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Abstract Gender is a key determinant of health and healthcare use. The question of whether physicians are aware of gender issues is important to avoid gender bias in medical practice. This study aimed to validate the Nijmegen Gender Awareness in Medicine Scale (N-GAMS) in a representative population of French general practitioners (GPs) and to analyze their gender sensitivity and the presence of gender stereotypes among them. The N-GAMS, already validated in medical students, measures gender awareness through 3 subscores: gender sensitivity (GS) and gender-role ideology towards patients (GRIP) and doctors (GRID) (gender stereotypes). After translation into French, it was distributed to 900 GPs. The scale was validated through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Psychometric properties were tested. Multivariate linear regressions were conducted to explore the associations between GPs’ characteristics and N-GAMS subscores. EFA identified 3 meaningful factors consistent with prior theory. Subscores exhibited good internal consistency. The main findings were that GRIP was significantly higher in older physicians, in male physicians, among those who less involved their patients in decisions, and those who were not training supervisors. For GRID, results were quite similar to those of GRIP. GS was significantly higher for physicians working in health centres or medical homes and for those with gynecological practices but lower when they less involved patients in medical decisions. This study suggests that it is necessary to teach gender issues not only in medical schools but also as part of continuing medical education.

Abstract Background High rates of discontinuation undermine the effectiveness of adjuvant endocrine therapy (AET) among hormone-receptive breast cancer patients. Patient prognosis also relies on the successful management of cardiovascular risk, which affects a high proportion of postmenopausal women. As with AET, adherence with cardiovascular drugs is suboptimal. We examined whether patient adherence with cardiovascular drugs was associated with the rate of AET discontinuation in a French nationwide claims database linked with hospitalisation data. Methods We identified postmenopausal women starting AET between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2020 and taking at least two drugs for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (antihypertensive drugs, lipid-lowering drugs and platelet aggregation inhibitors) before AET initiation. Adherence was assessed for each drug class by computing the proportion of days covered. Women were categorised as fully adherent, partially adherent or fully non-adherent with their cardiovascular drug regimen based on whether they adhered with all, part or none of their drugs. AET discontinuation was defined as a 90-day gap in AET availability. Time to AET discontinuation according to levels of cardiovascular drug adherence was estimated using cumulative incidence curves, accounting for the competing risks of death and cancer recurrence. Multivariate cause-specific Cox regressions and Fine-and-Gray regressions were used to assess the relative hazards of AET discontinuation. Results In total, 32,075 women fit the inclusion criteria. Women who were fully adherent with their cardiovascular drugs had the lowest cumulative incidence of AET discontinuation at any point over the 5-year follow-up period. At 5 years, 40.2% of fully non-adherent women had discontinued AET compared with 33.5% of partially adherent women and 28.8% of fully adherent women. Both partial adherence and full non-adherence with cardiovascular drugs were predictors of AET discontinuation in the two models (cause-specific hazard ratios 1.16 [95% CI 1.10–1.22] and 1.49 [95% CI 1.39–1.58]; subdistribution hazard ratios 1.15 [95% CI 1.10–1.21] and 1.47 [95% CI 1.38–1.57]). Conclusion Clinicians should be aware that patients who do not adhere with their entire cardiovascular drug regimen are also more likely to discontinue AET. This stresses the importance of integrated care, as suboptimal adherence with both treatment components poses a threat to achieving ideal patient outcomes.

Abstract Background Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ectopic pregnancy have reported many different outcomes, which are themselves often defined and measured in distinct ways. This level of variation results in an inability to compare results of individual RCTs. The development of a core outcome set to ensure outcomes important to key stakeholders are collected consistently will guide future research in ectopic pregnancy. Study aim To develop and implement a core outcome set to guide future research in ectopic pregnancy. Methods and analysis We have established an international steering group of key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience of ectopic pregnancy. We will identify potential outcomes from ectopic pregnancy from a comprehensive literature review of published randomised controlled trials. We will then utilise a modified Delphi method to prioritise outcomes. Subsequently, key stakeholders will be invited to score potential core outcomes on a nine-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (not important) to 9 (critical). Repeated reflection and rescoring should promote whole and individual stakeholder group convergence towards consensus ‘core’ outcomes. We will also establish standardised definitions and recommend high-quality measurements for individual core outcomes. Trial registration COMET 1492 . Registered in November 2019.

Abstract Background Enhanced recovery programme (ERP) after surgery needs development in Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP). Methods A retrospective before-and-after study was performed in 2015 and 2017 on three surgical models (total knee arthroplasty (TKA), colectomy and hysterectomy) in 17 hospitals including 29 surgical departments. Data were collected in one control intervention (total hip arthroplasty (THA), gastrectomy and ovariectomy). In 2016, Massive Open Online Course on ERP and a day meeting information were developed by APHP. A national update on ERP was also organized by HAS and a regional professional partnership programme was started. Primary outcomes were length of stay (LOS) and complications after surgery. Data on ERP items were collected in the patients’ chart and in anaesthetist and surgeon interview. Seventy percent application rate reflects application of ERP procedure. Results 1321 patient’s files were analysed (812 in 2015 and 509 in 2017). The LOS (mean (SD)) is reduced by 1.6 day for TKA (2015, 8.7 (6.7) versus 7.1 (3.4) in 2017; p70% application) increased respectively from 5 to 7 out of 17 and 16 in 2015 and 2017. For colectomy, they were stable at 6 out of 21 in 2015 and 2017. The mean application rates of ERP items stayed below 50% in all cases in 2017. The LOS was negatively correlated with ERP items’ application when data collected in 2015 and 2017 were analysed together. Conclusion ERP application did not significantly improved between 2015 and 2017 for three surgical models after an institutional information and diffusion of recommendations in 29 surgical departments of seventeen French University hospitals underlining the limit of a top-down approach.

STUDY QUESTION Is increasing the intensity of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) by 30% in the treatment of rectal endometriosis a safe procedure? SUMMARY ANSWER This study demonstrates the safety of a 30% increase in the intensity of HIFU in the treatment of rectal endometriosis, with no Clavien–Dindo Grade III complications overall, and namely no rectovaginal fistulae. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY A feasibility study including 20 patients with rectal endometriosis demonstrated, with no severe complications, a significant improvement in digestive disorders, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and health status, although the volume of the endometriosis nodule did not appear to be reduced. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted between 2020 and 2022 with 60 patients with symptomatic rectal endometriosis. Following the failure of medical treatment, HIFU treatment was offered as an alternative to surgery. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS As the main objective of this study was to examine safety, all adverse events observed during the 6 months of follow-up were analysed and graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) and Clavien–Dindo classifications. Secondary objectives included evaluating the evolution of symptoms using validated questionnaires: gynaecological and digestive pain symptoms with a visual analogue scale, health status with the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form (SF-36) questionnaire, average post-operative daily pain level, and analgesic medication required in the 10 days following treatment. MRI was also performed at Day 1 to detect early complications. Finally, we performed a blinded MRI review of the evolution of the nodule at 6 months post-treatment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The procedure was performed under spinal anaesthesia for 30% of the patients. The median duration of treatment was 32 min. Fifty-five patients left the hospital on Day 1. MRI scans performed on Day 1 did not highlight any early-onset post-operative complication. Using the Clavien–Dindo classification, we listed 56.7% Grade I events, 3.4% Grade II events, and no events Grade III or higher. At 1, 3, and 6 months, all gynaecologic, digestive and general symptoms, as well as health status, had significantly improved. The evolution of the nodule was also significant (P  < 0.001) with a 28% decrease in volume. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The main objective was safety and not effectiveness. The study was not randomized and there was no control group. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS HIFU treatment for rectal endometriosis results in an improvement of symptoms with low morbidity; as such, for selected patients, it could be a valuable alternative to surgical approaches following the failure of medical treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study was funded by the company EDAP TMS. Professors Dubernard and Rousset are consultants for EDAP TMS. Dubernard received travel support from EDAP-TMS. Dr F. Chavrier received industrial grants from EDAP-TMS. He has developed a device for generating focused ultrasonic waves with reduced treatment time. This device has been patented by EDAP-TMS. Dr Lafon received industrial grants from EDAP-TMS; he declares that EDAP-TMS provided funding directly to INSERM to support a young researcher chair in therapeutic ultrasound, which is unrelated to the current study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04494568. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study objectiveTo evaluate the epidemiologic and economic burden related to adhesions and their complications for the French healthcare system.DesignA descriptive and economic retrospective analysis.SettingMedicalized information system program (PMSI), national scale of costs.PatientsFemale patients operated on to treat adhesions related complications in 2019.InterventionsAll patients with coded adhesiolysis acts were selected in order to identify the characteristics of Diagnosis related groups (DRG) and compare them with the general DRGs. Then, a sub-analysis on surgery types (laparoscopy or open procedures) was performed to evaluate impact adhesions development and Length of Stay. Lastly, direct costs of adhesions for the healthcare system were quantified based upon adhesiolysis acts coded as main diagnosis.Measurements and main results26.387 adhesiolysis procedures were listed in France in 2019 through 8 adhesiolysis acts regrouping open surgeries and laparoscopic procedures. Adhesiolysis was coded in up to 34% in some DRGs for laparoscopic procedures. 1551 (1461 studied in our study) surgeries have been realized in 2019 with main procedure: adhesiolysis. These surgeries were associated with an expense of €4 million for the healthcare system for rehospitalizations and reoperations only. Social costs such as sick leaves, drugs and other cares haven't been taken in consideration.ConclusionAdhesions related complications represent a massive burden for patients and an expensive problem for society. These difficulties may likely to be reduced by a broader use of antiadhesion barriers, at least in some targeted procedures.

Objective: To report long term pregnancy rate in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) treated by ovarian drilling. To evaluate predictive factors of pregnancy and possibility of a second drilling. Design: Retrospective, observational, multicenter study. Setting: Gynecologic departments of two teaching’s hospitals. Patients: All infertile women with PCOS who were treated by ovarian drilling from 2004 to 2013. The Rotterdam criteria were applied to define PCOS. Intervention(s): Surgical ovarian drilling by laparoscopy and trans vaginal hydro laparoscopy. Main Outcome Measure(s): The primary endpoint was pregnancy rate after ovarian drilling. The secondary endpoints were the predictive factors of pregnancy and the possibility of a second ovarian drilling. Results: 289 women were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 28.4 months (25.3–31.5). A pregnancy was obtained in at least 137 (47.4%) women after a drilling, and 71 (51.8%) of these pregnancies were spontaneous, 48 (16.6%) women achieved at least two pregnancies after drilling, and 27 (56.3%) of these were spontaneous. The predictive factors for effectiveness were a normal body mass index (BMI), an infertility period of less than three years, an AFC of less than 50, and an age of less than 35. Second drillings were performed on 33 women. Among them, 19 (57.6%) achieved at least one pregnancy, and 10 (52.6%) of these were spontaneous. It appeared that a second drilling was effective either when the first drilling had been successful (pregnancy achieved after drilling) or when it had failed in cases of high AFC (greater than 55). Conclusion: Ovarian drilling permitted to obtain spontaneous pregnancy for women with PCOS. This surgery could have durably effect permitted to obtain more than one pregnancy. Keywords: Fertility, Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Ovarian drilling, Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy, Anti-müllerian hormone

Perrine Capmas,1 Hervé Fernandez21Inserm, Centre of Research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), 2Department of Gynecology, Bicetre Hospital, GHU Sud, AP-HP, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, FranceAbstract: Medical management for ectopic pregnancy is subject to substantial variations with different protocols and various routes of administration. Regardless the protocol used, methotrexate is currently the medical treatment of choice for ectopic pregnancy. The risk of a rescue surgery is a main concern. Recently, some studies suggested combining gefitinib and methotrexate to improve medical treatment and to decrease the need for reinjection and for additional surgery. Gefitinib is an orally administered EGF receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor. For tubal ectopic pregnancy, median recovery time was shorter after combination treatment with gefitinib and methotrexate. Toxicity reported with combination treatment was acneiform rash in 67% of cases and diarrhea in 42%. They were always transient and are known side effects of gefitinib previously described in lung cancer. These preliminary results are very promising but need to be explored further before wide distribution. For ectopic pregnancy, combining treatment seems to be interesting but results of the first randomized trial have to be evaluated first. For other indications, such as non-tubal ectopic pregnancy or choriocarcinoma, randomized studies are needed before wide use of the combination in current practice.Keywords: toxicity, efficacy, EGF receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, non-tubal ectopic pregnancy

To study the severity of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) after uterine arterial embolization and to evaluate fertility, pregnancy, and obstetrical outcomes after hysteroscopic treatment. Retrospective cohort. French University Hospital. Thirty-three patients under the age of 40 years who were treated by uterine artery embolization with nonabsorbable microparticles between 2010 and 2020 for symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis, or postpartum hemorrhage. All patients had a diagnosis of IUA after embolization. All patients desired future fertility. IUA was treated with operative hysteroscopy. Severity of IUA, number of operative hysteroscopies performed to obtain a normal cavity shape, pregnancy rate, and obstetrical outcomes. Of our 33 patients, 81.8% had severe IUA (state IV et V according to the European Society of Gynecological Endoscopy or state III according to the American fertility society classification). To restore fertility potential, an average of 3.4 operative hysteroscopies had to be performed [CI 95% (2.56–4.16)]. We reported a very low rate of pregnancy (8/33, 24%). Obstetrical outcomes reported are 50% of premature birth and 62.5% of delivery hemorrhage partly due to 37.5% of placenta accreta. We also reported 2 neonatal deaths. IUA after uterine embolization is severe, and more difficult to treat than other synechiae, probably related to endometrial necrosis. Pregnancy and obstetrical outcomes have shown a low pregnancy rate, an increased risk of preterm delivery, a high risk of placental disorders, and very severe postpartum hemorrhage. Those results have to alert gynecologists and radiologists to the use of uterine arterial embolization in women who desire future fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To evaluate the safety and potential efficacy of a novel degradable polymer film (DPF) designed to act as a 7-day barrier to prevent intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic myomectomy.Design: A prospective single-arm, first-in-human clinical study.Setting: Multicenter study involving 6 centers in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.Patients: Women aged 40 years or older with no plans to conceive who qualified for hysteroscopic myomectomy (at least 1 10-mm type 0, 1, or 2 myoma) and had a sounded length of the uterine cavity (fundus to exocervix) ranging between 6 cm and 9 cm were considered eligible for the study.Interventions: The DPF was inserted after hysteroscopic transcervical myoma resection. The women were followed up by a telephone call at 30 days and second-look hysteroscopy 4 to 8 weeks after the procedure.Measurements and Main Results: The chosen safety outcome measures were uterine perforation or cervical trauma at the time of the DPF insertion and unexpected fever, pain, or bleeding beyond 48 hours and up to 30 days after insertion, whereas the outcome measure for efficacy was the absence of IUAs on second-look hysteroscopy. A total of 23 women participated in the study. There were no incidents of uterine perforation or cervical trauma at the time of the DPF insertion. There were no reported adverse effects attributable to the DPF. On second-look hysteroscopy, 20 (87%) of the 23 women had no IUAs.Conclusion: The DPF is a novel, easy-to-apply, and acceptable device to prevent IUAs, with very promising initial safety and efficacy data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

To evaluate the different techniques for Essure® microinserts removal and to assess the risk of fracture of the device and the intra- and post-operative complications in relation to surgical technique variants Electronic search in Medline, Scopus and Embase databases using the following keywords: Essure; Essure removal; Essure surgical technique. Out of 95 articles in the initial database, 17 studies were eligible for inclusion in our literature review. Several surgical techniques have been described in which the most frequent were laparoscopic salpingectomy (LS), laparoscopic cornuectomy (LC), laparoscopic or vaginal hysterectomy (LH, VH) with en-bloc salpingectomy. There were more fractures of the device with the LS procedure (6.25%) followed by the LC technique (2.77%), while there was no fracture with hysterectomy. However, peri-and post-operative complications were more severe and frequent with hysterectomy in comparison with the LC and LS procedures (respectively 8.1% Clavien Dindo grade 3 for the hysterectomy group, 1.11% for the LC procedure and 0.69% for the LS technique). Due to the lack of standardised surgical treatment guidelines, a system of care networks for symptomatic patients with adverse effects related to Essure® headed by specialised centres may offer a suitable and high-quality management with the appropriate removal techniques within two objectives: limiting the risk of fracture (with an en-bloc removal of the Essure® microinserts) and avoiding intra- and post-operative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objective: To compare the outcomes of hysteroscopic management in women with a severe or nonsevere symptomatic cesarean scar defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm vs >3-mm, respectively).Design: Retrospective cohort study.Setting: Gynecology department of a teaching hospital.Patients: Seventy-one women with an operative hysteroscopy for a symptomatic defect (49 with severe defects and 22 with nonsevere ones).Interventions: Operative hysteroscopy for cesarean scar defect in women with a severe defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm) and with nonsevere defect (residual myometrium >3-mm).Measurements: The main objective was to compare success rates between the 2 groups. The secondary objectives were the comparisons of (1) the number of women who required more than 1 procedure, (2) the rate of complications, (3) the number of subsequent pregnancies, and (4) the evolution of residual myometrium thickness between the groups.Main Results: The success rates were not significantly different between the groups (73.5% in the severe group and 63.6% in the nonsevere group [p = .40]). The number of women requiring more than 1 procedure was also similar, as were the rate of complications and the mean increase of myometrium thickness. The rate of subsequent pregnancies in women who were infertile was significantly higher in women with a severe defect (p = .04).Conclusion: The hysteroscopic approach seems to be a good way to manage cesarean scar defects even when the residual myometrium is thin. A prospective study is, however, necessary to confirm these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]