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Introduction: Hybrid total laparoscopic hysterectomy combines conventional laparoscopic surgery and robot‐assisted devices: the camera and assistant forceps are operated by a robotic device, whereas the surgeon performs laparoscopic procedures, enabling surgery with a completely fixed field of view and significantly reducing errors in forceps grasping and needle misalignment. Here, we examined whether using two arms of the Hugo™ robot‐assisted surgery system, one for the camera and one for the assistant, would improve surgical accuracy compared with conventional total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Materials and Surgical Technique: The surgical system reduced surgeon errors in grasping the forceps during training and stabilized forceps operation. Compared with conventional laparoscopic surgery, the use of the surgical system did not result in different operative durations. The stable surgical procedure was considered a major advantage. Discussion: This new technique involving new equipment can improve surgeon training and performance. In the future, we will develop new techniques to improve surgical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The da Vinci surgical systems (X and Xi) are fourth‐generation systems marketed by Intuitive Inc. The X system is less expensive than the Xi system. This study compared the surgical outcomes of patients who underwent hysterectomy using the X and Xi systems. Methods: Data from 172 patients who underwent robot‐assisted total hysterectomies by four surgeons between April 2019 and March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed in a single‐center study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the surgical system used. Approval was granted by the Institutional Review Board of the Tottori University Hospital (22A134). All patients provided opt‐out consent in accordance with the institutional guidelines. Results: Operative time (126.6 ± 29.5 for X, 138.2 ± 38.5 for Xi, p =.227) and console time (92.9 ± 27.0 for X, 105.5 ± 34.7 for Xi, p =.089) were insignificantly shorter in group X than in group Xi after propensity score matching for age, body mass index, nulliparity, previous history of abdominal or pelvic surgery, preoperative diagnosis, and surgical approach. No significant differences between X and Xi were observed in a subgroup analysis of patients who underwent robot‐assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy without lymphadenectomy (operative time: 199.0 ± 26.5 for X, 221.5 ± 45.1 for Xi, p =.227; console time: 162.1 ± 25.0 for X, 178.3 ± 0.314 for Xi, p =.314). Conclusion: Perioperative outcomes for the X and Xi da Vinci surgical systems were equivalent. The cost‐effective X system may allow the widespread use of robotic surgeries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to compare introduced robotic‐assisted hysterectomy (RAH) and skilled total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for the treatment of benign gynecological diseases. Methods: Patients who underwent RAH or TLH by two surgeons at the Tottori University Hospital between January 2018 and May 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients with 100–300 g of uterine weight. The exclusion criteria were patients with stage IV endometriosis. Mean operative time and learning curve were compared among the first‐half RAH, second‐half RAH, and TLH groups. Results: There were 40 eligible cases (first‐half RAH: 20 cases, second‐half RAH: 20 cases) in the RAH group and 44 cases in the TLH group. The total operative time (TOT) of the second half of RAH was significantly shorter than that of the first half of RAH (p = 0.021) and was comparable to that of the TLH group. The operative time (OT) of the second half of RAH was shorter than that of TLH (p = 0.023). The preparation time of TLH was shorter than that of the RAH group (p < 0.01). The learning curve of the TOT in RAH crossed that of TLH on the 31st case of RAH. In contrast, both curves of the OT crossed on the 11th case of RAH. Conclusion: The TOT of the introduced RAH was equivalent to that of skilled TLH in approximately 30 cases since the first RAH. Furthermore, the OT of RAH was comparable to that of TLH in approximately 10 cases of surgery since the first RAH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS) is a rare congenital anomaly of the genital tract. Since the secretion of sex hormones from the ovaries is preserved, leiomyomas and adenomyomas, which are estrogen-dependent diseases, may develop from the uterine remnant. In contrast, patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1), the most common dystrophy in adults, are considered to be at high risk for benign tumors of the female reproductive system, such as uterine leiomyomas and ovarian cysts. A rare case of huge leiomyomas arising from bilateral uterine remnants in a woman with MRKHS with coexisting DM1 is presented. Her chief complaint was abdominal distension. On pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), two solid pelvic masses showing low signal intensity on T2-weighted imaging were seen. Both the uterine corpus and cervix were unclear, but bilateral ovaries were observed normally on MRI. Two uterine leiomyoma-like masses connected by a band of fibrous tissue were found by laparotomy. As with the MRI findings, the uterine cervix and vagina could not be detected macroscopically. Normal bilateral adnexa and round ligaments were identified. All of her symptoms improved after hysterectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism often develops after surgery and childbirth, resulting in death in some cases. Although early deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection can predict pulmonary thromboembolism, there is no early screening method for DVT in pregnant women. Lack of consensus regarding significance or setting and cut-off value interpretation of D-dimer levels further impedes venous thromboembolism screening in pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the utility of third-trimester serum D-dimer levels as a screening test for DVT during pregnancy and to determine the frequency of asymptomatic DVT using lower-limb compression ultrasonography. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 497 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section at term in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2019. Serum D-dimer levels were preoperatively measured at 32–37 weeks' gestation. The presence or absence of DVT in patients with serum D-dimer levels ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, the cut-off value, was examined using compression ultrasonography. In all patients, the presence or absence of clinical venous thrombosis (symptoms such as lower-limb pain, swelling, and heat sensation) was examined within 4 postoperative weeks. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Guideline 2015 was referred to determine risk factors for the onset of venous thrombosis during pregnancy. Among those, we examined the risk factors for DVT that result in high D-dimer levels during pregnancy. Results: The median age and body mass index were 35 (20–47) years and 21.2 (16.4–41.1) kg/m2, respectively. Further, the median gestational age and D-dimer levels were 37 weeks and 2.1 (0.2–16.0) µg/ml, respectively. Compression ultrasonography was performed on 135 (26.5%) patients with a D-dimer level ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, with none of the patients showing DVT. All patients were followed up for 4 postoperative weeks, with none presenting with venous thromboembolism. Multivariate analysis showed that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism that causes high D-dimer levels (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–6.50, P = 0.04). Conclusion: There may be low utility in screening for DVT using D-dimer levels in the third trimester. Further, prepartum asymptomatic DVT has a low frequency, indicating the low utility of compression ultrasonography. Trial registration: Institutional Review Board of Tottori University Hospital (IRB no. 20A149). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism often develops after surgery and childbirth, resulting in death in some cases. Although early deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection can predict pulmonary thromboembolism, there is no early screening method for DVT in pregnant women. Lack of consensus regarding significance or setting and cut-off value interpretation of D-dimer levels further impedes venous thromboembolism screening in pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the utility of third-trimester serum D-dimer levels as a screening test for DVT during pregnancy and to determine the frequency of asymptomatic DVT using lower-limb compression ultrasonography.Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 497 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section at term in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2019. Serum D-dimer levels were preoperatively measured at 32-37 weeks' gestation. The presence or absence of DVT in patients with serum D-dimer levels ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, the cut-off value, was examined using compression ultrasonography. In all patients, the presence or absence of clinical venous thrombosis (symptoms such as lower-limb pain, swelling, and heat sensation) was examined within 4 postoperative weeks. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Guideline 2015 was referred to determine risk factors for the onset of venous thrombosis during pregnancy. Among those, we examined the risk factors for DVT that result in high D-dimer levels during pregnancy.Results: The median age and body mass index were 35 (20-47) years and 21.2 (16.4-41.1) kg/m2, respectively. Further, the median gestational age and D-dimer levels were 37 weeks and 2.1 (0.2-16.0) µg/ml, respectively. Compression ultrasonography was performed on 135 (26.5%) patients with a D-dimer level ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, with none of the patients showing DVT. All patients were followed up for 4 postoperative weeks, with none presenting with venous thromboembolism. Multivariate analysis showed that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism that causes high D-dimer levels (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.05-6.50, P = 0.04).Conclusion: There may be low utility in screening for DVT using D-dimer levels in the third trimester. Further, prepartum asymptomatic DVT has a low frequency, indicating the low utility of compression ultrasonography.Trial Registration: Institutional Review Board of Tottori University Hospital (IRB no. 20A149 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Venous thromboembolism often develops after surgery and childbirth, resulting in death in some cases. Although early deep vein thrombosis (DVT) detection can predict pulmonary thromboembolism, there is no early screening method for DVT in pregnant women. Lack of consensus regarding significance or setting and cut-off value interpretation of D-dimer levels further impedes venous thromboembolism screening in pregnant women. This study aimed to examine the utility of third-trimester serum D-dimer levels as a screening test for DVT during pregnancy and to determine the frequency of asymptomatic DVT using lower-limb compression ultrasonography. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included 497 pregnant women who underwent elective cesarean section at term in our hospital between January 2013 and December 2019. Serum D-dimer levels were preoperatively measured at 32–37 weeks' gestation. The presence or absence of DVT in patients with serum D-dimer levels ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, the cut-off value, was examined using compression ultrasonography. In all patients, the presence or absence of clinical venous thrombosis (symptoms such as lower-limb pain, swelling, and heat sensation) was examined within 4 postoperative weeks. The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Guideline 2015 was referred to determine risk factors for the onset of venous thrombosis during pregnancy. Among those, we examined the risk factors for DVT that result in high D-dimer levels during pregnancy. Results: The median age and body mass index were 35 (20–47) years and 21.2 (16.4–41.1) kg/m2, respectively. Further, the median gestational age and D-dimer levels were 37 weeks and 2.1 (0.2–16.0) µg/ml, respectively. Compression ultrasonography was performed on 135 (26.5%) patients with a D-dimer level ≥ 3.0 µg/ml, with none of the patients showing DVT. All patients were followed up for 4 postoperative weeks, with none presenting with venous thromboembolism. Multivariate analysis showed that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are an independent risk factor for venous thromboembolism that causes high D-dimer levels (odds ratio: 2.48, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–6.50, P = 0.04). Conclusion: There may be low utility in screening for DVT using D-dimer levels in the third trimester. Further, prepartum asymptomatic DVT has a low frequency, indicating the low utility of compression ultrasonography. Trial registration: Institutional Review Board of Tottori University Hospital (IRB no. 20A149). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of two progestins, levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) and dienogest (DNG), for adenomyosis. Methods: This study enrolled 157 women with adenomyosis, randomized to either LNG‐IUS (n = 76) or DNG (n = 81) groups as a controlled clinical trial for 72 months. Participants were classified by three different localizations of adenomyosis: diffuse, focal, and extrinsic. VAS (Visual analog scale) score, days, and amount of uterine bleeding were assessed. Uterine volume or bone mineral density (BMD) were measured by three‐dimensional ultrasonography or dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Results: LNG‐IUS and DNG comparably reduced pain scores in patients with adenomyosis. With regard to pain control, DNG offered greater efficacy than LNG‐IUS in 3 months of treatment. In all types of adenomyosis, the days of bleeding after 12 months with DNG were significantly decreased compared to those with LNG‐IUS. The decrease of whole uterine body was transient in any subtypes. A comparable decrease in BMD due to age‐related changes in both groups was observed. Conclusions: LNG‐IUS and DNG could be useful for long‐term management of adenomyosis. In terms of durations of uterine bleeding, DNG was superior to LNG‐IUS for 6 years. We described the efficacy of two progestins, levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS) and dienogest (DNG) in the treatment of adenomyosis as a first controlled clinical trial. Patients were classified by three different localizations of adenomyosis: diffuse, focal, and extrinsic. DNG proved superior to LNG‐IUS in terms of the duration of uterine bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Tokishakuyakusan (TSS) is representative of popular Kampo medicines for Japanese women to treat dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation and menopause. Current hormonal treatments and low‐dose oral contraceptives (OCs) used as a first‐choice drug for primary symptoms, however, have a high incidence of adverse events without improving patients' satisfaction. We evaluated the efficacy of TSS as additional treatment on the quality of life (QOL) of patients taking OCs with reduced therapeutic satisfaction. Methods: Twelve patients treated with OCs for endometriosis were enrolled. TSS (7.5 g/day) in combination with OCs were given for three menstrual cycles. The main outcome was the degree of QOL assessed using the Endometriosis Health Profile‐30 (EHP‐30). Secondary outcomes were the Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ), patient's satisfaction using a Likert scale and cold feeling‐visual analogue scale (VAS). Results: In EHP‐30, significant changes by TSS with OCs in each menstrual cycle were not found, although the scores for pain and emotional well‐being tended to decrease. In MDQ, water retention in the premenstrual phase was improved. With regard to cold feeling‐VAS, 61.6 mm at pretreatment decreased to 31.3 mm at the endpoint. Average Likert scale values after TSS treatment declined from 4.3 to 2.6. Cold feeling and patient's satisfaction have improved. Conclusion: Although the influence of TSS add‐on therapy on QOL was moderate, possible improvement of cold feeling and menstruation‐related symptoms was suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Dydrogesterone is a retro‐progesterone preparation widely used for over a half century. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dydrogesterone in Japanese women with dysmenorrhea. Methods: This study was conducted as an open‐label, single‐arm, multicenter study. One dydrogesterone 5‐mg tablet (Duphaston) was administered orally twice daily for 21 days from the 5th to 25th day of each menstrual cycle. A total of 44 (safety analysis) and 31 patients (efficacy analysis) were enrolled. Total dysmenorrhea score, dysmenorrhea subscale scores, dysmenorrhea visual analog scale, severity of menstruation‐related lower abdominal pain, low back pain, headache, and nausea/vomiting, basal body temperature, and serum estradiol and progesterone levels were evaluated. Results: Baseline of the total dysmenorrhea score was 4.61, which went down over time following the administration of dydrogesterone, and the decrease was statistically significant at and after 2nd cycle of menstruation. Mean change from baseline at the final evaluation point was −1.84 (P < 0.001). Severity of menstruation‐related lower abdominal pain, low back pain, headache, and nausea/vomiting, in the evaluated menstruation cycles tended to decrease over time. Basal body temperature showed a biphasic pattern in 70% at baseline, 50% in 2nd menstruation cycle, and 61% in 5th menstruation cycle, and at least half of the patients may have had ovulation during the treatment. Incidence of adverse drug reactions was 31.8%, and the most common adverse event was metrorrhagia. Conclusion: Dydrogesterone is efficacious, safe, and clinically beneficial in patients with dysmenorrhea, thereby indicating that dydrogesterone can be considered as a treatment option for patients with dysmenorrhea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem Is lipopolysaccharide ( LPS) involved in the development of endometriosis? Method of Study BALB/c mice (n=69) were used for the murine endometriosis model. Mice with surgically induced endometriosis were injected with LPS intraperitoneally. After 4 weeks of LPS injections with or without the nuclear factor-kappa B ( NF-κB) inhibitor, the extent of endometriosis-like lesions was evaluated. Expression of inflammatory factors in the implants was evaluated using real-time RT- PCR. Cell proliferation, angiogenic activity, inflammation, and NF-κB phosphorylation were assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Results Lipopolysaccharide increased total number, size, and mRNA expression of Ptgs-2, Vegf, Ccl-2, and Il-6 in endometriosis-like lesions. LPS also increased the percentage of Ki67-positive cells and enhanced the intensity and rate of positive cells of CD3, F4/80, and PECAM. Intense expression of phospho- NF-κB p65 after LPS administration was observed. Treatment with the NF- kB inhibitor negated these LPS-induced effects. Conclusion LPS-induced pelvic inflammation status enhanced the development of murine endometriosis-like lesions via NF-κB pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Excision of ovarian endometrioma (OE) may induce the reduction of ovarian reserve. We evaluated pregnancy outcomes after laparoscopic cystectomy (LC), and the pre- and postoperative levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) to consider the ovarian reserve. Methods We enrolled 40 women with OE and 16 women with benign ovarian tumors who hoped to have a child and who underwent LC. To evaluate the ovarian reserve of 40 patients (OE group, n = 24; non-OE group, n = 16), we measured serum AMH levels before and after the surgery. Results In the 40 women who underwent LC for OE, the cumulative pregnancy rate was 50%. Prior to the cystectomy, serum AMH levels in the OE group, especially in patients over the age of 35, were significantly lower than those in the non-OE group. Rate of decline in serum AMH in the OE group was significant compared with that in the non-OE group 6 months after surgery. In patients over the age of 35 in the OE group, AMH levels 1 year after surgery decreased noticeably. Conclusion LC for OE could be a preferred surgical approach, but effective therapeutic strategies will have to be developed to prevent damage to the ovarian reserve, especially for older patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary umbilical endometriosis is a rare disorder and is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue within the umbilicus. A patient with painful mass in the umbilicus during menstrual period is studied in this paper. The possibility of subcutaneous endometriosis should be considered when an umbilical mass is detected despite the absence of previous surgery. In this case, urachal cancer, urachal remnant, umbilical endometriosis, and its malignant transformation were among the diseases considered in the differential diagnosis. Complete excision and histology are necessary to obtain a definitive diagnosis and optimal treatment for umbilical subcutaneous endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem How is the tumor necrosis factor ( TNF) α-induced inhibitor of apoptosis ( IAP) protein expression in endometriotic stromal cells ( ESCs) involved in cell viability and signaling pathways? Method of study Endometriotic stromal cells were isolated from ovarian chocolate cysts in 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery. IAP protein expression and IκB phosphorylation were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Interleukin ( IL)-8 protein expression and cell proliferation were assessed by ELISA. Results Cellular IAP ( cIAP)-2 protein expression in endometriotic tissue was higher than that of endometrium. TNFα markedly enhanced cIAP-2 protein expression in ESCs. Pretreatment with a nuclear factor (NF)-κB inhibitor attenuated TNFα-induced cIAP-2 expression. An antagonist of IAPs abrogated TNFα-induced cIAP-2 protein expression and showed a decrease in TNFα-induced IL-8 protein expression and BrdU incorporation in ESCs. Conclusions TNFα and its downstream NFκB pathway have proven to be critical regulators of highly expressed cIAP-2 in ESCs. cIAP-2 may be a novel therapeutic target for endometriosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: We investigated the potential of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and GnRH antagonists to inhibit cell proliferation in endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells. Methods: Twenty patients with ovarian endometriomas and 18 patients with uterine fibromas were recruited. Endometriotic and endometrial stromal cells were obtained from the ovarian chocolate cyst linings and the eutopic endometria of premenopausal women with uterine fibromas, respectively. Results: GnRH agonist or antagonist treatment attenuated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced cell proliferation in the endometrial stromal cells, whereas endometriotic stromal cells did not respond to treatment. The endometriotic stromal cells exhibited a decreased expression of the type I GnRH receptor compared with the endometrial stromal cells. GnRH agonists or antagonists did not repress TNF-α-induced IL-8 production in endometriotic stromal cells. Conclusion: GnRH agonists and antagonists have similar effects in slowing the growth of endometrial stromal cells. Endometriotic stromal cells resist the antiproliferative effect of GnRH agonists and antagonists. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]