8-89.5 %). In the 2023 stage IIIC schema (micrometastasis rates: 29.6 % in IIIC1 and 15.6 % in IIIC2), micrometastasis and macrometastasis had the distinct 3-year OS rates in both pelvic (IIIC1-i vs IIIC1-ii, 84.9 % vs 71.1 %; rate-difference 13.8 %) and para-aortic (IIIC2-i vs IIIC2-ii, 82.9 % vs 65.2 %; rate-difference 17.7 %) nodal metastasis cases. The 5-year OS rate of the 2009 stage IVB disease was 23.4 %; this was segregated to 25.4 % for stage IVB and 19.2 % for stage IVC in the 2023 staging schema (rate-difference, 6.2 %). CONCLUSION: The 2023 FIGO endometrial cancer staging schema is a major revision from the 2009 FIGO schema. Almost doubled enriched sub-stages based on detailed anatomical metastatic site and incorporation of histological information enable more robust prognostication.

Unsuccessful laparoscopic resection of a large pelvic solitary fibrous tumor: A case report.

We present a rare case of a female pelvic solitary fibrous tumor unsuccessfully resected using single-port laparoscopy, requiring conversion to laparotomy. Although the resection was successful, the surgical approach could have been improved. For large tumors, minimally invasive results are possible with flexible choices of equipment and incision position.

Paving the Way for Medical Students: How Smooth Should the Road Be?

Clerkship directors must balance the mental wellbeing of their medical students with the demanding schedule that rotations in procedural specialties such as surgery and obstetrics and gynecology require. In this paper, the Undergraduate Medical Education Committee of the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology argues the importance of maintaining adequate clinical exposure for learners. Involving students in overnight call provides additional clinical involvement, improved relationships with the clinical team, and a better perspective on specialist lifestyle. Educators should improve the experience for students by promoting resilience and creating a welcoming learning environment. Preparing medical students for the rigorous requirements of these clerkships allows them to thrive in the learning environment while still providing a realistic preview of the clinical experiences and demands of these specialties.

Prevalence and factors associated with anxiety, depression and burnout in gynecology and obstetrics residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of anxiety, depression and burnout in residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics during COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and its associated factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study involving all regions of Brazil, through the application of a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI-HSS) instrument. Multivariate analysis was performed after adjusting the Poisson model. Results: Among the 719 participating medical residents, screening was positive for anxiety in 75.7% and for depression in 49.8% of cases. Burnout syndrome was evidenced in 41.3% of the physicians studied. Those with depression are more likely to have anxiety (OR 0.797; 95%CI 0.687 - 0.925) and burnout syndrome (OR 0.847 95%CI 0.74 - 0.97). Residents with anxiety (OR 0.805; 95%CI 0.699 - 0.928) and burnout (OR 0.841; 95%CI 0.734 - 0.963) are more likely to have depression. Conclusion: High prevalence of anxiety, depression and burnout were found in residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Brazil, in addition to important correlations between anxiety-depression and depression-burnout.

Examining Results of Post-Thelarche Screening Pelvic Ultrasound in Females with Anorectal Malformations.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Mullerian duct anomalies are common in females with anorectal malformations (ARM), though there are no universally recommended screening protocols for identification. Historically, at our institution, we have recommended a screening pelvic ultrasound six months after thelarche and menarche. We aimed to evaluate outcomes associated with our post-thelarche screening pelvic ultrasounds (PUS) in females with ARM. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review was performed of all female patients ≥ 8 years old with ARM and documented thelarche. Data was collected on demographics and clinical course. Primary outcome was adherence to recommended PUS. Secondary outcomes included imaging correlation with suspected Mullerian anatomy and need for intervention based on imaging findings. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these, 87 (77.7%) completed a recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. There were no differences in completion based on age, race, establishment with a primary care provider, insurance status, or type of ARM. Nine patients (10.3%) had findings on their PUS that did not correlate with their suspected Mullerian anatomy; five (5.7%) required intervention with two requiring menstrual suppression, two requiring surgical intervention, and one requiring further imaging. CONCLUSION: Most patients completed the recommended post-thelarche screening PUS. In a small subset of patients, PUS did not correlate with suspected Mullerian anatomy and generated a need for intervention. Post-thelarche PUS can be a useful adjunct in patients with ARM to identify gynecologic abnormalities.

Exposure to the reproductive endocrinology subspecialty among obstetrics and gynecology residency programs.

PURPOSE: Prior studies found that Ob-gyn trainees believe they have inadequate experience in the REI subspecialty. We evaluated the amount of time devoted to REI within the 4-year rotation schedule of ACGME-accredited Ob-gyn residency programs. METHODS: A list of current Ob-gyn residency programs, both with and without REI fellowships, was created using ACOG and ACGME databases. The programs' websites were reviewed, or the program coordinator was queried to determine the length and year of REI rotation, and the career or fellowships pursued by alumni. Wilcoxon rank sum test was utilized to assess differences in total REI rotation time between REI-affiliated and non-affiliated programs. Spearman's correlation was utilized to assess the association between total REI exposure and the percentage of alumni pursuing REI fellowships. RESULTS: Cumulative length of REI rotations throughout residency ranged from 0 to 20 weeks. Mean cumulative rotation length was greater in non-REI than in REI-affiliated programs (7.4 weeks vs. 6.1 weeks, p = 0.007). However, REI-affiliated programs had greater exposure to REI rotations during the first 2 years of residency (3.9 weeks vs 3.1 weeks, p = 0.042). Among all programs, 24% had the REI rotation in PGY-1, 61% in PGY-2, 50% in PGY-3, and 16% in PGY-4. The proportion of alumni matching in REI fellowship was significantly greater in REI-affiliated programs than non-REI affiliated programs (9.5% vs. 3.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared to non-REI affiliated programs, Ob-gyn residencies affiliated with REI fellowships spend less time throughout residency training in REI rotations while sending a greater proportion of residents to REI fellowships.

Sexual Health for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals: Routine Examination, Sexually-Transmitted Infection Screening, and Prevention.

Gynecologists play a critical role in the office evaluation of transgender and gender diverse individuals. This includes the provision of essential healthcare services including the treatment and prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and sexually-transmitted infections and screening for human papillomavirus infection-related diseases and cancers. Caring for patients who identify as transgender or gender diverse (TGD) and who have undergone gender-affirming surgical treatments is challenging due in part to clinical gaps in knowledge resulting from insufficient training and educational resources. A patient-centered approach to the care of TGD individuals requires knowledge of the general principles of affirming, holistic care with attention to the risk factors, and anatomic considerations unique to this population. This review aims to provide basic knowledge needed for the successful gynecologic evaluation of a gender diverse patient.

Experiences of Women With Medical Abortion Care Reflected in Social Media (VEILLE Study): Noninterventional Retrospective Exploratory Infodemiology Study.

BACKGROUND: Abortion (also known as termination of pregnancy) is an essential element of women's reproductive health care. Feedback from women who underwent medical termination of pregnancy about their experience is crucial to help practitioners identify women's needs and develop necessary tools to improve the abortion care process. However, the collection of this feedback is quite challenging. Social media offer anonymity for women who share their abortion experience. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory infodemiology study aimed to analyze, through French social media posts, personal medical symptoms and the different experiences and information dynamics associated with the medical abortion process. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed by analyzing posts geolocated in France and published from January 1, 2017, to November 30, 2021. Posts were extracted from all French-language general and specialized publicly available web forums using specific keywords. Extracted messages were cleaned and pseudonymized. Automatic natural language processing methods were used to identify posts from women having experienced medical abortion. Biterm topic modeling was used to identify the main discussion themes and the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities was used to identify medical terms. Encountered difficulties were explored using qualitative research methods until the saturation of concepts was reached. RESULTS: Analysis of 5398 identified posts (3409 users) led to the identification of 9 major topics: personal experience (n=2413 posts, 44.7%), community support (n=1058, 19.6%), pain and bleeding (n=797, 14.8%), psychological experience (n=760, 14.1%), questioned efficacy (n=410, 7.6%), social pressure (n=373, 6.9%), positive experiences (n=257, 4.8%), menstrual cycle disorders (n=107, 2%), and reported inefficacy (n=104, 1.9%). Pain, which was mentioned in 1627 (30.1%) of the 5398 posts by 1024 (30.0%) of the 3409 users, was the most frequently reported medical term. Pain was considered severe to unbearable in 24.5% of the cases (399 of the 1627 posts). Lack of information was the most frequently reported difficulty during and after the process. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that French women used social media to share their experiences, offer and find support, and provide and receive information regarding medical abortion. Infodemiology appears to be a useful tool to obtain women's feedback, therefore offering the opportunity to enhance care in women undergoing medical abortion.

Gynecologic Care of Black Breast Cancer Survivors.

Purpose of Review: Black patients suffer from breast cancer-related racial health disparities, which could have implications on their gynecologic care. This review explores considerations in the gynecologic care of Black breast cancer survivors. Recent Findings: Black people have a higher risk of leiomyoma and endometrial cancer, which could confound bleeding patterns such as in the setting of tamoxifen use. As Black people are more likely to have early-onset breast cancer, this may have implications on long-term bone and heart health. Black patients may be more likely to have menopausal symptoms at baseline and as a result of breast cancer treatment. Furthermore, Black patients are less likely to utilize assisted reproductive technology and genetic testing services. Summary: It is important for healthcare providers to be well-versed in the intersections of breast cancer and gynecologic care. Black breast cancer survivors may have unique considerations for which practitioners should be knowledgeable.

Discharge within 24 h, transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery- more suitable for ambulatory surgery in gynecology procedures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is an achievement in the field of minimally invasive surgery. However, the vantage point of vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) in gynecologicalprocedures remains unclear. The main purpose of this study was to compare vNOTES with laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery, and to determine which procedure is more suitable for ambulatory surgery in gynecologic procedures. METHODS: This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Department of Gynecology, Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital. The 207 enrolled patients had accepted vNOTES and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery in gynecology procedures from February 2021 to March 2022. Surgically relevant information regarding patients who underwent ambulatory surgery was collected, and 64 females underwent vNOTES. RESULTS: Multiple outcomes were analyzed in 207 patients. The Wilcoxon Rank-Sum test showed that there were statistically significant differences between the vNOTES and laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery groups in terms of postoperative pain score (0 vs. 1 scores, p = 0.026), duration of anesthesia (90 vs. 101 min, p = 0.025), surgery time (65 vs. 80 min, p = 0.015), estimated blood loss (20 vs. 40 mL, p < 0.001), and intestinal exhaustion time (12.20 vs. 17.14 h, p < 0.001). Treatment with vNOTES resulted in convenience, both with respect to time savings and hemorrhage volume in surgery and with respect to the quality of the prognosis. CONCLUSION: These comprehensive data reveal the capacity of vNOTES to increase surgical efficiency. vNOTES in gynecological procedures may demonstrate sufficient feasibility and provide a new medical strategy compared with laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery for ambulatory surgery in gynecological procedures.

Investigating racial/ethnic differences in procedure experience in obstetrics & gynecology trainees at a single academic institution: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Discrimination is common in medical education. Resident physicians of races and ethnicities underrepresented in medicine experience daily discrimination which has been proven to negatively impact training. There is limited data on the impact of resident race/ethnicity on OB/GYN surgical training. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of race/ethnicity on procedural experience in OB/GYN training. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of graduated OB/GYN resident case logs from 2009 to 2019 was performed at a single urban academic institution. Self-reported race/ethnicity data was collected. Association between URM and non-URM were analyzed using t-tests. Trainees were categorized by self-reported race/ethnicity into underrepresented in medicine (URM) (Black, Hispanic, Native American) and non-URM (White, Asian). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 84 residents: 19% URM (N = 16) and 79% non-URM (n = 66). Difference between URM and non-URM status and average case volume was analyzed using t-tests. There was no difference between non-URM and URM trainees and reported mean number of Total GYN (349 vs. 334, p = 0.31) and Total OB (624 vs. 597, P = 0.11) case logs. However, compared with non-URM, on average URM performed fewer Total procedures (1562 vs. 1469, P = 0.04). Analyzing individual procedures showed a difference in average number of abortions performed between URM and non-URM (76 vs. 53, P = 0.02). There were no other statistically significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: This single institution study highlights potential differences in trainee experience by race/ethnicity. Larger national studies are warranted to further explore these differences to identify bias and discrimination, and to ensure equitable experience for all trainees.