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Background: Incidence of Tuberculosis (TB) cases in India reported in 2019 is 193 per 1 lakh population [National Tuberculosis Elimination Plan (NTEP)]. In India, annual extra pulmonary TB burden is 20-25%, of which 4% of cases are of urogenital origin (Revised National TB Control Programme, 2019; World Health Organization, 2019). The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025 under the NTEP by the process of identification, notification and treatment of cases. Tuberculosis being a leading cause of infertility in developing countries, employing best clinical practices and being "TB-minded" will also save the patient of enormous anxiety and uncertainity and also decrease the time gap between clinical presentation and diagnosis to optimize fertility outcome., Methodology: A prospective cohort study of cases presenting with unusual findings and ultimately being diagnosed as genital tuberculosis was conducted in the gynaecology OPD, AIIMS, New Delhi, from November 2020 to November 2021 (1 year). Patients were investigated judiciously, diagnosis made and followed up for their response to anti tuberculosis therapy (ATT)., Results: This data comprises of conglomerate of ten cases with unconventional exhibition of genital tuberculosis. 70% of the cases presented with pain lower abdomen not specifically related to menstrual cycle and often confused with IBD. Tubo ovarian mass (70%) mimicking as simple ovarian cyst, ovarian carcinoma or endometriosis was the most common clinical finding we came across., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors have none to declare., (Copyright © 2023 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To evaluate the hysteroscopic findings in female genital tuberculosis., Design: It was a prospective study of hysteroscopic findings performed on 348 cases of female genital tuberculosis (FGTB)., Setting: It was a prospective cross-sectional study in a tertiary referral centre., Patients: A total of 348 patients with infertility with FGTB on various tests., Intervention: A total of 348 patients of infertility found to have FGTB on various investigations were enrolled in the study. A detailed history was taken. Clinical examination, endometrial sampling and diagnostic laparoscopy were performed was also performed in selected cases. All patients underwent hysteroscopy as part of evaluation for infertility and tuberculosis (TB) findings., Measurements and Main Results: The mean age, parity, body mass index and duration of infertility was 28.2 years, 0.31,23.1kg/m 2 and 3.44 years respectively. Infertility was primary in 81.03% and secondary in 18.96% cases. Diagnosis of FGTB was made by endometrial aspirate findings of positive AFB on microscopy (4.02%), positive culture (4.88%), positive PCR (83.90%), epithelioid granuloma (14.65%), positive AFB on microscopy or culture of peritoneal cytology (1.14%) or epithelioid granuloma on peritoneal biopsy (1.72%), definitive findings of TB on laparoscopy (41.95%) or probable findings of TB on laparoscopy (58.05%). Various hysteroscopic findings observed were normal findings (28.16%), pale endometrial cavity (54.31%), features of active TB (7.47%), features of chronic TB (19.54%), features of TB sequelae like obstructed ostia (both ostia in 13.79%, one ostia 14.94%, periostial fibrosis; (bilateral 4.59%, unilateral 5.17%), endometrial glands atrophy (12.35%), small shrunken cavity (6.32%), distorted cavity (5.17%), various grades of intrauterine adhesions (29.88%). Hysteroscopy in FGTB was associated with increased difficulties and complications like failed procedures, difficult visualisation, false passage and uterine perforation., Conclusion: Hysteroscopy is useful modality to detect endometrial TB but is associated with increased difficulty and complications., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest The authors have none to declare., (Copyright © 2021 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Many routine and elective services have already been postponed or suspended by both Government and private setups in most parts of the world because of the unprecedented pandemic of COVID-19. Healthcare systems everywhere in the world are under pressure. Being a component of essential health services, family planning and abortion services should continue to cater the population in order to prevent the complications arising from unintended pregnancies and sudden rise in STIs. Due to airborne nature of transmission of the virus, it is advisable for all consultations relating to family planning services to be done remotely unless and until visit is absolutely necessary. Contraception initiation and continuation can be done by telemedicine in most individuals. Post partum contraception can be advised before discharge from hospital. In an individual planning for pregnancy, currently it is not advisable to discontinue contraceptive and plan for pregnancy as not much is known about the effect of the virus on foetal development. Also, pregnancy requires routine antenatal and peripartum care and complications arising from pregnancy may necessitate frequent hospital visits, exposing the individual to the risk of infection. Abortion services are time sensitive therefore should not be denied or delayed beyond legal limit. We need to change from real to virtual consultation to prevent the rise in unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections and unsafe abortions., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Ovarian cancer is represented with significantly higher mortality rate predominately due to asymptomatic behaviour during initial disease course and at diagnosis majority patients already progressed to advanced stage. Acellular fraction of ascites in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has been suggested to promote growth of tumor cells by providing ambient micro-environment for their proliferation. This acellular fraction contains multiple growth factors including IL-6 and VEGF-A, which were exploited to establish their bio-marker significance in EOC patients., Methods: IL-6 and VEGF-A levels in ascitic fluid of 30 EOC patients and 15 controls were measured using high sensitivity sandwich enzyme linked immune sorbent (ELISA) assay. Their levels were correlated with clinico-pathological characteristics and bio-marker potential was assessed., Results and Conclusion: EOC patients showed significantly higher levels for IL-6 (median-5636 pg/ml) and VEGF-A (median-4556 pg/ml) in ascitic fluid compared to controls. Levels of IL-6 and VEGF-A significantly correlated with clinico-pathological parameters. ROC curves of IL-6 and VEGF-A showed absolute combination of sensitivity and specificity. Kaplan Meier analysis demonstrated that higher levels of IL-6 and VEGF-A were significantly associated with shorter progression free survival. Thus, this study revealed that IL-6 and VEGF-A have great potential to be used as superior bio-markers for progression free survival in future after validation in larger patients' cohort., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aims: To demonstrate an association between female genital tuberculosis (FGTB) and endometriosis., Methods: A total of 16 women who underwent laparoscopy (12 cases) or laparotomy (4 cases) and were found to have female genital tuberculosis and endometriosis were enrolled in this retrospective study., Results: The mean age and parity were 28.2 years and 0.2, respectively. Past history of tuberculosis was present in 75% of the women (pulmonary in 50%). Menstrual dysfunction (especially oligomenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea), constitutional symptoms, infertility, abdominal pain and lump were the main complaints. Diagnosis of FGTB was made by positive acid-fast bacilli (AFB) on microscopy, culture of endometrial aspirate, positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR), histopathological finding of epitheliod granuloma or findings of TB on laparoscopy or laparotomy. Diagnosis of endometriosis was made by laparoscopy or laparotomy. Pelvic adhesions were seen in all women, whereas frozen pelvis was seen in 7 (43.7%) women. Surgery was performed, which was laparoscopic adhesiolysis in 12 (75%), drainage of endometrioma in 12 (75%), cystectomy in 8 (50%), and total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in 4 (25%) cases. With more then one type of (surgery in many cases)., Discussion: Female genital tuberculosis and endometriosis may have similar manifestations and can co-exist., (Copyright © 2017 Tuberculosis Association of India. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To study the effect of antitubercular treatment (ATT) on the laparoscopic abdominopelvic and fallopian tube findings in female genital tuberculosis (FGBT)., Design: Prospective cohort (Canadian Task Force classification II2)., Setting: Tertiary referral center in northern India., Patients: Fifty women with infertility and diagnosed with FGTB on laparoscopy, histopathology findings, or endometrial sampling (acid-fast bacilli culture, granuloma on histopathology, positive polymerase chain reaction)., Interventions: Diagnostic laparoscopy in all women diagnosed with FGTB before and after a 6-month course of ATT (2 months of rifampicin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, followed by 4 months of rifampicin and isoniazid). All procedures were performed by the same surgeon between June 2012 and May 2014., Measurements and Main Results: The mean patient age was 28.7 years, mean parity was 0.9, and mean body mass index was 23.6 kg/m(2). Infertility was seen in all 50 women (66% primary infertility, 34% secondary infertility), with a mean duration of 6.06 years. Abnormal laparoscopic findings of FGTB included tubercles in the pelvic peritoneum, fallopian tube, and ovary in 27 women (54%) before ATT and in only 1 (2.04%) woman after ATT (p < .001). Caseous nodules and encysted ascites were seen in 4 women (8%) before ATT, and in no women after ATT (p < .001); however, there was no change from before ATT to after ATT in the rate of pelvic adhesions (42% vs 42.5%) and perihepatic adhesions (56% vs 58%). Laparoscopic findings in fallopian tubes included hydrosalpinx (32%), pyosalpinx (4%), beaded tubes (12%), nonvisualization of tube (20%), and tubal blockage on the right side (56%), left side (50%), and both sides (38%) before ATT. Hydrosalpinx, beaded tubes, and nonvisualized tube were seen in 33.4%, 4.1%, and 20.8% cases, respectively, after ATT; however, free spill increased to 52% on the right side and 50% on left side after ATT., Conclusion: ATT improves laparoscopic findings in FGTB with infertility. However, advanced fibrotic lesions (eg, pelvic and perihepatic adhesions, bilateral blocked tubes) do not improve with ATT., (Copyright © 2016 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Extrahepatic portal-vein obstruction (EHPVO) is a common cause of portal hypertension in developing countries. The main risk in pregnant women with this condition is variceal bleeding, which may be life-threatening. The objective of our study was to assess the outcome of pregnancy in women with EHPVO., Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of 21 pregnancies in 12 women with EHPVO was carried out at a tertiary hospital in India., Results: The mean age of pregnant women with EHPVO was 25.3 years, and the mean duration of disease since diagnosis was 6.1 ± 1.2 years. All the patients had chronic EHPVO, and two patients were diagnosed in the index pregnancy. The incidence of abortion, preterm deliveries, and small for gestational age fetus was 23.8%, 18.7%, and 12.5%, respectively. Thrombocytopenia was found to complicate 61.9% of the pregnancies, while anemia was detected in 40% of the pregnancies. Variceal bleeding occurred in one woman, who was diagnosed during pregnancy and was managed successfully with endoscopic sclerotherapy. None of the patients who were diagnosed prenatally had variceal bleeding during pregnancy. The outcome in nine pregnancies, in which prenatal endoscopic variceal ligation was done, was compared with eight pregnancies, in which endoscopic sclerotherapy was done. No significant difference between the two groups in terms of pregnancy outcome and complications was found. There were no stillbirths or maternal mortality., Conclusion: Women with EHPVO who have been diagnosed and treated prenatally have a good pregnancy outcome. They should be managed in a tertiary care center with a multidisciplinary approach., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Genital tuberculosis (TB) in women is a common disease in developing countries, and hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are vital tools in diagnosis., Study Objective: To retrospectively compare the difficulties encountered and complications of hysteroscopy in women with and without genital TB., Design: Case-control clinical audit (Canadian Task Force classification II-1)., Setting: Medical college and hospital., Patients: Ninety-nine women who underwent hysteroscopy, with or without other procedures, who were found to have genital TB at various investigations (group 1) and 289 women who underwent hysteroscopy during the same period with similar characteristics but without evidence of genital TB (group 2, controls)., Intervention: Hysteroscopy., Measurements and Main Results: Difficulties encountered and complications observed were recorded, compared, and analyzed using the χ(2) and Fisher exact tests. Indications for hysteroscopy in the study vs the control group were infertility in 92 patients (92.92%) vs 124 (42.90 %), amenorrhea in 6 (6.66%) vs 12 (4.15%), and postmenopausal bleeding in 1 (1.11%) vs 29 (10.03%). Difficulties and complications were significantly higher in group 1. Inability to distend the cavity was observed in 8 women in group 1 (8.08%) vs 2 in group 2 (0.69%). Excessive bleeding was observed in 5 women in group 1 (5.05%) vs 1 in group 2 (0.35 %). Uterine perforation was observed in 8 women in group 1 (8.08%) vs 5 in group 2 (1.73%), and flare-up of genital TB was observed in 1 woman in group 1., Conclusion: Hysteroscopy in women with genital TB is associated with difficulty in performing the procedure and with higher rates of complications., (Copyright © 2011 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To compare the analgesic efficacy of lignocaine gel-soaked Silastic bands compared with rectal diclofenac suppositories in patients undergoing interval laparoscopic sterilization under conscious sedation., Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blinded, clinical trial., Setting: Day-case center in a tertiary care hospital in India., Patients: Ninety-six women undergoing interval laparoscopic sterilization using Silastic bands (Yoon rings) randomly allocated by computer-generated random numbers into 3 groups., Interventions: All women received intravenous sedation with injection diazepam and pentazocine along with local infiltration lignocaine injected at the site of the incision meant for insertion of the single site laparocator. In group 1 (n = 32), the Silastic bands (Falope rings) were presoaked in 2% sterile lignocaine gel; in group 2 (n = 32), women received a 100-mg rectal diclofenac suppository while on the operating table; and women in group 3 received only conventional analgesic. Pain perception was assessed using an 11-point visual analog score just after the procedure while still on the table (zero minutes), at 30 minutes and 1 hour after the procedure, and at discharge., Measurements and Main Results: The women in all 3 groups were comparable insofar as age and parity. At zero minutes (while on the operating table), the pain score in all 3 groups was similar. However, the pain scores at 30 and 60 minutes, and at discharge were significantly lower in groups 1 and group 2 compared with group 3. However, 2 women (6.25%) in group 2 and 6 (18.75%) in group 3 required supplemental analgesia within 1 hour, and were administered a 500-mg oral dose of mefenamic acid. The need for further analgesia was significantly lower in groups 1 and 2 compared with group 3 (p = .02). Comparison of groups 1 and 3 revealed that in group 1, the pain scores were significantly lower at 30 minutes (p = .02), 1 hour (p = .005), and at discharge (p = .004). No patients in group 1 requested analgesia, whereas 6 women in group 3 asked for further analgesia within an hour postoperatively (p = .01). Similarly in groups 2 and 3, women who received diclofenac suppositories had significantly lower pain scores at the specified intervals (p = 0.02, 0.002, and 0.02, respectively)., Conclusion: Application of lignocaine gel to Falope rings and preoperative insertion of a rectal diclofenac suppository are simple and effective measures for pain control in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing day-case laparoscopic sterilization under conscious sedation. Either method could be incorporated into routine practice, depending on patient and physician choice., (Copyright © 2010 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)