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Objectives To evaluate the learning climate (LC) and quality of training in postgraduate training courses in gynecology and obstetrics in Italy, as essential element to improve the training quality of future medical specialists. Study Design Web-based anonymous survey sent to all Italian trainees in gynecology and obstetrics to assess LC and quality of postgraduate training courses. This included sociodemographic information, details regarding training positions, and a 50-item validated Dutch Residency Educational Climate Test (D-RECT) questionnaire with 11 subscales (1–5 Likert scale). At the same time, the 24-items Fifth Year Training Questionnaire (FYT-Q) was submitted to all trainees at the fifth year of training to assess quality of life (burnout and depression), quality of training and final achieved competency level. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the main characteristics of the study population and for the D-RECT and the FYT-Q results. Results One hundred seventy-eight trainees’ responses were included from 13 departments, yielding a department response rate of 33%. The mean composite score of the D-RECT was 3.185 (SD 0.305). The subscales “Formal education” and “Role of specialty tutor” scored a mean of 2.751 (SD 0.123) and 2.757 (SD 0.130), respectively. Sixty-four FYT-Q evaluations were completed. The 33% of trainees reported more than 56 weekly working hours. At least one burnout episode during the training was reported by 61% of the trainees, and the 45% of them reported one or more episode of depression. More than 50% of trainees reported adequate autonomy for gynecologic ultrasound, obstetrics first level ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and cesarean section. In FYT-Q adequacy of training, teaching, surgical teaching, and tutoring values resulted equal to or less than 3 in a 1–5 Likert scale. Conclusions D-RECT and FYT-Q questionnaires show a training that requires improvement, although the results do not seem to be completely consistent. D-RECT emphasizes the need for a better formal teaching and specialty tutors to ensure training with better LC. Interventions are needed to improve LC and quality of training in postgraduate training courses in gynecology and obstetrics in Italy.

Objective We conducted a cross-sectional study on the frequency and risk factors for adenomyosis in women who underwent hysterectomy for benign gynecological conditions. Study design All women who consecutively underwent hysterectomy during the study period for benign gynecological conditions at 18 gynecological departments were eligible for the study. A total of 820 women entered the study. Pathological data were collected prospectically. Results Adenomyosis was identified in 231 women (28.2%, 95% confidence interval, CI, 24.6–32.5). The frequency of adenomyosis was similar in women with indication for surgery fibroids/menorrhagia (143 cases, 28.5%) or genital prolapse (69 cases, 28.2%). The rate ratio (RR) of adenomyosis was 1.9 (95% CI 1.2–2.8) in women reporting one or more induced abortions, in comparison with those reporting no induced abortion. Women with adenomyosis reported more frequently dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain, but not dyspareunia. Conclusions This study shows that adenomyosis is common in women who undergo hysterectomy and that it is more frequent among women reporting induced abortions dysmenorrhoea and chronic pelvic pain.

Study Objective: The effect of the different types of vaginal cuff closures on posthysterectomy sexual function has not been investigated in depth. We evaluated if there is a difference between transvaginal versus a laparoscopic closure after total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) on female sexual function, using a validated questionnaire. Design: Secondary analysis of a prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: Three academic research centers. Patients: Women consenting to telephone interviews on their sexual life before and after undergoing TLH were included. Interventions: Patients were randomly assigned to a laparoscopic or transvaginal approach for vaginal cuff closure at the end of TLH for benign indications. Measurements and Main Results: A validated questionnaire (the Female Sexual Function Index [FSFI]) was used to explore sexuality before and after the operation. Of the 1408 patients enrolled in the primary study, 400 patients were asked to complete the questionnaire. Of them, 182 (41.4%) were eligible and accepted enrollment in the present analysis. No difference was found in terms of pre- and postoperative FSFI scores between groups. Patients with a low preoperative FSFI score (

Objective: The therapeutic role of pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in surgical staging of apparent early-stage epithelial ovarian cancer (eEOC) is still under debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential therapeutic role of systematic lymphadenectomy in patients with eEOC. Methods: Multi-center retrospective cohort study, comparing women with apparent eEOC who underwent comprehensive bilateral pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy (defined as ≥20 lymph nodes) versus patients receiving no lymphadenectomy or lymph node sampling, from 05/1985 to 12/2016. Patients with bulky nodes at CT-scan and those without complete intra-peritoneal surgical staging were excluded. Only patients who received at least 3 cycles of platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy were included. Results: Out of 2559 patients with FIGO stage IA-IIIA1 ovarian cancer, 639 (25.0%) met inclusion criteria. 360 (56.3%) underwent comprehensive lymphadenectomy, 150 (23.5%) lymph node sampling and 129 (20.2%) no lymphadenectomy. Patients who underwent comprehensive lymphadenectomy were younger (p < 0.001), experienced a higher number of severe post-operative complications (p = 0.008) and had a longer time to start chemotherapy (p = 0.034). There was no difference in intra-operative complications. Median follow-up was 63 months (range, 5–342). The 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) was 79.7% vs. 76.5% vs. 68.3% (p = 0.006), and 5-year overall survival (OS) was 92.3% vs. 94.5% vs. 89.8% (p = 0.165) in women who received comprehensive lymphadenectomy vs. lymph node sampling vs. no lymphadenectomy, respectively. Lymphadenectomy represented an independent factor for DFS improvement, HR 0.52 (95%CI 0.37–0.73) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy in surgical staging of eEOC improves DFS for the price of increasing post-operative complications and time to chemotherapy but does not affect OS. Better understanding of tumor biology may help to identify those patients in whom lymphadenectomy should still play a role.

IntroductionElderly endometrial cancer (EEC) patients represent a challenging clinical situation because of the increasing number of clinical morbidities. In this setting of patients, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to improve surgical and clinical outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the peri-operative and oncological outcomes of EEC patients who had undergone laparoscopic (LS) or robotic surgery (RS).Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective multi-institutional study in which endometrial cancer patients of 70 years or older who had undergone MIS for EC from April 2002 to October 2018 were considered. Owing to the non-randomized nature of the study design and the possible allocation biases arising from the retrospective comparison between LS and RS groups, we also performed a propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA).ResultsA total of 537 patients with EC were included in the study: 346 who underwent LS and 191 who underwent RS. No significant statistical differences were found between the two groups in terms of surgical and survival outcomes. 188 were analyzed after PSMA (94 patients in the LS group were matched with 94 patients in the RS group). The median estimated blood loss was higher in the LS group (p=0.001) and the median operative time was higher in the RS group (p=0.0003). No differences emerged between LS and RS in terms of disease free survival (DFS) (p=0.890) and overall survival (OS) (p=0.683).ConclusionsOur study showed that when compared LS and RS, RS showed lower blood losses and higher operative times. However, none of the two approaches demonstrated to be superior in terms of survival outcomes. For this reason, each patient should be evaluated individually to determine the best surgical approach.

Objective Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused rapid and drastic changes in cancer management. The Italian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (SIGO), and the Multicenter Italian Trials in Ovarian cancer and gynecologic malignancies (MITO) promoted a national survey aiming to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on clinical activity of gynecologist oncologists and to assess the implementation of containment measures against COVID-19 diffusion. Methods The survey consisted of a self-administered, anonymous, online questionnaire. The survey was sent via email to all the members of the SIGO, and MITO groups on April 7, 2020, and was closed on April 20, 2020. Results Overall, 604 participants completed the questionnaire with a response-rate of 70%. The results of this survey suggest that gynecologic oncology units had set a proactive approach to COVID-19 outbreak. Triage methods were adopted in order to minimize in-hospital diffusion of COVID-19. Only 38% of gynecologic surgeons were concerned about COVID-19 outbreak. Although 73% of the participants stated that COVID-19 has not significantly modified their everyday practice, 21% declared a decrease of the use of laparoscopy in favor of open surgery (19%). However, less than 50% of surgeons adopted specific protection against COVID-19. Additionally, responders suggested to delay cancer treatment (10%-15%), and to perform less radical surgical procedures (20%-25%) during COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions National guidelines should be implemented to further promote the safety of patients and health care providers. International cooperation is of paramount importance, as heavily affected nations can serve as an example to find out ways to safely preserve clinical activity during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Study Objective The primary aim of our study was to investigate the incidence of endometrial pathologies, especially endometrial cancer, in women with breast cancer treated with tamoxifen (TAM), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), or receiving no treatment (NT). The secondary aim was to identify, in this cohort, ultrasonographic findings that represent robust indications for hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy, to avoid unnecessary second-level diagnostic procedures. Design Multicenter retrospective cohort study (Clinical Trial ID: NCT03898947). Setting Data were collected from different Italian centers: Regina Elena National Cancer Institute of Rome, Arbor Vitae Centre of Rome, Gaetano Martino University Hospital of Messina, and Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital of Palermo. Patients We selected and consecutively included patients with a history of breast cancer who had undergone hysteroscopy for ultrasonographic or clinical indications between January 2007 and December 2016. Interventions Diagnostic hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy or operative hysteroscopy, when clinically indicated. Measurements and Main Results A higher percentage of patients in the TAM and AI groups had a normal endometrium compared with those in the NT group, whereas the incidence of endometrial polyps was higher in the NT group than in the others; no significant differences were observed among the 3 groups for other benign conditions or for premalignant and malignant uterine diseases, such as endometrial atypical hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma. Conclusion TAM treatment does not seem to be associated with a higher rate of endometrial cancer in women with breast cancer compared with women treated with AIs or NT.

The immune escape mechanisms at the base of tumor progression in endometrial cancer mimic immune tolerance mechanisms occurring at the maternal–fetal interface. The biological and immunological processes behind the maternal–fetal interface are finely tuned in time and space during embryo implantation and subsequent pregnancy stages; conversely, those behind cancer progression are often aberrant. The environment composition at the maternal–fetal interface parallels the pro-tumor microenvironment identified in many cancers, pointing to the possibility for the use of the maternal–fetal interface as a model to depict immune therapeutic targets in cancer. The framework of cancer environment signatures involved in immune adaptations, precisely timed in cancer progression, could reveal a specific “immune clock” in endometrial cancer, which might guide clinicians in patient risk class assessment, diagnostic workup, management, surgical and therapeutic approach, and surveillance strategies. Here, we review studies approaching this hypothesis, focusing on what is known so far about oncofetal similarities in immunity with the idea to individualize personalized immunotherapy targets, through the downregulation of the immune escape stage or the reactivation of the pro-inflammatory processes suppressed by the tumor.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as one of the most appreciated techniques for reducing the rate of complete lymph node dissection (LND) performed in patients with early-stage cervical cancer (ECC). However, its performances are still a matter of debate and, to improve them, international guidelines recommend performing at least unilateral LND in case of SLN mapping. In a prior study, we identified a group of patients without evidence of lymph node metastasis (LNM). Our objective is to define a precise risk of LNM for each ECC patient in order to significantly tailor surgery for ECC. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data of ECC patients were retrospectively collected by eight Italian institutions. Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test along with logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association of each variable between patients with or without LNM. Results of logistic regression have been used as a basis to calculate the probability to harboring LNM. RESULTS: A total of 463 ECC patients were identified. No LNM was detected among the 161 (34.8%) patients who met the criteria and were defined as Very Low Risk. In the other 302 patients, the precise risk of LNM was calculated, and it was

Background Vaginal cuff dehiscence following hysterectomy is considered an infrequent but potentially devastating complication. Different possible techniques for cuff closure have been proposed to reduce this threatening adverse event. Objective The aim of the present randomized study was to compare laparoscopic and transvaginal suture of the vaginal vault at the end of a total laparoscopic hysterectomy, in terms of incidence of vaginal dehiscence and vaginal cuff complications. Factors associated with vaginal dehiscence were also analyzed. This article presents the results of the interim analysis of the trial. Study Design Patients undergoing total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign indications were randomized at the time of colpotomy to receive vaginal closure through transvaginal vs laparoscopic approach using a 1:1 ratio. Allocation concealment was obtained using a password-protected randomization database. Monopolar energy for colpotomy was set at 60W. Vaginal closure was performed with a single-layer running braided and coated 0-polyglactin suture. In all cases an attempt was performed to include the posterior peritoneum in the suture. Laparoscopic knots were tied intracorporeally. All patients were scheduled for a postoperative follow-up visit 3 months after surgery, to detect possible vaginal cuff complications. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of vaginal cuff dehiscence after total laparoscopic hysterectomy. Results After enrollment of 1408 patients, a prespecified interim analysis was conducted. Thirteen (0.9%) women did not undergo the postoperative assessment and were excluded. Baseline characteristics of the 1395 patients included (695 in the transvaginal group and 700 in the laparoscopic group) were similar between groups. Patients in the transvaginal group had a significantly higher incidence of vaginal dehiscence (2.7% vs 1%; odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.16–6.63; P = .01) and of any cuff complication (9.8% vs 4.7%; odds ratio, 2.19; 95% confidence interval, 1.43–3.37; P = .0003). Based on these findings, the data monitoring committee recommended that the trial be terminated early. After multivariable analysis, transvaginal closure of the vault was independently associated with a higher incidence of vaginal dehiscence and any vaginal complication; premenopausal status and smoking habit were independently associated with a higher risk of dehiscence. Conclusion Laparoscopic closure of the vaginal cuff at the end of total laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with a significant reduction of vaginal dehiscence, any cuff complication, vaginal bleeding, vaginal cuff hematoma, postoperative infection, need for vaginal resuture, and reintervention.

BackgroundSystematic para-aortic and bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy is included in the standard comprehensive surgical staging in presumed early epithelial ovarian cancer. No prospective randomized evidence suggests it has potential therapeutic value, and related morbidity is not negligible.Primary Objective(s)To assess sensitivity, safety, and feasibility of the sentinel lymph node technique in identifying the presence of lymph node metastases in patients with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer.Study HypothesisSentinel lymph node detection with indocyanine green can accurately predict nodal status in a cohort of women with early stage epithelial ovarian cancer.Trial DesignThe SELLY trial is a prospective phase II interventional multicenter study.Major Inclusion/Exclusion CriteriaInclusion criteria: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0–1, apparent International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage I-II, histologically proven epithelial ovarian cancer.Exclusion criteria: evidence of carcinomatosis, mucinous only at definitive histology.Endpoint(s)Primary endpoint is sensitivity (true positive rate). Secondary endpoints include safety (complications rate of the procedure) and feasibility.Sample SizeAssuming a sensitivity of 98.5% in predicting positive sentinel lymph nodes at histology, a pathological lymph node prevalence of 14.2%, a precision of estimate (ie, the maximum marginal error) d=5%, and a type I error α=0.05, a sample size of 160 patients is needed to test the general hypothesis (ie, to answer whether sentinel lymph nodes identified with indocyanine green can accurately predict nodal status at histology of patients with apparently early epithelial ovarian cancer). Assuming a drop-out rate of 10%, a total of 176 patients will be enrolled in the study.Estimated Dates for Completing Accrual and Presenting ResultsThe accrual should be completed by December 2020 and results should be presented by March 2021.Trial RegistrationThe trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03563781).

Study Objective To investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic cytoreduction in ovarian cancer patients with localized carcinomatosis or lymph node involvement. Design Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Multi-institutional study performed in 6 referral gynecologic oncology units. Patients Between June 2005 and December 2014, preoperatively presumed early-stage ovarian cancer patients, who accidentally revealed localized carcinomatosis or lymph node involvement at laparoscopic evaluation or at postoperative pathological examination managed by the laparoscopic approach. Interventions All patients with limited carcinomatosis and/or lymph node metastases underwent complete laparoscopic cytoreduction. Measurements and results Sixty-nine patients were included in the analysis. Twenty-eight (40.6%) patients were staged III C because they had lymph node metastases. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 75.4% of cases, whereas aortic lymphadenectomy was performed in 79.7% of cases. Lymph node metastases were found in pelvic and aortic regions in 11 and 13 patients, respectively, whereas 4 patients had lymph node metastases in both regions. Twelve (17.4%) patients underwent complete pelvic peritonectomy because of the presence of nodules localized in several pelvic region sites. As of May 2015, the median follow-up was 35 months, and the median disease-free survival was 29 months. The 2-year disease-free survival rate was 77.1%, whereas the 2-year overall survival rate was 90.6%. The median time to recurrence was 26 months (range, 6 -55 months); 15 (21.7%) patients developed recurrence. Conclusion The present study shows the technical and clinical feasibility of laparoscopic cytoreduction in ovarian cancer patients with limited carcinomatosis or lymph node involvement.

Objective To investigate in depth the effect of increasing age on the peri-operative outcomes of laparoscopic treatment for endometrial cancer, compared to open surgery, with stratification of patients according to the different definitions of elderly age used in the literature. METHODS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for endometrial cancer staging at six centers were reviewed and analyzed according to surgical approach (laparoscopic or open), different definitions of elderly and very elderly age (≥65years, ≥75years, ≥80years), and class of age (0.05). The same tendency was observed among very-elderly patients (≥80years). Multivariable and propensity score-matched analysis confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy for staging endometrial cancer retains its advantages over open surgery even in elderly and very-elderly patients. Our data strongly suggest that minimally-invasive surgery is advantageous even among subjects ≥80years.

Study Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical and oncologic outcomes of robotic hysterectomy with or without or less pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy in severely obese patients (body mass index [BMI] ≥ 40 kg/m 2 ) with endometrial cancer. Material and Methods Between August 2010 and November 2014, patients with histologically confirmed endometrial cancer and BMI ≥40 kg/m 2 were deemed eligible for the study and underwent RH with or without pelvic and aortic lymphadenectomy. Results Seventy patients were divided into 3 groups according to their BMI: group A, BMI between 40 and 45 kg/m 2 (50 patients); group B, BMI between 45 and 50 kg/m 2 (10 patients); and group C, BMI above 50 kg/m 2 (10 patients). No significant statistical differences were found between the 3 groups in terms of operation time, blood loss, hospital stay, and oncologic results. Pelvic lymphadenectomy was performed in 42%, 30%, and 20% of patients in groups A, B, and C, respectively. An intraoperative complication occurred in 1 patient in group A, early postoperative complications in 4 patients in group A and in 1 patient in group C, and a late postoperative complication occurred in 1 patient in group A. No conversions to laparotomy were necessary; however, 3 patients underwent conversions to laparoscopy in group A and 1 patient in both groups B and C. Conclusion Our study showed that robotic surgery in severely obese patients with endometrial cancer is safe and feasible. Moreover, it seems that an increase in BMI does not change the surgical and oncologic outcomes. However, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Study Objective To compare sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping in women with cervical cancer stage >IB1 (tumor size >2 cm) using indocyanine green (ICG) versus the standard technique using radioisotope technetium 99m radiocolloid (Tc99 m ) radiotracer with or without blue dye. Design European multicenter, retrospective observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Four academic medical centers. Patients Ninety-five women with stage IB1 cervical cancer (>2 cm) who underwent SLN mapping with Tc99 m with or without blue dye or ICG and radical hysterectomy. Intervention The detection rate and bilateral mapping rate were compared between ICG and standard Tc99 m radiotracer with or without blue dye. Lymphadenectomy was performed, and the false-negative rate was assessed. Measurements and Main Results Forty-seven patients underwent SLN mapping with Tc99 m with or without blue dye, and 48 did so with ICG. All patients underwent radical hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy between 2008 and 2016. The overall detection rate of SLN mapping was 91.5% for Tc99 m with or without blue dye and 100% for ICG. A 91.7% rate of bilateral migration was achieved for ICG, significantly higher than the 66% obtained with Tc99 m with or without blue dye (p = .025). Nine of the 23 SLN-positive patients (39.1%) were diagnosed exclusively as a result of the ultrastaging used to identify micrometastases or isolated tumor cells only. Conclusions In advanced cervical cancer (stage IB1 >2 cm), the detection rate and bilateral migration rate on real-time fluorescent SLN mapping were higher with ICG than with Tc99 m radiotracer with or without blue dye. SLN mapping and ultrastaging can provide additional information for nodal staging in advanced cervical cancer. In this setting, ICG is a promising tool for mapping, appearing less affected by higher disease stage compared with traditional methods.

Background Although widely adopted, the use of a uterine manipulator during laparoscopic treatment of endometrial cancer represents a debated issue, and some authors hypothesize that it potentially may cause an increased risk of relapse, particularly at specific sites. Objective Our aim was to evaluate the risk and site of disease recurrence, overall survival, and disease-specific survival in women who had laparoscopic surgery with and without the use of a uterine manipulator. Study Design Data were reviewed from consecutive patients who had laparoscopic surgery for endometrial cancer staging in 7 Italian centers. Subjects were stratified according to whether a uterine manipulator was used during surgery; if so, the type of manipulator was identified. Multivariable analysis to correct for possible confounders and propensity score that matched the minimize selection bias were utilized. The primary outcome was the risk of disease recurrence. Secondary outcomes were disease-specific and overall survival and the site of recurrence, according to the use or no use of the uterine manipulator and to the different types of manipulators used. Results We included 951 patients: 579 patients in the manipulator group and 372 patients in the no manipulator group. After a median follow-up period of 46 months (range,12–163 months), the rate of recurrence was 13.5% and 11.6% in the manipulator and no manipulator groups, respectively ( P =.37). Positive lymph nodes and myometrial invasion of >50% were associated independently with the risk of recurrence after adjustment for possible confounders. The use of a uterine manipulator did not affect the risk of recurrence, both at univariate (odds ratio, 1.18; 95% confidence interval, 0.80–1.77) and multivariable analysis (odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–1.70). Disease-free, disease-specific, and overall survivals were similar between groups. Propensity-matched analysis confirmed these findings. The site of recurrence was comparable between groups. In addition, the type of uterine manipulator and the presence or not of a balloon at the tip of the device were not associated significantly with the risk of recurrence. Conclusion The use of a uterine manipulator during laparoscopic surgery does not affect the risk of recurrence and has no impact on disease-specific or overall survival and on the site of recurrence in women affected by endometrial cancer.

none 12 Nowadays cervical cancer is frequently diagnosed at early stage. For these patients lymph node metastasis (LNM) is considered the most important prognostic factor. During the last decade many efforts have been made to reduce rate of complications associated with lymphadenectomy (LND). A great interest has arisen in sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy as a technique able to decrease number of LND performed and, at the same time, to assess lymph nodal status. High diagnostic performances have been reached thanks to SLN surgical algorithm. However, despite the efforts, about 25% of these patients undergo at least unilateral LND to meet NCCN recommendations. Data of women with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage IA1-IB1/IIA1 cervical carcinoma were retrospectively collected by six Italian institutions. All patients underwent complete preoperative staging workup and were primarily treated by radical hysterectomy and pelvic bilateral LND. A total of 368 patients with early-stage cervical cancer were identified. Among them 333 (90.5%) showed no suspicious enlarged nodes at the preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this subset, tumor diameter ≥20 mm was the only independent predictor of LN status (P = 0.003). None of the 106 patients with negative MRI nodal assessment, with squamous and adenosquamous histotype and a tumor diameter less than 2 cm had LNM. Based on these results we propose a new modified SLN surgical algorithm that could safely reduce LND performed in patients with very low-risk early-stage cervical cancer. Fagotti, A; Pedone Anchora, L; Conte, C; Chiantera, V; Vizza, E; Tortorella, L; Surico, D; De Iaco, P; Corrado, G; Fanfani, F; Gallotta, V; Scambia, G Fagotti, A; Pedone Anchora, L; Conte, C; Chiantera, V; Vizza, E; Tortorella, L; Surico, D; De Iaco, P; Corrado, G; Fanfani, F; Gallotta, V; Scambia, G

BACKGROUND: To compare patterns and rates of early and late complications, and survival outcome in FIGO stage III cervical cancer patients underwent to radical hysterectomy after chemo-radiation (CT-RT) vs. chemo-radiation alone. METHODS: Between May 1996 and April 2013 150 FIGO stage III cervical cancer patients were treated. We divide patients according to type of treatment: 77 were submitted to standard treatment (Group A), and 73 to completion hysterectomy after chemo-radiation (Group B). RESULTS: The baseline characteristics of the 2 groups were superimposable. We observed lower intra-operative and treatment-related early urinary and gastro-intestinal complications in Group B with respect to Group A (p < 0.001). Vascular complications were registered only in Group B (p < 0.001). We found a significantly higher rate of local recurrences in the Group A than in the Group B (p < 0.002). We registered 29 deaths in the Group A and 22 in the Group B (p = 0.021). The 3-years disease-free survival rate in the Group A and in the Group B was 62.9% and 68.3%, respectively (p = 0.686), and the 3-years overall survival rate in the Group A and in the Group B was 63.2% and 67.7%, respectively (p = 0.675). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that radical hysterectomy after CT-RT is an effective therapeutic approach for advanced cervical cancer. Further prospective and randomized studies should be performed in order to solve the question about the standard approach, and how the different pattern of complication could impact on the quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of obesity on the outcomes of surgical treatment for endometrial cancer in general and also comparing laparoscopic and open abdominal approach. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Insubria, Varese, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, International School of Surgical Anatomy, Sacred Heart Hospital, Negrar, and Sant'Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Bologna, Italy. PATIENTS: Data of consecutive patients who underwent surgery for endometrial cancer in 4 centers were reviewed. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Adjustment for potential selection bias in surgical approach was made using propensity score (PS) matching. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic or open surgical treatment for endometrial cancer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 1266 patients were included, including 764 in the laparoscopy group and 502 in the open surgery group. A total of 391 patients (30.9%) were obese, including 238 (18.8%) with class I obesity, 89 (7%) with class II obesity, and 64 (5.1%) with class III obesity. The total number of complications, risk of wound complications, and venous thromboembolic events were higher in obese women compared with nonobese women. Blood transfusions, incidence/severity of postoperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay were significantly higher in the open surgery group compared with the laparoscopy group, irrespective of obesity. These differences remained significant in both multivariable analysis and PS-matched analysis. The percentage of patients who received lymphadenectomy declined significantly in patients with BMI ≥40 in both the laparoscopy and open surgery groups. Conversions from the initially intended minimally invasive approach to open surgery were 1.1% to 2.2% for women with BMI

Objective The aim of this study is to analyze the safety, adequacy, perioperative and survival figures in a large series of laparoscopic staging of patients with apparent early stage ovarian malignancies (ESOM). Patients and methods Retrospective data from seven gynecologic oncology service databases were searched for ESOM patients undergoing immediate laparoscopic staging or delayed laparoscopic staging after an incidental diagnosis of ESOM. Between May 2000 and February 2014, 300 patients were selected: 150 had been submitted to immediate laparoscopic staging (Group 1), while 150 had undergone delayed laparoscopic staging (Group 2) of ESOM. All surgical, pathologic, and oncologic outcome data were analyzed in each group and a comparison between the two was carried out. Results Longer operative time, higher blood loss, more frequently spillage/rupture of ovarian capsule and conversion to laparotomy occurred in Group 1. No significant differences of post-operative complications were observed between the two groups. Histological data revealed more frequently serous tumors (0.06), Grade 3 (p=0.0007) and final up-staging (p=0.001) in Group 1. Recurrence and death of disease were documented in 25 (8.3%), and 10 patients (3.3%%), respectively. The 3-year disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 85.1%, and 93.6%, respectively in the whole series. There was no difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of DFS (p value=0.39) and OS (p value=0.27). Conclusion In this very large multi-institutional study, it appears that patients with apparent ESOM can safely undergo laparoscopic surgical management.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and morbidity of total laparoscopic class C2 radical hysterectomy (TLRH) with pelvic lymphadenectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer stage IB2 to IIB after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Methods: A prospective study was conducted from October 2004 to September 2009. Cervical cancer patients, stage IB2-IIB with complete clinical response after 3 courses of NACT with paclitaxel 175 mg/m2, ifosfamide 5 g/m2 and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 (TIP) underwent TLRH. Results: Forty patients were included, with a median age of 46 years (range, 25-65), BMI of 24 kg/m2 (range, 15-49). FIGO staging was IB2 in 23, IIA > 4 cm in 6 and IIB in 11 patients. Four patients required conversion to laparotomy. Pathological evaluation showed 9 complete response (pCR), 9 partial response (pPR1) with microscopic tumour, and 15 partial response (pPR2) with macroscopic tumour. Three patients had no response. The median operative time was 305 min (range, 215-430); the median estimated blood loss was 250 ml (range, 100-400), with four postoperative blood transfusion; the median number of removed pelvic lymph nodes was 25 (range, 11-64). The median length of hospital stay was 6 days (range, 3-12). The median follow-up time was 37 months (range, 10-69), with three patients having a recurrence. One patient died of disease (DOD) after 12 months. Conclusions: TLRH can be safely performed in patients with stage IB2-IIB carcinoma of cervix after NACT, with advantages of minimal blood loss and morbidity. © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

AIM: To evaluate safety, feasibility and oncological outcome of total laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (TLRH) in patients with early invasive cervical cancer. METHODS: Data of patients with Ib1 cervical cancer who underwent TLRH were prospectively collected. Inclusion criteria were: good general condition, tumor size