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Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the level of awareness of sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) among the members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) and identify what the JSOG should do to address SRHR issues. Methods: A survey questionnaire on JSOG members' awareness of SRHR and what the JSOG should address regarding SRHR was administered in 2019 and 2023. Changes in awareness and the issues that should be addressed from the first to the second survey were evaluated. Results: Seven hundred twelve members responded to the first survey and 506 to the second. Response rates were 4.2% and 2.9%, respectively. There was a significant increase in the number of respondents in the second survey who were aware of sexual reproductive health (SRH) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) compared with the first survey (SRH: 72.6%–86.4%; SDGs: 33.8%–86.4%). Most respondents agreed that SRHR should be promoted. In the first survey, cervical cancer was the most important issue, followed by women's right to self‐determination and family planning/contraception. In the second survey, women's right to self‐determination was the most important issue. Several free responses highlighted the importance of comprehensive sexuality education as a significant concern for SRHR. Conclusion: Between 2019 and 2023, the level of awareness of SRHR among JSOG members increased. The identification of SRHR issues that should be addressed by the JSOG was confirmed. The JSOG and individual obstetricians and gynecologists are responsible for being involved in achieving SRHR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To establish cut‐off values for anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count (AFC) in the diagnostic criteria for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) applicable to the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) 2024 criteria and the Rotterdam/International Evidence‐Based Guideline for the assessment and management of PCOS (IEBG) 2023 criteria based on a nationwide survey, respectively, taking into account age, assays, and structure of the diagnostic criteria. Methods: Data were collected for 986 PCOS cases and 965 control cases using a national survey in Japan and used to establish cut‐off values for AMH and AFC. Results: Serum AMH levels were significantly higher in the PCOS group compared to the control group. Serum AMH showed a significant negative correlation with age and significant positive correlation with AFC in both groups. In multiple regression analysis, serum AMH level was independently affected by AFC and total testosterone. AMH cut‐off values suitable for the JSOG 2024 criteria and the Rotterdam/IEBG 2023 criteria were separately established for the 20–29 and 30–39 years of age groups, respectively, and for Access, Lumipulse and Elecsys/ECLusys, respectively. AFC cut‐off values suitable for the JSOG 2024 criteria and Rotterdam/IEBG 2023 criteria were also established separately. AFC exhibited statistically greater variability than AMH. Conclusion: The serum AMH level is the biochemical representation of ovarian findings in PCOS and considered objective and highly reliable. Therefore, it could serve as a surrogate for AFC as a marker of polycystic ovarian morphology in diagnostic criteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twelve years after the first edition of The Guideline for Gynecological Practice, which was jointly edited by The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the 5th Revised Edition was published in 2023. The 2023 Guidelines includes 5 additional clinical questions (CQs), which brings the total to 103 CQ (12 on infectious disease, 30 on oncology and benign tumors, 29 on endocrinology and infertility and 32 on healthcare for women). Currently, a consensus has been reached on the Guidelines, and therefore, the objective of this report is to present the general policies regarding diagnostic and treatment methods used in standard gynecological outpatient care that are considered appropriate. At the end of each answer, the corresponding Recommendation Level (A, B, C) is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study's aim was to determine the actual status of transitional care for patients with pediatric cancer (PPCs) in Japan by surveying obstetricians/gynecologists. Methods: A questionnaire survey on transitional medicine was conducted in the form of an online questionnaire at 579 major training facilities nationwide, which were registered with the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Results: While 40% of the facilities had received referrals for PPCs, only 13% provided transitional care specifically for PPCs. The most common problems with referrals were related to "insufficient explanation." In addition, at facilities with no experience treating PPCs, many respondents commented that they did not know how to follow the progression of the disease. Regarding the necessity of obstetrics/gynecology visits for PPCs, more than half of the respondents at facilities with experience treating PPCs answered that such visits were "necessary"; only 1% answered that they were "unnecessary." On the other hand, 37% of the facilities that had no experience treating PPCs answered that it was "necessary," whereas 4% answered that it was "unnecessary." Conclusions: This survey of the actual status of transitional care between pediatrics and obstetrics/gynecology in Japan identified issues to be addressed for the spread of transitional care. The results suggest that, in the future, health care professionals need education to increase their knowledge, and that patient education that leads to patients' awareness of their own self-management is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Contribution to the authorship, including that for case reports, should be appropriately evaluated. I have noticed a scarcity of case reports with clinic doctors listed as coauthors, prompting this investigation. I sought to offer suggestions on the possible reasons for this trend. Methods: I checked case reports published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, the Journal of Medical Case Reports, and the BMJ Case Reports. I identified case reports listing a clinic doctor as a coauthor. I consulted eight professors at Jichi Medical University to ascertain whether case reports from their departments included clinic doctors as coauthors and, if not, the reasons. Results: Among 65 case reports from Japanese institutes published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, only one paper lists a clinic doctor as a coauthor. Of 100 and 50 papers published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports and BMJ Case Reports, respectively, none listed a clinic doctor as a coauthor. Six out of eight professors admitted to never considering the idea of including clinic doctors as coauthors. Conclusions: The scarcity of case reports with clinic doctors as coauthors extends beyond Japanese obstetrics and gynecology, encompassing various specialties worldwide. Center doctors do not think of the idea that a clinic doctor should be a coauthor. A clinic doctor who transferred the patient should be considered as a candidate coauthor depending on his/her scientific contribution. Such an approach could foster an environment encouraging doctors to contribute to academic writing, regardless of their workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the annual patient report for 2020 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2015, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2015. Methods: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in 2015 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, and Wilcoxson tests. Results: Treatment was initiated in 2020 for 7689 patients with cervical cancer, 13 113 with endometrial cancer, 8004 with ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer, 2152 with ovarian borderline tumors, and with the others (260 vulvar cancer, 157 vaginal cancer, 464 uterine sarcoma, 50 uterine adenosarcoma, 136 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the patient annual report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 92.3%, 76.2%, 56.5%, and 32.2% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 93.9%, 87.6%, 71.4%, and 29.3% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 91.7%, 80.6%, 50.8%, and 39.7% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The annual tumor report is an important survey that provides knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Women's Health Care Committee was established in 2010 with the goal of improving women's health. In the current academic year, there are six subcommittees focusing on conducting the following surveys: (1) the current status of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer in Japan; (2) surgery for disorders of sex development; (3) diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder; (4) obstetrics and gynecology‐based treatment for patients with eating disorders in Japan; (5) multi‐drug‐resistant bacterial infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology; and (6) changing the methodology of the treatment of dysmenorrhea and continuing medical education. The activities of each subcommittee are described below. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2023;75(6):662–86). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: This study aimed to develop a scale to screen for eating disorders in female athletes. Methods: Preliminary survey: A total of 275 female athletes (mean age: 19.4 ± 1.0 years) and 7 female athletes diagnosed with eating disorders (mean age: 20.1 ± 2.5 years) were administered screening items prepared based on an existing scale, followed by exploratory factor analysis. Main survey: Six items, relating to three factors, were extracted, and 201 female athletes (mean age: 22.3 ± 4.8 years) and 6 female athletes diagnosed with current or a history of eating disorders (mean age: 18.8 ± 2.9 years) were queried. The diagnostic validity of the scale was then evaluated. Results: Preliminary survey: Questions (α = 0.71) were extracted from six items, relating to three factors, and collectively termed the University of Tokyo's eating disorders inventory in female athletes (TEDIFA). To determine the scale cut‐off score, ROC analysis was performed with the total score, and the cut‐off and gray zone scores were set at 13 and 11, respectively. Main survey: At the cut‐off score of 13, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.83 (p < 0.05), 75%, and 90%, respectively. Conclusions: The scale that was developed, TEDIFA, consisted of six items. The cut‐off scores were set at 11 for the gray zone (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 56%; accurate diagnosis rate: 60%), and 13 for positivity (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 90%; accurate diagnosis rate: 87%), demonstrating the reliability and validity of the scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Welcome to OBGYN World!" A novel recruitment event for medical students organized by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Since 2012, the number of doctors in Japan who specialize in obstetrics and gynecology has shown a decreasing trend. To increase the number of doctors majoring in obstetrics and gynecology, the Japanese Trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology subcommittee developed a new recruitment event called Welcome to OBGYN World! (WOW!); the aim of this event was to focus on lower grades of medical students. The present report describes the content of WOW! and the results of a post‐event questionnaire administered to participating students and tutors. WOW! was held online in order to avoid the risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 infection for participants. Sixty of the 82 medical schools nationwide (73.2%) participated in this event. Overall, there were 285 participating students, ranging from first to fourth grade in medical school, and 106 tutors were involved to teach material at the event. In the post‐event questionnaire survey, 97.6% (248/254) and 100% of the participants stated they now had a high degree of interest in obstetrics and gynecology and found the specialty attractive, respectively. Furthermore, 93.6% (90/94) of the tutors stated that WOW! had helped recruitment activities in their universities. Based on this outcome, members of the Japanese Trainees of Obstetrics and Gynecology subcommittee will now try to increase the number of doctors specializing in obstetrics and gynecology by holding WOW! annually. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gynecologic robotic surgery in Japan has been listed within the insurance coverage since 2018. Japan has also developed the Hinotori™ Robotic Assisted Surgery System and with the rise of medical robots, the percentage of robotic surgeries is expected to increase further in the future. Method: This paper summarizes the current Japanese insurance status, literature searched from Pubmed on each procedure, existing robotic products, and perspectives. Results: The amount of blood loss, hospital stay, and complications in benign diseases procedures such as myomectomy, simple hysterectomy, and surgery for endometriosis, all improved comparing laparotomy or endoscopic surgery with robotic surgery, reflecting the minimal invasiveness of robotic surgery. Malignant disease application of robotic surgery still needs further investigation on its safety and efficacy. We also summarized the features of 20 surgical robots currently on the market or under development. Conclusion: Robotic surgery will expand its application as technology advances in the gynecological field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on gynecology practice in Japan, in particular, on surgeries for benign gynecological diseases. Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to 966 facilities in Japan, including core facilities, facilities participating in perinatal and gynecologic oncology registries, and facilities certified for training by the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Endoscopy. The number of surgeries performed was compared between 2019 and 2020, when the novel coronavirus disease was prevalent. Results: Five hundred and eighty (58.2%) facilities responded. The total number of surgeries decreased from 129 648 in 2019 to 118 565 in 2020, by 8.5%, for all surgical procedures. However, there was a clear increase in the number of robotic surgeries performed in 2020 compared to that in 2019 for all populations. The number of total hysterectomies decreased markedly from 15 385 in 2019 to 12 531 in 2020, a fall of 10.1%. Conclusions: The number of surgeries for benign gynecological diseases decreased by 8.5% in 2020 compared to that in 2019. This value is among the lowest in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The abnormal secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) is one of the typical features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and adopted in the diagnostic criteria of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). We investigated cut‐off values for LH and the LH/follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio in resent two measurement systems for the diagnosis of PCOS. Methods: Ninety‐nine controls and 106 patients with PCOS were enrolled. Serum LH and FSH levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ARCHITECT) and chemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLusys). We examined the distribution of the measured levels, selected the conversion closest to the standard normal distribution in the control group, and calculated mean + 1 SD values for LH and the LH/FSH ratio as candidates. Cut‐off values coincided with the medians of the candidates in the two assay systems using a regression equation. We calculated the endocrinological abnormality rate in PCOS according to the JSOG criteria by abnormal LH secretion and elevated T. Results: Cut‐off values for LH (mIU/mL) and the LH/FSH ratio were 7.1 and 1.21, respectively, in ARCHITECT, and 9.9 and 1.51, respectively, in ECLusys. The detection rates of endocrinological abnormalities in PCOS were 72.2% and 70.6% in the nonoverweight/obese PCOS group and overweight/obese PCOS group, respectively, in ARCHITECT, and 69.4% and 73.5%, respectively, in ECLusys. Conclusion: We obtained cut‐off values of LH and the LH/FSH ratio for diagnostic criteria of JSOG criteria for PCOS, that were highly compatible between two major assay systems. These cut‐off values will contribute to the diagnosis of PCOS in Japan and presumably in women of Asian ethnicities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Women's Health Care Committee was instituted in 2010 with the goal of improving women's health. In the current academic year, there are 6 subcommittees focusing on conducting the following surveys: (1) Current status of pregnancy‐associated breast cancer in Japan; (2) Surgery for disorders of sex development; (3) Diagnosis and treatment of premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder; (4) Obstetrics and gynecology‐based treatment for patients with eating disorders in Japan; (5) Multi‐drug‐resistant bacterial infections in the field of obstetrics and gynecology; and (6) Changing methodology of treatment of dysmenorrhea and continuing medical education. The activities of each subcommittee are detailed below. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2022;74(6): XXX–XXX). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Medical errors are critical in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and contribute to high litigation risks. However, few studies have examined system and diagnostic errors as potential preventable problems. This study aimed to enhance medical safety and reduce litigation by identifying and addressing key contributory factors., Methods: We retrospectively searched the national Japanese malpractice claims database for OB/GYN cases between 1961 and 2017. We evaluated provider characteristics and background information of the patients (plaintiffs). The main outcome was litigation (acceptance or rejection) in the final judgment. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we assessed the associations between medical malpractice variables (system and diagnostic errors, facility size, situation, place, time, and clinical outcomes) and litigation outcomes (acceptance)., Results: Overall, 344 malpractice claims were analyzed. Among these, 277 (80.5 %) were obstetric, and 67 (19.5 %) were gynecological. Of the obstetric cases, 193 were perinatal, and 84 were maternal. Malpractice claims were accepted (OB-GYN losses) in 185 cases (53.8 %). In multivariable analyses, system errors (odds ratio 97.4, 95 % confidence interval 35.2-270.0), diagnostic errors (odds ratio 4.5, 95 % confidence interval 1.8-11.3), and clinic (odds ratio 2.7, 95 % confidence interval 1.2-4.8) had a significant statistical association with accepted claims., Conclusion: System errors, diagnostic errors, and clinics were significantly associated with acceptance claims. These findings underscore the necessity of addressing modifiable factors at the physician level and within the healthcare management system to enhance patient safety and reduce litigation risks, thereby ensuring a safer and more reliable healthcare environment for patients and medical professionals., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate the attitudes and experiences of obstetricians and gynecologists in treating women with eating disorders (EDs) in Japan., Methods: Members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology were invited to participate in a web-based survey from March 1 to 31, 2022. We asked about the attitudes of obstetricians and gynecologists toward women with weight loss-related amenorrhea and their experiences in treating EDs. We also assessed the characteristics of physicians who see many ED patients., Results: A total of 662 ob/gyns. responded to the survey. While treating weight loss-related amenorrhea, 25.8% reported screening patients for EDs. 88.5% of respondents reported having treated ED patients. The main medical concerns described when treating pregnant women with ED were fetal growth restriction and preterm delivery. The most common type of ED encountered by participants in both perinatal and infertility care settings was anorexia nervosa. Characteristics of physicians who treated 10 or more EDs per year were being board certified in women's health care and not providing delivery services (OR = 4.809, 1.896). The most common comment regarding optimizing the management of patients with EDs in obstetrics and gynecology practice was the need to implement guidelines for ED management., Conclusions: Many obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan treat patients with ED. Standardized guidelines for the management of EDs for obstetricians and gynecologists are needed., (© 2024 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Aim: To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2019 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2014, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2014. Methods: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in 2014 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, and Wilcoxson tests. Results: Treatment was initiated in 2019 for 7983 patients with cervical cancer, 12 631 with endometrial cancer, 7737 with ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer, 2222 with ovarian borderline tumors, and with the others (251 vulvar cancer, 148 vaginal cancer, 476 uterine sarcoma, 43 uterine adenosarcoma, 175 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the Patient Annual Report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 92.5%, 76.8%, 58.6%, and 29.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 94.5%, 87.3%, 70.2%, and 26.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 90.72%, 80.4%, 53.4%, and 31.6% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The annual tumor report is an important survey that provides knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The percentage of medicine graduates opting for residency in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) has been decreasing in developed countries, including in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. This multicountry study surveyed the OB/GYN residents affiliated with the Taiwan Association of Obstetrics and Gynecology (TAOG), the Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG), and the Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (KSOG) to evaluate the factors affecting the choice of pursing OB/GYN. Methods: A 17‐item questionnaire surveying the factors influencing the choice of pursuing a major medical specialty was translated into Japanese, Korean, and Chinese and administered to postgraduate OB/GYN residents between July 1, 2020, and August 31, 2020. Data on the participants' sex, age, and level of residency were collected. Responses were compared between countries and sexes. Results: Residents of all three countries chose OB/GYN based on personal interest, and a sense of accomplishment in saving people's life. Other positive factors include improved quality of life; higher salaries; and more opportunity for new techniques, research, and promotion. The negative factors included medical litigations, longer work hours, and unsafe working environments. Korean residents had lower ratings in several items, including "support from family," "safety of working environment," and "effectiveness of the alternative dispute resolution system," which, unlike Japan and Taiwan, is not a no‐fault compensation system for childbirth accidents. Conclusions: The study findings can guide strategy making, such as decreasing workload and yet maintain training quality, to increase the number of medical students pursuing OB/GYN residency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There is a chronic shortage of obstetrician‐gynecologists in Japan. To increase the number of obstetrician‐gynecologists, it is crucial to increase the number of residents being recruited. The purpose of this study was to identify the factors that led students and interns to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology through a questionnaire survey. Methods: We sent a questionnaire to the obstetrics and gynecology departments of all the medical schools in Japan (N = 81) and collected data about the institutional background, including the location, total number of obstetrician‐gynecologists employed, and number of newly joined obstetrics‐gynecology residents and resigned obstetrician‐gynecologists and the educational and recruitment activities for medical students and interns. The net balance (increased or decreased) over the fiscal years 2013–2015 was considered a surrogate marker for the number of newly joined obstetrics‐gynecology residents. We used binomial logistic regression analysis to determine the factors related to a positive net balance of obstetrician‐gynecologists. Results: We obtained responses from 59 (72.8%) medical schools. Medical students who observed deliveries were more likely to become obstetrician‐gynecologists than those who did not (95% confidence interval: 1.000–1.045, p = 0.052). Medical school location (rural or urban), providing medical students with preparatory lectures for national board examinations, and providing interns with experience as the first assistant during surgery were not associated with an increase in the number of newly joined obstetrician‐gynecologists. Conclusions: The experience of observing deliveries may encourage medical students to become obstetrician‐gynecologists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2018 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2013, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2013. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer in 2013 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank, and Wilcoxson tests. Treatment was initiated in 2018 for 7304 patients with cervical cancer; 11 230 with endometrial cancer; 7031 with ovarian, tubal, and peritoneal cancer; 2072 with ovarian borderline tumors; and with the others (222 vulvar cancer, 159 vaginal cancer, 413 uterine sarcoma, 54 uterine adenosarcoma, and 135 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the Patient Annual Report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 93.1%, 75.9%, 59.1%, and 31.2% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 94.1%, 89.2%, 73.6%, and 25.8% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 89.7%, 76.8%, 49.1%, and 32.4% for Stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The annual report is important to provide knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to clarify the feasibility of a mobile cardiotocogram (CTG) device for self‐monitoring fetal heart rate (FHR) in low‐risk singleton pregnant women. Methods: This study was conducted at six university hospitals and seven maternity clinics in Japan. Using a mobile cardiotocogram device (iCTG, Melody International Ltd., Kagawa, Japan), participants of more than 34 gestational weeks measured the FHR by themselves at least once a week until hospitalization for delivery. We evaluated the acquisition rate of evaluable FHR recordings and the frequency of abnormal FHR patterns according to the CTG classification system of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). The participants also underwent a questionnaire survey after delivery to evaluate their satisfaction level of self‐monitoring FHR using the mobile CTG device. Results: A total of 1278 FHR recordings from 101 women were analyzed. Among them, 1276 (99.8%) were readable for more than 10 min continuously, and the median percentage of the total readable period in each recording was 98.9% (range, 51.4–100). According to the JSOG classification system, 1245 (97.6%), 9 (0.7%), 18 (1.4%), and four (0.3%) FHR patterns were classified as levels 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The questionnaire survey revealed high participant satisfaction with FHR self‐monitoring using the iCTG. Conclusion: The mobile CTG device is a feasible tool for self‐monitoring FHR, with a high participant satisfaction level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our committee was founded in 2010 with the goal of improving women's health. This academic year we focused on the following five activities for the second consecutive year: cooperation between the department of pediatric surgery and the department of obstetrics and gynecology for the treatment of persistent cloaca and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome in Japan; assessment of the educational training of women's healthcare advisers; increasing screening for breast and cervical cancer; conducting the Nationwide Survey of Prescribing Practices for the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms; and preventing osteoporosis in survivors of gynecologic cancer. The activities of each subcommittee are detailed below. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2021;73(6):684–699). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To investigate the association between online activities and the number of new obstetrics and gynecology senior residents. Methods: A nationwide web-based, self-administered anonymous survey was conducted to investigate recruitment and clerkship activities during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. An online questionnaire was sent to 576 obstetrics and gynecology training institutions in Japan between December 21, 2020, and January 31, 2021. Overall, 334 institutions that gave valid responses were included (response rate: 58.0%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis examined the association between online activities, including recruitment and clerkship activities, and the number of new obstetrics and gynecology senior residents in 2021. The stratified analysis by implementing face-to-face activities was conducted to clarify the association. Results: The number of new senior residents increased in 187 facilities (56.0%) and decreased in 147 facilities (44.0%). The facilities that implemented face-to-face and online activities were 185 (55.4%) and 120 (35.9%), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, an increased number of new obstetrics and gynecology senior residents was significantly associated with face-to-face activities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=2.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11-5.97, p<.001) but not with online activities. In the stratified analysis, online activities were significantly associated with an increased number of new obstetrics and gynecology senior residents among the facilities without face-to-face activities (AOR=3.81, 95% CI: 1.40-10.32, p=.009) but not among those with face-to-face activities (AOR=0.87, 95% CI: 0.42-1.78). Conclusions: Online activities were associated with an increased number of new obstetrics and gynecology senior residents among the facilities that did not conduct face-toface activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In Japan, the criteria of the latent and active phases of the first stage of labor have not been decided. The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) Perinatal Committee conducted a study to construct a spontaneous labor curve in order to determine the point of onset of the active phase. Methods: The participants were women who had spontaneous deliveries at four health facilities in Japan between September 1, 2011, and September 31, 2019. Spontaneous delivery was defined as the spontaneous onset of labor at term (37 weeks, 0 days to 41 weeks, 6 days) with vaginal delivery of a mature fetus in a cephalic position without uterotonic agents or epidural analgesia. The time points for each "cm" of dilation were collected starting from the time of full dilation retrogradely. The relationship between time since labor onset and cervical dilation was expressed as a curve using a smoothing B‐spline. Results: A total of 4215 primiparous and 5266 multiparous women were included in this study. The spontaneous labor curve showed that in both primiparous and multiparous women, labor progress was slow until 5 cm cervical dilation, accelerating between 5 and 6 cm dilation, and steadily progressed after 6 cm dilation. Conclusion: We propose that the active phase of the first stage of labor be defined as starting at 5 cm dilation of the cervix, and that it be divided into an acceleration phase (5–6 cm dilation) and a maximal phase (>6 cm dilation). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, young doctors from Japan and South Korea made presentations on the present condition of risk‐reducing surgery for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (RRSO) in their respective country. RRSO was insured in Japan in April 2020, whereas in South Korea, it was insured 7 years earlier in 2013. In Japan, certification criteria have been set for facilities that perform RRSO, and the number of facilities is increasing, but regional disparities still exist in its distribution. The number of gBRCA1/2 testing facilities is larger, and the cost is more affordable in South Korea than in Japan. Additionally, South Korea provides genetic counseling to a wider range of relatives compared to Japan. In the future, as the indications for the gBRCA1/2 test have expanded as a companion diagnostic for the use of PARP inhibitors, it is expected that the number of candidates for the gBRCA1/2 mutation test and RRSO will increase in Japan. It is important to increase the number of BRCA tests while maintaining the quality of genetic counseling in order to provide adequate information on BRCA mutations and RRSO for patients to support their decision. For the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) medical care, it is necessary to publish a nationwide database in Japan and continue to analyze and discuss the data based on the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan is a developed country where many women, having obtained a higher education and entered the labour force, increasingly postpone childbirth and motherhood beyond their most fertile years. Whilst such a trend has been documented almost everywhere in the developed world, what is conspicuous about the particular case of Japan is how limited these women are when it comes to their options to build a family through assisted reproduction. This article puts the spotlight on five kinds of fertility patients in Japan who, by being largely denied access to assisted reproduction domestically, are pushed to seek solutions abroad, driving the regional (and global) demand for such arrangements. The article identifies as instrumental to this trend the restrictive regime created by the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Various oral symptoms, including xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome, may occur in menopausal women. These symptoms reduce quality of life (QOL). However, the actual condition of xerostomia after menopause is not clear. The purpose of this study was to reveal the factors associated with xerostomia in perimenopausal women. Methods: Participants included 118 outpatients (mean age, 49.9 ± 3.2 years; range, 45–55 years) at a department of gynecology in Japan. Information was collected concerning age, medical history, medications, menstrual status, and history of treatment for climacteric symptoms. Oral symptoms, including xerostomia were evaluated with a 3‐point scale. The climacteric symptom checklist for Japanese women and 36‐Item Short‐Form Health were used to evaluate climacteric symptoms and QOL, respectively. In addition, the volume of unstimulated saliva, oral moisture, salivary α‐amylase, chromogranin A, and 17‐β estradiol were measured. Results: Higher age, the total number of medications, psychotropic drug, hormone replacement therapy, treatment for climacteric symptoms, sticky mouth, burning sensation of tongue, dryness of nose and 14 of the 21 climacteric symptoms significantly affected xerostomia. In addition, treatment for climacteric symptoms, fall asleep but often awake at night, headaches and dryness of nose were significantly associated with xerostomia. In conclusion, xerostomia is closely associated to factors such as treatment for climacteric symptoms and certain menopausal symptoms, and it may be related to QOL in perimenopausal women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology conducted a retrospective multiinstitutional survey of patients who underwent cervical conization in Japan. This study aimed to determine the predictive factors for positive surgical margins in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3) patients after therapeutic cervical conization and those for positive margins in patients who did not experience recurrence and did not undergo additional treatment. Methods: In 2009 and 2013, 14,832 patients underwent cervical conization at 205 institutions in Japan. Of these, 8856 patients who underwent therapeutic conization fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Their histologic findings and clinical outcomes were evaluated based on standard statistical procedures and clinical and demographic characteristics. Results: Negative and positive margins were observed in 7,585 and 1,271 (14.4%) patients, respectively. The predictors of positive margins were menopausal status (p<0.001), loop electrosurgical excision procedure (p<0.001), and Shimodaira-Taniguchi (S-T) conization (p<0.001). Of 1,271 patients with positive margins, 1,060 underwent no additional treatment; among those 1,060 patients, 129 (12.2%) experienced recurrence. The predictors of positive margins in patients who did not undergo additional treatment and did not experience recurrence were age, parity, gravidity, S-T conization, and laser scalpel conization. Conclusion: Menopausal status and treatment procedures were associated with positive margins after therapeutic conization of CIN 3. It is important to understand the characteristics of treatment procedures and select an appropriate procedure for each case. For elderly or menopausal patients with positive margins, immediate additional treatment is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology International Session Meeting Abstract in Niigata, Japan on April 22-25, 2021.

Aim: To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2017 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2012, on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2012. Methods: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry, where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment with gynecologic malignancies was initiated in 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment with cervical, endometrial and ovarian cancer in 2012 was analyzed by using the Kaplan‐Meier, log‐rank and Wilcoxon tests. Results: Treatment was initiated in 2017 for 7710 patients with cervical cancer; 11 120 with endometrial cancer; 7029 with ovarian, tubal and peritoneal cancer; 2164 with ovarian borderline tumors; and with the others (213 vulvar cancer, 139 vaginal cancer, 366 uterine sarcoma, 41 uterine adenosarcoma and 131 trophoblastic diseases). This clinicopathological information was summarized as the patient annual report. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 92.9, 75.5, 58.2 and 26.7% for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 93.6, 85.6, 72.6 and 27.3% for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 92.5, 83.5, 49.5 and 30.8% for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The annual tumor report is an important survey that provides knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine years after the first edition of The Guideline for Gynecological Practice, which was jointly edited by The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the 4th Revised Edition was published in 2020. The 2020 Guidelines includes 4 additional clinical questions (CQ), which brings the total to 99 CQ (12 on infectious disease, 29 on oncology and benign tumors, 29 on endocrinology and infertility and 29 on healthcare for women). Currently, a consensus has been reached on the Guidelines, and therefore, the objective of this report is to present the general policies regarding diagnostic and treatment methods used in standard gynecological outpatient care that are considered appropriate. At the end of each answer, the corresponding Recommendation Level (A, B, C) is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our committee was founded in 2010 with the goal of improving women's health. This academic year, we focused on five activities: cooperation between the departments of pediatric surgery and obstetrics and gynecology for the treatment of persistent cloaca and Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome in Japan; assessment of the educational training of women's health‐care advisers; increasing screening for breast and cervical cancer; conducting the Nationwide Survey of Prescribing Practices for the Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms; and preventing osteoporosis in survivors of gynecologic cancer. The activities of each subcommittee are detailed below. This report is based on the Japanese version of the annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2020;72(6):697–707). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A nationwide questionnaire survey was performed to evaluate how Japanese Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) members dealt with the coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) pandemic during the declared nationwide emergency. Methods: We sent questionnaires to members of JSOG via official email. Participants answered anonymously using Google forms. Results: Two (0.08%) JSOG members had contracted COVID‐19. There was a clear decrease in the number of patients scheduled for operation, not only for malignant but also for benign diseases. A decrease in the number of outpatients for infertility treatment was also observed. Polymerase chain reaction testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was available in 20.4% of the facilities. Inpatients and outpatients were requested to wear masks, limit the number of contacts and check body temperature when visiting hospitals/clinics. During parturition care, caregivers and physicians wore gloves, masks (other than N‐95), face shields and gowns. About 66% and 80% of the facilities decided to transfer pregnant women if they had asymptomatic and symptomatic infection, respectively. Cesarean section was typically chosen as delivery mode in infected women. Conclusion: The COVID‐19 pandemic provoked significant changes in obstetrics and gynecology practices in Japan. Apparently, nosocomial infections were largely prevented due to these changes, although some of them might not have been necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the 73rd Annual Congress of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology, we discussed recent tocolytic treatments for the prevention of preterm birth with obstetricians from Korea and Taiwan. The rate of preterm birth in our countries has been increasing, and optimal tocolytic treatments are of great concern. Ritodrine hydrochloride was the first available drug for tocolysis in our countries and is often administered for over 48 h, although it is not recommended for maintenance therapy in Western countries. Meanwhile, there are differences in the use of other tocolytic drugs, based on approval of the drugs and the health insurance systems. Nifedipine and atosiban have not been considered first‐line agents in Japan. The long‐term use of unnecessary tocolysis should be avoided, and the introduction of other tocolytic drugs, including nifedipine or atosiban, should be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Malignant transformation of a mature cystic teratoma (MTMCT) of the ovary is extremely rare; the occurrence rate is ∼1%–3% of all mature cystic teratomas. Because of the rarity of MTMCT, there are many unknown aspects of its clinical findings, treatment, and prognosis. Prognosis for MTMCT is reportedly worse than that of epithelial ovarian cancer. A retrospective study was performed with 9 patients in the Gynecology Service, of the National Kyushu Cancer Center, in Fukuoka, Japan, to explore MTMCT's clinical findings and prognosis. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of nine cases of MTMCT treated in the hospital from January 2000 to December 2017. Results: The median age of the 9 patients was 65. The median survival time was 20.5 months (range: 11–127 months). Among the patients, 5 (55.5%) were determined to have advanced stage III or IV MTMCT. All patients underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and omentectomy. Five patients (55.5%) underwent more-extended debulking surgery, including intestinal-tract and ureter resection. All patients received postoperative adjuvant treatments. Unexpectedly, however, 3 of 5 patients with advanced disease (stage III/IV) survived for more than 5 years. None of the surviving patients developed recurrences after the initial treatment. Conclusions: MTMCT is a malignant disease with a poor prognosis even in the early stage. However, some patients with advanced MTMCT can have long-term survival even with poor prognostic factors, such as lymph-node metastases and intestinal invasions. The prognosis may be improved by performing maximal tumor reduction and appropriate adjuvant therapy. (J GYNECOL SURG 36:184) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a career, which spanned nearly 60 years, Professor Philip J. DiSaia (1937–2018) trailblazed a path forward in academic medicine, which would become the standard by which Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology Divisions and Cancer Centers would be measured throughout the United States, in Europe and Japan. Following his discovery of fetal warfarin syndrome as a resident, DiSaia would serve in the U.S. Navy and successfully compete for an American Cancer Society Grant that would fund his Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology under the instruction of Dr Felix N. Rutledge at the MD Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston, Texas. Dr DiSaia's goal to establish a traditional academic department was realized at the University of California, Irvine, where he remained active in an unprecedented, uninterrupted 42‐year run, training many outstanding obstetrician‐gynecologists and gynecologic oncologists, future Division Directors, Cancer Center Directors and Department Chairpersons. His dedication to the field and inexhaustible work ethic fueled his many successes in tumor immunology and the clinical trials of the National Cancer Institute's Gynecologic Oncology Group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) staging for ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancers was revised in 2014. The aim of this study is to clarify whether the revised FIGO2014 staging reflects the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer by histological type in Japan. Methods: We extracted 9,747 patients who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer since 2004 until 2008 and who could be classified into appropriate stages from the Gynecologic Cancer Registry of Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology. These cases were analyzed after revision to FIGO2014 based on the pTNM classification. Results: Among stage I, the 5-year overall survival rate (5y-OS) in FIGO2014 was 94.9% in stage IA, 92.3% in stage IC1, 86.1% in IC2, and 84.9% in IC3 with significant differences between stages IA and IC1 (p=0.012), IC1 and IC2 (p<0.001). There was a significant difference between stages IA and IC1 in clear cell and mucinous carcinoma but not in serous and endometrioid carcinoma. Among stage III, the 5y-OS was 75.6% in stage IIIA1, 68.9% in IIIA2, 58.6% in IIIB, and 44.4% in IIIC, with significant differences between stages IIIA2 and IIIB (p=0.009), IIIB and IIIC (p<0.001). Among stage IV, the 5y-OS was Conclusion: The results suggest that changes in classification for stage III and stage IV are appropriate, but the subclassification for stage IC might be too detailed. There was a discrepancy of prognosis by histological type between stage IA and IC143.1% in stage IVA* and 32.1% in IVB with a significant difference (p=0.002). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2010, the Women's Health Care Committee has continuously addressed issues closely linked to women's quality of life. The five agendas this committee has engaged for this academic year are as follows: (i) clinical study of urinary complications in perinatal and post‐partum women's health care; (ii) enlightenment of infectious diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Japan; (iii) educational activities regarding management guidelines for health care in female athletes; (iv) training program for women's health‐care advisers; and (v) pregnancy‐ and lactation‐associated osteoporosis (PLOP). The detailed activities of the five subcommittees are described herein. This report is based on the Japanese version of our annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2019;71(6): 889–898), which publicizes the activities of our committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG) has collected cycle‐based assisted reproductive technology (ART) data in an online registry since 2007. Herein, we present the characteristics and treatment outcomes of ART cycles registered during 2017. Methods: We collected cycle‐specific information for all ART cycles implemented at participating facilities and performed descriptive analysis. Results: In total, 448,210 treatment cycles and 56,617 neonates (1 in 16.7 neonates born in Japan) were reported in 2017, increased from 2016; the number of initiated fresh cycles decreased for the first time ever. The mean patient age was 38.0 years (standard deviation 4.6). A total 110,641 of 245,205 egg retrieval cycles (45.1%) were freeze‐all cycles; fresh embryo transfer (ET) was performed in 55,720 cycles. A total 194,415 frozen‐thawed ET cycles were reported, resulting in 66,881 pregnancies and 47,807 neonates born. Single ET (SET) was performed in 81.8% of fresh transfers and 83.4% of frozen cycles, with singleton pregnancy/live birth rates of 97.5%/97.3% and 96.7%/96.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Total ART cycles and subsequent live births increased continuously in 2017, whereas the number of initiated fresh cycles decreased. SET was performed in over 80% of cases, and ET shifted from using fresh embryos to frozen ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, surgical techniques, new anticancer drugs' development, and radiation equipment have led to continuous improvements in cancer survival rates and quality of life of cancer survivors (CSs). While 61.0% of gynecological cancer survivors (GCS) in Japan belonged to a working‐age group (20–64 years old), the number of working GCS within the working‐age population has increased. In Japan, it seems that there has been more interest in striking a balance between cancer treatment and work, especially since 2016 when the Cancer Control Act was amended and national guidelines for working CSs were published. Maintaining employment after gynecological cancer diagnosis remains an important issue for not only GCS and their families but also employers and society. GCS suffered from various symptoms including cancer‐related fatigue, pain, menopausal symptoms, lymphedema, and psychological distress, which made maintaining employment difficult for them. Full return to work (RTW) rate at 365 days after the initial days of sick leave among was 77.6% and median time to full RTW among GCSs was 172 days. Five‐year work continuance rate after RTW among GCSs was 63.4%. It is better for gynecologists to write a certificate for workplace in words of not "symptoms," but "caseness words (such as, workable as long as it is sedentary or clerical work. Partial RTW (4‐h work, 6‐h work) might be desirable for a while after RTW," in order to support GCSs' maintaining employment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology Reproductive Endocrinology Committee summarizes the activities of each subcommittee below from April 2017 to March 2019.Current important issues regarding reproductive medicine were examined and discussed from social, political, ethical and scientific viewpoints.A nation‐wide survey targeted at OB/GYN facilities revealed the usual procedure in diagnosis and management of fertility‐desiring POI patients and fertility outcomes of the patients.How to introduce and adapt FIGO AUB systems to obstetric and gynecologic practices in Japan was examined and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In Cambodia, the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Cambodian Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics have an on‐going project, started in 2015, for cervical cancer prevention and treatment. The project, currently aimed at factory workers, includes a women's health education program that leads into cervical cancer prevention by establishment of a system for early detection and treatment. It begins by health education, screening for human papillomavirus (HPV), followed by colposcopy and quicker treatment of earlier precursor lesions. Methods: Rates for participant screening, HPV test positivity, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) detection and distribution of HPV types were compared between two screening programs, factory‐based and hospital‐based. Some HPV test samples were divided into two, one of which was sent to Japan for a quality‐control check of the Cambodian testing. Results: The factory‐based participant screening rate was 19% (128/681). HPV was detected more frequently in the factory‐based program participants (12%) than in the hospital‐based program participants (5%). Unfortunately, however, the rate of receiving proper secondary colposcopy screening among the HPV‐positive females was significantly higher in the hospital‐based program (94%) than the factory‐based program (40%) (P < 0.001). The Cambodian laboratory HPV testing accuracy was 92.6%. HPV types demonstrated no significant difference between the two prevention programs. Conclusion: We could successfully introduce HPV‐based screening, starting from health education. However, low rate of screening, especially secondary screening for HPV positive factory workers was identified. Also, HPV testing could be further improved for accuracy through close monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In cancer therapy, choice of treatment method has a tremendous influence on patient prognosis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the number of Gynecologic Oncology (GO) Specialists on treatment outcomes of cervical cancer patients. Methods: We used data for 5‐year treatment outcomes obtained from the annual treatment reports of the Gynecologic Oncology Committee of Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG). We compared this to data posted on the Japanese Society of Gynecologic Oncology (JSGO) website regarding the enrollment of GO Specialists at each hospital. Results: The 5‐year survival ratio of cervical cancer patients treated in hospitals with 2‐or‐more GO Specialists was 79.0% (2010/2543). This was significantly higher than 75.4% (974/1292) for facilities with 0 or 1 specialist (P = 0.011); however, the number of GO Specialists was not an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.77, adjusted HR: 1.13 [0.38–2.03]). The 5‐year survival ratio significantly increased in medical facilities whose number of GO Specialists increased from 0 to 1 or more, or from 1 to 2 or more (P = 0.045). Conclusion: This study demonstrates a causal relationship between the numbers of GO Specialists and treatment outcomes of cervical cancer patients for the first time. Our study suggests that although JSGO board‐certified gynecologic oncologists do clearly contribute to improving treatment outcome, the number of specialists was not an independent factor for improving the prognosis of the patients. Thus, it was not clear whether simply increasing the number of GO Specialists, beyond two, will lead to any significant improvement in cervical cancer patient prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six years after the first edition of The Guideline for Gynecological Practice, which was jointly edited by The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and The Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the third revised edition was published in 2017. The 2017 Guidelines includes 10 additional clinical questions (CQ), which brings the total to 95 CQ (12 on infectious disease, 28 on oncology and benign tumors, 27 on endocrinology and infertility and 28 on healthcare for women). Currently a consensus has been reached on the Guidelines and therefore the objective of this report is to present the general policies regarding diagnostic and treatment methods used in standard gynecological outpatient care that are considered appropriate. At the end of each answer, the corresponding recommendation level (A, B, C) is indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To provide information including the trend of gynecological malignancies in Japan, we hereby present the Annual Patient Report for 2015 and the Annual Treatment Report for 2010 on the outcomes of patients who started treatment in 2010. Methods: The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology maintains an annual tumor registry where information on gynecological malignancies from various participating institutions is gathered. The data of patients whose treatment was initiated in 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. Survival of the patients who started treatment in 2010 was analyzed by using the Kaplan–Meier, log‐rank and Wilcoxson tests. Results: Treatment was initiated in 2015 for 7527 patients with cervical cancer, 10 119 with endometrial cancer, 6424 with ovarian cancer and 2181 with ovarian borderline tumors. This clinicopathological information was summarized as the Patient Annual Report. Prognoses were analyzed across 4309 patients with cervical cancer, 5054 with endometrial cancer and 3423 with ovarian cancer, whose treatment was initiated in 2010. The 5‐year survival rates of the patients with cervical cancer were 92.1%, 74.2%, 52.0%, and 29.8% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with endometrial cancer were 94.3%, 88.8%, 74.0% and 26.6% for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. The 5‐year survival rates for the patients with ovarian cancer (surface epithelial‐stromal tumors) were 88.5%, 80.1%, 46.3% and 36.2% for stages I, II, III and IV, respectively. Conclusion: The annual tumor report is an important survey that provides knowledge on gynecological malignancy trends in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2010, the Women's Health Care Committee has addressed important issues linked to women's quality of life. The five agendas this committee has engaged this academic year are: (i) clinical study of urinary complications in perinatal and postpartum women's health care; (ii) education on infectious diseases prophylaxis in obstetrics and gynecology in Japan; (iii) educational activities regarding management guidelines for a female athlete's health care; (iv) training program for women's healthcare advisers; and (v) pregnancy‐ and lactation‐associated osteoporosis (PLOP). The detailed activities of the five subcommittees are described herein. This report is based on the Japanese version of our annual report (Acta Obst Gynaec Jpn 2018; 70: 1538–1546), which publicizes the activities of our committee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]