Robotic Surgery in Elderly and Very Elderly Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Study Objective

To investigate the feasibility, safety, and short-term outcomes of robotic surgery (RS) for gynecologic oncologic indications (cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancer) in elderly patients, especially women age 65 to 74 years (elderly group [EG]) compared with women age ≥75 years (very elderly group [VEG]).

Reproductive Outcomes after Fertility-Sparing Surgery for Focal and Diffuse Adenomyosis: A Systematic Review

Among the variety of treatment options to improve reproductive outcomes for infertile women with adenomyosis (AD), uterine-conserving surgery has shown varying success. Hence, we conducted a systematic review around the topic of fertility-sparing surgery across 18 studies and 1396 infertile women with focal and diffuse AD. Patients with focal AD showed mean pregnancy and miscarriage rates of 52.7% (range,14.3%–77.5%) and 21.1% (range, 0%–44.4%), respectively, whereas patients with diffuse AD had mean pregnancy and miscarriage rates of 34.1% (range, 9.4%–100%) and 21.7% (range, 12.5%–33.3%), respectively. Uterine rupture and preterm birth were observed in 6.8% (3/44) and 4.5% (2/44) of pregnant patients with diffuse AD versus 0% (0/35) and 10.9% (12/110) of patients with focal AD, respectively. No significant differences were observed between natural conception versus assisted reproductive technology (ART) with or without gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist pretreatment. Overall, patients with focal AD appeared to have higher pregnancy rates after conservative surgery compared with diffuse AD, whereas a higher incidence of uterine rupture was reported after surgery for diffuse AD. However, significant heterogeneity precludes any direct comparison, and prospective controlled trials are required to further elucidate the benefits of fertility-preserving surgery over medical or expectant management for AD-related infertility. In view of the debatable benefits of conservative surgery and the possible increase in adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in cases of diffuse AD, clinicians should consider surgery on a case-by-case basis because it may be appropriate for women with concurrent AD-associated pelvic pain or menorrhagia, younger infertile women who have failed medical management or older women with infertility despite ART, and those with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss or implantation failure.     

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery in Gynecology: A Review of the Literature

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), or “fast-track” protocol, aims to minimize the physiologic stress of surgery and optimize the rehabilitation of patients. However, there is limited data in obstetrics and gynecology. We reviewed the published literature on ERAS programs in gynecology to evaluate the outcomes and potential key elements for a successful program. Fifty studies were evaluated. We recommend preoperative counseling to the patient, no bowel preparation, an opioid-sparing multimodal approach to pain management, goal-directed fluid management, minimally invasive surgery when possible, and early mobilization and feeding. This is a multidisciplinary team effort and requires active patient participation in the process.     

Successful incorporation of robotic surgery into gynecologic oncology fellowship training

Background

The increasing role of robotic surgery in gynecologic oncology may impact fellowship training. The purpose of this study was to review the proportion of robotic procedures performed by fellows at the console, and compare operative times and lymph node yields to faculty surgeons.

Methods

A prospective database of women undergoing robotic gynecologic surgery has been maintained since 2008. Intra-operative datasheets completed include surgical times and primary surgeon at the console. Operative times were compared between faculty and fellows for simple hysterectomy (SH), bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO), pelvic (PLND) and paraaortic lymph node dissection (PALND) and vaginal cuff closure (VCC). Lymph nodes counts were also compared.

Results

Times were recorded for 239 SH, 43 BSOs, 105 right PLNDs, 104 left PLNDs, 34 PALND and 269 VCC. Comparing 2008 to 2011, procedures performed by the fellow significantly increased; SH 16% to 83% (p < 0.001), BSO 7% to 75% (p = 0.005), right PLND 4% to 44% (p < 0.001), left PLND 0% to 56% (p < 0.001), and VCC 59% to 82% (p = 0.024). Console times (min) were similar for SH (60 vs. 63, p = 0.73), BSO (48 vs. 43, p = 0.55), and VCC (20 vs. 22, p = 0.26). Faculty times (min) were shorter for PLND (right 26 vs. 30, p = 0.04, left 23 vs. 27, p = 0.02). Nodal counts were not significantly different (right 7 vs. 8, p = 0.17 or left 7 vs. 7, p = 0.87).

Conclusions

Robotic surgery can be successfully incorporated into gynecologic oncology fellowship training. With increased exposure to robotic surgery, fellows had similar operative times and lymph node yields as faculty surgeons.     

Laparoscopy in the Morbidly Obese: Physiologic Considerations and Surgical Techniques to Optimize Success

The objectives of this review were to analyze the literature describing the benefits of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery in obese women, to examine the physiologic considerations associated with obesity, and to describe surgical techniques that will enable surgeons to perform laparoscopy and robotic surgery successfully in obese patients. The Medline database was reviewed for all articles published in the English language between 1993 and 2013 containing the search terms “gynecologic laparoscopy” “laparoscopy,” “minimally invasive surgery and obesity,” “obesity,” and “robotic surgery.” The incidence of obesity is increasing in the United States, and in particular morbid obesity in women. Obesity is associated with a wide range of comorbid conditions that may affect perioperative outcomes including hypertension, atherosclerosis, angina, obstructive sleep apnea, and diabetes mellitus. In obese patients, laparoscopy or robotic surgery, compared with laparotomy, is associated with a shorter hospital stay, less postoperative pain, and fewer wound complications. Specific intra-abdominal access and trocar positioning techniques, as well as anesthetic maneuvers, improve the likelihood of success of laparoscopy in women with central adiposity. Performing gynecologic laparoscopy in the morbidly obese is no longer rare. Increases in the heaviest weight categories involve changes in clinical practice patterns. With comprehensive and thoughtful preoperative and surgical planning, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery may be performed safely and is of particular benefit in obese patients.     

Enhanced Recovery after Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Procedures with Bowel Surgery: A Systematic Review

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is an evidence-based approach to perioperative care of the surgical patient. A mounting body of literature in gynecologic surgery has demonstrated that ERAS improves postoperative outcomes, shortens hospital length of stay, and reduces cost without increasing complications or readmissions. Most of the existing literature has concentrated on open surgery, questioning if patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery also derive benefit. Our aim was to systematically review the literature on ERAS after minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) with and without bowel surgery. Given the paucity of studies on ERAS in MIGS with bowel surgery (1 study), we expanded our search to include studies of ERAS in patients undergoing minimally invasive colorectal resections alone. Twelve studies were identified through an electronic database search of PubMed, Medline, and Ovid EMBASE. These studies included patients undergoing MIGS for benign and/or malignant indications and showed that ERAS pathways decreased length of stay and/or increased the proportion of same-day discharge surgeries, improved patient satisfaction, and reduced hospital costs while maintaining low postoperative complication and readmission rates. Although limited, data from a single study suggest that ERAS in MIGS with bowel surgery leads to shortened hospital stay, stable postoperative morbidity, and less readmissions. Although the variation between the published protocols underscores the need for standardization, existing literature supports the adoption of ERAS as safe and effective when planning MIGS.     

Prospective Quality of Life Outcomes Following Robotic Surgery in Gynecologic Oncology

Purpose

To characterize the health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients undergoing robotic surgery for the treatment of gynecologic cancers.

Methods

211 patients completed a quality of life questionnaire before surgery. Postoperative questionnaires, consisting of the same assessment with the addition of postoperative questions, were given at 1 week, 3 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G) and its subscales were used to evaluate HRQL. Patient-rated body image was evaluated using the Body Image Scale. Statistical significance was measured by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Minimally important difference (MID) values were analyzed to evaluate clinical significance.

Results

Overall HRQL and body image decreased at 1 week after surgery and returned to baseline by 3 weeks. Physical and functional well-being decreased at 1 week after surgery and returned to baseline by 3 months after surgery. However, using MID criteria, physical well-being returned to baseline by 3 weeks. Social well-being did not change significantly. Emotional well-being increased immediately by 1 week after surgery.

Conclusion

Patient reported HRQL outcomes following robotic surgery for the treatment of gynecologic cancers suggests a rapid return to pre-surgery values.     

Complications Related to the Initial Trocar Insertion of 3 Different Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This systematic review aimed to investigate complications related to initial trocar insertion among 3 different laparoscopic techniques: Veress needle (VN) entry, direct trocar entry (DTE), and open entry (OE). A literature search was completed, and complications were assessed. Major vessel injury, gastrointestinal injury, and solid organ injury were defined as major complications. Minor complications were defined as subcutaneous emphysema, extraperitoneal insufflation, omental emphysema, trocar site bleeding, and trocar site infection. Arm-based network meta-analyses were performed to identify the differences in complications among the 3 techniques. Seventeen studies were included in the quantitative analysis. DTE resulted in fewer major complications when compared with VN entry although the difference was not significant (p?=?.23) as well as significantly fewer minor complications (p < .001). There were no significant differences in minor complications when comparing OE and DTE (p?=?.74). Fewer major complications were observed with OE compared with VN entry although the difference was not significant (p?=?.31). There were significantly fewer minor complications for patients who underwent OE (p?=?.01). DTE patients experienced the least number of minor complications followed by VN entry and OE. In conclusion, major complications are extremely rare, and all 3 insertion methods can be performed without mortality.     

A comparative detail analysis of the learning curve and surgical outcome for robotic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy versus laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy in treatment of endometrial cancer: a case-matched controlled study of the first one hundred twenty two patients

Goal

To determine the learning curve and surgical outcome for the first one hundred twenty-two robotic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy patients in comparison to the first one hundred twenty-two patients who underwent the same procedure laparoscopically.

Materials and methods

An analysis of the first 122 patients who underwent a robotic assisted hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (RHBPPALND) was compared to the first 122 patients who underwent a total laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy (LHBPPALND). The learning curve of the surgical procedure was determined by measuring operative time with respect to chronological order of each patient who had undergone their respective procedure. Number of lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, days of hospitalization, and complications of all patients were also analyzed and compared.

Results

The learning curve of the surgical procedure was determined by measuring operative time with respect to chronological order of each patient who had undergone their respective procedure. Data were analyzed for mean age, body mass index, operative time, estimated blood loss, lymph node retrieval and complications for both surgical procedures. The mean operative time was 147.2 ± 48.2 and 186.8 ± 59.8 for RHBPPALND and LHBPPALND respectively. The mean EBL was statistically significant at 81.1 ± 45.9 and 207.4 ± 109.4 for RHBPPALND and LHBPPALND respectively. The total number of pelvic and aortic lymph nodes was 25.1 ± 12.7 for RHBPPALND and 43.1 ± 17.8 for LHBPPALND. The number of pelvic lymph node was 19.2 ± 9.0 and 24.7 ± 11.9 for RHBPPALND and LHBPPALND. The days of hospitalization of RHBPPALND and LHBPPALND were 1.5 ± 0.9 and 3.2 ± 2.3. The number of intraoperative complications for RHBPPALND, and LHBPPALND was 1 and 7, respectively.

Conclusion

Robotic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy has a faster learning curve in comparison to laparoscopic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy. The adequacy of surgical staging was comparable between the two surgical methods. RHBPPALND is associated with shorter hospitalization, less blood loss and less intraoperative and major complications, and lower rate of conversion to open procedure.     

加速康复外科理念在妇产科临床的应用及展望

丹麦外科医生Kehlet对围手术期处理措施综合优化,于1997年首次提出加速康复外科（enhanced recovery after surgery,ERAS）理念,近年来该理念在欧美国家被广泛推广,并逐渐被国内采纳应用。ERAS从循证角度出发,力求降低对手术患者的生理及心理创伤应激反应,通过外科、麻醉、护理、营养等科室紧密合作,采取多种干预措施,对围手术期临床路径优化,降低围手术期创伤应激反应及减少术后并发症的发生率,促进康复,缩短住院时间,减少医疗费用。这一理论体系自1997年正式提出以来相继在各外科领域推广应用,目前ERAS理念已应用于胸外科、普外科、结直肠外科、妇产科等的围手术期。近年来ERAS理念与妇产科围手术期管理模式相融合的成功案例众多,就目前ERAS理念在妇产科临床的应用进行综述。     

Nitroglycerin as a Uterine Relaxant: A Systematic Review

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nitroglycerin as a uterine relaxant for preterm labour, fetal extraction at Caesarean section, external version, embryo transfer, cervical dilation for first trimester pregnancy termination, and primary dysmenorrhea.Design: A systematic review of randomized control trials (RCTs) of nitroglycerin in obstetrics and gynaecology.Methods: We searched PubMed (1966–2001), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and the International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia using text terms “nitroglycerin,” “glyceryl trinitrate”, “uterus,” “uterine,” and “relaxation.” The last search was conducted in January 2001. References from review articles and abstracts from major scientific meetings (1997-2000) were reviewed for relevant publications. RCTs comparing nitroglycerin to either placebo or another therapeutic intervention (ritodrine, magnesium sulphate, and prostaglandin) and whose quality score was equal to or greater than 2 were included (Class I evidence as described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Exam).Results: Sixty articles were retrieved of which 13 were RCTs. Nitroglycerin was more effective for arresting preterm labour than placebo but not more effective when compared to ritodrine or magnesium. Nitroglycerin was not superior to placebo for uterine relaxation for either fetal extraction at Caesarean section or for external version. There were no differences in ease of embryo transfers when nitroglycerin spray was compared to placebo. In first trimester pregnancy terminations, less force was required to dilate the cervix when nitroglycerin was compared to no treatment.The incidence of preeclampsia was not reduced by nitroglycerin but fewer complications were noted when compared to the placebo group. In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, nitroglycerin significantly decreased pain.Conclusion: Although nitroglycerin is widely used, its superiority over currently used tocolytic agents is unproven. (Class C recommendation) Nitroglycerin has been demonstrated to decrease pain associated with dysmenorrhea. (Class A recommendation)     

Systematic Review of Surgery in Malignant Bowel Obstruction in Advanced Gynecological and Gastrointestinal Cancer

Objective.The objective was to locate, appraise, and summarize evidence from scientific studies on intestinal obstruction due to advanced gynecological and gastrointestinal cancer in order to assess the efficacy of surgery.Materials and methods. Data sources: A comprehensive list of studies was provided by an extensive search of electronic databases, relevant journals, bibliographic databases, conference proceedings, reference lists, the gray literature, personal contact, and the worldwide web. Data synthesis: Two researchers extracted the data independently. Due to the methodological quality of the studies, only a qualitative assessment was possible.Results. The role of surgery in malignant bowel obstruction remains controversial, and no firm conclusions from the many retrospective case series can be made. Control of symptoms varies from 42% to over 80%, although it is often unclear how symptoms were measured and whether the symptom scores used are validated. There is a large range in the rates of reobstruction, from 10 to 50%, although time to reobstruction was often not included. There is a wide range of postoperative morbidity and mortality, although again the definition of both of these surgical outcomes varied among many of the papers.Conclusion. The role of surgery in malignant bowel obstruction needs careful evaluation, using validated outcome measures on symptom control and quality of life scores. Further information would include reobstruction rates together with the morbidity associated with the various surgical procedures. Currently, bowel obstruction is managed empirically, and there are marked variations in clinical practice by different units. There needs to be a greater standardization of management so that comparisons between different series can be made.     

When Less Is More: Minimally Invasive Surgery Compared with Laparotomy for Interval Debulking After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Women with Advanced Ovarian Cancer

Study ObjectiveTo compare outcomes of advanced ovarian cancer patients who had minimally invasive surgery (MIS) with outcomes of advanced ovarian cancer patients who had laparotomy for interval cytoreduction after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).DesignRetrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).SettingOne large teaching hospital with a tertiary referral function for gynecologic oncology and MIS.PatientsAll consecutive patients with stages III to IV epithelial ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer who underwent MIS or laparotomy for interval cytoreduction after at least 1 NACT cycle from 2006 to 2017 at 1 institution.InterventionsPatients underwent either MIS or laparotomy for interval cytoreduction after at least 1 cycle of NACT.Measurements and Main ResultsMedical records were reviewed and data abstracted and analyzed. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and outcomes were compared with Fisher's exact test, Student's t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and the log-rank test. In total, 157 assessable patients underwent interval cytoreductive surgery through MIS (n = 53) or laparotomy (n = 104). MIS was completed without conversion in 44 of 53 patients (83%), of whom 20 required a hand port and/or mini-laparotomy. R-zero and optimal resections were achieved in 60.4% and 96.3% of MIS patients respectively, compared with 42.3% and 82.7% of laparotomy patients (p = .02). MIS patients had lower estimated blood loss (EBL; 156 vs 278 mL, p <.001), fewer intraoperative transfusions (2% vs 17%, p = .006), and shorter hospital stay (3.0 vs 5.7 days, p < .001). Operative time was longer (171 vs 150 minutes, p = .007), but complications, intensive care unit stay, readmission, median progression-free survival (27 vs 29 months, p = .45), and median overall survival (37 vs 35 months, p = .74) were similar.ConclusionMIS is feasible and effective for interval cytoreduction after NACT in advanced ovarian cancer patients. MIS is associated with less EBL, lower transfusion rate, and shorter length of hospital stay with no difference in patient outcomes.     

The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: A Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of bariatric surgery (BS) on the prevalence of pelvic floor dysfunctions (PFD), specifically on urinary incontinence (UI), pelvic organ prolapse (POP), and fecal incontinence (FI).Data SourcesA systematic review (PROSPERO registration no. CRD42017068452) with a literature search was performed using the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases for all publications related to BS and PFD, with no language restrictions, from inception to September 2018.Methods of Study SelectionTwo authors screened for study eligibility and extracted data. Only prospective cohorts assessing women with morbid obesity and the prevalence of PFD before and after BS in multiple academic and private centers were included. UI, POP, and FI were defined according to the International Urogynecological Association/International Continence Society joint consensus, and diagnosis was made based on self-report or questionnaires.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsOur search strategy retrieved 957 results. Of those, 28 studies were included for full analysis, and 20 studies (n = 3684 patients) were selected for final analysis. The main reasons for exclusion were missing data before and after BS (n = 7) and combined data of men and women who underwent BS (n = 1). Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was the most common surgical technique. Pooled analysis (16 studies) showed that women had a mean body mass index reduction of 12.90 kg/m² after treatment (95% confidence interval [CI], -14.82 to -10.97; p < .0001). The relative risk reduction was 67% (n = 19; odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% CI, 0.26–0.41; p < .0001) for UI, 52% (n = 5; OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.22–1.07; p = .07) for POP, and 20% (n = 9; OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.53–1.21; p = .29) for FI. Funnel plots for UI and FI did not suggest any publication bias. With regard to the standardized questionnaires for PFD, the International Consultation on Incontinence–Short Form, Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 and its subscale Colorectal-Anal Impact Questionnaire-7, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20, and its subscale Urinary Distress Inventory-6 showed statistically significantly lower scores. Sexual function, represented by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Urinary Incontinence Sexual Questionnaire-12, showed no statistically significant improvement after surgery.ConclusionBS has a significant impact on reducing UI, but FI and POP, in obese women.     

Conservative Surgery for Adenomyosis and Results: A Systematic Review

The traditional treatment for women with symptomatic adenomyosis is hysterectomy. However, reproductive-aged women should be managed with less invasive treatments including medical treatment. For patients who are refractory or unsuitable to long-term medical treatment or those with focal adenomyoma, conservative surgeries could be offered. The objective of our study was to review available conservative surgeries for the treatment of adenomyosis, their complications, and the rates of success and recurrence. In this systematic review we evaluated 27 studies; 10 prospective and 17 retrospective studies including a total of 1398 patients. The results showed that excision of adenomyosis is effective for symptom control such as menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea and most probably for adenomyosis-related infertility. For preserving fertility and relieving symptoms, medical treatment is usually the first choice, whereas excisional surgery could be performed for refractory adenomyosis. The results show that over three-fourths of women will experience symptom relief after conservative surgery. The pregnancy rates after conservative surgical treatment vary widely. However, three-fourths of them conceived after surgery with or without adjuvant medical treatment. Depending on the duration of follow-up, recurrence rates differ from no recurrence to almost one-half of patients. Conservative surgery for adenomyosis improves pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and possibly fertility. The best method of surgery is yet to be seen.     

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Hypertension

IntroductionSexual dysfunction in hypertensive women is an often-neglected subject despite a reported prevalence of 42.1%. Although few reviews exist, a definitive relationship between hypertension and sexual dysfunction in women has not been clearly established.AimTo review the existing literature to definitively examine sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension, in both treated and untreated subjects.MethodsWe performed a systematic search for published literature of 3 electronic databases (Scopus, EBSCOhost Medline Complete, and Cochrane Library) in August 2018. The search terms with relevant truncation and Boolean were developed according to a population exposure-comparator-outcome model combining pilot searches. The quality of included studies was assessed with the McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies. Initial search, limited to the English language, included a total of 2,198 studies. 31 studies (18,260 subjects) met our inclusion criteria and were included in the review. Sexual dysfunction in these studies was measured using different tools. We extracted information of study setting, country, number of subjects, participants’ age and blood pressure, comparators, and outcome. We ran a meta-analysis on the presence of sexual dysfunction as an outcome from the following comparisons: (i) hypertensive vs normotensive (ii) treated vs untreated hypertension, and (iii) exposure vs absence of specific class of anti-hypertensive drug.Main Outcome MeasuresWomen with sexual dysfunction and hypertension were included.ResultsWe found significant sexual dysfunction in women with hypertension compared with the normotensive group (pooled odds ratio [OR] = 2.789, 95% CI = 1.452–5.357, P = .002). However, there was no statistical difference of sexual dysfunction in women with treated or untreated hypertension (OR = 1.229, 95% CI = 0.675–2.236, P = .5). Treatment with alpha-/beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics resulted in no statistical difference in sexual dysfunction in hypertensive women.Clinical ImplicationsBecause sexual dysfunction is prevalent in women with hypertension, it is imperative to address the underlying medical condition to manage this important clinical problem.Strength & LimitationsMany studies had to be excluded from the meta-analysis, due to unavailability and incompleteness of data. Nevertheless, results of the review are useful to derive recommendations for alerting physicians of the need to routinely assess the sexual functioning of women with hypertension.ConclusionWe conclude that women with hypertension are at increased risk for sexual dysfunction, and our findings imply that evaluation for sexual dysfunction needs to be part of the clinical management guidelines for women with hypertension.Choy CL, Sidi H, Koon CS, et al. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Sexual Dysfunction in Women With Hypertension. J Sex Med 2019;16:1029–1048.     

Female Genital Hair-Thread Tourniquet Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Systematic Review

“Hair-thread tourniquet syndrome” (HTTS) describes the condition in which fibers of hair or thread wrap around an appendage (ie, toes, fingers, genital structures, tongue, uvula, and neck), eventually causing ischemia and tissue necrosis. To date, few cases of female genitalia HTTS have been described. We report a case of female genitalia HTTS in a 5-year-old girl and report the state of the art by systematically reviewing all existing evidence about female genital HTTS. A total of 29 studies, describing a total of 34 patients, were identified. The presence of a hair-thread wrapping genitalia should be suspected in prepubertal girls complaining of genital pain associated with vulvar/vaginal swelling, wide-based gait, and voiding symptoms. Genital examination disclosing an extremely tender, swollen, and erythematous lesion on the clitoris or labia minora encircled by a hair confirms the diagnosis. The aim of the management is to remove the hair-thread in the shortest time possible, with the use of forceps, scissors, or scalpels, and this is often performed under sedation/anesthesia because of the patient's pain reaction. When the hair-thread is difficult to find or when the lesion is necrotic, excision of the lesion itself can be the only option. Complications include partial or total amputation because of tissue necrosis and recurrence.     

Factors Associated with Malignancy in Hysteroscopically Resected Endometrial Polyps: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

In this study, we aimed to estimate the frequency of premalignant and malignant lesions in endometrial polyps, and to evaluate associated clinical and demographic factors. A literature search was performed in major databases and the gray literature using the terms polyps OR endometrial polyp AND endometrial neoplasms OR endometrial cancer OR endometrial hyperplasia OR malignan*. Studies describing the frequency of premalignant and malignant lesions in endometrial polyps and any clinical or demographic factors associated with malignant lesions extracted using hysteroscopy were considered eligible. Independent investigators selected the studies and extracted the data. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and meta-regression. We identified 37 studies (comprising 21,057 patients) of endometrial polyps. The prevalence of premalignant and malignant lesions was 3.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8–4.1; I², 80.5%). Abnormal uterine bleeding (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.27–1.69; I², 82.4%), menopausal status (PR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.48–1.89; I², 78.4%), age >60 years (PR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.84–3.16; I², 81.5%), diabetes mellitus (PR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.43–2.16; I², 0.0%), systemic arterial hypertension (PR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.20–1.88; I², 75.9%), obesity (PR, 1.41; 95% CI:1.13–1.76; I², 41.2%), and tamoxifen use (PR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.06–2.21; I², 0.0%) were associated with endometrial polyp malignancy. However, breast cancer (PR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.44–1.57; I², 0.0%), hormonal therapy (PR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.67–1.30; I², 31.7%), parity (PR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.39–1.96; I², 78.1%), and endometrial polyp size (PR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.70–1.57; I², 44.7%) were not associated with malignancy of endometrial polyps. Three of every 100 women with clinically recognized polyps, a condition associated with specific clinical and demographic factors, will harbor premalignant or malignant lesions.