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Objectives The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, after 2 years, on mammographic screening in Brazil evaluating BIRADS® results, breast cancer diagnosis rates, and breast cancer stage. Study Design This was an ecological observational study based on retrospective data from Brazil’s mammographic screening program from 2015 to 2023. Methods Data were obtained from the national screening database DATASUS – SISCAN (Cancer System Information) and retrieved in March 2024. Inclusion criteria comprised completeness of mammogram data (incomplete records were excluded), female participants aged 50 to 69 years, and mammograms exclusively performed for screening purposes. The study analyzed the number of mammograms conducted during the specified period, focusing on BIRADS® test results. Results Out of 23,851,371 mammograms performed between 2015 and 2023, 15,000,628 were included for analysis. A significant reduction of 39.6% in mammograms was observed in 2020 compared to 2019, followed by a 12.6% decrease in 2021. Notably, a substantial rise in BIRADS categories 4 and 5 examinations was seen post-pandemic. Breast cancer staging analysis revealed a shift towards more advanced stages (III and IV) diagnosed post-pandemic, suggesting potential delays in detection and diagnosis. Conclusions In conclusion, the study highlighted significant discrepancies in mammographic screenings and breast cancer diagnosis rates over 9 years. The pandemic reflected significant influence on the timing and stage at diagnosis, suggesting potential delays in detection and diagnosis that resulted in later identification of more advanced disease stages.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of gynecologists, obstetricians, and family and community physicians in Brazil regarding breast cancer screening, mammographic findings defined by the BIRADS™ system, and their approach to suspected clinical lesions. Methods: This was an observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted using an online research questionnaire distributed via email to 9,000 gynecologists and obstetricians and 5,600 family and community and preventive medicine doctors actively practicing in Brazil. Results: Among gynecologists and obstetricians, 42.8% follow the 40-74 years screening, 33.5% follow the 50-69 years screening, and 23.6% do not follow any specific protocol. Among the family and community physicians, 76.6% follow the 50-69 years screening protocol, and 23.4% do not follow any specific protocol. When we evaluated the responses regarding the behaviors of each BIRADS™ classification, 46.3% of responses were wrong among gynecologists and obstetricians, and 77.9% were wrong among community and preventive medicine doctors, exhibiting a significant difference. The role of breast ultrasound in screening was evaluated; 39.1% of gynecologists and obstetricians and 20.3% of community and preventive medicine doctors consider it as a screening method. Among gynecologists and obstetricians who do not follow any screening protocol, 94.7% consider ultrasound as a screening method. Among community and preventive medicine doctors, only 26.5% of physicians who follow the 50-69 years screening method consider it as a screening method. Conclusion: Inadequate training results in gynecologists and obstetricians, and family and community physicians performing inadequate screening and not following the recommended practices outlined in the BIRADS™ system.

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare condition, accounting for approximately 1 % of all breast cancer cases. Nevertheless, the paucity of MBC-specific research has impeded a thorough understanding of MBC. In this study, we aimed to delineate the epidemiological implications of MBC in Brazil and benchmarked it against female breast cancer (FBC). This retrospective study analyzed data from the DATASUS database (2017–2021), which assessed the incidence of breast cancer in both sexes. All statistical analyses were performed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods, with significance set at a 95 % confidence interval. We identified 4,326 (1.7 %) and 233,793 (94.2 %) patients with MBC and FBC, respectively, in Brazil. Despite the general population concentration in the Southeast, MBC cases were more prevalent in the Northeast (p

Abstract Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies on maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes of women with singleton pregnancies, after spontaneous conception, and with the diagnosis of amniotic sludge before 37 weeks of gestational age. Data Sources We conducted a search on the PubMed, Cochrane, Bireme, and Theses databases until June 2022. Selection of Studies Using the keywords intra-amniotic sludge or fluid sludge or echogenic particles, we found 263 articles, 132 of which were duplicates, and 70 were discarded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Data Collection The articles retrieved were analyzed by 2 reviewers; 61 were selected for full-text analysis, 18 were included for a qualitative analysis, and 14, for a quantitative analysis. Data Synthesis Among the maternal outcomes analyzed, there was an increased risk of preterm labor (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.45–2.03), premature rupture of ovular membranes (95%CI: 1.99–3.79), and clinical (95%CI: 1.41–6.19) and histological chorioamnionitis (95%CI: 1.75–3.12). Regarding the fetal outcomes, there was a significant increase in the risk of morbidity (95%CI: 1.80–3.17), mortality (95%CI: 1.14–18.57), admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU; 95%CI: 1.17–1.95), and neonatal sepsis (95%CI: 2.29–7.55). Conclusion The results of the present study indicate that the presence of amniotic sludge is a risk marker for preterm delivery. Despite the heterogeneity of the studies analyzed, even in patients with other risk factors for prematurity, such as short cervix and previous preterm delivery, the presence of amniotic sludge increases the risk of premature labor. Moreover, antibiotic therapy seems to be a treatment for amniotic sludge, and it may prolong pregnancy.

Pathological complete response (pCR) is an important surrogate outcome to assess the effects of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Nomograms to predict pCR have been developed with local data to better select patients who are likely to benefit from NAC; however, they were never critically reviewed regarding their internal and external validity. The purpose of this systematic review was to critically appraise nomograms published in the last 20 years (2010–2022). Articles about nomograms were searched in databases, such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane. A total of 1120 hits were found, and seven studies were included for analyses. No meta-analysis could be performed due to heterogeneous reports on outcomes, including the definition of pCR and subtypes. Most nomograms were developed in Asian centers, and nonrandomized retrospective cohorts were the most common sources of data. The most common subtype included in the studies was triple negative (50%). There were articles that included HER2+ (>80%). In one study, scholars performed additional validation of the nomogram using DFS and OS as outcomes; however, there was a lack of clarity on how such endpoints were measured. Nomograms to predict pCR cannot be extrapolated to other settings due to local preferences/availability of NAC. The main gaps identified in this review are also opportunities for future nomogram research and development.

Abstract Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in women of reproductive age. Much of the treatment involves hormone therapy that suppresses the proliferation of endometriosis lesions. Objective To compare discontinuation rates of pharmacological treatment with estrogen-progestins and progestins medications. The secondary objective is to evaluate the main side effects of these drugs in patients with endometriosis. Methods This retrospective study analyzed data from 330 patients who attended the Hospital of the State Public Servant of São Paulo from August 1999 to September 2020 and received pharmacological treatment for endometriosis. The data were obtained by review of the files of medical appointments with specialized staff. Results The median treatment time was 18 months, ranging from 1 to 168 months, and 177 patients interrupted the proposed treatment. The combined contraceptives with estrogens and progestins were significantly linked to treatment interruption, with a relative risk of 1,99 (p = 0,005). The most important side effects that resulted in treatment interruption were pain persistence (p = 0,043), weight gain (p = 0,017) and spotting (p

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in the treatment of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus and to compare satisfaction and its complications with hysterectomy. Methods This was a comparative cross-sectional observational study of women with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus. Sixty-two women were treated and followed up for four years. Insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was performed in Group 1, and laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in Group 2. Results In Group 1 (n=31), 21 patients (67.7%) showed improvement in the bleeding pattern, and 11 patients (35.5%) had amenorrhea. Five patients (16.1%) remained with heavy bleeding and were considered to have experienced treatment failure. There were seven expulsions (22.6%); in five patients, bleeding remained heavy, but in two patients the bleeding returned to that of normal menstruation. No relationship was found between treatment failure and greater hysterometries (p=0.40) or greater uterine volumes (p=0.50), whereas expulsion was greater in uteri with smaller hysterometries (p=0.04). There were 13 (21%) complications, seven (53.8%) in the group that underwent insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (all were device expulsions), and six (46.2%) in the surgical group, which were the most severe ones (p=0.76). Regarding satisfaction, 12 patients (38.7%) were dissatisfied with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and one (3.23%) was dissatisfied with the surgical treatment (p=0.00). Conclusion Treatment with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus was effective, and when compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy, it had a lower rate of satisfaction and the same rate of complications, although less severe.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the impact of the Pink October Campaign on the increase in mammographic screening in Brazil. Study design: Ecological observational study, based on retrospective data. Methods: Brazilian national screening database (DATASUS/SISMAMA/Information System on Breast Cancer) was used as a data source and is publicly available for download and analysis. We report screening numbers and outcome rates from January 2017 to December 2021 comparing statistically (ANOVA test, post-Tukey test), age groups, regions of Brazil, and the four quarters of the year. Results: During the study period, the average number of exams performed monthly over the five years was 137,400.117. An increase in the number of mammograms performed in October was identified, as well as in the two following months, respectively 33%, 39%, and 22%, with statistical significance (p = 0.000) in relation to the three quarters of the year. In addition, in the other months, we found values below the monthly average. Statistical difference was not found in the increase in mammograms considering age groups (p = 0.5) and different regions of the country (p = 0.6). Conclusions: This study showed an increase in mammographic screening in the three months following the Pink October Campaign, so we should intensify similar actions throughout the year and not just in October.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the existence of an association between ultrasound findings and epidemiological and clinical factors using results obtained from the EHP-30 questionnaire in women with ovarian endometriosis. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed between July 2012 and May 2015, in which patients with chronic pelvic pain suggestive of endometrioma, as indicated by the results from a transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, completed the standardized Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire to access quality-of-life scores before beginning treatment for endometriosis. A total of 65 patients were included. The data was analyzed in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for the comparison of data through linear multiple regression. Results The suitability of the linear regression model was confirmed by the histogram of the dependent variable and the residue distribution plot, confirming the trend of linearity as well as the homogeneous dispersion of the residues. The mean age of the patients was 39.7 ± 7.1 years old. Themajority was Caucasian (64.5%), had completed higher education (56.5%) and was nulligravida (40.3%). Infertility was present in 48.4% of the patients studied. Out of the total sample, 80.6% of the cases were symptomatic and complained mainly of acyclic pain, 79% of dysmenorrhea, and 61.3% of dyspareunia. This reflects the negative influence of endometriosis on the quality of life of patients with this disease. Conclusion Dyspareunia and acyclic pain were independent factors of correlation with high scores in the EHP-30 questionnaire, reflecting a worse quality of life.

Abstract Objective To outline the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with deep intestinal endometriosis submitted to surgical treatment at a tertiary referral center with a multidisciplinary team, and correlate those characteristics with the surgical procedures performed and operative complications. Methods A prospective cohort from February 2012 to November 2016 of 32 women with deep intestinal endometriosis operations. The variables analyzed were: age; obesity; preoperative symptoms (dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, acyclic pain, dyschezia, infertility, urinary symptoms, constipation and intestinal bleeding); previous surgery for endometriosis; Enzian classification; size of the intestinal lesion; and surgical complications. Results Themean age was 37.75 (±5.72) years. A total of 7 patients (22%) had a prior history of endometriosis. The mean of the largest diameter of the intestinal lesions identified intraoperatively was of 28.12 mm (±14.29 mm). In the Enzian classification, there was a predominance of lesions of the rectum and sigmoid, comprising 30 cases (94%). There were no statistically significant associations between the predictor variables and the outcome complications, even after the multiple logistic regression analysis. Regarding the size of the lesion, there was also no significant correlation with the outcome complications (p = 0.18; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]:0.94-1.44); however, there was a positive association between grade 3 of the Enzia classification and the more extensive surgical techniques: segmental intestinal resection and rectosigmoidectomy, with a prevalence risk of 4.4 (p < 0.001; 95%CI:1.60-12.09). Conclusion The studied sample consisted of highly symptomatic women. A high prevalence of deep infiltrative endometriosis lesions was found located in the rectum and sigmoid region, and their size correlated directly with the extent of the surgical resection performed.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the quality of the sexual function of women with suspected deep infiltrating endometriosis. Methods A cross-sectional, observational and prospective study was conducted between May 2015 and August 2016, in which 67 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, suspected or diagnosed, were assessed for epidemiological and clinical characteristics, such as pain level through a visual analog scale (VAS), features of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions and score on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before the onset of treatment. The statistical analysis was performed using the software STATA version 12.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA) to compare the variables through multiple regression analysis. Results The average age of the patients was 39.2 years old; most patients were symptomatic (92.5%); and the predominant location of the deep infiltrating lesions was on the rectosigmoid colon (50%), closely followed by the retrocervical region (48.3%). The medianoverallscoreontheFSFIwas23.4;in67.2%of thecasesthescorewas26.5(cutoff point for sexualdysfunction). Deepdyspareunia(p = 0.000,confidenceinterval [CI]:0.64- 0.83) and rectosigmoid endometriosis lesions (p = 0.008, CI: 0.72-0.95) showed significant correlation with lower FSFI scores, adjusted by bladder lesion, patients’ ageand size of lesions. Deep dyspareunia (p = 0.003, CI: 0.49-0.86) also exhibited significant correlation with FSFI pain domain, adjusted by cyclic bowel pain, vaginal lesion and use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. These results reflect the influence of deep dyspareunia on the sexual dysfunction of the analyzed population. Conclusion Most patients exhibited sexual dysfunction, and deep dyspareunia was the pelvic painful symptom that showed correlation with sexual dysfunction.

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the epidemiological data of hypertension in pregnant women, as well as to identify its possible associated events. Methods Data collection was performed at the high-risk prenatal outpatient clinic and in the maternity ward at a public hospital in the São Paulo city, during the morning and afternoon periods, from October 2015 to July 2016. A questionnaire with 22 questions prepared by the researchers was used. The margin of error was 5% and the confidence level was 95%. For the calculation, the two-proportion equality, Pearson correlation and ANOVA tests were used. Results Among the interviewees, 43% had chronic hypertension, 33.3% presented with up to 20 weeks of gestation, 23.7% presented after the 20th week of gestation, 62.3% were between 18 and 35 years of age, 78.1% had a family history of hypertension, and among those aged 36 to 45 years, 11.4% were in the first gestation, and 26.3% in the second gestation. Considering the associated conditions, diabetes prevailed with 50%; obesity with 22.2%, and the most selected foods for consumption among pregnant women, 47.5% had high energy content (processed/ultraprocessed). Conclusion After an epidemiological analysis of the prevalence of hypertension, pregnant women with chronic hypertension, preexisting hypertension diagnosed during pregnancy, and hypertensive disease of pregnancy were identified. Regarding the possible factors associated with arterial hypertension, higher age, family history of hypertension, preexistence of hypertension, late pregnancies, diabetes, obesity and frequent consumption of processed/ultraprocessed foods were found.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o aspecto da cavidade uterina após a ablação endometrial histeroscópica, a prevalência de sinéquias após o procedimento e, com isso, avaliar a importância da histeroscopia realizada no pós-operatório dessas pacientes.MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os laudos dos exames de 153 pacientes que haviam sido submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial após ablação do endométrio devido a sangramento uterino anormal de causa benigna, no período entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2011. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: HIST≤60 (n=90), com pacientes submetidas ao exame no período de 40 a 60 dias após o procedimento, e grupo HIST>60 (n=63), das que foram examinadas entre 61 dias e 12 meses.RESULTADOS: No grupo HIST≤60, 30% das pacientes apresentavam algum grau de sinéquia; aderências grau I foram descritas em 4,4%; grau II em 6,7%; grau IIa em 4,4%; grau III em 7,8%; e 2,2% apresentavam grau IV. No HIST>60, sinéquias foram descritas em 53,9% dos casos, 3,2% tinham sinéquias grau I; 11,1%, grau II; 7,9%, grau IIa; 15,9%, grau III; e 4,8%, grau IV. Hematometra foi descrito em 2,2% dos casos do HIST≤60 e em 6,3% no HIST>60.CONCLUSÕES: A cavidade uterina de pacientes submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial até 60 dias após a ablação endometrial mostrou menor número de sinéquias quando comparada com as cavidades uterinas de pacientes que foram submetidas ao exame após 60 dias. Acompanhamento em longo prazo é necessário para avaliar plenamente o impacto da histeroscopia ambulatorial após a ablação endometrial.

OBJETIVOS: Analisar o desfecho perinatal e pediátrico de fetos que apresentaram translucência nucal (TN) acima do percentil 95 (P95) e cariótipo normal a fim de obter dados que permitam um melhor aconselhamento materno pré-natal. METÓDOS: Análise de fetos em um serviço terciário de obstetrícia apresentaram TN acima do P95 e cariótipo normal entre os anos 2005 e 2011. Analisamos o seguimento ultrassonográfico gestacional, ecocardiografia (ECO) fetal e pós-natal, peso, comprimento e escore de Apgar ao nascimento, além do desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor por meio do Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) até julho de 2012. RESULTADOS: Durante esse período, foram 116 casos de translucência nucal acima do P95, sendo que em 79 (68%) foi realizado cariótipo fetal. Das análises, 43 foram normais (54,4%) e 36, alteradas (45,6%). Nos fetos com cariótipo normal, houve um abortamento na 15ª semana gestacional com pentalogia de Cantrel, um óbito na 24ª semana com diversas anomalias estruturais, um óbito neonatal sem causa definida e dois casos de comunicação intraventricular (CIV) detectados no ECO fetal. Na avaliação ecocardiográfica pós-natal, persistiu um caso de CIV e foi diagnosticado um caso de comunicação interatrial (CIA) e persistência do canal arterial (PCA). Entre os 40 casos sobreviventes, apenas 1 criança apresentou atraso no desenvolvimento da fala e outra apresentou quadro de autismo. Os demais casos resultaram em desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor normal. CONCLUSÃO: No acompanhamento dos fetos com TN aumentada e cariótipo normal, os pais podem ser mais bem aconselhados de que, frente a um exame morfológico-ecocardiográfico do 2º trimestre sem alterações, a probabilidade de a criança nascer viva e bem é alta (93,5%).

Objective: To compare results of hysteroscopic polypectomy of theendometrium performed in an outpatient clinic, under no anesthesia,to conventional hysteroscopic polypectomy under anesthesia inthe operating theatre, assessing success rate, procedure timeand complications; and to measure pain referred by patients inboth groups. Methods: An observational cross-sectional study of60 patients with hysteroscopic diagnosis of endometrial polyps,divided into two groups: the Outpatient Group, comprising patientssubmitted to outpatient´s hysteroscopic polypectomy by continuousflow vaginoscopy using endoscopic forceps under no anesthesia, andthe Conventional Group with patients submitted to hysteroscopicpolypectomy in the operating theater, using a monopolar resectoscopeunder anesthesia. Results: The groups were similar as to age, parity,mode of delivery and menopausal status. Both groups presented100% efficacy in exeresis of polyps. The mean time of procedurewas 7 minutes in the Outpatient Group and 35.16 minutes in theConventional Group. In the Outpatient Group, menopausal patients(p=0.04) and those with polyps >1cm (p=0.01) had longerprocedures. Using the Verbal Analog Scale of Pain, the mean scoreof pain referred by patients during the procedure was 2.93 in theOutpatient Group and, after anesthetic effect, 1.42 in the Conventional Group. There were no complications in the Outpatient Group. There was one case of uterine perforation and one case of false passage in the Conventional Group. Conclusion: Hysteroscopic polypectomy performed in an outpatient setting under no anesthesia is a welltolerated procedure. As compared to conventional treatment, itdisplays the same efficacy, but the procedure time is shorter and thecomplication rate is lower.

Objective: To assess lag time between onset of symptoms anddiagnosis of endometriosis in patients followed up at the OutpatientsClinic of Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain, at the Hospitaldo Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo “Francisco Moratode Oliveira”, from January 2003 to November 2009. Methods:In a retrospective analytical study, a total of 310 women withendometriosis confirmed by surgery and pathological examinationwere evaluated in the period from January 6, 2003 to November29, 2009. Data were gathered through revision of the follow-up visitforms at the specialized outpatients clinic and medical records. Thesoftware Epi-Info 3.3.2 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean lag time between onset of symptoms and confirming diagnosisof endometriosis was 46.16 months (3.84 years), ranging from 6 to324 months. Patients aged under 20 years had a mean time untildiagnosis of 2.8 years (33.6 months, range of 6 to 144 months). Inpatients aged 20-29 years, it was 3.51 years (42.18 months, range6-192 months). In those aged 30-40 years, the mean time was 4.14years (49.69 months, range 6-324 months). And in women age over40 years, it was 3.15 years (37.86 months, range 6-216 months).Conclusion: The lag time between onset of symptoms and diagnosisof endometriosis was shorter, as compared to other national andinternational evaluations.

OBJECTIVE: To identify uterine hysteroscopic findings among patients with prior cesarean section and whom had post-menstrual bleeding spotting type. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study between June 2008 and December 2009 involving women admitted to our clinic in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil, and who complained of prolonged genital bleeding after menstrual period. A total of 20 women with the simultaneous following characteristics were selected: at least one prior cesarean section, aged between 18 and 45 years, no use of hormonal contraceptives, and no history of uterine surgery that could change the cavity anatomy. All participants underwent a hysteroscopic examination. RESULTS: During hysteroscopy, in 90% of the patients, the presence of a cesarean section scar was observed in the last third of the cervix. This scarring causes an anomaly in the uterine cavity anatomy, characterized by the viewing of an enlargement followed by a retraction of the anterior wall, which affords the presence of a pseudocavity with depth and lumen narrowing in variable degrees. Two patients did not present the pseudocavity. CONCLUSION: Pseudocavities in cesarean section scar are usually found in hysteroscopic examination of patients with prior cesarean section and abnormal uterine spotting.

Objective: To identify uterine hysteroscopic findings among patientswith prior cesarean section and whom had post-menstrual bleedingspotting type. Methods: We conducted a descriptive and prospective study between June 2008 and December 2009 involving women admitted to our clinic in Ji-Paraná (RO), Brazil, and who complained of prolonged genital bleeding after menstrual period. A total of 20 women with the simultaneous following characteristics were selected: at least one prior cesarean section, aged between 18 and 45 years, no use of hormonal contraceptives, and no history of uterine surgery that could change the cavity anatomy. All participants underwent a hysteroscopic examination. Results: During hysteroscopy, in 90% of the patients, the presence of a cesarean section scar was observed in the last third of the cervix. This scarring causes an anomaly in the uterine cavity anatomy, characterized by the viewing of an enlargement followed by a retraction of the anterior wall, which affords the presence of a pseudocavity with depth and lumen narrowing in variable degrees. Two patients did not present the pseudocavity. Conclusion: Pseudocavities in cesarean section scar are usually found in hysteroscopic examination of patients with prior cesarean section and abnormal uterine spotting.

OBJECTIVE: To assess lag time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis in patients followed up at the Outpatients Clinic of Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain, at the Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual de São Paulo "Francisco Morato de Oliveira", from January 2003 to November 2009. METHODS: In a retrospective analytical study, a total of 310 women with endometriosis confirmed by surgery and pathological examination were evaluated in the period from January 6, 2003 to November 29, 2009. Data were gathered through revision of the follow-up visit forms at the specialized outpatients clinic and medical records. The software Epi-Info 3.3.2 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean lag time between onset of symptoms and confirming diagnosis of endometriosis was 46.16 months (3.84 years), ranging from 6 to 324 months. Patients aged under 20 years had a mean time until diagnosis of 2.8 years (33.6 months, range of 6 to 144 months). In patients aged 20-29 years, it was 3.51 years (42.18 months, range 6-192 months). In those aged 30-40 years, the mean time was 4.14 years (49.69 months, range 6-324 months). And in women age over 40 years, it was 3.15 years (37.86 months, range 6-216 months). CONCLUSION: The lag time between onset of symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis was shorter, as compared to other national and international evaluations.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos, após seguimento mínimo de 5 anos, de pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal de etiologia benigna que realizaram ablação endometrial, analisando a taxa de sucesso do tratamento em relação ao método, compreendida como satisfação da paciente e melhora do sangramento uterino anormal, bem como complicações tardias, fatores associados e recorrência dos sintomas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido após período mínimo de 5 anos de cirurgia em pacientes submetidas ao procedimento entre 1999 e 2004. Foram analisados os seguintes dados: faixa etária quando da realização da cirurgia, complicações imediatas e tardias, e fatores associados. Foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logística com cálculo da respectiva Odds Ratio (OR) para se observarem as possíveis associações existentes entre a taxa de sucesso da cirurgia e as variáveis analisadas. RESULTADOS: Cento e quatorze pacientes foram submetidas à ablação endometrial no período de Março de 1999 a Abril de 2004. O tempo mediano de seguimento foi de 82 meses. O modelo de regressão logística permitiu a predição correta do sucesso da ablação endometrial em 80,6%. A idade relacionou-se diretamente com o sucesso do procedimento (OR=1,2; p=0,003) e a ligadura tubária pregressa mostrou relação inversa com o sucesso da ablação endometrial (OR=0,3; p=0,049). Dentre as pacientes com falha terapêutica, 21 (72,4%) foram tratadas com histerectomia. Em uma das pacientes submetidas à histerectomia foi confirmada a presença de hidro-hematossalpinge ao exame anatomopatológico, caracterizando a síndrome da ligadura tubária pós-ablação. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação endometrial tem se mostrado uma opção de tratamento vantajosa, mantendo altos índices de satisfação das pacientes, mesmo em seguimentos a longo prazo A idade quando da ablação endometrial influenciou no sucesso terapêutico e mais estudos são necessários para avaliar os fatores que poderão futuramente influenciar na indicação do procedimento em casos selecionados.PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after a minimum period of 5 years of follow-up of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology who underwent endometrial ablation, analyzing the success rate of treatment defined as patient satisfaction and improvement in uterine abnormal bleeding, as well as late complications and factors associated with recurrence of symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted after a minimum period of 5 years after surgery in patients who underwent the procedure between 1999 and 2004. We analyzed the following data: age at the time of surgery, immediate and late complications and associated factors. Logistic regression with Odds Ratio (OR) calculation was performed to evaluate possible associations between the success rate of surgery and the analyzed variables. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients underwent endometrial ablation between March 1999 and April 2004. The median follow-up was 82 months. The logistic regression model allowed the correct prediction of the success of endometrial ablation in 80.6% of cases. Age was directly related to the success of the procedure (OR=1.2; p=0.003) and previous tubal ligation showed a negative association with the success of endometrial ablation (OR=0.3; p=0.049). Among the patients with treatment failure, 21 (72.4%) underwent hysterectomy. In one of the hysterectomy cases, hydro/hematosalpinx was confirmed by the anatomopathological exam, characterizing the postablation-tubal sterilization syndrome. CONCLUSION: Endometrial ablation has proven to be a worthwhile treatment option, maintaining high rates of patient satisfaction, even over long-term follow-up. The age at endometrial ablation influenced the therapeutic success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the factors that may influence the future indication for the procedure in selected cases.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the value of diagnostic hysteroscopy with biopsy in the preoperative preparation for endometrial ablation. Methods: It was a prospective non-randomized study conducted at the division of Gynecologic Endoscopy of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual “Francisco Morato de Oliveira” from March 2007 to May 2009. A total of 45 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, and referred to endometrial ablation were included. All women underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy, and were treated with a GnRH analogous – goserelin – 10.8 mg before surgery. The endometrial ablation was performed with a surgical resectoscope. Patients were submitted to one directed endometrial biopsy, one guided endometrial biopsy with Novak curette, and to endometrial ablation, which was considered as reference for pathological examination with samples from the biopsies. Data were analyze using the SPSS-v16 software, and considered significance at p = 0.05. Results: The mean age of women was 44.20 years (33-56), parity of 2.67 (0-9), uterus size of 139.99 calculated in cc (42-278), and the mean duration of symptoms was 3.68 years (0.5-15). The guided endometrial biopsy showed sensitivity of 80% for endometrium without atypia, and the directed endometrial biopsy had sensitivity of 60%. For proliferative endometrium the directed endometrial biopsy showed sensitivity of 76 and 100% for secretory endometrium, which was higher than the guided endometrial biopsy with 53 and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The directed biopsy before endometrial ablation had lower sensitivity than guided biopsy for endometrium without atypia, however it was higher for proliferative and secretory endometrium.

Objective: To assess the value of diagnostic hysteroscopy with biopsy in the preoperative preparation for endometrial ablation. Methods: It was a prospective non-randomized study conducted at the division of Gynecologic Endoscopy of Hospital do Servidor Público Estadual “Francisco Morato de Oliveira” from March 2007 to May 2009. A total of 45 patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, and referred to endometrial ablation were included. All women underwent a diagnostic hysteroscopy, and were treated with a GnRH analogous – goserelin – 10.8 mg before surgery. The endometrial ablation was performed with a surgical resectoscope. Patients were submitted to one directed endometrial biopsy, one guided endometrial biopsy with Novak curette, and to endometrial ablation, which was considered as reference for pathological examination with samples from the biopsies. Data were analyze using the SPSS-v16 software, and considered significance at p = 0.05. Results: The mean age of women was 44.20 years (33-56), parity of 2.67 (0-9), uterus size of 139.99 calculated in cc (42-278), and the mean duration of symptoms was 3.68 years (0.5-15). The guided endometrial biopsy showed sensitivity of 80% for endometrium without atypia, and the directed endometrial biopsy had sensitivity of 60%. For proliferative endometrium the directed endometrial biopsy showed sensitivity of 76 and 100% for secretory endometrium, which was higher than the guided endometrial biopsy with 53 and 50%, respectively. Conclusion: The directed biopsy before endometrial ablation had lower sensitivity than guided biopsy for endometrium without atypia, however it was higher for proliferative and secretory endometrium.

OBJETIVO: analisar a evolução clínica de três pacientes grávidas com malária grave internadas em unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital localizado em Porto Velho (RO). MÉTODOS: foi realizado estudo descritivo em três gestantes, portadoras de malária por Plasmodium falciparum, internadas em unidade de terapia intensiva em Porto Velho, no período de 2005 a 2006. As variáveis categóricas utilizadas foram os critérios de classificação da Organização Mundial de Saúde para classificação de malária grave e os índices Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II (APACHE II) e Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) preditores de morbidade e gravidade das doenças em unidade de terapia intensiva. RESULTADOS: a malária adquirida pelas gestantes, caracterizada pela infecção por Plasmodium falciparum na forma grave da doença, resultou em óbito para as três pacientes e seus conceptos. CONCLUSÕES: embora a casuística seja pequena, a importância deste estudo reflete a repercussão da malária grave em gestantes, bem como a necessidade de um acompanhamento pré-natal mais criterioso e atento à identificação precoce do início das complicações da malária em gestantes.PURPOSE: to analyze the clinical course of three pregnant patients with severe malaria admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Porto Velho (RO), Brazil. METHODS: a descriptive study was conducted on three pregnant women infected with Plasmodium falciparum malaria, admitted to the intensive care unit of a hospital in Porto Velho from 2005 to 2006. Categorical variables used were the classification criteria of the World Health Organization which ranks severe malaria and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Disease Classification System II (APACHE II) and Sepsis Related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) predictors of morbidity and severity of intensive care unit diseases. RESULTS: the malaria acquired by the pregnant subjects characterized by infection with Plasmodium falciparum in its most serious form resulted in death for all three patients and their fetuses. CONCLUSIONS: although the sample of this study was small it reflects the important impact of severe malaria on pregnant women as well as the need for a more judicious and attentive prenatal care to identify the disease in its early stages and its first complications in pregnant women.

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of pain reported by patients undergoing outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy. Methods: Exam performed with a 5-mm lens hysteroscope, vaginal speculum, tenaculum and uterine distention with carbon dioxide gas. Before and after the examination, patients were interviewed to define, in a verbal scale from 0 to 10, pain values that they expected to feel and that they experienced after the end, and also if they would repeat it if indicated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15.0, statistic significance was defined as p < 0.05 with a study power of 95%. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included with mean age of 50.9 years, with 32.8% at postmenopause and 6.9% nulliparous. Among those with previous deliveries, mean parity was 2.21 and at least one vaginal delivery had occurred in 63.8%. Only 24.1% of patients knew how the exam would be done, 62.1% needed an endometrial sample and the result was considered satisfactory in 89.7%. The means of expected and experienced pain were similar (6.0 versus 6.1), and 91.4% of women would repeat the hysteroscopy if necessary. The only factor associated with less pain after the exam was previous vaginal delivery, with a decrease of pain score from 7.1 to 5.5 (p = 0.03). Mean pain was significantly lower in those who agreed to repeat the exam (5.8 versus 9.4; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy with gas can be associated with moderate but tolerable discomfort and satisfactory results.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intensity of pain reported by patients undergoing outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy. Methods: Exam performed with a 5-mm lens hysteroscope, vaginal speculum, tenaculum and uterine distention with carbon dioxide gas. Before and after the examination, patients were interviewed to define, in a verbal scale from 0 to 10, pain values that they expected to feel and that they experienced after the end, and also if they would repeat it if indicated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15.0, statistic significance was defined as p < 0.05 with a study power of 95%. Results: Fifty-eight patients were included with mean age of 50.9 years, with 32.8% at postmenopause and 6.9% nulliparous. Among those with previous deliveries, mean parity was 2.21 and at least one vaginal delivery had occurred in 63.8%. Only 24.1% of patients knew how the exam would be done, 62.1% needed an endometrial sample and the result was considered satisfactory in 89.7%. The means of expected and experienced pain were similar (6.0 versus 6.1), and 91.4% of women would repeat the hysteroscopy if necessary. The only factor associated with less pain after the exam was previous vaginal delivery, with a decrease of pain score from 7.1 to 5.5 (p = 0.03). Mean pain was significantly lower in those who agreed to repeat the exam (5.8 versus 9.4; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy with gas can be associated with moderate but tolerable discomfort and satisfactory results.

OBJETIVO: comparar a dor referida pelas pacientes submetidas à histeroscopia pela técnica convencional com gás carbônico (CO2) e a vaginohisteroscopia com soro fisiológico (SF 0,9%). MÉTODOS: estudo prospectivo de coorte, realizado em um serviço de histeroscopia ambulatorial. Foram incluídas 117 pacientes com indicação para realizarem o exame, alocadas aleatoriamente em dois grupos. Todas responderam a um questionário epidemiológico e quantificaram a dor esperada antes do exame e sentida após seu término em uma escala verbal de dor de 0 a 10. Para a técnica convencional, foram utilizados espéculo, tração do colo, inserção de ótica de 30º e camisa diagnóstica com diâmetro total 5 mm. A cavidade foi distendida com CO2 sob pressão de 100 mmHg controlada por histeroinsuflador e a biópsia realizada com cureta de Novak. A vaginoscopia foi realizada sem toque, por distensão da vagina com líquido, visualização direta do colo e introdução de ótica com duas camisas de fluxo contínuo com canal acessório de perfil ovalado, totalizando também 5 mm de diâmetro para o conjunto. Foi utilizado SF 0,9% como meio de distensão e a pressão, definida como a necessária para adequada visualização do canal e da cavidade com pressurizador pneumático externo. A biópsia foi realizada de forma dirigida com pinça endoscópica. Foram calculados média e desvio padrão para as variáveis quantitativas e frequência para as qualitativas. O teste t de Student foi utilizado para comparar médias e o teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fischer (quando nPURPOSE: to compare the pain reported by patients submitted to hysteroscopy by the standard technique with carbon dioxide (CO2) and to vaginal hysteroscopy with physiological saline (0.9% NaCl). METHODS: this was a prospective cohort study conducted at an ambulatory hysteroscopy service. A total of 117 patients with indication for the exam were included, being randomly assigned to one of the groups. All patients answered an epidemiological questionnaire and scored the pain expected before the exam and that felt after the end of the procedure on a verbal pain scale from 0 to 10. A speculum, traction of the cervix, insertion of a 30º light source and a diagnostic shirt with a total diameter of 5 mm were used for the standard technique. The cavity was distended with CO2 under a pressure of 100 mmHg controlled with a hysteroflator, and a biopsy was obtained with a Novak curette. Vaginoscopy was performed without a touch by distention of the vagina with fluid, direct visualization of the cervix and introduction of the light source with two continuous-flow shirts, with an accessory channel with an oval profile, the whole set measuring 5 mm in diameter. The medium distention was 0.9% NaCl and the pressure used was that considered to be necessary for an adequate visualization of the canal and of the cavity with an external pneumatic pressurizer. The biopsy was obtained in a directed manner using an endoscopic clamp. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for the quantitative variables and the frequency was calculated for the qualitative variables. The Student's t-test was used to compare the means, and the chi-square or exact Fisher test was used (when n

Objective: To evaluate the results of hysteroscopy for investigating the uterine cavity of postmenopausal women presenting endometrial thickening on ultrasound. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on hysteroscopic evaluations of 329 postmenopausal women presenting with endometrial thickening on transvaginal ultrasonography. Hysteroscopies were performed in an outpatient setting, using a 4 mm optic Hamou II microhysteroscope and gas (CO2) to distend the uterine cavity. A guided biopsy for histology was performed in all patients with suspected endometrial malignancies and in most patients with benign abnormalities. Rresults: Endometrial thickness ranged from 6 to 38 mm (mean of 10.03 ± 4.49 mm). The hysteroscopic findings were polyps in 183 patients (55.62%); atrophic endometrium in 55 patients (16.72%); synechia in 26 patients (7.90%); a “cerebroid” appearance lesion in 13 patients (3.95%); myoma in 12 patients (3.65%); endometrial hyperplasia in 11 patients (3.34%); focal thickening in ten patients (3.04%); proliferative endometrium in eight patients (2.43%); mucus in seven patients (2.13%); and cystic atrophy in four patients (1.22%). Endometrial carcinoma was confirmed by histology in 11 of 13 suspected cases, in which hysteroscopy showed the cerebroid appearance. Hyperplasias were confirmed in seven of 11 cases. The respective accuracy was 99.26 and 96.67%. Nine out of 11 endometrial cancer cases and six out of 12 hyperplasia cases presented uterine bleeding. Cconclusions: The most frequent findings were benign lesions (92.71%). Hysteroscopy with biopsy is an accurate method to detect intracavitary uterine disease.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation in women with abnormal benign uterine bleeding resistant to clinical treatment, and to identify factors potentially related to its failure. Methods: Ninety patients with abnormal benign uterine bleeding were retrospectively evaluated. They were submitted to endometrial ablation between January 2000 and August 2003. Their mean age was 44.3 years and their average parity was 2.3 childbirths. All patients had been given gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues prior to surgery, to make the procedure easier. Rresults: After surgery, amenorrhea occurred in 20% of cases, hypomenorrhea in 30%, and eumenorrhea in 32.2%. In 17.8% of patients, the procedure failed. No intra or postoperative complications occurred. There was no statistically significant difference between the patients in which the ablation failed and those in which it was successful regarding mean age (p = 0.557), parity (p = 0.891), presence of intramural myoma (p= 0.29), submucosal myoma (p = 0.68) or endometrial polyps (p = 0.76). A significant difference between the two groups was observed with regard to the uterine size median (7 cm in the successful group and 9 cm in the failure group, p = 0.008). A statistically significant difference was also found in follow-up time: 13 months in the first group and nine months in the second group (p = 0.001). Cconclusions: Endometrial ablation is a good treatment method for abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology. Special attention must be paid to patients with increased uterine size, since failure is more frequent in these cases.

Objective: To evaluate the influence of the previous section cesarean in the laparoscopy hysterectomy. Methods: The study was retrospectively of 253 laparoscopy hysterectomies performed between January 2000 to January 2006. Rresults: Among 153 total laparoscopy hysterectomies were performed (60,5% of the patients), 84 cases (54.9%) had cesarean section and 69 cases (45.1%) had not it. The laparoscopy supracervical hysterectomies in one hundred patients (39.5%), 53 cases (53%) with cesarean section and 47 cases (47%) without. Cconclusions: The results of this study show that cesarean section does not increase the incidence of laparoscopy supracervical hysterectomy.

Objective: To assess serum total cholesterol, low density lipoproteincholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low densitylipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant womenaged over 35 years during the first and second trimesters ofpregnancy, and to relate theses values with the diagnosis ofpre-eclampsia in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. Methods: Fiftythreepregnant women were divided into two groups, one withno pre-eclampsia and another diagnosed with pre-eclampsia.Five pregnant women were excluded due to miscarriages. Serumtotal cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, high densitylipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoprotein cholesteroland triglyceride levels were measured in all pregnant womenduring the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. Results:Thirty-nine pregnant women had no pre-eclampsia and nine werediagnosed with pre-eclampsia. Serum total cholesterol, low densitylipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were similar inboth groups during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy(p = 0.25, p = 0.71 and p = 0.30, respectively). However,serum total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol andtriglyceride levels were significantly higher during the secondtrimester compared to the first trimester in both groups (p < 0.001,p < 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively). Serum high densitylipoprotein cholesterol and very low density lipoprotein cholesterollevels were similar in both groups during the first trimester(p = 0.21 and p = 0.38, respectively); during the second trimester,however, these levels were significantly higher in the pre-eclampsiagroup compared to the group with no pre-eclampsia (p = 0.005 andp = 0.003, respectively). Furthermore, serum high density lipoproteincholesterol levels in the pre-eclampsia group were significantlyhigher during the second trimester compared to the first trimesterin the same groups, and serum very low density lipoproteincholesterol levels in both groups were significantly higher duringthe second trimester compared to the first trimester (p = 0.016 andp < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Serum total cholesterol,low density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low density lipoproteincholesterol and triglyceride levels raised from the first to the secondtrimester of pregnancy. Serum high density lipoprotein cholesterollevels increased only in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia duringthe second trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women with preeclampsiahad higher serum high density lipoprotein cholesteroland very low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared withpregnant women with no pre-eclampsia.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a passagem de células endometriais para a cavidade peritoneal durante histeroscopia diagnóstica. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, prospectivo, envolvendo 61 pacientes sem afecção endometrial maligna e 15 com câncer do endométrio. Duas amostras de lavado peritoneal foram colhidas, uma antes (LP-1) e outra (LP-2), imediatamente após a realização da histeroscopia diagnóstica. A passagem para a cavidade peritoneal foi definida como a presença de células endometriais no LP-2, devendo tais células estarem ausentes no LP-1. Utilizou-se histeroscópio com 5 mm de diâmetro (Storz). O meio de distensão foi o CO2 com pressão de fluxo de 80 mmHg controlada eletronicamente. O LP foi fixado em álcool absoluto (1:1). As lâminas foram preparadas pelo método de Papanicolaou e todas as leituras feitas pelo mesmo observador. RESULTADOS: foram excluídas quatro pacientes (5,26%) por apresentarem células endometriais no LP-1, sendo duas em cada grupo. Nas 72 restantes, não houve passagem de células para a cavidade peritoneal. No grupo sem afecção maligna endometrial, 88,1% (52/59) apresentaram endométrio secretor, com correlação de 80% entre o diagnóstico histeroscópico e a biópsia do endométrio. No grupo com afecção maligna endometrial, a maioria das pacientes encontrava-se no estádio I (92,3%). A correlação entre histeroscopia/biópsia endometrial e exame anatomopatológico da peça cirúrgica foi de 100%. CONCLUSÕES: a realização de histeroscopia diagnóstica com CO2 e pressão de fluxo de 80 mmHg não determinou passagem de células endometriais para a cavidade peritoneal em ambos os grupos, sugerindo que a histeroscopia é método seguro nas pacientes com suspeita de câncer endometrial.PURPOSE: to evaluate the spreading of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity during diagnostic hysteroscopy. METHODS: a prospective, descriptive study involving 76 patients divided in two groups: one with 61 patients without malignant endometrial cancer, and the other with 15 patients with endometrial cancer. Two samples of peritoneal fluid were collected, one before (PF-1) and the other immediately after (PF-2) the diagnostic hysteroscopy. Spread to the peritoneal cavity was defined by the presence of endometrial cells in PF-2, with the absence of such cells in PF-1. The 5 mm diameter Storz’s hysteroscopy was used. Distention was obtained by CO2 with electronically controlled flow pressure of 80 mmHg. The PF was fixated in absolute alcohol (ratio1:1). The PF samples were centrifuged and aliquots were smeared and stained using the Papanicolaou method. Analyses were performed by the same observer. RESULTS: during the study, four patients (5.26%) were excluded for presenting endometrial cells in PF-1. In the remaining 72 patients, there was no spread of cells to the peritoneal cavity. In the non-endometrial cancer group, 88.1% (52/59) presented secretory endometrial phase, with correlation of 80% between the hysteroscopy and the biopsy. In the group with endometrial cancer, most of the patients were in stage I (92.3%). There was a 100% correlation between the hysteroscopy/biopsy and histopathology of the surgical sample. CONCLUSIONS: the diagnostic hysteroscopy with CO2 at flow pressure of 80 mmHg did not cause spread of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity in both groups, thus suggesting that the diagnostic hysteroscopy is safe for patients at high risk for endometrial cancer.

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate the feasibilityand the diagnostic properties of hysteroscopy in a population of womenduring menacme with the complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding,comparing endoscopic with histological findings. Methods: The studywas retrospectively conducted in 314 outpatients submitted tohysteroscopy. Every woman was submitted to guided endometrialbiopsy, using a 3 or 5mm-diameter Novak curette. The hysteroscopesused were of 3 or 5mm caliber which image was reproduced in ascreen by means of an endocamera. The results of hysteroscopic andhistological exams were compared. Results: There were noabnormalities of the uterine cavity in 151 patients (48%). Submucousmyoma was the most frequent alteration found in 45 women (14.3%).Malignancy was detected in nine patients, out of which seven hadhistological confirmation. Sensibility and specificity of hysteroscopywere respectively: a) 86.3% and 75.9% for abnormal uterine cavity; b)100% and 99.4% for malignancy, and c) 57.7% and 88.5% for endometrialhyperplasia. Five patients (6.6%) were not submitted to hysteroscopydue to cervical stenosis. Two percent of the cases presented vagalreactions, such as sweating, nausea and dizziness, with short-timerecovery. Conclusions: For higher sensitivity and specificity, diagnostichysteroscopy should be complemented with histology of theendometrial biopsy. This procedure should be considered in the workupof patients at menacme with complaints of abnormal uterinebleeding.

OBJETIVO: avaliar a interferência de dois lubrificantes vaginais (vaselina e silicone) na interpretação da colpocitologia oncótica. MÉTODO: realizou-se estudo transversal, prospectivo, com 100 pacientes, entre agosto e outubro de 2003. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos de 50, de acordo com o tipo de lubrificante utilizado. Foram colhidas duas lâminas de cada paciente: a primeira após introdução de espéculo sem lubrificante e, em seguida, após troca por espéculo lubrificado com vaselina (Grupo V) ou silicone (Grupo S). As lâminas foram analisadas e comparadas por dois citotécnicos e classificadas em laudo próprio da instituição. Testou-se a igualdade de variáveis da idade nos dois grupos, utilizando-se o teste de Levene, e posteriormente realizou-se o teste t com variâncias iguais. RESULTADOS: comparando entre si os 100 pares de lâminas, oito laudos foram discordantes. As causas de discordância não foram relacionadas diretamente ao lubrificante e não comprometeram o diagnóstico e classificação colpocitológica. Não houve diferença significante quanto ao número de laudos discordantes, seis no Grupo V e dois no Grupo S (p=0,269), entre as lâminas colhidas sem e com lubrificante. Não houve lâminas insatisfatórias na amostra. O número de lâminas classificadas como satisfatórias e satisfatórias mas limitadas foi semelhante quando colhidas com e sem lubrificante: no Grupo S: 46 satisfatórias e quatro limitadas (p=0,001 e kappa=0,802) e no Grupo V: 48 satisfatórias e duas limitadas (p=0,001 e kappa=0,953). Nenhum artefato foi encontrado em todas as 100 lâminas colhidas com espéculo lubrificado. CONCLUSÃO: os resultados obtidos demonstram que o uso do espéculo lubrificado com vaselina ou silicone não interfere nos resultados da colpocitologia oncótica.PURPOSE: to assess the interference of two vaginal lubricants (vaseline and silicone) in the interpretation of cervical oncotic cytology. METHODS: a prospective research on one hundred women from August to October 2003. The women were divided into two groups of 50 patients each, according to the type of lubricant used. Two smears were obtained from every patient: the first specimen soon after the introduction of non-lubricated speculum and the second after the use of lubricated speculum with vaseline (Group V) or silicone (Group S). The samples were analyzed by two cytotechnicians, who were unaware of the origin of the smears. RESULTS: among the 100 pairs of slides, 8 results were partially different. The reasons for the differences were not directly related to the use of lubricant and did not interfere with the cytologic findings. The number of discordant results was 6 in Group S and 2 in Group V, without a statistically significant difference (p=0.269). The number of satisfactory and satisfactory but limited results was statistically similar regarding the use or not of lubricant: Group S: 46 satisfactory slides and 4 satisfactory but limited slides (p=0.001 and kappa=0.802) and Group V: 48 satisfactory and 2 satisfactory but limited slides (p=0.001 and kappa=0.953). There were no unsatisfactory results. No artefacts were found in slides obtained with lubricated speculum. CONCLUSION: the use of lubricated speculum with vaseline or silicone does not affect cervical oncotic cytology outcome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate some epidemiological data of lichensclerosus patients; to verify its association with other conditionsand compare these data with the literature. METHODS:Retrospective analysis of medical records of patients submitted to12,724 vaginal/cervical examinations and vulvoscopies, at Hospitaldo Servidor Público Estadual “Francisco Morato de Oliveira” – SãoPaulo, from August 1998 to August 2001. RESULTS: The frequencyof lichen sclerosus confirmed by pathological examination was0.73% among these patients. Mean age was 63.6 years. Mostpatients presenting the condition were aged over 50 years (81/93), and the difference was statistically significant as comparedwith younger subjects (12/93). Caucasian women represented91.4% of the sample and black, 8.6%. Smokers accounted for 8.6%of the cases. Autoimmune diseases were detected in 31.2%,psychiatric disorders in 17.2%, and neoplasms in 11.8% of thosesuffering from lichen sclerosus. The colpocytology of one patientwas classified as Papanicolaou class V. CONCLUSION: These datashow the population studied presented findings similar to thosereported in the literature.

Objective. The aim was to assess the intraperitoneal spread of endometrial cells during hysteroscopy. Study Design. Seventy-six women were submitted to a hysteroscopy with CO2 under a low pressure. Group 1 had not previous diagnosis of endometrial cancer, and group 2 had previous diagnosis of endometrial cancer (stage I-92.3%). Two peritoneal washing samples were taken before (PW1) and immediately after (PW2) the procedure. The dissemination for the peritoneal cavity was defined by the presence of endometrial cells in the PW2; such cells should be absent in WP1. Results. Four patients were excluded for presenting endometrial cells in PW1. In the 72 patients left, there was no passage of cells for the peritoneal cavity. In group 1, 88% presented secretory endometrial phase with correlation of 80% between hysteroscopy and biopsy. Conclusion. Hysteroscopy performed under a low pressure of CO2 does not cause spreading of endometrial cells into the peritoneal cavity.

Objetivo: Avaliar o grau histológico (GH), grau nuclear (GN) e índice mitótico (IM) como fatores prognósticos para metástase em pacientes com carcinoma da mama, estádios clínicos II e III com linfonodos axilares comprometidos. Métodos: Cinqüenta e três pacientes foram submetidas a tratamento cirúrgico primário, através de mastectomia radical (Halsted) ou radical modificada (Patey), à quimioterapia e à radioterapia em parede torácica e fossa supraclavicular. O esquema quimioterápico compreendeu fluoracil, adriamicina e ciclofosfamida para pacientes com 50 anos ou menos; fluoracil, metrotrexate e ciclofosfamida para pacientes com mais de 50 anos. A presença de doença sistêmica foi, inicialmente, descartada e todas essas pacientes foram avaliadas por período mínimo de cinco anos ou até o aparecimento de metástases. O GH foi determinado através do método de Scarf-Bloom-Richardson modificado, o GN pelo método de Black modificado e o IM em dez campos de grande aumento (CGA) na periferia do tumor. Resultados: Das 53 pacientes, 27 (50,9%) apresentaram metástases à distância. Destas, 18,5% eram portadoras de tumores GH I (5/27); 14,8% GH II (4/27) e 66,7% GH III (18/27). Vinte seis (49,1%) pacientes não apresentaram metástases. Destas, 38,4% foram classificadas como grau I (10/26), 15,4% como grau II (4/26) e 46,2% como grau III (12/26). O estudo do GN demonstrou que, das pacientes com metástases, 3,7% (1/27) apresentavam tumor grau I, 22,2% (6/27) tumores grau II e 74,1% (20/27) tumores com grau III. Das sem metástases, 19,2% (5/26) foram grau I, 34,6% (9/26) grau II e 46,2% (12/26) tumores grau III. Em relação ao IM, das pacientes com metástases, 14,8% (4/27) apresentavam até cinco mitoses em 10 CGA, 25,9% (7/27) seis a dez mitoses e 59,3% (16/27) mais de dez mitoses. Em relação às sem metástases, 38,5% (10/26) apresentavam até cinco mitoses, 42,3% (11/26) seis a dez mitoses e 19,2% (5/26) mais de dez mitoses. Conclusões: Os resultados demonstraram que o IM se associou com metástases à distância. Por outro lado, o GH e o GN não.

Tubal sterilization is the most widely used procedure in the world for definitive contraception. It is safely performed by laparoscopy, but it is an invasive procedure with potential surgical and anesthetic risks. By hysteroscopy, the Essure micro-insert assures tubal obstruction with no need of hospitalization, incision or anesthesia.

Cornual pregnancy is usually treated by laparotomy because there isan increased risk of severe hemorrhage and need for suturing. However,with the advances in technology and increasing surgeon expertise,laparoscopic treatment has started to be reported in the literature.We reported two cases of cornual pregnancy successfully treated bylaparoscopy. We concluded that laparoscopic treatment is a usefulalternative in the treatment of this condition.

Objective : To evaluate the incidence of premalignant lesions and cancer in endometrial polyps, in patients undergoing hysteroscopic polypectomy. Methods : The results of 1,020 pathological examinations of patients submitted to hysteroscopic polypectomy were analyzed, as well as their diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy findings. As to their menstrual status, 295 (28.9%) patients were in menacme. Of the total, 193 (65.4%) presented abnormal uterine bleeding, and 102 (34.6%) were asymptomatic with altered endometrial echo on transvaginal ultrasound. Out of 725 (71.1%) postmenopausal patients, 171 (23.6%) were symptomatic (abnormal uterine bleeding), and 554 (76.4%) were asymptomatic with endometrial echo >5.0mm. Results : Twenty-one (2.0%) patients presented premalignant lesions in the polyps, 13 had simple glandular hyperplasia, of which 5 had no atypia, and eight presented atypia. Eight polyps presented focal area of complex hyperplasia: 4 with atypia and 4 without lesions. Cancer was diagnosed in 5 (0.5%) polyps. Of the 21 polyps that harbored premalignant lesions, 12 were interpreted as benign in diagnostic and surgical hysteroscopy. Of the polyps with cancer, 4 were also histeroscopically interpreted as normal. Conclusion : Symptomatic polyps in menacme and in all postmenopausal women should be resected and submitted to histopathological examination, since they may have a benign aspect, even when harboring areas of cellular atypia or cancer.

Objective To compare the endometrial echo values obtained by transvaginal ultrasonography with the body mass index of postmenopausal patients; to verify if there is higher prevalence of endometrial thickening in women with body mass index ≥30.Methods This is an analytical and cross-sectional study that evaluated 294 patients. Postmenopausal women were included, and those on hormone therapy were excluded. The variables evaluated were body mass index (considering obesity if >30), number of pregnancies, years since menopause, and age. These variables were correlated with endometrial echography.Results There was a statistically significant correlation between overweight and obese patients and increased endometrial thickness (p=0.0236). The correlation between age and endometrial echo was negative and statistically significant, that is, the older the woman, the lower the endometrial thickness (p=0.0478). Pregnancies and years since menopause showed no statistical significance in relation to endometrial echo, with p=0.0614 and p=0.115, respectively.Conclusion There was positive and significant correlation between body mass index ≥30 and endometrial thickeness.

Objective To clarify if older pregnant women were more likely to have adverse perinatal outcomes when compared to women at an ideal age to have a child. Methods The groups were divided according to age groups: under 20 years, ≥20 to

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate results of early tubal occlusions performed by hysteroscopy (Essure®). Methods This prospective study included 38 patients, 73.7% of them were white, mean age 34.5 years, they have had on average 3 pregnancies and 2.7 of deliveries. A total of 86.8% of patients previously prepared the endometrium. All procedures were carried out at outpatient unit without anesthesia. Results Insertion rate of the device was 100% at a mean time of 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Based on the analogical visual scale, average pain reported was three, and 55.3% of women did not report pain after the procedure. After 3 months, 89.5% of patients were very satisfied with the method. Simple radiographs of the pelvis showed 92.1% of topical devices, and one case of unilateral expulsion had occurred. A four years follow-up did not show failure in the method. Conclusions Tubal occlusion through hysteroscopy at outpatient unit and without anesthesia was a quickly and well-tolerated procedure. No serious complications were seen, the success rate was high, and patients were satisfied.

OBJETIVO: Comparar resultados da polipectomia histeroscópica endometrial efetuada ambulatorialmente, sem anestesia, com polipectomia histeroscópica convencional sob anestesia, em centro cirúrgico, avaliando taxa de sucesso, tempo de procedimento e complicações. Mensurar dor aferida pela paciente nos dois grupos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal observacional de 60 pacientes com diagnóstico histeroscópico de pólipo endometrial divididas em dois grupos: Grupo Ambulatorial, composto por pacientes submetidas à polipectomia histeroscópica ambulatorial, utilizando-se pinça endoscópica em histeroscópio operatório ambulatorial de fluxo contínuo, por meio de vaginoscopia sem anestesia, e Grupo Convencional com pacientes submetidas à polipectomia histeroscópica em centro cirúrgico, utilizando-se ressectoscópio monopolar sob anestesia. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram similares quanto a idade, paridade, tipo de parto e presença ou não de menopausa. Ambos os grupos apresentaram 100% de eficácia na exérese dos pólipos. O tempo médio de procedimento foi de 7 minutos no Grupo Ambulatorial e 35,16 minutos no Grupo Convencional. No Grupo Ambulatorial, as pacientes após a menopausa (p=0,04) e aquelas com pólipos >1cm (p=0,01) apresentaram tempo de procedimento maior. Durante o procedimento,a média de dor referida pelas pacientes, segundo a Escala Analógica Verbal de Dor, no Grupo Ambulatorial, foi de 2,93 e, após efeito anestésico do procedimento no Grupo Convencional, foi de 1,42 pontos. Não houve complicações no Grupo Ambulatorial. No Grupo Convencional, registraram-se um caso de perfuração uterina e um de falso trajeto. CONCLUSÃO: A polipectomia histeroscópica realizada em regime ambulatorial, sem anestesia, é um procedimento bem tolerado. Quando comparada ao tratamento convencional, apresenta a mesma eficácia, porém com menor tempo gasto no procedimento e menor índice de complicações.

OBJECTIVE: To compare two oncotic cervical cytology techniques, the conventional and the liquid-based cytology, in low risk patients for uterine cervical cancer. METHODS: Comparative prospective study with 100 patients who came to their annual gynecological exam, and were submitted simultaneously to both techniques. We used the McNemar test, with a significance level of p

A esterilização tubária é o procedimento definitivo mais utilizado no mundo para controle da fecundidade. A ligadura laparoscópica é segura, porém invasiva e com possíveis riscos cirúrgicos e anestésicos. A via histeroscópica permite a oclusão tubária em ambiente ambulatorial, sem incisões ou anestesia. Um microdispositivo (Essure®) é inserido diretamente no interior das tubas e suas fibras internas de poliéster causam sua obstrução em até 3 meses. Durante esse período, deve ser mantido o método contraceptivo temporário utilizado pela paciente. Várias mulheres utilizam o sistema intrauterino liberador de levonorgestrel, denominado comercialmente Mirena®. O objetivo neste estudo foi de avaliar a possibilidade de inserção do Essure® sem a remoção do dispositivo intrauterino e a tolerância da paciente ao procedimento. O dispositivo foi colocado com sucesso em paciente portadora do Mirena® sem necessidade de retirada do mesmo. Após 3 meses o dispositivo intrauterino foi retirado sem intercorrências.