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Background: This is the first case-control study on the use of a fibrin sealant (Tisseel) on uterine suture during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM), with the primary endpoint to evaluate the intraoperative bleeding and postoperative blood loss. In addition, we evaluated the time required to achieve hemostasis using Tisseel and how much it can influence operative time., Methods: From December 2009 to January 2011, consecutive patients older than 18 years with symptomatic isolate intramural myoma with maximal diameter B6 cm and ≥ 4 cm and with a sonographically diagnosed free myometrium margin ≥ 0.5 cm were included in the study. We selected from our institute's database a group of consecutive patients with homogeneous features of the study group, who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without Tisseel application., Results: Fifteen women with symptomatic myoma were enrolled in the study (group A). Regarding the control group (group B), we selected a homogenous group of 15 patients with the same preoperative characteristics of the study group. Mean operative time was 47.7 min and 62.1 min, for groups A and B respectively (p < 0.05). Mean time required to achieve complete haemostasis was 195.5 s in group A and 361.8 in control group B (p < 0.0001). Mean estimated blood loss was 111.3 mL and 230 mL in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05). Mean hemoglobin decrease was 1.36 g/dL and 2.04 g/dL in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.05)., Conclusions: The use of Tisseel during LM may represent a valid alternative solution for obtaining hemostasis, reducing intra- and postoperative bleeding. Furthermore, it may help the surgeon to obtain a rapid healing of the injured surfaces, probably reducing the use of electrocoagulationand traumatisms.

Objective: To compare effectiveness, feasibility, and suturing time required between an absorbable barbed wire (V-Loc) uterine suture and a classic continuous suture with intracorporeal knots among women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy., Methods: From January 2010 to February 2011, women with single symptomatic intramural myoma were prospectively enrolled in a single-center study at a university hospital in Rome, Italy. A control group with characteristics meeting the criteria for study inclusion was retrospectively identified from the hospital databases. In the prospective group uterine wall defects were closed with V-Loc suture, whereas in the control group they were closed by classical continuous suture with intracorporeal knots. Data were analyzed via Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test., Results: The mean operative time was shorter in the V-Loc (51±18.1 min) than in the control (58±17.8 min) group. Suturing time was significantly lower in the V-Loc than in the control (9.9±4.3 versus 15.8±4.7 min; P=0.0004) group. Both intraoperative bleeding and drop in hemoglobin were significantly lower in the V-Loc group (P=0.0076 and P=0.0176, respectively)., Conclusion: Use of a barbed suture may aid surgeons during laparoscopic suturing by reducing operative time, suturing time, and blood loss., (Copyright © 2012 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction and Hypothesis: Suburethral sling procedures are a mainstay for the surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). The interaction between the sling and the host is fundamental for the success of the procedure. Patients affected by autoimmune disease present with an overactive immune system; this should theoretically increase rejection risk., Methods: The data from 19 autoimmune patients affected by SUI were retrospectively collected. Primary outcome consisted of evaluating whether tape-related complications may occur more frequently. Secondary outcome measures were assessment of objective and subjective cure of SUI. Changes from baseline were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher tests., Results: Success rate, evaluated at 12-month follow-up, was 89.5%. No tape erosion or urinary retention was observed; chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia rates were 5.26% and 15.4%, respectively. One patient developed de novo urgency., Conclusions: According to our experience, the suburethral sling is a safe procedure with low complication rates comparable to those reported in the literature.

Because of the low incidence of vaginal cancer, phase III trials have not been carried out and current guidelines have been drawn on retrospective studies. This state of affairs explains the variety of treatments to which women affected by this disease are subjected to. In this article, we report the current results achieved by different therapeutic strategies. The primary treatment options in Stage I vaginal carcinoma are surgery and/or radiotherapy. For a small tumor, a wide excision can be used. For high risk patients, a more aggressive surgery is mandatory. The most frequently adopted treatment strategy for Stage II is a combination of brachytherapy and EBRT. Selected patients may be treated by radical surgery. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is a valid alternative to the standard treatment in terms of survival. Combination of EBRT and brachytherapy is the most commonly adopted treatment in stages III-IV A and, in selected patients, pelvic exenteration or a combination of irradiation and exenteration can be used., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: When cervical cancer is detected at an early stage (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] IA2-IB1), it can be successfully treated by radical surgery alone. Considering that most patients are young and sexually active at the moment of diagnosis and the long life expectancy of survivors after the treatment, quality of life (QoL) and sexual function are important issues for cancer survivors and caregivers. However, only a few studies have examined the QoL and sexual function in disease-free cervical cancer survivors, and there are no studies in the literature comparing prospectively sexual function after different types of radical hysterectomy., Aim: To compare sexual function in two groups of early stage cervical cancer survivors treated by radical surgery alone, undergoing two different types of radical hysterectomy., Methods: Patients treated by radical hysterectomy with systematic lymphadenectomy for early stage cervical cancer (FIGO IA2-IB1) have been enrolled and divided in two groups with regard to type of radical hysterectomy performed; S1: modified radical hysterectomy (Piver II/Type B), S2: classic radical hysterectomy (Piver III/ Type C2)., Main Outcome Measure: Twenty-four months after surgery we assessed the sexual function using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Cervix Cancer Module Questionnaire, which is a validated system for the assessment of disease- and treatment-specific issues that affect the QoL and sexual functioning of women who are treated for cervical cancer., Results: Of the 31 patients enrolled in the S1 group and 46 in the S2 group, 23 and 33 patients have been included, respectively. We observed significant differences between the two groups in terms of symptom experience, sexual/vaginal functioning, sexual activity, and sexual enjoyment. There was not any significant difference regarding lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, and sexual worry., Conclusion: Survivors of early stage cervical cancer treated by modified radical hysterectomy (Piver II/ Type B) have a better sexual function than those operated by classic radical hysterectomy (Piver III/ Type C2)., (© 2012 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: Bladder dysfunctions are a common sequela after radical hysterectomy (RH, former type III sec Piver) ranging from 8 to 80%. This discrepancy, probably, reflects the different bladder function evaluation methods utilized in literature., Material and Methods: We searched English-language medical reports published from 1952 to 2010, on MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria were: (1) studies of urological dysfunctions in patients with cervical cancer, treated with type III sec Piver (C2 sec Querleu) radical hysterectomy; (2) use of urodynamic measurement., Results: The overall incidence of urodynamic bladder dysfunctions is 72%. Follow-up >12 months studies report a high incidence of overactive detrusor low compliance (34%). Eight out of 19 studies show a decrease of the maximal urethral closure pressure (MUCP)., Discussion and Conclusions: Follow-up timing seems to be the major factor influencing the wide range of incidence of bladder dysfunction. Urodynamic data could help physicians to formulate appropriate evaluation and treatment for patients having urge incontinence (UI) after RH., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The introduction of screening programs have made cervical cancer detectable at earlier stages and in younger patients. Nevertheless, only a few studies have examined the QoL and sexual function in disease-free cervical cancer survivors., Aim: The objective of this study is to evaluate the sexual function in a cervical cancer patient's group treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) plus type C2/type III radical hysterectomy (RH)., Methods: We have enrolled in the oncologic group (OG) sexually active patients affected by cervical cancer (stage IB2 to IIIB) treated with NACT followed by RH., Main Outcome Measures: Included subjects were interviewed with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-CX24 Questionnaire. Two consecutive assessments were recorded: at the first evaluation postoperatively (T1) and at the 12-month follow-up visit (T2). Results were compared with a benign gynecological disease group (BG) and with a healthy control group (HG)., Results: A total of 33 patients for OG, 37 for BG, and 35 women for HG were recruited. After surgery, sexual activity has been resumed by 76% of the OG patients and 83.7% of the BG patients (P = not significant). Cancer survivors had clinically worse problems with symptom experience, body image, and sexual/vaginal functioning than controls (P < 0.05). OG patients also reported more severe lymphedema, peripheral neuropathy, menopausal symptoms, and sexual worry. For sexual activity, the score difference between cancer survivors and women with benign gynecological disease is not statically significant. Concerning sexual enjoyment assessment, our study shows comparable results for OG and BG., Conclusion: Nevertheless, the worsening of symptom experience, body image, and sexual/vaginal functioning, OG patients have same sexual activity and sexual enjoyment data compared with those of BG patients. Thus, NACT followed by RH could be a valid therapeutic strategy to treat and improve well-being especially in young cervical cancer patients., (© 2010 International Society for Sexual Medicine.)

Introduction: Radical hysterectomy represents the gold standard treatment in patients with early-stage cervical cancer and a valid choice of treatment, after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT), in locally advanced tumors. Laparotomy is still considered the standard approach for radical hysterectomy; however, the extraperitoneal route has been described as a valid alternative for pelvic lymphadenectomy, with shorter operative time, shorter ileus and reduced postoperative pain and hospitalization. We designed the first prospective study to evaluate the technique of total extraperitoneal radical hysterectomy for surgical treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer after platinum-based NACT, in terms of feasibility and safety., Methods: Consecutive patients affected by locally advanced cervical carcinoma were considered for eligibility in this observational study. After a primary complete evaluation, all patients were submitted to platinum-based NACT. Inclusion criteria were: stage IB2-IIIB cervical carcinoma already submitted to neoadjuvant chemotherapy with a complete or partial response after three cycles of chemotherapy, WHO performance status≤1, adequate renal, hepatic and cardiac function, BMI<40, age≤75 years, no concurrent or previous malignant disease, no previous radiation therapy, and signed informed consent. Patients included in the study were submitted to type C2 extraperitoneal radical hysterectomy., Results: From January 2006 to October 2008, 46 patients were enrolled and compared with a control group selected from the historical database. The mean operative time in the extraperitoneal radical hysterectomy group was 195 min (range: 120-240) versus 235 min (range: 215-310) in the intraperitoneal radical hysterectomy group (P<0.05). Median postoperative ileus was 32 h (range: 24-36) versus 67 h (range: 42-78) (P<0.05). VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) score at 24 and 48 h was 8 (range: 6-8) versus 8 (range: 6-9) (P=NS) and 3.5 (range: 2-7) versus six (range: 5-9) (P<0.05) respectively. No differences in terms of intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded., Conclusions: Total extraperitoneal radical hysterectomy in locally advanced cervical cancer is feasible and safe. If compared with intraperitoneal abdominal radical hysterectomy, no significant differences in terms of surgical data or complications were found. Extraperitoneal radical hysterectomy seems to compare favorably to the intraperitoneal approach in terms of operative time, postoperative ileus, and VAS score at 48 h., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sacral neuromodulation is a surgical treatment for voiding difficulties. We report the case of a patient affected by overflow urinary incontinence and reduced bladder sensation subsequent to decompression and stabilization of L2-S1, showing that sacral nerve stimulation can be used in patients with sacral anatomy distortion and metallic fixation system. In these cases, implant is feasible with fluoroscopic guidance and little changes of standard implantation procedure.

Background: Many studies have assessed the equivalent effectiveness of tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and transobturator suburethral tape (TVT-O) at short- to medium-term follow-up, but no long-term randomised trials appear in the literature., Objective: We compared the use of TVT to TVT-O, providing a longer follow-up than currently appears in the literature., Design, Setting, and Participants: Seventy-two consecutive patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were included in this randomised, controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to the TVT or TVT-O procedure using a predetermined, computer-generated randomisation code., Intervention: After preoperative assessment, patients were randomly allocated to the TVT or TVT-O procedure., Measurements: This 5-yr study represents the extension of our original randomised trial, which was designed to assess the incidence of long-term complications (primary end point) and successes (secondary end point) for both techniques., Results and Limitations: At 60-mo follow-up, 52 patients (72%) were objectively cured of SUI (72.9% after TVT-O and 71.4% after TVT), but only 44 patients (61%) were satisfied. The late complication rate was 16.6% (10 women): five women (16.1%) in the TVT-O group and five women (17.2%) in the TVT group (p=1). In this follow-up, 62% of the patients from the TVT-O group and 60% from the TVT group (p=1) expressed that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the results. The mean cause of dissatisfaction was the development of sexual dysfunction resulting from dyspareunia or incontinence during intercourse, which was found in 6 of 16 dissatisfied patients (37.5%). The limitations of our study included the adequate but small sample size and the lack of questionnaires., Conclusions: Both surgical techniques are safe, with similar results (72.9% and 71% of patients objectively cured after TVT-O and TVT, respectively) and low complication rates (16.6%: 16.1% and 17.2%, respectively, for TVT-0 and TVT), even after 5-yr follow-up., (Copyright © 2010 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate use of bulking agents (polydimethylsiloxane) as an alternative treatment of female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in older patients., Study Design: Prospective cohort study., Main Outcome Measures: Women with age >75 years old, affected by stress urinary incontinence, presenting to our institution between January 2005 and January 2008 were considered for eligibility in this prospective study. All patients were submitted to transurethral implantation using Macroplastique Implantation System (MIS) (Uroplasty, Minneapolis, Minnesota). Cure of SUI was defined as the resolution of SUI symptoms. Objective cure rate was assessed by urogynecological physical examination and urodynamic assessment performed at 6 and 12 months after surgery respectively. Subjective cure rate was assessed during the interview of the 12th month with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for quantification of SUI severity and a standardized question about the repeatability of the procedure., Results: A total of 27 consecutive patients were enrolled in this study. After 12 months of surgery the objective cure rate was 44% (12 of 27 patients), the improvement rate was 33% (9 of 27) and the failure rate was 22% (6 of 27). The overall success rate was 77% (12 patients cured and 9 improved). 23 (85%) patients would like to repeat this surgical procedure if necessary., Conclusion: Transurethral implantation of bulking agents should be considered as alternative treatment of SUI in complicated older patients., (Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To report a case of a patient who had an early prolapse of the neovagina, while using Frank's dilators method, that was successfully treated with sacrospinous ligament suspension., Design: Case report., Setting: Tertiary-care university hospital., Patient(s): A 22-year-old woman with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome., Intervention(s): Frank's vaginal dilators method., Main Outcome Measure(s): Vaginal elongation by self-dilatation. Early prolapse of the neovagina. Surgical repair with vaginal sacrospinous ligament suspension., Result(s): A few months after the beginning of the treatment the patient had a prolapse of the neovagina. On pelvic examination, the total vaginal length was 5 cm with eversion of the vaginal apex 3 cm beyond the hymen with strain. Vaginal length was not satisfactory for the patient yet; therefore, the vaginal dilation program was continued to reach the prefixed vaginal length. Two months later the total vaginal length was 8 cm with eversion of the vaginal apex 6 cm beyond the hymen with strain. The patient underwent a sacrospinous ligament suspension. Twenty months after surgery, the patient had no symptoms and was highly satisfied with the result., Conclusion(s): Prolapse of a neovagina may occur early after conservative treatment. If the initial prefixed goal of vaginal length has not been reached when prolapse develops, the vaginal dilatation program may be continued. In our case vaginal sacrospinous ligament fixation was successful, with good anatomic and functional results., (Copyright 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess feasibility and safety of fertility-sparing laparoscopic staging in women affected by unexpected ovarian cancer desiring to preserve their fertility., Design: Prospective study., Setting: University clinic., Patient(s): Twenty-seven patients already operated on elsewhere for a presumably benign ovarian cyst., Intervention(s): Laparoscopic fertility-sparing staging operations., Main Outcome Measure(s): Perioperative and survival data, reproductive outcome., Result(s): Histologic findings after first surgery: 12 low malignant potential neoplasms, 11 invasive epithelial ovarian carcinomas,1 sex-cord stromal, and 3 germ cell neoplasms. Fertility-sparing staging consisted of exploration of the peritoneal cavity, peritoneal washing cytology, multiple peritoneal biopsies, omolateral adnexectomy (except in borderline tumors), omentectomy, omolateral or bilateral pelvic and aortic lymph node sampling (except in borderline tumors, well differentiated, mucinous, and granulosa cell (GC) neoplasms), endometrial biopsy, appendectomy in mucinous type. Overall, seven patients (26%) were upstaged. Six patients received adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy. Two term pregnancies occurred. After a median follow-up of 20 months all patients are alive; one patient has FIGO stage Ic clear cell carcinoma, which recurred 8 months after surgery., Conclusion(s): Laparoscopic fertility-sparing staging in early ovarian malignancies is feasible and safe in selected and counseled patients and should be performed in experienced gynecological oncology centers trained in endoscopic procedures.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical benefit of a 3-day topotecan schedule in heavily pretreated recurrent ovarian cancer patients scheduled for palliative treatment., Methods: Eligibility criteria were 2 or more prior chemotherapy regimens, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 2 or less; adequate organ function, assessable disease by serum CA-125 measurement before each cycle; and 1 or more cycle of topotecan (1.5 mg/m per day) on 3 consecutive days of a 28-day treatment cycle. Toxicity was graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria version 3. Tumor response, stable disease, and progression were evaluated on the basis of CA-125 levels., Results: A total of 68 patients were considered eligible for the study. Median age was 58 years (range, 40-77 years), and the median number of prior chemotherapy regimens was 2 (range, 2-6). A total of 272 cycles of topotecan were administered, with a median of 4 cycles per patient (range, 1-8). No treatment delays or dose reduction was recorded. Major toxicities were grade 3/4 (18%) neutropenia, neutropenic fever (6%), grade 4 thrombocytopenia (3%), requirements for blood (5%), and platelet transfusions (3%). Thirty-five (54%) of the 64 evaluable patients showed a clinical benefit. Of these, 11 patients (17%) had a partial response, and 24 (37%) had stable disease with a median time to progression of 7.5 months (range, 6-10 months) and 4 months (range, 2-6 months), respectively., Conclusion: More than half of heavily pretreated ovarian cancer patients may benefit from 3-day topotecan.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) represent 0.1-1% of gastrointestinal malignancies. They are commonly asymptomatic and found incidentally during laparoscopy, surgical procedures or radiological studies. Diagnosis is based on histology and immunohistochemistry, while the role of imaging studies is not diagnosis-specific. We present the case of a 38-year-old patient complaining of an increase in her abdominal circumference. Consequently, a vaginal examination, a transvaginal ultrasound and an MRI of the abdomen and pelvis were carried out. It should be noted that a preoperative diagnosis of GISTs is uncommon, due to the rarity and many presentations of the disease. Ultrasound and MRI are not able to differentiate a GIST from ovarian cancer. However, if a pelvic mass is detected, the possibility of a non-gynaecological tumor has to be considered.

Study Objective: To evaluate the use of FloSeal, a 2-component (collagen granules and thrombin) topical hemostatic agent for the control of minor bleeding of the ovarian wall at the end of the laparoscopic stripping procedure for endometriomas., Design: Pilot study., Setting: Tertiary care university hospital., Patients: Twenty consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of endometriomas were included in the study., Interventions: Eight patients was allocated to FloSeal group, whereas the remaining 12 patients were allocated to the control group., Measurements and Main Results: At the end of the laparoscopic stripping procedure for ovarian cyst (diameter between 3 and 6 cm), the ovarian cortex was carefully everted and thoroughly rinsed to identify the precise localization of bleeding spots. In the FloSeal group the sites of bleeding were covered with FloSeal under direct vision with a laparoscopic applicator. Gentle pressure on the ovary was applied for 5 minutes and subsequently bleeding sites were reexamined. In the control group hemostasis was obtained with conventional methods. Hemostasis was obtained in all cases by 3 minutes from FloSeal application in both study arms. The time of hemostasis was similar in control and FloSeal groups with a median time of 172 and 182 seconds, respectively., Conclusion: This preliminary series suggests that FloSeal may be used instead of bipolar electric coagulation after excision of ovarian endometriomas. Because the latter was identified by some authors as a possible cause of follicular damage, the use of FloSeal for bleeding control should be investigated in patients undergoing laparoscopic stripping of endometriomas.

Objective(s): The aim of the present study is to prospectively investigate the efficacy and complications of macroplastique transurethral implantation in cervical cancer patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical hysterectomy (RH)., Methods: Patients affected by de novo SUI post type 3 RH were considered for eligibility in this study. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included a standardized urogynecological history, urogynecological and neurological physical examination, evaluation of severity of SUI symptoms, a 3-day voiding diary, urine culture and urodynamic assessment. All patients underwent transurethral implantation using Macroplastique Implantation System (MIS). Patient follow-up was performed 6 and 12 months after surgery., Results: A total of 24 consecutive patients were enrolled. At the 12 month follow up SUI cure rate was 42% (10 of 24 patients), the improvement rate was 42% (10 of 24) and the failure rate was 16% (4 of 24). The overall success rate was 84% (10 patients cured and 10 improved). No intraoperative or postoperative early complications were found. The 4 patients in whom treatment was not a success had preoperative urethral hypermobility. Subjective patient perception of SUI symptom severity showed significant improvement (mean severity of urinary loss perception 6.6+/-1.8 vs 2.3+/-3.3, p<0.05). The frequency of incontinence on the 3-day voiding diary was significantly reduced at the follow up (14.5+/-5.8 vs 4.3+/-7.9 episodes per 3 days, p<0.05)., Conclusion(s): Bulking agents urethral injection could be a valid option having no surgical complications. This therapeutic strategy is able to treat SUI and improve well being of cervical cancer patients after radical surgery.

Objective: To report a case of bilateral ovarian pregnancy in a young patient who had previously undergone intrauterine insemination (IUI) and controlled ovarian stimulation (COS)., Design: Case report., Setting: University hospital., Patient(s): A 34-year-old woman who had previously undergone IUI and COS., Intervention(s): Emergency exploratory laparotomy for circulatory collapse. About 350 mL of bloody fluid was collected in the pelvic cavity. The left ovary was about 6 cm in diameter and was completely involved by a darkish hemorrhagic ovarian mass; the right ovary was involved by a 4-cm mass. A left ovariectomy and a partial resection of the right ovary with preservation of two-thirds of ovarian tissue was performed., Main Outcome Measure(s): IUI and COS outcome., Result(s): The pathologic diagnosis was considered, and bilateral ovarian pregnancy was confirmed according to the diagnostic criteria described by Spiegelberg., Conclusion(s): Diagnosis of primary ovarian pregnancy is very difficult because of its rarity and asymptomatic state before rupture. However, early diagnosis is fundamental to avoid more serious complications and an emergency invasive procedure.

Background: Radiotherapy represents the standard treatment for patients affected by FIGO stage II vaginal cancer. Several authors have suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery might be a valid treatment option in patients affected by cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to analyse the feasibility and results obtained by neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery in patients affected by invasive vaginal cancer with paravaginal tissue involvement not reaching the pelvic side wall., Methods: Eleven patients affected by FIGO stage II vaginal cancer were treated with paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) every 21 days for three courses followed by radical surgery., Results: All patients were subjected to the 3 planned chemotherapy courses. Three (27%) patients achieved a complete clinical response and seven (64 %) patients achieved a partial clinical response. All patients were subjected to radical hysterectomy and vaginectomy. At a median follow up of 75 months two (18%) patients suffered a disease recurrence and one of these died of disease., Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is a feasible therapeutic strategy with good short- and long-term results. In women affected by vaginal cancer, a larger series reporting the result of this therapeutic strategy or the results obtained by surgery alone will aid physicians to choose the best therapeutic strategy for each individual patient.

Study Objective: To reveal the efficacy and feasibility of concomitant anterior colporrhaphy and tension-free vaginal tape-obturator to treat stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and concomitant cystocele., Design: Controlled trial without randomization (Canadian Task Force classification II-1)., Setting: University hospitals in Rome, Italy., Patients: Fifty consecutive patients with SUI associated with symptomatic cystocele were enrolled into the study. Exclusion criteria were: uterine prolapse greater than or equal to 1, rectocele greater than or equal to 1, overactive bladder, overactive bladder symptoms, intrinsic urethral sphincter deficiency, urinary retention, previous anti-incontinence and/or prolapse surgery, neurologic bladder, psychiatric disease, body mass index greater than 30, and elevated intraabdominal pressure. The preoperative evaluation consisted of: complete history, physical examination, 3-day voiding diary, and urodynamic testing. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) was used to subjectively quantify the patient perception of SUI symptom severity., Interventions: All patients underwent an ultralateral anterior colporrhaphy plus tension-free vaginal tape-obturator., Measurements and Main Results: In all, 43 (91%) and 46 (92%) patients were objectively cured for cystocele and SUI, respectively. The median operating time, blood loss, and hospitalization were 43 minutes (range 35-56), 64 mL (range 40-148), and 1 day (range 1-2), respectively. Overall early postoperative complication rate was 16%, although all were minor. Only 1 patient, at 12-month follow-up, developed tape erosion that required surgical removal. The ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire scores were 13.4 +/- 6.8 and 3.5 +/- 3.2 (p <.01) between preoperative and 12-month follow-up, respectively., Conclusion: Concomitant tension-free vaginal tape-obturator plus ultralateral anterior colporrhaphy are feasible and safe procedures for the treatment of SUI and with associated cystocele with a high success rate and low intraoperative and postoperative complications rate.

Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common complication after radical hysterectomy, ranging between 21% and 53%. Two cases of postradical hysterectomy UI treated with transurethral macroplastique injection are reported here. At 1-year follow-up, 1 patient showed no episodes of incontinence in voiding diary. The second patient showed a positive cough stress test only in standing position at 400 mL of bladder emptying. The frequency of UI according to a 3-day voiding diary was 3 episodes. Preoperative and postoperative subjective patient perception of UI symptom severity (visual analog scale) was 7-0 and 8-2 for cases 1 and 2, respectively. Bulking agents urethral injection could be a minimally invasive option to improve well-being of patients with cervical cancer after radical surgery.

Study Objective: Classic myomectomy was performed via laparotomy. More recently, laparoscopic myomectomy has become a valuable treatment option. Vaginal myomectomy is a surgical procedure that has recently been evaluated. However, few trials have been reported in past literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate feasibility and complication rate of patients submitted to vaginal myomectomy., Design: Prospective study with review of literature (Canadian Task Force classification II-2)., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, S. Filippo Neri Hospital of Rome, Italy., Patients: Consecutive patients with symptomatic myomas who refused hysterectomy., Interventions: After preoperative assessment, patients were submitted to vaginal myomectomy using posterior colpotomy., Measurements and Main Results: Operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay were prospectively recorded. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 and 12 months postoperatively. Data on possible symptoms, fertility, and pregnancy outcome during follow-up periods were recorded. Myomectomy was completed vaginally in 17 (94%) of 18 patients. Mean operating time was 48 +/- 22 minutes; mean operative blood loss and hospital stay were 210 +/- 350 mL and 3.5 +/- 2.4 days, respectively. Only 2 (11%) patients required blood transfusion. Three patients have conceived spontaneously., Conclusion: Vaginal myomectomy is a feasible and safe surgical procedure, with low morbidity and short hospital stay, and could represent a valid alternative to open or laparoscopic myomectomy in selected cases.

Purpose of Review: Pelvic and para-aortic lymphnode sampling is an integral part of the staging system of ovarian cancer. The issue concerning lymphadenectomy in the management of the disease is still debated, however. The purpose of this paper is to review the role of systematic lymphadenectomy in patients affected by early and advanced-stage ovarian cancer., Recent Findings: Some retrospective studies have revealed an increased survival rate in early-stage ovarian cancer patients after lymphadenectomy. Recently, the first randomized prospective trial, on lymphadenectomy in advanced-stage disease, was published. It evidenced an improvement in progression-free survival in patients who had undergone lymphadenectomy., Summary: Systematic lymphadenectomy has a diagnostic value in early-stage ovarian cancer, thanks to the possibility of accurate clinical staging. As up to 22% of women, who were presumed to have early-stage ovarian cancers, are upstaged during the lymphadenectomy procedure, accurate staging can help to avoid unnecessary postoperative chemotherapy. In patients affected by advanced ovarian cancer, systematic lymphadenectomy statistically significantly improves progression-free survival and reduces recurrence rates despite a higher incidence of postoperative complications. As improvement of overall survival is not statistically significant, further studies are needed to balance risks and benefits of systematic lymphadenectomy in advanced-stage disease.

Postradical vulvectomy urinary incontinence is a common surgery-related complication, especially after subtotal urethrectomy. However, only 1 trial has been reported in the previous literature that described a case of total urinary incontinence treated with an Aldridge sling operation. We present 2 cases of patients affected by postradical vulvectomy, with partial urethral resection and total incontinence successfully treated by transurethral Macroplastique injection. This procedure could be considered as a valid, minimally invasive surgical option to improve the well-being of patients with vulvar cancer affected by postradical vulvectomy urinary incontinence, especially in elderly patients at high operative risk.

Lymphatics are the main pathway of dissemination for gynaecologic malignancies and in particular those with preferential regional spread, so the evaluation of lymph node status has an important role in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of patients with gynaecologic cancer. Hence, gynecologic oncologist must be familiar with lymphatic anatomy and the ability to perform a systematic retroperitoneal pelvic and aortic lymph node dissection is an important skill in their surgical armamentarium. This review will focus on the performance of systematic aortic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer.

Background: Concomitant chemoradiotherapy represents the standard treatment for patients affected by locally advanced cervical cancer. Survival rates in patients affected by FIGO stage IVA disease remain poor. Some authors have suggested that neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery might be a valid alternative to standard treatment. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and results obtained by neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients affected by stage IVA disease., Methods: Eighteen patients affected by FIGO stage IVA cervical cancer were treated with 175 mg/m(2) paclitaxel and 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin every 21 days for three courses followed by radical surgery when feasible., Results: All patients were subjected to the three planned chemotherapy courses. Two patients achieved a complete clinical response, and 10 patients achieved a partial clinical response. Ten patients were subjected to anterior pelvic exenteration, whereas the remaining eight patients were treated with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and concomitant chemoradiotherapy. The estimated 3-year and 5-year overall survival rates were 47.4% and 31.6%, respectively. Patients eligible for surgery benefited from significantly longer survival rates., Conclusions: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery is feasible in approximately half of patients affected by FIGO stage IVA cervical cancer. Overall survival rates appear similar to those reported with concomitant chemoradiotherapy. Patients who are amenable to radical surgery after chemotherapy may benefit from long-term survival rates.

Objective: To determine advantages and disadvantages of minilaparotomy and laparoscopy in managing patients affected by benign adnexal masses., Study Design: Prospective, randomized, clinical trial on 127 patients affected by adnexal cysts. Patients were submitted to adnexal surgery through a laparoscopic or minilaparotomy approach on a random basis., Results: Hundred and twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to laparoscopy (63 patients) or minilaparotomy (64 patients). Characteristics of the patients and of the cysts were homogeneous between the two groups. No significant differences between the two groups were recorded in terms of operative time, intraoperative complications, ileus, length of stay and recovery time. The intraoperative rupture rate of the cyst was significantly higher in the laparoscopy group only in a subgroup of patients affected by cysts greater than 7 cm in diameter (p=0.01). Three patients randomized to laparoscopy required conversion to laparotomy. Concerning postoperative outcomes, postoperative pain and minor complications were significantly less in patients undergoing laparoscopy (p=0.001 and 0.04)., Conclusions: Operative laparoscopy appears to be the preferable approach for the management of adnexal cysts. Minilaparotomy can be considered a mini-invasive approach as well, with acceptable operative and postoperative outcomes, and is a suitable alternative in case of contraindications to laparoscopy.

Objectives: To compare tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and trans-obturator suburethral tape from inside to outside (TVT-O) for surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) for complications (primary end point) and success rate (secondary end point)., Methods: Seventy-two consecutive patients, with a mean age of 53.2 yr (range: 38-69 yr) and affected by SUI, were included in this randomised controlled trial. After preoperative assessment, patients were randomly allocated to the TVT or TVT-O procedure. Operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay were prospectively recorded. Cure of SUI was defined as no leakage of urine during the stress test at urodynamic testing at the 12-mo evaluation. The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test, Mann-Whitney U test, McNemar test, and Fisher exact test were used to verify statistical significance, set at p<0.05., Results: All patients were evaluable at the 12-mo follow-up. The characteristics of patients were well balanced between groups after randomisation. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the TVT-O group. Perioperative complications were significantly more common after the retropubic approach (5% and 27% in TVT-O and TVT groups, respectively, p<0.04). The groups did not differ significantly in intraoperative blood loss, hospital stays, and time to return to normal activities. Sixty-five patients (90%) were successfully treated for SUI 12 mo after the operation (89% and 91% for TVT-O and TVT groups, respectively)., Conclusions: Both techniques appear to be equally effective in the surgical treatment of SUI. However, TVT-O had a shorter operative time and lower overall perioperative complication rate.

Objective: To compare transperitoneal, extraperitoneal and laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy in terms of feasibility and morbidity in patients affected by cervical cancer undergoing radical hysterectomy., Methods: Consecutive patients affected by stage IB-IIB cervical carcinoma scheduled for radical surgery entered the study. Patients were randomly assigned to transperitoneal (TPL), extraperitoneal (EPL) or laparoscopic pelvic lymphadenectomy (LPL). All patients underwent classical radical hysterectomy. Perioperative data were recorded. Follow up examinations were performed at the 15th, 30th and 60th day after surgery., Results: 168 patients entered the study. The mean operative times were: 63+/-7.6, 54+/-6.7 and 75+/-8.4 min (TPL vs EPL P<0.001; EPL vs LPL P<0.001; TPL vs LPL P<0.001) for TPL, EPL and LPL respectively. The feasibility of the procedures, analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis, was 96%, 93% and 95% for TPL, EPL and LPL group respectively (P=ns). The average hospitalizations were: 5.6+/-0.9, 3.2+/-0.4 and 3.1+/-0.3 days (TPL vs EPL P<0.001; TPL vs LPL P<0.001) for TPL, EPL and LPL respectively., Conclusions: EPL and LPL are as feasible and effective as TPL and can be adequately performed with a reasonable complication rate. LPL showed a statistically significant longer operative time. However, both EPL and LPL can minimize some postoperative complications reducing length of stay.

Background: Post-irradiation breast sarcoma is a rare and highly aggressive tumor, associated with poor prognosis. However, the mean latent periods reported for postradiation sarcomas after treatment of breast cancer ranges from 5 to 10 years., Case: We present a rare case of fibrosarcoma of the axilla, diagnosed 23 months after breast surgery and irradiation for medullary poorly differentiated carcinoma, treated with wide local excision with resection of the serratus anterior muscle until pleural wall., Conclusion: This case confirm a possible early appearance of sarcoma in the irradiation field after radiotherapy. Thus, when a nodule appears in the irradiation field even if within 2 years after radiotherapy, physician should be alert for a possible sarcoma and wide biopsy with histologic confirmation is auspicable.

Background: In invasive ovarian cancer, fertility saving surgery is confined to early-stage and low-grade disease, and only few study reported sparing fertility up to FIGO stage IC ovarian cancer., Case: We present a rare case of a 30-year-old woman affected by IC ovarian cancer with borderline tumor on controlateral ovary who underwent "conservative" debulking surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. A spontaneous planned pregnancy occurred 5 years postsurgery. At 60-month follow-up, patients have no evidence of disease., Conclusions: Nowadays, preservation of ovarian function in women with tumors in early stage should be evaluated for conservative surgery. It is important to emphasize that patients selected for conservative surgery should have complete surgical staging. Careful follow-up is mandatory to ensure safety of this procedure.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery has become the gold-standard treatment for ovarian endometriomas. The objective of this trial was to evaluate different procedures for the laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas with the stripping technique., Methods: Forty-eight patients with ovarian endometrioma were enrolled in two consecutive independent randomized trials. Two different techniques were analysed at the initial adhesion site (circular excision and subsequent stripping versus immediate stripping). Two different techniques were analysed at the ovarian hilus (stripping versus coagulation and cutting). Operative time and technical difficulties were prospectively evaluated. Histological analysis was performed in three portions of the cyst wall and the results of the histologic study are reported separately., Results: At the initial part of the stripping procedure, the technique of circular excision and subsequent stripping appeared to be more easily performed than the technique of direct stripping (P < 0.01), although operative times were comparable between the two techniques. At the hilus, the two techniques utilized appeared to be comparable both for easiness of procedure and operating times., Conclusions: In this prospective, randomized study, different techniques used during the stripping procedure appeared to be comparable in terms of operative times and complications. One technique used at the beginning of the procedure (circular excision followed by stripping) was easier to perform.

Purpose: In this study we evaluated the 5-year followup results of periurethral polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) injection for female stress urinary incontinence (SUI) secondary to intrinsic sphincter deficiency (ISD) without hypermobility of the vesicourethral junction., Materials and Methods: A total of 61 female patients with ISD were enrolled in this prospective, observational study. Preoperative and postoperative assessment included a standardized urogynecologic history with questions regarding urinary function, urogynecologic and neurological physical examination, and urodynamic assessment. All patients underwent periurethral PDMS injection. Patient followup was performed 1, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after surgery., Results: At 60 months after injection the SUI cure rate was 18%, the improvement rate was 39% and the failure rate was 43%. The success rate was 57%. Of the patients 45 (74%) subjectively improved with respect to the severity of urinary incontinence. No postoperative early complications were found. At 60 months of followup only minor complications were reported (11%)., Conclusions: Careful patient selection by optimal diagnostic tools are essential for maximizing the results of urethral bulking agent therapy. PDMS injection in women with SUI due to ISD with limited urethral mobility is a valid, minimally invasive procedure.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate acute and long-term morbidity, recurrence rate, and overall survival in patients with multiple groin lymph node metastases treated with postoperative chemotherapy., Methods: Patients affected by FIGO stages III, IVA, and IVB (pelvic lymph nodes only) submitted to surgery were then treated with four cycles of cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) given 21 days apart. Toxicity, overall, and disease-free survival were evaluated., Results: Fourteen patients were evaluated. Median patients age was 58 (range 48-82). Median performance status was 0 (0-2). All patients completed the treatment. No treatment-related deaths occurred. Only two patients suffered from grade 4 neutropenia during chemotherapy. Three patients suffered from long-term severe lymphedema. Four patients suffered a disease recurrence. Three of these patients were subjected to surgery with no severe postoperative complications. Two of the latter patients are still alive. At a median follow-up of 57.5 months (range 23-79 months) actuarial 3-year overall survival and progression-free survival are 86% and 71%, respectively., Conclusions: In patients affected by vulvar cancer with multiple lymph node metastases, radical surgery followed by chemotherapy is a feasible strategy, with an acceptable short- and long-term complication rate. Results in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival are promising. Furthermore, due to absence of local long-term tissue toxicity, this strategy allows physicians to surgically treat regional lymph node recurrence safely.

Study Objective: To evaluate, by means of serial transvaginal ultrasound (US) examinations, the ovary after laparoscopic excision of endometriomas with the stripping technique., Design: Prospective, controlled, single-blind clinical trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-1)., Setting: Tertiary care university hospital., Patients: Forty-seven patients, from 21- to 35-years old, undergoing laparoscopic excision of a monolateral ovarian endometrioma., Intervention: The patients underwent serial US scans performed by a blinded observer during the first, third, and sixth menstrual cycle after surgery., Measurements and Main Results: At the first follow-up US examination, an abnormal finding, namely the presence of an ovarian cyst on the operated ovary, was diagnosed in five of 47 patients (10.6%; p = .03 when compared with the nonoperated ovary). In the remaining 42 patients (89.4%), no gross abnormalities were evident. No differences were present between the two ovaries as to ovarian volume or follicular development pattern. During the third follow-up US, in 47 patients (100%) no gross abnormalities were present., Conclusion: The US follow-up of ovaries operated on for endometriomas by laparoscopy demonstrates that the evidence of an ovarian cyst in the early postoperative period is not an uncommon event. This finding, occurring in approximately 10% of cases, seems to be a transient one occurring during ovarian healing after surgery, since no evidence of such anomaly was present on subsequent US scans. Therefore, treatment for US evidence of recurrence of an ovarian endometrioma should be deferred for at least 3 to 6 months if the diagnosis of recurrence is made in the early postoperative period. Apart from this finding, the operated ovary is indistinguishable from the contralateral one, even 1 month after surgery.

Background: The objective of the current study was to evaluate the incidence of long-term bladder dysfunction after type 3-4 radical hysterectomy in patients with locally advanced cervical carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT)., Methods: A case-control study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence of long-term bladder dysfunction in 76 patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB-IIA (> 4 cm), Stage IIB, and Stage III cervical carcinoma who underwent type 3-4 radical hysterectomy after NACT. Preoperative assessment included acquisition of a standardized urogynecologic history, evaluation of severity of urinary incontinence symptoms, maintenance of a 3-day voiding diary, pelvic examination, urogynecologic physical examination, urodynamic assessment, and estimation of hydronephrosis. Follow-up was carried out at least 12 months after surgery., Results: Urinary symptoms (sensory loss, difficult micturition, severe urinary incontinence) were reported by 20 patients (26%). Eighteen patients (24%) had a normal urodynamic profile, 16 patients (21%) had detrusor overactivity, 22 patients (29%) had urodynamic stress incontinence, 2 patients (2%) had aconctractile detrusor, and 18 patients (24%) had mixed urinary incontinence. The length of vagina removed was significantly greater among patients who had detrusor overactivity and mixed urinary incontinence compared with patients who had a normal diagnosis., Conclusions: The observed rate of bladder dysfunction was higher than the corresponding rate reported in the literature (76%). Three main disturbances were found: detrusor overactivity (21%), mixed urinary incontinence (24%), and de novo stress incontinence (21%). Detrusor overactivity was related to a prevalence of hypertonic bladder. Among patients who underwent type 4 radical hysterectomy, the extent of caudal resection of rectovaginal ligaments and vaginal tissue was found to be more strongly associated with bladder dysfunction than was the extent of lateral parametrial resection. Despite the fact that 76% of patients had abnormal urodynamic parameters, most patients were satisfied with their voiding condition., (Copyright 2004 American Cancer Society.)

In 1984 the first pilot study on neoadjuvant chemotherapy in cervical cancer was reported. Since then, many investigators have studied the possible role that this therapeutic strategy could achieve in patients. Different chemotherapic combinations are constantly being attempted in order to obtain the maximum tumour response. At the same time few randomised studies have demonstrated the superiority of this treatment when adopted before radical surgery, in terms of overall survival compared to radiotherapy alone. Recently a detailed meta-analysis has been performed and the results confirmed what previously was achieved by the randomised trials. Since the beginning of all the phase III trials, the standard treatment of locally advanced disease has been modified from radiotherapy alone to concomitant radio-chemotherapy. For this reason the EORTC group has launched a trial with the objective of comparing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery versus concomitant chemo-radiotherapy.

We have summarized chemical, physical, and microbiological characteristics of Quaternary Ammonium Salts: particularly, benzalchromium chloride and didecyl-dimethyl-ammonium chloride characteristics were analyzed. These compounds may act as antimicrobial agents in different way: 1) they are surface-active agents and will denature protein or cause dissociation of an enzyme from its prosthetic group; 2) they may alter the cell permeability of bacteria and yeasts; 3) they may stimulate the glycolysis reaction and 4) may inhibit oxidation of lactate. These latest activities may play a role in maintenance of physiologic microbial ecology of vagina or in the re-establishment of the vaginal ecosystem after vaginitis or vaginosis. We have also summarized the physiologic variation of vaginal ecosystem during the different phases of women's life and the microbiology of vagina during vaginitis and vaginosis. The results of more recent studies about the therapeutic role of quaternary ammonium compounds in vulvo-vaginal infections an in vaginosis are synthetically reported. We concluded that quarternary ammonium compounds are efficacious, handy and safe, in obstetrics and gynecology. A very good compliance and low costs of these compounds suggest that they may be used alone as well in association with specific antimicrobial agents in the treatment of most of gynecological infections, and particularly in bacterial vaginosis.