[Secondary labiaplasty: Retrospective study about 44 cases. Annual report SOFCPRE 2019]. / Nymphoplastie secondaire : étude rétrospective à propos de 44 cas. Rapport annuel de la SOFCPRE 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Labiaplasty is a surgery currently booming. The number of publications on this subject is also increasing significantly. With the increase of the operated cases, we see more and more consultations for revisions after a labiaplasty, called secondary labiaplasty. The author reports here his experience with secondary labiaplasties in 44 cases. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study carried out by the author reports 44 cases divided into two categories of secondary labiaplasties. The first category is characterized by a wound dehiscence, including those following the author's lambda laser procedures, which are easily repaired under local anesthesia after border cutting and suture. The second category is characterized by over-resections or real amputations or even remains of atypical flaps. DISCUSSION: The over-resection is a technical fault. In this case, the technique used to improve the aesthetic, functional and psychological aspect is the use of the remains of labia minora in the form of a flap to avoid a dog-ear appearance at the anterior and posterior part. The use of lipofilling of the labia majora is to mask the area and improve the function. The future of this surgery is probably the reconstruction of the labia minora by local flaps. CONCLUSION: The conclusion of the study is that it is imperative that surgeons performing labiaplasties be trained in both anatomy and labiaplasty techniques and avoid as much as possible over-resections and amputations, mending being often difficult.

Human papillomavirus 16-specific T cell responses in classic HPV-related vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia. Determination of strongly immunogenic regions from E6 and E7 proteins.

Cell-mediated immunity directed against human papillomavirus 16 (HPV-16) antigens was studied in 16 patients affected with classic vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia (VIN), also known as bowenoid papulosis (BP). Ten patients had blood lymphocyte proliferative T cell responses directed against E6/2 (14-34) and/or E6/4 (45-68) peptides, which were identified in the present study as immunodominant among HPV-16 E6 and E7 large peptides. Ex vivo enzyme-linked immunospot-interferon (IFN)-gamma assay was positive in three patients who had proliferative responses. Twelve months later, proliferative T cell responses remained detectable in only six women and the immunodominant antigens remained the E6/2 (14-34) and E6/4 (45-68) peptides. The latter large fragments of peptides contained many epitopes able to bind to at least seven human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and were strong binders to seven HLA-DR class II molecules. In order to build a therapeutic anti-HPV-16 vaccine, E6/2 (14-34) and E6/4 (45-68) fragments thus appear to be good candidates to increase HPV-specific effector T lymphocyte responses and clear classic VIN (BP) disease lesions.

Postoperative evaluation of chronic pain in patients with Mayer - Rokitansky - Küster - Hauser (MRKH) syndrome and uterine horn remnant: Experience of a tertiary referring gynaecological department.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with Mayer - Rokitansky - Küster - Hauser (MRKH) syndrome often experience chronic pelvic pain negatively impacting their life's quality. Our understanding of the factors involved in this symptom remains poor. The aim of our study was to further investigate the different components of this pelvic pain in patients with MRKH undergoing pelvic surgery. Our second objective was to assess the evolution of this pain in patients undergoing surgical removal of their uterine horn remnant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients treated in our tertiary referring gynaecological department. Patients included had a MRKH syndrome with at least one uterine horn remnant and all underwent at least one surgical procedure in our centre. Descriptive analysis of the main characteristics and of the management of these patients was conducted. Postoperative pain was evaluated using simple words and / or analgesic consumption evaluation. RESULTS: Between 1991 and 2013, twenty-one patients were included in our centre. Out of them, 20 (95 %) had chronic pelvic pain, mostly cyclic pain lasting 2-3 days. Fourteen patients had surgical removal of their uterine horns remnant and only 3 patients (21 %) had persistent pain at their postoperative visit. Surgical findings included peritoneal endometriosis in 8 patients (38 %) and other unexpected findings in 6. At pathological analysis, secretary endometrium in the uterine horn remnant was found in 11 patients (79 %). CONCLUSION: The origin of chronic pain in MRKH is combining several factors such as endometriosis or secretary endometrium. Surgical removal of uterine horn remnant improved most of our patients' pelvic chronic pain. Further studies should help improve our understanding of this specific entity.

Fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with bicorporeal uterus and blind hemivagina: 20 years of experience in a tertiary referral gynaecological department.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate fertility and pregnancy outcomes in patients with uterus bicorporeal and blind hemivagina. Our second objective was to investigate factors predicting fertility and pregnancy outcomes in those patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis in a tertiary referring gynaecological department, in France. We included all patients with uterus bicorporeal and blind hemivagina who underwent at least one surgery in our centre. Initial characteristics of the patients included were extracted from their medical charts and patients were contacted to assess their fertility and pregnancies outcomes upon their consent to participate to the study. RESULTS: Between 1989 and 2010, 79 patients fulfilled inclusion criteria and were selected for analysis. Mean follow up of those patients was of 16.15 (QI 10-21) years. Forty-six patients (58.2%) returned the survey and among them, 21 (45.7%) were fertile, 8 (17.4%) were infertile and 17 (37%) never attempted to get pregnant following initial management. Forty-nine pregnancies were included to assess pregnancies outcomes: 11 (22.5%) early miscarriages, 1 (2.0%) extra-uterine pregnancy, 2 (4.1%) second semester miscarriages and 35 (71.4%) leaded to living birth. Nineteen (54.3%) deliveries occurred by caesarean section and 14 (40.0%) by vaginal delivery. Fifteen pregnancies (42.9%) were complicated. In univariate analysis, adhesiolysis performed at the time of initial surgery was the only factor associated with infertility (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Fertility seems to be perfectly conserved in those patients and they do not have increased rate of adverse pregnancies outcomes.

[Pertussis vaccine coverage in postpartum women]. / Couverture vaccinale contre la coqueluche chez les femmes accouchées.

OBJECTIVE: Since July 2006, it has been recommended to give a booster of a pertussis vaccine to women just after delivery, if they have received their last dose more than 10 years before. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pertussis vaccine coverage in a cohort of women just after delivery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients (n=31) hospitalized in postpartum unit on the 15th September 2006 were included in the study. They were submitted a questionnaire and medical records available in the department were reviewed. RESULTS: The vaccination coverage was not indicated in any medical records. Only six patients claimed they knew their pertussis vaccination status (less than five years: two patients, between five and 10 years: two patients, more than 10 years: two patients). Two patients had their vaccination booklet. The pertussis vaccine coverage is probably very low. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The information about pertussis vaccine status in postpartum women is not available currently because it is not recorded by medical team and is unknown by patients themselves. An effort in educating obstetricians and corrective actions are necessary if we want the recent vaccine schedule to be followed.

[Epidemiology of vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasias]. / Epidémiologie des néoplasies vulvaires intraépithéliales.

The vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia has been identified as one of the 12 neoplasias whose incidence increases in the developed countries. The vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and invasive vulvar cancer incidence increases by 2.4% per annum; and this principally in young women. The VIN account for 57% of the vulvar neoplasias and are actually more frequent than invasive carcinomas. In the United States, between 1973 and 2000, the incidence of the VIN increased by 411% against 20% for invasive cancers. Similar figures were reported from Norwegian registers. The VIN have a different age distribution than invasive cancers: the incidence of the VIN increases until the age of 40-49 years then decreases while the incidence of invasive cancers increases after 50 years without real peak of incidence. The increase in the incidence of VIN could be followed by an increase in the incidence of invasive cancers but the unknowns on the natural history of the VIN and the impact of the treatments make any extrapolation hazardous. The association between the VIN and the human papillomavirus (HPV) has been well established. It should be noted that, contrary to the cervical neoplasia that are related for nearly 100% to the HPV, only 30-40% of invasive cancers of the vulva are related to HPV, while the other carcinomas are related to the evolution of a vulvar lichen sclerous. The HPV induce various types of anogenital lesion according to their genotype. These lesions can be benign for the HPV6 and 11 and preneoplastic or neoplastic for the HPV16 and 18. The presence of HPV16 and 18 is found in 70 to 80% of the VIN suggesting that HPV vaccines could decrease the incidence VIN and HPV related invasive vulvar cancer.

[Interpretation of sentinel node identification in vulvar cancer]. / Interprétation de l'identification du ganglion sentinelle dans les cancers vulvaires.

OBJECTIVE: Sentinel node (SN) identification in vulvar carcinoma would avoid groin dissection and its complications in early stages, but we first have to validate the method, as an unrecognised node metastasis is detrimental to survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Since June 2002, 38 patients with T1 or T2 lesions underwent SN identification by radioactive tracer injection and scintigraphy with, on the following day, per operative use of a handheld probe +/- patent blue dye. In case of a midline lesion, a bilateral inguinal dissection was performed whatever the result of SN identification. SN free from disease were ultrastaged with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: 1 or more SN were identified in 36 out of 38 patients. 64 groins were analysed, 15 with node metastases. In 9 out of these 15 cases the SN was metastatic, in 5 it had not been identified, and in 1 it was a false negative. In these last 6 cases, there were massively metastatic nodes in the groin. In 19 out of the 26 midline lesions the surgeon identified only unilateral SN. The side without SN contained metastatic nodes in 5 cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Failure in SN identification is sometimes related to a massively invaded node. This should be taken into account especially in the management of midline tumors where a seemingly unilateral drainage at scintigraphy warrants nevertheless a surgical assessment of the mute groin.

New natural inactivating mutations of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor: correlations between receptor function and phenotype.

Premature ovarian failure occurs in almost 1% of women under age 40. Molecular alterations of the FSH receptor (FSHR) have recently been described. A first homozygous mutation of the FSHR was identified in Finland. More recently, we described two new mutations of the FSHR in a woman presenting a partial FSH-resistance syndrome (patient 1). We now report new molecular alterations of the FSHR in another woman (patient 2) who presented at the age of 19 with primary amenorrhea contrasting with normal pubertal development. She had high plasma FSH, and numerous ovarian follicles up to 3 mm in size were evidenced by ultrasonography. Histological and immunohistochemical examination of ovarian biopsies revealed the presence of a normal follicular development up to the antral stage and disruption at further stages. DNA sequencing showed two heterozygous mutations: Asp224Val in the extracellular domain and Leu601Val in the third extracellular loop of FSHR. Cells transfected with expression vectors encoding the wild type or the mutated Leu601Val receptors bound hormone with similar affinity, whereas binding was barely detectable with the Asp224Val mutant. Confocal microscopy showed the latter to have an impaired targeting to the cell membrane. This was confirmed by its accumulation as a mannose-rich precursor. Adenylate cyclase stimulation by FSH of the Leu601Val mutant receptor showed a 12+/-3% residual activity, whereas in patient 1 a 24+/-4% residual activity was detected for the Arg573Cys mutant receptor. These results are in keeping with the fact that estradiol and inhibin B levels were higher in patient 1 and that stimulation with recombinant FSH did not increase follicular size, estradiol, or inhibin B levels in patient 2 in contrast to what was observed for patient 1. Thus, differences in the residual activity of mutated FSHR led to differences in the clinical, biological, and histological phenotypes of the patient.

[Ectopic pregnancy with etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon): first case]. / Grossesse extra-utérine survenue sous contraception par implant d'étonogestrel (Implanon): premier cas.

We describe the first case of ectopic pregnancy occurring in a patient with an etonogestrel contraceptive implant (Implanon). There was no factor predisposing to a failure of the technique (implant in place for less than 2 years and normal BMI). In addition there was no risk factor for an ectopic location of the pregnancy. We discuss the role of the micro progestative in the location of the pregnancy. This case report emphasizes the fact that ectopic pregnancy should not be ruled out in women taking this contraception, however efficient it is otherwise.

[Operative technique: The clitoral transposition]. / Technique opératoire: la transposition clitoridienne.

Female sexual mutilations result in an important physical and mental suffering. A large number of women have been affected and require a global management, including surgical clitoral transposition. This surgical technique is allowing a rapid improvement of clinical symptoms. In this article, we will describe the indications and operative technique of the clitoral transposition.

Vulvovaginal involvement in toxic epidermal necrolysis: a retrospective study of 40 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, features, and surgical treatment of vulvovaginal lesions in toxic epidermal necrolysis. METHODS: Acute genital lesions were studied retrospectively in 40 women hospitalized for toxic epidermal necrolysis in a dermatologic intensive care unit. A questionnaire was sent to evaluate sequelae and their effects on sexual activity. Examination and surgical treatment were proposed to patients with symptomatic sequelae. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of the 40 patients reported genital lesions during the acute phase of toxic epidermal necrolysis. No specific treatment was carried out during the acute period. Sequelae were observed in five cases, of which three involved the lower genital tract and two the vulva exclusively. The two patients with exclusive vulval involvement did not attempt any sexual activity. The other three patients with both vulval and vaginal lesions were unable to have normal sexual intercourse. Two of the three patients were treated surgically. One patient succeeded in having intercourse, but surgery failed to relieve dyspareunia. CONCLUSION: Genital involvement is frequent during toxic epidermal necrolysis but rarely leads to symptomatic sequelae. Surgery for synechiae is sometimes necessary to recover sexual activity because the vulvovaginal canal is stenotic. Because of the partial effect on pain relief after surgery, a preventive approach should be tried.

Catalase-associated abnormalities and H2O2 increase in pre-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of the human lower female genital tract and their near adjacent epithelia.

We report that an internal and non-UV-dependent type of neoplasia, the human cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (SIL), is also deficient in catalase activity, like the UV-induced tumors in the autosomal recessive human epithelial disease, xeroderma pigmentosum (XP). Whether or not the lesions are papillomavirus (HPV) positive in the different categories of preneoplastic and neoplastic extracts, the following parameters are affected: i), catalase activity level; ii), kinetic profile of catalase activity; iii), H2O2 increase. Mathematical treatment of these parameters (CONSTEL-Program), unambiguously distinguishes between normal and pathological cases. Such analyses make it possible to grade the pathological samples into 4 classes, depending on their deviance from normality. These classes may be correlated with the gradual steps in the process of malignant transformation defined by histological and clinical diagnosis. We found conformity between catalase activity and histological analyses in 66 biopsies, out of a total of 100 biopsies (35 patients). Moreover, 23 patients presenting decreased catalase activities in 31 biopsies showed disease progression after 3 to 6 months contrary to surgery histological data. We show that ATP synthesis in the presence of catalase and H2O2 (further aspect of catalase function), may occur in neoplastic extracts at much lower concentrations of H2O2 than in normal extracts. Thus, the catalase abnormality seems to be a good tool to study pre-neoplastic to neoplastic evolution of lesions and their adjacent tissues of the lower female genital tract; furthermore, i) it provides an earlier, more powerful means of detecting micro-SIL in progression to squamous cell carcinoma, than combined clinical and histological examinations; ii) model for investigating drugs such as in situ H2O2 scavengers or agents increasing glutathione peroxidase activity (GSH).

Plasma coenzyme Q10 concentrations in breast cancer: prognosis and therapeutic consequences.

BACKGROUND: Coenzyme Q10 or ubiquinone is a redox component of the respiratory chain, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. METHODS: In order to better understand the role of this vitamin in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, a clinical trial including 200 women hospitalized for the biopsy and/or the ablation of a breast tumor was conducted. Ubiquinone plasma concentrations were determined simultaneously with vitamin E plasma concentrations (as antioxidant reference) by HPLC. RESULTS: A coenzyme Q10 deficiency was noted both in carcinomas (80 patients) and non-malignant lesions (120 patients), while vitamin E concentrations were within the normal range. A correlation was shown between the intensity of the deficiency and the bad prognosis of the breast disease based on high TNM and SBR values or the lack of estrogen receptors. However, neither cathepsin D level nor adenopathy invasion was related to ubiquinone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Since prooxidants may promote tumorigenesis, ubiquinone supplementation in breast cancer could be relevant.

Creation of a sigmoid neovagina: technique and results in 16 cases.

OBJECTIVE: For correction of the absence of vagina, sigmoidal colpoplasty is believed to provide a neovagina immediately adequate and with permanent patency. We present one of the largest series and discuss advantages and drawbacks of this procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Our personal technique is described and 16 consecutive cases are reviewed. Anatomical (depth and width of the neovagina) and functional (existence of discharge and coital function) aspects are addressed. RESULTS: An adequate neovagina was obtained in every case, however, in nine cases iterative dilatations were previously required. Two prolapses of the nevagina were noticed and required surgical treatment. The follow up ranges from 6 to 36 months. At this point, only nine patients report intercourse. In five cases a psychological brake is strongly suspected to interfere. Four patients experience significant discharge. CONCLUSION: Despite satisfactory anatomical results, the sigmoid neovagina is not always immediately suitable. Complete adequacy for coital function often requires prolonged care and support.

Paget's disease of the vulva: results of different conservative treatments.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate three conservative treatments for vulvar Paget's disease: wide excision, laser alone, or limited surgery associated with laser. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of 52 patients treated with wide excision (31 cases), limited surgery, and peripheral laser [Br J Obstet Gynecol 1995;102:359], or laser alone [Gynecol Oncol 1975;3:46]. RESULTS: Mean time to recurrence was 1+/-0.6 years after laser alone, 1.9+/-1.5 years after the association limited excision and peripheral laser, and 2.7+/-1 years after wide excision alone. At 1 year recurrence rates were 67% after laser alone, 33% after the association laser plus surgery, and 23% after wide excision. CONCLUSION: Conservative management preserves vulvar anatomy and function, but recurrence rates are high.

Longitudinal vaginal septum: a retrospective study of 202 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess issues and management of longitudinal vaginal septum. STUDY DESIGN: The charts of 202 patients referred for a longitudinal vaginal septum over a 24 year period were reviewed. RESULTS: The most common septa were complete and high partial. Associated uterine malformations were frequent (87.8% of the cases), especially in complete or partial high septum (99.4%). The septum was asymptomatic in 56.4% of the cases. Obstetrical concerns are mainly related to a uterine malformation, but a thick septum may be responsible for dystocia. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the vaginal septa are symptomatic enough to require surgical treatment. However, for obstetrical issues management should include a thorough evaluation of uterine anatomy and preventive section of the septum even when asymptomatic.

Severe uterine diastolic notch as a prognostic factor in preeclamptic women.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of grade II uterine diastolic notch to predict maternal or perinatal outcome during conservative management of preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed medical charts of 35 pregnant women admitted for hypertension and > or =1+ urine dipstick protein determination and who had a uterine Doppler examination at admission. Grade I notch was defined as a 'nadir' in early diastole higher than half of peak diastolic notch velocity. Grade II diastolic notch was defined as a 'nadir' in early diastole lower than half of peak diastolic notch velocity. RESULTS: Thirty-one preeclamptic women were admitted at 30.1+/-3 weeks. Of them, 23 had a grade I notch (group I) and eight a grade II notch (group II). Rates of abruptio placenta, eclampsia, thrombocytopenia, stillbirth, birth weight < or = 3rd centile, fetal distress before delivery and neonatal death were similar in the two groups. Rates of delivery before 32 weeks and newborn spending more than 48 h in neonatal intensive care unit were significantly higher in group II. Admission-to-delivery interval was significantly lower in group II (2.6+/-1.5 vs. 9.4+/-8.7 days, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Grade II notch seems to identify in preeclamptic women those with a higher risk of early pregnancy termination.

Acute fetal distress after fetal blood sampling (case report).

The authors report a case of acute fetal distress after fetal blood sampling, performed for fetal karyotype because of a precocious and symmetrical fetal growth retardation without maternal hypertension or ultrasonographic evidence of fetal malformation. A cesarean section performed because of acute fetal distress showed the newborn to be hypotrophic, with a major acidosis and a refractory hypoxemia. The new born died despite intensive care. Acute fetal anemia was assumed to be the cause of acute fetal distress. The authors emphasize the use of FHR in fetal survey after fetal blood sampling.

Vulvovaginal sequelae in toxic epidermal necrolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of vulvar lesions during the acute and healing periods in toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), to describe the clinical aspects and functional consequences, and to evaluate surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: During the acute period in 40 patients, cutaneous and mucous lesions were described on the day of hospitalization and daily thereafter. To evaluate the healing period, a questionnaire was sent to the same 40 patients to obtain information on symptomatology after the acute period, anatomic modifications, and the quality of sexual and other genital activity. RESULTS: During the acute period, genital lesions were present in 28 of the 40 patients studied (70%). In 24/28 (89%) the lesions were vulvar only, and in 3/28 (11%) they were vulvovaginal. In one case vaginal involvement could not be proven because the patient was a virgin. During the healing period, sequelae occurred in 5 of the 40 patients (12.5%): four cases were known since the patients had visited the Department of Gynecology because of secondary effects, and one case was detected by the questionnaire. The symptoms occurred during hospitalization in 1 case, at the end of the second month in 2, at the 12th month in 1 and unknown in 1. The site was the vulva in all five cases and was the vulva and vagina in three. Again, the virgin could not be examined. The average interval between secondary effects and the original gynecologic visit was 7 months (3-12). The sequelae were treated surgically in two of the five affected patients: on the vulva, nymphoplasty, posthectomy and median perineotomy; in the vagina, sharp and blunt dissection, with use of a soft mold. The first patient had a recurrence six months after surgery, and the second had no recurrence but has been unable to engage in intercourse. CONCLUSION: From our study of the involvement of the vulva and vagina during TEN and the sequelae, it is clear that detection from the questionnaire was insufficient. Some women can have synechiae without functional sequelae, and others can have minor involvement with important psychological repercussions. A prospective study with systematic examination of the vulvovaginal area and systematic follow-up for at least one year is needed. For therapy, a lubricant gel (perhaps topical steroids) could be useful. Placing a soft mold in the vagina as soon as possible, though difficult, and keeping it there until complete healing occurs can lead to infection. It is not clear that use of a mold would promote healing or be tolerated. Intercourse immediately after the acute period would be helpful but probably would not be welcome to the patients. However useful, a prospective survey would be difficult because it would entail many years of study.

[Criteria of pregnancy termination in women with preeclampsia]. / Critères d'extraction foetale dans la prééclampsie.

Preeclampsia remains an important cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity. Delivery is always the appropriate therapy for the mother but may be responsible for neonatal adverse outcomes, particularly when it occurs at less than < 34 weeks' gestation. In women with severe preeclampsia at < 34 weeks expectant management to improve neonatal mortality and morbidity may be performed under close monitoring of both the mother and the fetus. Any severe condition of the mother (HELLP syndrome, abruptio placentae, eclampsia) or the fetus (abnormal fetal heart rate) should lead to prompt delivery. In women with mild preeclampsia, expectant management should be performed until 38 weeks gestation.