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Objective: To evaluate the health status and recovery of women after mid-urethral sling (MUS) revision in response to complications., Design: Cross-sectional study using a questionnaire sent to women from a registry., Setting: Twenty-two French surgical centres., Population: A total of 287 women from the VIGI-MESH registry responded, having undergone MUS revision for complications., Methods: Our sample of women were compared against a representative set of French women taken from the Eurostat database. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify clinical predictors for successful MUS revision. A qualitative analysis was carried out on free-text comments., Main Outcome Measures: Health status, defined by the Minimum European Health Module, and recovery, assessed by Patient Global Impression of Improvement., Results: The response rate was 76% (287/378), with 49% of the women (141/287, 95% CI 43%-55%) reporting good health status, which was 8 points lower than that expected from the comparator French set (57%, 95% CI 55%-58%). Overall, 53% (147/275, 95% CI 47%-59%) of the women reported feeling much better after MUS revision. Just over one-third (35%, 95/275, 95% CI 29%-40%) of respondents reported poor health with little or no improvement. Multivariate analysis showed that being operated on for pain at revision was associated with worse self-perceived health than being operated on for exposure (OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.14-0.95); women with pre-existing comorbidity reported a poorer health status following MUS revision (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.13-0.38)., Conclusions: Our results suggest that half of the women recovered good health status after MUS revision, whereas a proportion appeared to be seriously affected by an MUS complication despite the revision., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Introduction: Multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) in the field of pelvic floor diseases in women tend to generalize, as they are required as mandatory before mid-urethral sling implantation or sacrocolpopexy by recent decrees published by the French health authorities. However, access to these meetings is variable in the French territory. The goal of the present study was to describe the existence and the settings of these kinds of meetings in France., Materiel and Methods: An on-line survey was conducted between June and July 2020 (stage 1) then between November 2021 and January 2022 (stage 2). A 15-item questionnaire was sent to all members of the Association française d'urologie (AFU). A descriptive analysis was conducted., Results: Three hundred and twenty-two completed questionnaires were sent back during stage 1 and 158 during stage 2. Early 2022, 61.3% of respondents had access to a pelviperineology MTM, with important difference according to geographical areas. Main activity of MTMs was case discussion of complex situations (68% of meetings). At the end of 2021, 22% of the respondents declared willing to stop partially or totally their pelviperineology activity, given the new regulations set in place by the authorities., Conclusion: Despite being absolutely mandatory in current clinical practice, MTMs in pelvic floor disease have spread slowly. MTMs implementation was still insufficient in 2022, and variable on the French territory. Some urologists declare having no access to such resources and about 1 out of 5 were considering to voluntary stop of decrease significantly their activity in this difficult context., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of laparoscopic sacropexy (LS) and transvaginal mesh (TVM) at 4 years., Design: Extended follow up of a randomised trial., Setting: Eleven centres., Population: Women with cystocele stage ≥2 (pelvic organ prolapse quantification [POP-Q], aged 45-75 years without previous prolapse surgery., Methods: Synthetic non-absorbable mesh placed in the vesicovaginal space and sutured to the promontory (LS) or maintained by arms through pelvic ligaments and/or muscles (TVM)., Main Outcome Measures: Functional outcomes (pelvic floor distress inventory [PFDI-20] as primary outcome); anatomical assessment (POP-Q), composite outcome of success; re-interventions for complications., Results: A total of 220 out of 262 randomised patients have been followed at 4 years. PFDI-20 significantly improved in both groups and was better (but below the minimal clinically important difference) after LS (mean difference -7.2 points; 95% CI -14.0 to -0.05; P = 0.029). The improvement in quality of life and the success rate (LS 70%, 61-81% versus TVM 71%, 62-81%; hazard ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.55-1.54; P = 0.75) were similar. POP-Q measurements did not differ, except for point C (LS -57 mm versus TVM -48 mm, P = 0.0093). The grade III or higher complication rate was lower after LS (2%, 0-4.7%) than after TVM (8.7%, 3.4-13.7%; hazard ratio 4.6, 95% CI 1.007-21.0, P = 0.049))., Conclusions: Both techniques provided improvement and similar success rates. LS had a better benefit-harm balance with fewer re-interventions due to complications. TVM remains an option when LS is not feasible., Tweetable Abstract: At 4 years, Laparoscopic Sacropexy (LS) had a better benefit-harm balance with fewer re-interventions due to complications than Trans-Vaginal Mesh (TVM)., (© 2021 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Objective: To provide guidelines from the French College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning subtotal or total hysterectomy, for benign disease., Methods: The CNGOF has decided to adopt the AGREE II and GRADE systems for grading scientific evidence. Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade, which depends on the quality of evidence (QE) (clinical practice guidelines)., Results: Conservation of the uterine cervix is associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer (0.05 to 0.27%) and an increased risk of reoperation for cervical bleeding (QE: high). Uterine cervix removal is associated with a moderate (about 11 min) increase in operative time when hysterectomy is performed by the open abdominal route (laparotomy), but is not associated with longer operative time when the hysterectomy is performed by laparoscopy (QE: moderate). Removal of the uterine cervix is not associated with increased prevalence of short-term follow-up complications (blood transfusion, ureteral or bladder injury) (QE: low) or of long-term follow-up complications (pelvic organ prolapse, sexual disorders, urinary incontinence (QE: moderate)., Conclusion: Removal of the uterine cervix is recommended for hysterectomy in women presenting with benign uterine disease (Recommendation: STRONG [GRADE 1-]; the level of evidence was considered to be sufficient and the risk-benefit balance was considered to be favorable)., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest XD: Receipt of honoraria or consultation fees from: ALLERGAN, URGOTECH, COLOPLAST, LABORIE, LEOPHARMA, MYLAN, B-BRAUN, ASTELLAS; stock shareholder: SANOFI, NANOBIOTIX. TG: Receipt of honoraria or consultation fees from: ASTRAZENCA, GSK., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The French Department of Health published on October 23, 2020 a decree governing acts associated with mid-urethral sling (MUS) operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in practice following this new legislation., Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among French urologists and gynecologists using an online survey to collect changes in practices since the publication of the decree., Results: From January to February 2021, 436 surgeons participated in the survey. Among these surgeons, 87% were aware of the new legislation and 56% of them considered the decree as useless. The order resulted in an increase in working time in 81% of cases. Among these surgeons, 66% of the surgeons worked in tertiary referral centers for the management of incontinence, of which 55% had a multidisciplinary meeting in urogynecology. Among the surgeons, 31% considered this meeting to be useful but 80% considered that it did not lead to any change in surgical indications, even though 33% of complications of BSU were discussed there. In conclusion, 61% of surgeons felt more reluctant to schedule a BSU placement with this new legislation., Conclusion: The majority of questioned surgeons considered the decree as useless. It generated few changes in practices which already respected the law on information, consultation, consent, experience and training. Most urologists and gynecologists are more reluctant to offer MUS after this new legislation., Level of Evidence: 4., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the short-term incidence of serious complications of surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse., Design: Prospective longitudinal cohort study using a surgical registry., Setting: Thirteen public hospitals in France., Population: A cohort of 1873 women undergoing surgery between February 2017 and August 2018., Methods: Preliminary analysis of serious complications after a mean follow-up of 7 months (0-18 months), according to type of surgery. Surgeons reported procedures and complications, which were verified by the hospitals' information systems., Main Outcome Measures: Serious complication requiring discontinuation of the procedure or subsequent surgical intervention, life-threatening complication requiring resuscitation, or death., Results: Fifty-two women (2.8%, 95% CI 2.1-3.6%) experienced a serious complication either during surgery, requiring the discontinuation of the procedure, or during the first months of follow-up, necessitating a subsequent reoperation. One woman also required resuscitation; no women died. Of 811 midurethral slings (MUSs), 11 were removed in part or totally (1.4%, 0.7-2.3%), as were two of 391 transvaginal meshes (0.5%, 0.1-1.6%), and four of 611 laparoscopically placed mesh implants (0.7%, 0.2-1.5%). The incidence of serious complications 6 months after the surgical procedure was estimated to be around 3.5% (2.0-5.0%) after MUS alone, 7.0% (2.8-11.3%) after MUS with prolapse surgery, 1.7% (0.0-3.8%) after vaginal native tissue repair, 2.8% (0.9-4.6%) after transvaginal mesh, and 1.0% (0.1-1.9%) after laparoscopy with mesh., Conclusions: Early serious complications are relatively rare. Monitoring must be continued and expanded to assess the long-term risk associated with mesh use and to identify its risk factors., Tweetable Abstract: Short-term serious complications are rare after surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, even with mesh., (© 2019 Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.)

Study Question: Is the Sexual Activity Questionnaire (SAQ) a valid tool for patients treated for symptomatic endometriosis?, Summary Answer: For women having surgical treatment for endometriosis, we determined that the SAQ is a valid and responsive tool., What Is Known Already: Endometriosis adversely affects sexual quality of life. Suitable validated sexual quality of life instruments for endometriosis are lacking both in clinical practice and for research., Study, Design, Size, Duration: A total of 367 women with proven endometriosis undergoing medical or surgical treatment were included in an observational study conducted between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2014 in two French tertiary care centers. Both hospitals are reference centers for endometriosis treatment. Of these 367 women, 267 were sexually active and constituted the baseline population., Particpants/materials, Settings, Methods: Women >18 years old with histological or radiological proven endometriosis, consulting for painful symptoms of at least 3 months duration, infertility, or other symptoms (bleeding, cysts) were invited to complete self-administered questionnaires before (T0) and 12 months after treatment (T1). Tests of data quality included descriptive statistics of the data, missing data levels, floor and ceiling effects, structural validity and internal consistency.The construct validity was obtained by testing presupposed relationships between previously established SAQ scores and prespecified characteristics of the patients by comparing different subgroups of patients at T0. Sensitivity to change was subsequently calculated by comparing the SAQ score between T1 and T0 overall and for different subgroups of treatment. Effect sizes (to T1) were calculated according to Cohen's method. The minimally important difference was estimated by a step-wise triangulation approach (including anchor-based method)., Main Results and the Role of Chance: In total, 267 sexually active patients (204 surgical and 63 medical treatment) completed the SAQ at T0 and 136 (50.9%) at T1. The SAQ score ranged from 2.0 to 28.0 (mean ± SD: 16.8 ± 5.7).The SAQ score was one-dimensional according to the scree plot with good internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = 0.78, 95% CI 0.74-0.81) and had good discriminative ability according to pain descriptors and quality of life in endometriosis. The SAQ was responsive in patients treated by surgery but the effect size was low (0.3, 95% CI (0.0-0.6), P = 0.01). The minimally important difference was determined at 2.2., Limitations, Reasons for Caution: The effect size for medical treatment was non-significant. Other effect sizes were low but statistically significant. This could be explained by lower libido due to progestin intake, which was used for both surgically and medically treated patients., Wider Implications of the Findings: The SAQ is easy to use, valid and effective in assessing sexual quality of life in patients with endometriosis. This patient-reported score could be used as a primary outcome for future clinical studies. The minimally important difference estimation will be useful for future research. We recommend using 2.2 for the minimally important difference of the SAQ., Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This work was funded by the 'Direction à la Recherche Clinique et à l'Innovation' of Versailles, France and the 'Institut de Recherche en Santé de la Femme' (IRSF). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Objective: The aim of this work was to issue clinical practice guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis in urodynamics (urodynamic studies, UDS)., Materials and Methods: Clinical practice guidelines were provided using a formal consensus method. Guidelines proposals were drew up by a multidisciplinary experts group (pilot group = steering group), then rated by a panel of 12 experts (rating group) using a formal consensus method, and then peer reviewed by a reviewing/reading group of experts (different from the rating group)., Results: Urine (bacterial) culture with antimicrobial susceptibility testing is recommended for all patients before UDS (strong agreement). In patients with no neurologic disease, the risk factors for tract urinary infection (UTI) after UDS are age > 70 years, recurrent UTI, and post-void residual volume > 100ml. In patients with neurologic disease, the risk factors for UTI after UDS are recurrent UTI, vesicoureteral reflux, and intermicturition pressure > 40cmH 2 O. If the urine culture is negative before UDS and there is no risk factor for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended (Strong agreement). If the urine culture is negative before UDS, but there are one or more risk factors for UTI, antibiotic prophylaxis is optional. If antibiotic prophylaxis is initiated, a single oral dose (3g) of fosfomycin-tromethamine two hours before UDS is recommended (Strong agreement). If there is bacterial colonization on UCB before UDS, antibiotic therapy is optional (Undecided). If prescribed, it should be adapted to the antimicrobial susceptibility of the identified bacterium or bacteria, started the day before and stopped after UDS (except for fosfomycin-tromethamine: a single dose the day before UDS is necessary and sufficient) (Strong agreement). In the event of UTI before UDS, the UTI should be treated and UDS postponed (Strong agreement). The proposed recommendations should not be changed for patients with a hip or knee replacement (Strong agreement). No antibiotic prophylaxis of bacterial endocarditis is necessary, including in high-risk patients with valvular heart disease (Strong agreement)., Conclusion: These new guidelines should help to harmonize clinical practice and limit exposure to antibiotics., Level of Evidence: 4., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Background: Laparoscopic mesh sacropexy (LS) or transvaginal mesh repair (TVM) are surgical techniques used to treat cystoceles. Health authorities have highlighted the need for comparative studies to evaluate the safety of surgeries with meshes., Objective: To compare the rate of complications, and functional and anatomical outcomes between LS and TVM., Design, Setting, and Participants: Multicenter randomized controlled trial from October 2012 to April 2014 in 11 French public hospitals. Women with cystocele stage ≥2 (pelvic organ prolapse quantification), aged 45-75 yr, without previous prolapse surgery., Intervention: Synthetic nonabsorbable mesh placed in the vesicovaginal space, sutured to the promontory (LS) or maintained by arms through pelvic ligaments (TVM)., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Rate of surgical complications ≥grade II according to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification at 1 yr. Secondary outcomes were reintervention rate, and functional and anatomical results., Results and Limitations: A total of 130 women were randomized in LS and 132 in TVM; five women withdrew before intervention, leaving 129 in LS and 128 in TVM. The rate of complications ≥grade II was lower after LS than after TVM, but did not meet statistical significance (17% vs 26%, treatment difference 8.6% [95% confidence interval, CI -1.5 to 18]; p=0.088). The rate of complications of grade III or higher was nonetheless significantly lower after LS (LS=0.8%, TVM=9.4%, treatment difference 8.6% [95% CI 3.4%; 15%]; p=0.001). LS was converted to TVM in 6.3%. The total reoperation rate was lower after LS but did not meet statistical significance (LS=4.7%, TVM=10.9%, treatment difference 6.3% [95% CI -0.4 to 13.3]; p=0.060). There was no difference in symptoms, quality of life, improvement, composite definition of success, anatomical results rates between groups except for the vaginal apex and length, and dyspareunia (in favor of LS)., Conclusions: LS is a valuable option for primary repair of cystocele in sexually active patients. LS is safer than TVM, but may not be feasible in all cases. Both techniques offer same functional outcomes, success rates, and anatomical outcomes, but sexual function is better preserved by LS., Patient Summary: Our study demonstrates that laparoscopic sacropexy (LS) is a valuable option for primary repair of cystocele. LS offers equivalent success rates to vaginal mesh procedures, but is safer with a lower rate of complications and reoperations, and sexual function is better preserved., (Copyright © 2018 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the influence of type of hospitalization on outcomes of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery using a midurethral sling procedure., Methods: A retrospective secondary analysis was conducted using data from a prospective multicenter randomized trial of SUI surgery at several sites in France between January 1, 2003, and December 31, 2007. Type of hospitalization was chosen according to the surgeon's policy., Results: Among 149 participants, 31 (20.8%) were treated as outpatients and 118 (79.2%) as inpatients. Perioperative complications were recorded for 1 (3.2%) outpatient and 12 (10.1%) inpatients (P=0.388). At 24months of follow-up, none of 25 outpatients and 6 (5.6%) of 107 inpatients had a positive stress test result (P=0.497). Dryness was reported at this time point by 22 (88.0%) outpatients and 89 (83.2%) inpatients (P=0.922). The median satisfaction score (measured by visual analog scale [scores of 0-100]) at 12months was 100.0 (interquartile range [IQR] 93.5-100.0) among outpatients versus 96.5 (IQR 80.0-100.0; P=0.003) among inpatients. Similar results were observed at 24months (P=0.003)., Conclusion: Complication and failure rates were similar in both groups, but satisfaction was higher among outpatients., (Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Transvaginal pelvic ultrasound is the first-line imaging examination for presumed benign ovarian tumors (PBOT) in adult women (Grade A). Ultrasound is sufficient for characterizing a unilocular anechoic cyst smaller than 7cm (Grade A). Magnetic resonance imaging is the recommended second-line investigation for indeterminate masses or masses larger than 7cm (Grade B). Serum CA-125 assay is not recommended for first-line diagnosis in adult women (Grade C). In women with a unilocular anechoic cyst, hormone therapy is ineffective and not recommended (Grade A). Ultrasound-guided aspiration is not recommended (Grade B). Abstention is an option in adult women with a unilocular asymptomatic anechoic cyst smaller than 10cm and no history of cancer (Grade B). If symptoms develop, laparoscopy is the gold standard for surgical treatment of PBOT (Grade A). Conservative surgical treatment (cystectomy) should be preferred to oophorectomy in pre-menopausal women without a previous history of cancer (Grade C). In cases of suspected adnexal torsion, laparoscopic surgical exploration is recommended (Grade B). Conservative treatment or detorsion without oophorectomy is recommended for pre-menopausal women regardless of the estimated torsion duration and macroscopic appearance of the ovary (Grade B). During pregnancy, expectant management is recommended for unilocular asymptomatic anechoic cysts smaller than 6cm (Grade C)., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To determine the indications and contraindications concerning prosthetic surgery by vaginal route for pelvic organ prolapse., Methods: Literature review and rating of proposals using a formal consensus method., Results: Before surgery for genital prolapse, the patient should be counselled about the different existing techniques (abdominal and vaginal surgery with and without mesh), the reasons why the surgeon offered her the placement of a synthetic mesh and also other nonsurgical treatments (pelvic floor rehabilitation and pessary). The intervention must be preceded by an assessment of bothersome pelvic, urinary, digestive and sexual symptoms. For the surgical treatment of cystocele, the use of a synthetic mesh placed by vaginal route is not recommended routinely. It should be discussed on a case by case considering the risk/benefit ratio. In patients presenting with cystocele recurrence, the placement of a synthetic mesh is a reasonable option, in order to reduce the risk of cystocele recurrence. With the exception of a few situations (rectocele recurrence), the placement of a synthetic mesh is not recommended as first-line therapy for the surgical treatment of rectocele by vaginal route. In case of uterine or vaginal vault prolapse, repositioning the vaginal vault or uterus using synthetic mesh arms is not recommended as first-line surgical therapy., Conclusion: Surgeons should implement established preventive recommendations that may reduce the risk of complications., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To investigate and compare the views and experience of undergraduate medical students concerning two methods used in the teaching of pelvic and breast examinations: a video clip and a training model., Study Design: Following the teaching sessions, the students (n=79; female 67%; median age 20; students' grade level: 2nd study year (87%) and 3rd study year (13%)) completed a satisfaction questionnaire, which included items related to the pedagogical value of these two different types of tool., Results: Most of the students ranked their own satisfaction in each teaching session as either very satisfied or satisfied: the median rating was 3 or 4 for each item. For their satisfaction with the pedagogical tools, in terms of the degree to which they contributed toward practical knowledge of the examination procedures, the students rated the video clip with a higher degree of satisfaction than the training model, for both breast (very satisfied 73% vs. 40%, satisfied 27% vs. 43%, unsatisfied 0% vs. 7% (P<0.001)) and pelvic examinations (very satisfied 57% vs. 33%, satisfied 39% vs. 66%, unsatisfied 4% vs. 1% (P<0.004), respectively., Conclusion: Teaching sessions for pelvic and breast examination, which make combined use of videos and training models, are associated with a high degree of satisfaction from students in their 2nd or 3rd student's year., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Since increased intra-abdominal pressure contributes to pelvic floor disorders, physicians commonly restrict various activities postoperatively: most patients are instructed to avoid lifting, exercise and heavy labour after surgery. The aim of this study was to describe advice and restrictions given by French surgeons to patients after urogynecological surgery., Methods: In 2009, French urologists and gynaecologists surgeons received a tested questionnaire about postoperative treatment and convalescence recommendations following stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse surgery., Results: After 13 exclusions (missing data), 76 (85%) of the questionnaires were suitable for analysis. The expected postoperative hospital stay was median 3 days (range, 3-4) following surgery by vaginal route or laparoscopic sacral colpopexy and 5 days (range, 4-6) following laparotomy (P<0.0001). The recommended sick leave was median 4 weeks (range, 2-8) for patients following pelvic organ prolapse surgery. The recommended time till recommencement of sexual intercourse was median 4 weeks (range, 2-12) following laparoscopic sacral colpopexy. The overall, great variance could not be explained by demographic differences between gynaecologists (male/female, private or public hospital, urologist/gynaecologist), but by surgical experience. Recommended lifting restrictions were median 6 weeks (range, 4-10) and 4 weeks (range, 2-8) following laparoscopic sacral colpopexy for low-experienced surgeons and high-experienced surgeons, respectively., Conclusion: Current activity restrictions often placed on postoperative patients show substantial variability. Evidence-based guidelines and consensus are desirable., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report the rules and the activity of the institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (Comité d'éthique de la recherche en obstétrique et gynécologie [CEROG]) created in 2008. The submission requirements are also described., Methods: Retrospective study., Results: The Ethical Review Committee [institutional review board of the French college of obstetricians and gynecologists (CNGOF)] CEROG have examined 65 project studies in 2008. The median number of submitted studies was 5.5 per month (IQR: 3.75-6.25). The origins of the submission were as follows: tertiary care university hospitals (n=63, 97 %), Inserm (n=1), INRA (n=1). Researches were found to be in conformity with the French laws and regulations, to conform to generally accepted scientific principles and medical research ethical standards in 44 cases (68 %). In 13 cases (20 %), the study has been forwarded to the Persons Protection Committee (PPC) since it concerned biomedical research or "usual care research" (soin courant). In six cases (9 %), the investigators have not responded to IRB suggestions. In two cases (3 %), the information form has been judged unsatisfactory., Conclusion: The CEROG is the first national IRB in obstetrics and gynecology. This new committee clarifies IRB submission procedure in France concerning non-interventional studies in the field of obstetrics and gynecology., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Cervical cerclage is a common surgical technique that has been used for more than 50 years to prevent preterm deliveries and in the management of a threatened second trimester loss. However, it remains one of the most controversial interventions in obstetrics and this is probably due to difficulties in diagnosing cervical insufficiency, which is based on a history of recurrent second trimester loss or early preterm delivery following painless cervical dilatation in the absence of contractions or bleeding. This article reviews in 2008 the current literature regarding the efficacy of elective cerclage, ultrasound-indicated cerclage, emergency cerclage, and cervico-isthmic cerclage for singletons and multiple pregnancies.

Aim: The aim of this study was to report our experience concerning a role-playing approach for the teaching of physician-patient relationship., Methods: The role-playing two-day course was designed to be highly interactive for a small group (ten participants). Opinions were gathered by an anonymous structured questionnaire (ten questions) completed by the participants and focused on their view of the play role and the physician-patient relationship., Results: The opinions of the participants were highly positive; all appreciated the courses. The strong emotional involvement was considered beneficial for all of them, sharing emotional aspects of the profession, and usefulness in clarifying opinions on the physician-patient relationship., Conclusion: The positive opinions recorded during this experience suggest the benefit of implementing non-conventional educational approaches, such as role-play, to highlight the relative importance of physician-patient relationship in obstetrics and gynecology.