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Abstract This study aims to present age-stratified prevalence of women with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) but without cystocele and predict detrusor underactivity (DU) or bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Between 2005 and 2020, we reviewed women who visited the medical center with LUTS but without cystocele. Positive voiding dysfunction (VD) symptoms were defined as any one or more of the positive descriptions of weak urinary stream, intermittency, strain to urination, and sensation of not emptying. A total of 1,886 women were included in this study. 189 (10.0%) women were diagnosed with DU, and 77 (4.1%) women had BOO. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that voided volume and VD symptoms were independent predictors for BOO. ROC curve analyses could predict BOO by voided volume ≤ 220 mL derived from uroflowmetry and the presence of VD symptoms with an area under a curve of 0.83. Age and voided volume could predict DU with an area under a curve of 0.82. We found a higher percentage of BOO in women with positive VD symptoms. A non-invasive uroflowmetry with voided volume (≤ 220 mL) and the presence of VD symptoms can predict BOO. DU could be predicted by age and voided volume.

Dienogest has been proven effective as long-term therapeutic option for pelvic pain caused by endometriosis. However, in Taiwan, there is a lack of a well-tailored consensus on its long-term administration. To address this gap, Taiwanese experts in collaboration with the Taiwan Endometriosis Society (TES), convened to provide structured recommendations on dienogest treatment and monitoring strategies. Drawing from clinical evidence and collective expertise, the experts formulated individualized treatment strategies based on treatment objectives and the patient's demographics. The experts recommend long-term dienogest administration for endometriosis patients for appropriate symptom control while reducing the risk of disease recurrence. Specifically, they recommend regular ultrasound examinations and relevant blood tests to monitor disease progression and therapeutic response with additional breast screening for patients at high risk for breast cancer. These recommendations aim to provide physicians with comprehensive guidance on the long-term administration of dienogest for endometriosis, ensuring patient safety and optimizing treatment outcomes.

Objective: We describe a rare case of uterine mesothelial cysts mimicking ovarian cysts in a primipara patient with a history of Cesarean section. Case report: A 39-year-old female patient with history of Cesarean section presented with dysmenorrhea. Sonography revealed that a hypoechoic and anechoic multicystic complex, which was located on the right side of the pelvic cavity, had infiltrated the adjacent posterior wall of the uterus, and it was preoperatively misdiagnosed as ovarian cysts with suspected endometrioma. Laparoscopic surgery revealed multiple cystic lesions filled with clear yellow fluid on the posterior uterine wall instead of the adnexa. Laparoscopic uterine cystectomy was performed, and the patient's recovery was uneventful. Pathohistological and immunohistochemical examinations confirmed the diagnosis of uterine mesothelial cysts. Conclusion: Uterine mesothelial cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pelvic lesions. Increasing the awareness of this rare disease can contribute to improved evaluation, decision-making, and disease management.

Abstract Background T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and T cell activation are tightly regulated by gatekeepers to maintain immune tolerance and avoid autoimmunity. The TRAIL receptor (TRAIL-R) is a TNF-family death receptor that transduces apoptotic signals to induce cell death. Recent studies have indicated that TRAIL-R regulates T cell-mediated immune responses by directly inhibiting T cell activation without inducing apoptosis; however, the distinct signaling pathway that regulates T cell activation remains unclear. In this study, we screened for intracellular TRAIL-R-binding proteins within T cells to explore the novel signaling pathway transduced by TRAIL-R that directly inhibits T cell activation. Methods Whole-transcriptome RNA sequencing was used to identify gene expression signatures associated with TRAIL-R signaling during T cell activation. High-throughput screening with mass spectrometry was used to identify the novel TRAIL-R binding proteins within T cells. Co-immunoprecipitation, lipid raft isolation, and confocal microscopic analyses were conducted to verify the association between TRAIL-R and the identified binding proteins within T cells. Results TRAIL engagement downregulated gene signatures in TCR signaling pathways and profoundly suppressed phosphorylation of TCR proximal tyrosine kinases without inducing cell death. The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 was identified as the major TRAIL-R binding protein within T cells, using high throughput mass spectrometry-based proteomics analysis. Furthermore, Lck was co-immunoprecipitated with the TRAIL-R/SHP-1 complex in the activated T cells. TRAIL engagement profoundly inhibited phosphorylation of Lck (Y394) and suppressed the recruitment of Lck into lipid rafts in the activated T cells, leading to the interruption of proximal TCR signaling and subsequent T cell activation. Conclusions TRAIL-R associates with phosphatase SHP-1 and transduces a unique and distinct immune gatekeeper signal to repress TCR signaling and T cell activation via inactivating Lck. Thus, our results define TRAIL-R as a new class of immune checkpoint receptors for restraining T cell activation, and TRAIL-R/SHP-1 axis can serve as a potential therapeutic target for immune-mediated diseases.

BackgroundPreoperative evaluation is important, and this study explored the application of machine learning methods for anesthetic risk classification and the evaluation of the contributions of various factors. To minimize the effects of confounding variables during model training, we used a homogenous group with similar physiological states and ages undergoing similar pelvic organ–related procedures not involving malignancies. ObjectiveData on women of reproductive age (age 20-50 years) who underwent gestational or gynecological surgery between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021, were obtained from the National Taiwan University Hospital Integrated Medical Database. MethodsWe first performed an exploratory analysis and selected key features. We then performed data preprocessing to acquire relevant features related to preoperative examination. To further enhance predictive performance, we used the log-likelihood ratio algorithm to generate comorbidity patterns. Finally, we input the processed features into the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) model for training and subsequent prediction. ResultsA total of 10,892 patients were included. Within this data set, 9893 patients were classified as having low anesthetic risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score of 1-2), and 999 patients were classified as having high anesthetic risk (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score of >2). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the proposed model was 0.6831. ConclusionsBy combining comorbidity information and clinical laboratory data, our methodology based on the LightGBM model provides more accurate predictions for anesthetic risk classification. Trial RegistrationResearch Ethics Committee of the National Taiwan University Hospital 202204010RINB; https://www.ntuh.gov.tw/RECO/Index.action

Proteinuria is a common adverse event arising from treatment with bevacizumab, requiring diagnostic testing via 24-h urine collection. However, this method is cumbersome. We assessed urine screenings in gynecologic cancer patients from February 2021 to May 2022. Along with a simple urine dipstick (UD), the urine microalbumin, total protein, and creatinine were measured and calculated as the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) and the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPCR), which were further adjusted through the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease and Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equations to be estimated and correlated with 24-h urine total protein content. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was used for cost analysis. There were 129 urine samples from 36 patients. The sensitivity and specificity for the UACR were 0.56 and 0.97, and for the UPCR, 0.71 and 0.88, respectively. The 24-h TP correlated strongly with the UACR (r = 0.75; p < 0.001) and UPCR (r = 0.79; p < 0.001) and fair for the simple UD (r = 0.35; p < 0.001). The UPCR saves one unnecessary 24-h urine test for less than a dollar compared to a simple UD. The results indicate that using the UPCR could enhance diagnostic accuracy, lower costs, and reduce unnecessary 24-h urine sampling.

Objective: The size of the adnexal cyst is a limitation to perform laparoscopic adnexal surgery. Large adnexal cysts may constrain the surgery space and may increase the risk of inadvertent cyst rupture during the surgery. Here, we offer a method to solve the difficulty in laparoscopic management of large adnexal cysts. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study of 43 patients with large (≧10 cm) adnexal cysts, managed laparoscopically at one center from October 2016 to October 2019. All the surgeries were performed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. Malignancy was excluded before the surgeries according to the sonographic features. Cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy was decided according to the age, the sonographic pattern of the cyst and the patients’ willingness. A 2 cm vertical incision was made at the umbilicus, and an open laparoscopy method was used to enter the peritoneal cavity. A wound protector was applied with a glove and two trocars being set up. The second wound was made at the left abdomen, and a 5 mm trocar was inserted. Then the cyst was punctured by means of the 5 mm trocar, and the content of the cyst was then soon aspirated by means of the air-flow hole of the trocar. Afterward, cystectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy was performed. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation unless stated otherwise. Results: The mean operative duration was 54.7 ± 33.4 min, and the result was shorter than the previous study (P

Objective: To demonstrate a successful surgical treatment and reconstruction in a case of malignant mucosal vulvar melanoma. Case report: A 52-year-old woman had stage II bulky malignant mucosal vulvar melanoma and received wide surgical excision with partial vulvectomy. She underwent 2-steps reconstructive vulvoplasty and vaginoplasty with skin grafting 1 year after initial surgical treatment. There was no evidence of recurrence after 3 years of follow-up. Conclusion: Vulvar melanoma is a rare malignant neoplasm. Wide local excision with reconstruction can relieve pelvic discomfort and restore local function after the surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the perioperative outcome of laparoendoscopic two-site myomectomy (LETS-M). Methods: The medical records of 204 women receiving LETS-M in a tertiary referral center, including 183 surgeries performed by the experienced surgeon and 21 surgeries performed by 3 well-supervised trainees were retrospectively reviewed. Results: The age of the participants was 39.3 ± 6.4 years. The mean diameter of the largest myoma and the mean number of myomas were 8.5 ± 2.2 cm and 1.7 ± 1.1, respectively. Thirty-one (15%) operations removed more than 2 myomas larger than 5 cm in diameter. The mean weight of the myomas was 281.1 ± 183.1 g. The operation time was 97.6 ± 40.2 min, and the intraoperative blood loss was 99.3 ± 115.2 mL. There were 3 (1%) cases of excessive blood loss (more than 500 mL) and 2 (1%) of postoperative hematoma. The only significant difference between the experienced surgeon and trainees was the operation time (92.3 ± 32.2 min vs. 141.2 ± 54 min, p

Digital problem-based learning (PBL) was originally introduced as a means to improve student engagement and increase flexibility. However, its use becomes mandatory during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period, accelerating changes in medical education. Few elaborated on the implementation details of digital PBL curricula. Technical guidance can be important but under-recognized prerequisite of a successful digital PBL session. In National Taiwan University College of Medicine, we established a digital PBL curriculum and previously validated a confidence questionnaire for surveying undergraduate students receiving digital PBL sessions. In this opinion piece, we gleaned multiple procedural details from our experiences based on students'/tutors' feedback, which we summarized in a 5″W″ recommendations (Who), timing/duration (When), location (Where), software/hardware/topics (What), and evaluation aspects (Why). Suggestions on how to optimally prepare for digital PBL session are also provided. We believe that these tips can further facilitate the wide adoption of digital PBL.

Abstract Background To enhance tutors’ teaching skills, tutor shadowing for novice tutors of problem-based learning (PBL) in addition to conventional faculty development (FD) was applied. This study aimed to develop a tutoring-skill scale (TS-scale) and evaluate the effect of shadowing on PBL tutors. Methods This study employed a before-and-after study design with three phases. In phase 1, a TS-scale was elaborated. A validity examination was performed in phase 2. Phase 3 was a study of the effectiveness using a TS-scale survey of novice PBL tutors before and after the FD course. The FD course for novice PBL tutors included an FD workshop and PBL shadowing activities. Results A TS-scale with a 32-item questionnaire of self-rated confidence for PBL tutors was identified in phase 1. In phase 2, 7 experienced specialists in medical education were invited to evaluate the content validity of the scale. The item content validity index (I-CVI) ranged from 0.86 to 1, and the scale-CVI (S-CVI) was 0.95. A total of 85 novice PBL tutors completed the TS-scale before the FD course, yielding a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.98. An exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation was performed. The twenty-four items with significant loadings greater than 0.5 were incorporated into a new TS-scale and were grouped into three factors: student contact, medical expertise, and teaching expertise. In phase 3, 76 novice PBL tutors completed the 24-item TS-scale before (pretest) and after (posttest) the FD course. Their self-rated confidence improved significantly across the three factors after the FD course. The pretest and posttest scores did not differ according to the tutors’ gender, the grades they taught, or their specialty background. Conclusions Novice PBL tutors benefit from FD that incorporates tutor shadowing in the 3 key domains of tutoring competencies. The TS-scale developed in this study can be applied in future research on FD design.

Abstract Background Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is the most common endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer. Ovarian endometriosis may present with atypical or malignant sonographic features and interfere with clinical judgment about whether definitive surgical intervention is required. Objective To compare the characteristics of endometrioma with atypical features and OCCC. Methods This study enrolled patients with pathologic diagnoses of either endometrioma or OCCC. For patients with endometrioma, only those with atypical features, defined as the presence of at least one of the following sonographic characteristics: cyst diameter of 10 ± 1 cm, multi-cystic lesions, any solid component or papillary structure, and blood flow of any degree, were included. Results Sixty-three patients had endometriomas with atypical features, while 57 patients had OCCC. Patients with endometriomas were younger (39.33 ± 7.04 years vs. 53.11 ± 9.28 years, P 47.5 years), large cysts (> 11.55 cm), large solid components (size > 1.37 cm), and loss of ground-glass echogenicity were independent factors suggestive of malignancy. Conclusion Advanced age, larger cyst sizes, larger solid component sizes, and loss of ground-glass echogenicity are major factors differentiating endometriomas from malignancies. For women in menopausal transition who have finished childbearing who present with endometrioma with atypical features, removal of the adnexa intact could be considered.

Abstract Women who underwent vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery with or without mesh consecutively between 2004 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed to determine the learning curve in vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery. With cumulative summation (CUSUM) analysis of surgical failure and operation time, we assessed the learning curve of vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery, including sacrospinous ligament fixation, anterior colporrhaphy, posterior colporrhaphy, and optional vaginal hysterectomy with or without mesh placement. The study is based on two individual surgeons who performed vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery with or without mesh. Two hundred and sixty-four women with stage III or IV pelvic organ prolapse underwent vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery by surgeons A or B. The median follow-up time of 44 months ranged from 24 to 120 months. Surgical proficiency was achieved in 32–33 vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery procedures without mesh and 37–47 procedures in the same surgery with mesh. The total surgical success rates for surgeons A and B were 82.2% and 94.1%, with median follow-up times of 60 and 33 months, respectively. More procedures were needed for the learning curve of vaginal pelvic reconstructive surgery with mesh. Having crossed the proficiency boundary, the surgical success rate and operation time were improved.

Abstract Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) has emerged as least invasive interventions for gynecologic disease. However, SILS is slow to gain in popularity due to difficulties in triangulation and instrument crowding. Besides, the costly instruments may influence patients’ will to have this procedure, and limit other medical expense as well. To optimize outcome and reduce cost, the objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety for patients undergoing adnexal surgeries using conventional laparoscopic instruments with SILS (SILS-C), and to compare with those of patients subject to TP using conventional laparoscopic instruments (TP-C). This is a retrospective case–control study. The data dated from April 2011 to April 2018. Patients who received concomitant multiple surgeries, were diagnosed with suspected advanced stage ovarian malignancy, or required frozen sections for intraoperative pathologic diagnosis were excluded. Demographic data, including the age, body weight, height, previous abdominal surgery were obtained. The surgical outcomes were compared using conventional statistical methods. 259 patients received SILS-C. The operating time was 63.83 ± 25.31 min. Blood loss was 2.38 ± 6.09 c.c. 58 patients (24.38%) needed addition of port to complete surgery. 384 patients received TP-C. Compared with SILS-C, the operating time was shorter (57.32 ± 26.38 min, OR = 0.984, CI = 0.975–0.992). The patients were further divided into unilateral or bilateral adnexectomy, and unilateral or bilateral cystectomy. Other than the operating time in unilateral cystectomy (66.12 ± 19.5 vs. 58.27 ± 23.92 min, p = .002), no statistical differences were observed in the subgroup analysis. Single incision laparoscopic surgery using conventional laparoscopic instruments is feasible and safe as initial approach to adnexal lesions. In complex setting as unilateral cystectomy or pelvic adhesions, two-port access may be considered.

Abstract Minimally invasive surgery is the first-line management for endometrial cancer. The role of 2-port access laparoscopy (TPA) has been underestimated. Compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery (CL), TPA is associated with smaller total incision size and less postoperative pain. Compared to single-incision laparoscopic surgery, no specific instruments and surgical techniques are needed. This study primarily evaluated the surgical and pathologic outcomes of TPA with conventional instruments, and additionally evaluated the surgeon’s learning curve. Consecutive patients who underwent TPA and CL for endometrial cancer between 2015 and 2019 were included. Baseline characteristics were recorded. In total, 148 patients (TPA, 89; CL, 59) were identified. The baseline characteristics were similar, except for a greater proportion of patients in the CL group receiving para-aortic lymph node dissection (5.62% vs. 35.59%, P

BackgroundOnline video-based learning is more common in higher education. Investigating students' viewing behaviors while watching online video lectures is essential for instructors to understand their learning status so that the course content, structure, and media selection can be improved continuously. The current study identified the engagement level of the learners based on their online video-watching behaviors, and tested the correlation between the engagement level and learning outcome.MethodsThe action logs of watching online video lectures in 2020 Spring Pharmacology of the 4th-year medical students of the 6-year course and their feedbacks by questionnaires after each exam during the semester were provided anonymously. The data were analyzed and visualized for an efficient way to comprehend and interpret. To define the student's engagement level in his or her video-based learning journey, three viewing criteria, “Completion,” “Pausing,” and “Repeated watching” were identified. We evaluated the association between the engagement level and the students' learning outcomes, including their learning satisfaction, knowledge acquisition progresses based on assessment results, and the grades measured by the instructors.ResultsThe graphs and the charts demonstrate whether the students allocated enough time to finish the video lectures (completion), paused for a while, then resumed the video (pausing), or replayed the specific sections of video content (repeated watching). The engagement level with video lectures, evaluated by pre-defined thresholds for “Completion,” “Pausing,” and “Repeated watching” had a positive correlation with the learning outcomes.ConclusionsWe suggested that an engagement dashboard containing real-time visualized information on students' online video-watching behaviors can be developed to help instructors to monitor students' learning progress and improve teaching in a timely fashion. It can also help each student to re-feel the stimulation of peers, prompt self-monitoring, improve their learning attitudes and disciplines for better learning outcomes. This innovative way of assessing student's engagement during online video-based learning can also be used for quality assurance purposes.

Objective: During the vaginal steps of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH), excessive bleeding occurs if the vascular pedicles are not securely clamped. Accordingly, this study investigates if an advanced bipolar sealing device (PlasmaKinetics [PK] Sealer), compared to conventional sutures, could improve the efficacy and safety in the vaginal steps of LAVH. Material and methods: The medical records of 101 women who underwent LAVH for a non-malignant condition between June 2014 and August 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Among the women, 60 received LAVH using conventional sutures (control group), while 41 using the PK Sealer during vaginal steps (PK group). Results: A 35% reduction (76.1 vs. 117.3 mL) in the blood loss was observed in the PK group. The natural logarithm (ln) of the blood loss was significantly lower in the PK group than in the control group (P = .045). The percentage of cases which achieved the minimal blood loss goal (

Objective: To report a single surgeon's experience with 109 laparoendoscopic single-site myomectomy (LESS-M) using conventional laparoscopic instruments and a homemade glove port system. Materials and methods: A total of 109 consecutive women who underwent LESS-M between March 2011 and April 2015 were reviewed. Results: The mean age and body mass index were 38.3 ± 6.5 years and 22.1 ± 3.0 kg/m2. The mean diameter of the largest myoma and the mean number of myomas were 8.1 ± 2.4 cm and 1.6 ± 0.7. The mean weight of the myomas was 223.2 ± 159.7 g. The most common type of myoma was intramural (61%), followed by subserosal (23%), submucosal (9%), and intraligamental (7%). The most common site of the myomas was anterior (39%), followed by posterior (38%), lateral (15%), and fundal (9%). The mean operative time and estimated blood loss were 138.5 ± 43.8 min and 104.9 ± 270.1 mL. Two patients (1.8%) required intraoperative transfusion. The mean hospital stay was 2.5 ± 0.6days. There were no conversions to laparotomy, but three patients(2.8%) were converted to two-port laparoscopic myomectomy. No patient experienced any major complication, including bowel, ureter, bladder injuries, or incisional hernia. Six women became pregnant after the operation, and five of these patients delivered their babies at full term by cesarean section. One patient delivered her baby at a gestational age at 32 weeks due to idiopathic polyhydramnios by cesarean section. One patient had the second pregnancy and delivery after LESS-M. Fourteen patients (12.8%) had small recurrent myomas that did not require treatment. Conclusion: LESS-M is a feasible alternative for patients with symptomatic myomas, and this technique can provide cosmetic advantages compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery.

Objective: Radical trachelectomy (RT) is an alternative treatment for preserving fertility in patients with cervical cancer. Because women with operable cervical cancer opting for fertility preservation are scarce, few cases have been reported in Taiwan. Here we report our cases series. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated seven patients who underwent vaginal RT and three patients who underwent abdominal RT in a single medical institute for a median follow-up period of 5 years. Results: The oncological outcome was highly satisfactory. All patients survived and are currently disease-free, except for two who had recurrence and received additional concurrent chemoradiation therapy. Other complications included urinary tract infection, cervical stenosis, and unilateral hydronephrosis. All complications were manageable with little long-term effects. However, no pregnancy was observed during the 5-year follow-up period. Conclusion: RT is considered a complicated surgical procedure among gynecological operations. Here we review the literature and describe several factors associated with higher pregnancy rates.

Uterine sarcoma is a very aggressive and highly lethal disease. Even after a comprehensive staging surgery or en block cytoreduction surgery followed by multimodality therapy (often chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy), many patients relapse or present with distant metastases, and finally die of diseases. The worst outcome of uterine sarcomas is partly because of their rarity, unknown etiology, and highly divergent genetic aberration. Uterine sarcomas are often classified into four distinct subtypes, including uterine leiomyosarcoma, low-grade uterine endometrial stromal sarcoma, high-grade uterine endometrial stromal sarcoma, and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma. Currently, evidence from tumor biology found that these tumors showed alternation and/or mutation of genomes and the intracellular signal pathway. In addition, some preclinical studies showed promising results for targeting receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, various kinds of growth factor pathways, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein signal pathway, aurora kinase A, MDM2 proto-oncogene, histone deacetylases, sex hormone receptors, certain types of oncoproteins, and/or loss of tumor suppressor genes. The current review is attempted to summarize the recurrent advance of targeted therapy for uterine sarcomas.

Uterine sarcomas account for 3–7% of all uterine cancers. Because of their rarity, unknown etiology, and highly divergent genetic aberration, there is a lack of consensus on risk factors for occurrence and predictive poor outcomes as well as optimal therapeutic choices. Tumor types according to the World Health Organization classification include leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stroma sarcoma, and undifferentiated sarcoma. Staging is done using the 2014 Federation International Gynecology and Obstetrics and 2010 American Joint Committee on Cancer tumor, lymph node, and metastases systems. Tumor grade can be classified based on the French Federation of Cancer Centers Sarcoma Group system or the Broder’s system that incorporates tumor differentiation, mitotic count, and tumor necrosis. This review is a series of articles discussing uterine sarcoma, and this is Part I, which focuses on one of the subtypes of uterine sarcomas—uterine leiomyosarcoma. The clinical characteristics, diagnosis, outcome, and recent advances are summarized in this article.

Endometrial stromal tumors are rare uterine tumors (

Objective: Although laparoscopic surgery is widely utilized in the treatment of endometrial cancer, its efficacy in staging the cancer is not well established. The aim of this study was to compare staging endometrial cancer with laparoscopic and conventional open methods. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to June 2012, 151 patients (70 treated by laparoscopy and 81 by laparotomy) diagnosed with endometrial cancer were enrolled. This was a retrospective cohort review of endometrial cancer surgically staged using laparoscopy or laparotomy in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. Results: The two groups did not significantly differ in patient age, body mass index, previous obstetrical history, or amount of previous abdominal surgery. No differences between the surgical cohorts were observed in relation to cancer status, including stage, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space invasion, lymph node involvement, and recurrence rate. The laparoscopic approach had less intraoperative blood loss, longer operative time, lower uterine weight, number of removed lymph nodes, and shorter hospital stay. Conclusion: Our preliminary results showed that the laparoscopic method for staging endometrial cancer was technically feasible and efficient.

Heavy menstrual bleeding, or menorrhagia, is subjectively defined as a “complaint of a large amount of bleeding during menstrual cycles that occurs over several consecutive cycles” and is objectively defined as menstrual blood loss of more than 80 mL per cycle that is associated with an anemia status (defined as a hemoglobin level of

Objective: Cancer cells reportedly have the ability to escape from the immune system, mainly from natural killer (NK) cells. Although the real mechanisms are complicated, some inhibitors that are secreted from the cancer cells might play an important role. This study’s aim was to investigate the potential mediator released by cancer cells (HeLa) that contributes to the decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells. Methods and Materials: An NK-HeLa coculture system was used to test the hypothesis that the presence of the potential mediator from cancer cells contributes to the decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells. Results: After coculturing with HeLa cancer cells, the cytotoxicity of NK cells was decreased. When the coculture medium and culture medium containing commercialized sialidase were used to culture NK cells, the cytotoxicity of the NK cells was also inhibited. However, cytotoxicity was partially restored by a sialidase inhibitor (DANA). Western blot analysis of the HeLa cells after coculturing with NK cells demonstrated increased Neu2 and Neu3 expression in HeLa cells. Conclusions: The finding that Neu2 and Neu3 expression in cancer cells might be involved in the impaired function of NK cells, which could be restored by a sialidase inhibitor, provides a new concept that could be applied to the management of cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of myoma enucleation by morcellation while it is attached to the uterus (in situ morcellation) in laparoscopic myomectomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 82 patients diagnosed with myoma or adenomyosis in 2007 were enrolled. The patients were divided into three groups according to the myoma weight. The operative time, myoma weight, blood loss, duration of hospital stay, and complication experienced were recorded for analysis. Results: The mean myoma weight was 265 ± 240 g and the mean operative time was 93 ± 30 minutes. The patients were divided into three groups: group A with myomas less than 150 g; group B with myomas 150-349 g; and group C with myomas greater than 350 g. The mean myoma weights were 73 ± 34 g, 214 ± 52 g, and 571 ± 218 g for groups A, B, and C, respectively; the mean operative times were 79 ± 17 minutes, 84 ± 22 minutes, and 121 ± 32 minutes, respectively. The operative time increased with myoma weight. Two patients (8%) in group C had excessive intraoperative hemorrhage and one (4%) required a blood transfusion. There was no conversion to laparotomy. Conclusion: In situ morcellation was an efficient and safe procedure for removal of large uterine myoma during laparoscopic myomectomy.

The role of laparoscopic surgery in the management of gynecological cancers continues to expand. For early-stage cervical cancer, laparoscopically assisted radical vaginal hysterectomy is feasible, and radical vaginal trachelectomy with laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy has emerged as a safe option for women who desire fertility preservation. In the treatment of early-stage endometrial cancer, the surgical staging of laparoscopic hysterectomy, peritoneal washings and pelvic lymph node dissection is effective and safe when compared with the same surgery performed via laparotomy. In ovarian malignancies, laparoscopic surgery has been incorporated to manage early-stage cancers.

Extensive adenomyosis (adenomyosis) or its variance, localized adenomyosis (adenomyoma) of the uterus, is often described as scattered, widely-distributed endometrial glands or stromal tissue found throughout the myometrium layer of the uterus. By definition, adenomyosis consists of epithelial as well as stromal elements, and is situated at least 2.5 mm below the endometrial–myometrial junction. However, the diagnosis and clinical significance of uterine adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma remain somewhat enigmatic. The relationship between infertility and uterine adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma is still uncertain, but severe endometriosis impairs the chances of successful pregnancy when using artificial reproductive techniques. To date, there is no uniform agreement on the most appropriate therapeutic methods for managing women with uterine adenomyosis and/or adenomyoma who want to preserve their fertility. Fertility has been restored after successful treatment of adenomyosis using multiple modalities, including hormonal therapy and conservative surgical therapy via laparoscopy or exploratory laparotomy, uterine artery embolization, and other methods, including a potential but under- investigated procedure, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound. This review will explore recent publications that have addressed the use of different approaches in the management of subfertile women with uterine adenomyosis and adenomyoma.

Objective: With improvements in immunosuppression and surgical techniques, more women are undergoing kidney transplantation (KT) for management of end-stage renal disease. Location of the transplanted pelvic kidney and transplanted ureter must be taken into consideration when performing pelvic surgery. We demonstrate that laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) can be successfully performed in patients who had previously undergone KT. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled four patients requiring operation for symptomatic adenomyosis after KT. LAVH was performed in these cases after initial uterine artery ligation during laparoscopy. Results: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range, 40–46 years) and the extirpated uterine weight was 195 g (range, 160–380 g). Intraoperatively, the median operation time was 147.5 minutes (range, 105–175 minutes) and the blood loss was 50 mL (range, 50–100 mL). There was mild pelvic adhesion in two cases. The postoperative recovery was good in all patients with oral intake, flatus passage, and ambulation within 1 day after operation. The median intramuscular meperidine requirements were 25 mg (range, 0–100 mg) and the hospital stay was 4 days (range, 3–8 days). There were no major complications in these cases except one with mild postoperative fever. Conclusion: LAVH may be a safe and effective treatment for treating patients with adenomyosis after KT.

Ascites is a pathologic accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, and usually develops as a result of liver disease, congestive heart failure or nephrotic syndrome. Ascites is also a common manifestation of some gynecologic diseases. It is important that health care workers consider gynecologic problems among the potential differential diagnoses in patients presenting with ascites. Various kinds of ovarian diseases, such as epithelial ovarian cancer, benign ovarian fibroma, stromal hyperplasia, ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, primary peritoneal serous carcinoma, endometriosis and peritoneal tuberculosis, should be kept in mind when women are found to have ascites.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising from a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary is rare and only reported sporadically. Clinical information on the disease is limited. This study assesses the clinical characteristics, treatment, outcome and prognostic factors of reported cases. Methods: Two hundred and twenty cases from 1976 through to 2005 in MEDLINE were analyzed for patient age, clinical and laboratory data, extent of disease, tumor markers, treatment and survival rates. Only the 188 cases with surgical staging were included in the survival analysis. Results: The disease occurred most often in elderly women (mean, 55.0 ± 14.4 years) and cysts were large (mean, 13.7 ± 5.7 cm). Abdominal pain (71.6%) was the most common symptom. Preoperative serum SCC antigen level had a high positive rate (81.3%). Overall 5-year survival rate for all stages was 48.4%. For Stage I, the 5-year survival rate was 75.7%; stage II, 33.8%; stage III, 20.6%; and stage IV, 0% (p < 0.0001). Univariate analysis revealed that tumor stage, patient age, tumor size, preoperative SCC antigen and CA125 levels, and optimal debulking were significant prognostic factors. Further investigation into treatments for all stages revealed that postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may produce a better survival rate for both stage III and stage IV cases. However, postoperative radiotherapy did not show a similar effect. Multivariate analysis indicated that stage and optimal debulking were significant factors that influenced survival. Conclusion: A mature cystic teratoma should be treated as early as possible. Tumor stage and optimal debulking are critical to survival. Unlike SCCs of the uterine cervix, postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy may produce a better result than adjuvant radiotherapy for advanced-stage cases.

Objective: We report two patients with benign giant cervical polyps. Case Report: A 47-year-old multiparous woman complained of a protruding mass from her vagina for 6 months. On pelvic examination, there was a large cervical polyp measuring 7 × 2.5 cm arising from the endocervix. The polyp was excised by electrocauterization at the base. The pathological report revealed no evidence of malignancy in the polyp. A 45-year-old nulligravid woman suffered from menorrhagia for 2 months and a mass protruding from the vagina was noted for 10 days. On pelvic examination, there were two cervical polyps. One was 5 × 2 cm and arose from the posterior lip of the cervix and the other was 1 × 1 cm and arose from the right lateral lip. The polyps were excised by electrocauterization. The pathological report revealed benign cervical polyps. Conclusion: Giant cervical polyp is uncommon and malignancy has not been reported in the 11 cases in the literature. Excision was adequate for these lesions.