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American Journal of Obstetrics and... Jan 2020Without cesarean delivery, obstructed labor can result in maternal and fetal injuries or even death given a disproportion in size between the fetus and the maternal... (Review)
Review
Without cesarean delivery, obstructed labor can result in maternal and fetal injuries or even death given a disproportion in size between the fetus and the maternal birth canal. The precise frequency of obstructed labor is difficult to estimate because of the widespread use of cesarean delivery for indications other than proven cephalopelvic disproportion, but it has been estimated that at least 1 million mothers per year are affected by this disorder worldwide. Why is the fit between the fetus and the maternal pelvis so tight? Why did evolution not lead to a greater safety margin, as in other primates? Here we review current research and suggest new hypotheses on the evolution of human childbirth and pelvic morphology. In 1960, Washburn suggested that this obstetrical dilemma arose because the human pelvis is an evolutionary compromise between two functions, bipedal gait and childbirth. However, recent biomechanical and kinematic studies indicate that pelvic width does not considerably affect the efficiency of bipedal gait and thus is unlikely to have constrained the evolution of a wider birth canal. Instead, bipedalism may have primarily constrained the flexibility of the pubic symphysis during pregnancy, which opens much wider in most mammals with large fetuses than in humans. We argue that the birth canal is mainly constrained by the trade-off between 2 pregnancy-related functions: while a narrow pelvis is disadvantageous for childbirth, it offers better support for the weight exerted by the viscera and the large human fetus during the long gestation period. We discuss the implications of this hypothesis for understanding pelvic floor dysfunction. Furthermore, we propose that selection for a narrow pelvis has also acted in males because of the role of pelvic floor musculature in erectile function. Finally, we review the cliff-edge model of obstetric selection to explain why evolution cannot completely eliminate cephalopelvic disproportion. This model also predicts that the regular application of life-saving cesarean delivery has evolutionarily increased rates of cephalopelvic disproportion already. We address how evolutionary models contribute to understanding and decision making in obstetrics and gynecology as well as in devising health care policies.
Topics: Animals; Biological Evolution; Cephalopelvic Disproportion; Cesarean Section; Female; Gait; Hominidae; Humans; Parturition; Pelvic Bones; Pelvimetry; Pelvis; Pregnancy; Pubic Symphysis; Selection, Genetic
PubMed: 31251927
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2019.06.043 -
Radiology Jul 2022A 45-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute worsening of prolonged unexplained nausea, nonbilious vomiting, and mild upper abdominal pain of 4...
A 45-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with acute worsening of prolonged unexplained nausea, nonbilious vomiting, and mild upper abdominal pain of 4 years duration. Her bowel habits were regular, and there was no history of diarrhea or fresh or altered blood in her stool. On further inquiry, there was no history of facial flushing, excessive diaphoresis, or asthmalike symptoms. Her history was unrevealing; in particular, there was no history of known malignancy. On clinical examination, her vital signs were stable. The abdomen was soft, with no focal tenderness or palpable mass. Routine blood investigations, including complete blood counts, and liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests yielded results that were within normal limits. Her 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid and chromogranin A levels were not elevated. Initial evaluation with contrast-enhanced CT of the abdomen and pelvis was performed. Subsequently, an indium 111 octreotide scan was performed at the recommendation of the radiologist 1 month after CT (Figs 1, 2).
Topics: Abdomen; Abdominal Pain; Emergency Service, Hospital; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pelvis
PubMed: 35727713
DOI: 10.1148/radiol.210250 -
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Clinics of... Feb 2023Mimics of adnexal masses can include uterine leiomyomas, intraperitoneal cystic and solid masses of mesenteric or gastrointestinal origin, and extraperitoneal cystic and... (Review)
Review
Mimics of adnexal masses can include uterine leiomyomas, intraperitoneal cystic and solid masses of mesenteric or gastrointestinal origin, and extraperitoneal cystic and solid masses. When a pelvic mass is discovered on imaging, a radiologist should recognize these mimics to avoid mischaracterization of a mass as ovarian for optimal patient management. Knowledge of pelvic anatomy, determining whether a mass is intraperitoneal or extraperitoneal, and troubleshooting with MR imaging can help determine the etiology and origin of a pelvic mass. Imaging characteristics and keys to diagnosis of these adnexal mass mimics are reviewed in this article.
Topics: Female; Humans; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Diagnosis, Differential; Adnexal Diseases; Leiomyoma; Pelvis; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 36368858
DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2022.06.007 -
Journal of Laparoendoscopic & Advanced... Jul 2022To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI), preoperative risk classification, previous inguinal herniotomy, and abdominal operations on several steps of...
To evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI), preoperative risk classification, previous inguinal herniotomy, and abdominal operations on several steps of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and lymph node (LN) involvement. A total number of 225 consecutive patients were included in the study who underwent transperitoneal RARP by 1 surgeon. We defined the following parameters as dependent variables: duration of prostatectomy, duration of pelvic lymphadenectomy, incision to suture time, console time, number of dissected LNs and number of positive LNs for metastasis. We assessed the impact of the following covariates using univariate nonparametric and multivariate analysis: BMI, preoperative D'Amico risk classification, history of inguinal herniotomy, and previous abdominal operations. We observed a statistically significant difference among our three BMI groups (<25, ≥25 and <30, and ≥30 kg/m) regarding pelvic lymphadenectomy and LN metastasis. Moreover, among the three risk groups (low, intermediate, and high) duration of prostatectomy, pelvic lymphadenectomy, and LN metastasis were statistically different. Previous abdominal operations have been also demonstrated to significantly influence the pelvic lymphadenectomy. In addition, our multivariate model proved the impact of our covariates on pelvic lymphadenectomy. Our findings highlight the impact of BMI and preoperative risk on various steps of RARP. We revealed longer duration of pelvic lymphadenectomy and more nodal yield in patients with higher BMI and high-risk disease. Therefore, we suggest that BMI and risk classification according to D'Amico should be taken into account while a RARP is being planned.
Topics: Humans; Laparoscopy; Lymph Node Excision; Lymphatic Metastasis; Male; Pelvis; Prostatectomy; Retrospective Studies; Robotic Surgical Procedures; Robotics
PubMed: 34962160
DOI: 10.1089/lap.2021.0520 -
Tomography (Ann Arbor, Mich.) Jan 2022The complex anatomy and similarity of imaging features of various pathologies in the pelvis can make accurate radiology interpretation difficult. While prompt... (Review)
Review
The complex anatomy and similarity of imaging features of various pathologies in the pelvis can make accurate radiology interpretation difficult. While prompt recognition of ovarian cancer remains essential, awareness of processes that mimic ovarian tumors can avoid potential misdiagnosis and unnecessary surgery. This article details the female pelvic anatomy and highlights relevant imaging features that mimic extra-ovarian tumors, to help the radiologists accurately build a differential diagnosis of a lesion occupying the adnexa.
Topics: Adnexa Uteri; Diagnosis, Differential; Diagnostic Imaging; Female; Humans; Ovarian Neoplasms; Pelvis
PubMed: 35076619
DOI: 10.3390/tomography8010009 -
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR Aug 2017Male pelvic emergencies are uncommon, and symptoms typically include scrotal pain, scrotal enlargement, or a palpable scrotal mass or all of these. Ultrasound is often... (Review)
Review
Male pelvic emergencies are uncommon, and symptoms typically include scrotal pain, scrotal enlargement, or a palpable scrotal mass or all of these. Ultrasound is often the first-line modality for evaluation of male pelvic emergencies, which may be stratified into vascular, infectious, or traumatic causes. Entities such as testicular torsion, Fournier gangrene, and testicular dislocation are surgical emergencies and should not be missed or misdiagnosed, as this may cause a significant delay in urgently necessary treatment. Radiologists need to be familiar with the role of imaging as well as the key characteristic imaging findings of these injuries to direct the appropriate management.
Topics: Diagnosis, Differential; Emergencies; Emergency Service, Hospital; Genital Diseases, Male; Genitalia, Male; Humans; Male; Pain; Pelvis; Testis; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28865524
DOI: 10.1053/j.sult.2017.02.002 -
Abdominal Radiology (New York) Apr 2019There are numerous common and rare macroscopic fat-containing masses found in the abdomen and pelvis. These include benign masses, such as lipoleiomyoma, ovarian... (Review)
Review
There are numerous common and rare macroscopic fat-containing masses found in the abdomen and pelvis. These include benign masses, such as lipoleiomyoma, ovarian teratoma, mesenteric teratoma, and lipoma, as well as malignant masses, including liposarcoma and malignant transformation of benign entities. Any mass may become symptomatic due to the development of a complication which may range from ovarian torsion to intussusception to hemorrhage. Imaging plays a vital role in diagnosis and treatment planning when confronted with a symptomatic fat-containing mass.
Topics: Abdomen; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Neoplasms, Adipose Tissue; Pelvis
PubMed: 30276422
DOI: 10.1007/s00261-018-1784-9 -
European Urology Jun 2017The incidence and awareness of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has increased during the past few years, probably because of an increase in prostate cancer surgery.... (Review)
Review
CONTEXT
The incidence and awareness of postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI) has increased during the past few years, probably because of an increase in prostate cancer surgery. Many theories have been postulated to explain the pathophysiology of PPI.
OBJECTIVE
The current review scrutinizes various pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the occurrence of PPI.
EVIDENCE ACQUISITION
A search was conducted on PubMed and EMBASE for publications on PPI. The primary search returned 2518 publications. Animal and basic research studies, letters, publications on prostatectomy for benign reasons, pathology of prostatic carcinoma, radiotherapy and hormone therapy of prostatic carcinoma, and review articles were all used as criteria for exclusion from the study. A total of 128 publications were selected for final analysis.
EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS
Neuromuscular anatomic elements and pelvic support are known to influence PPI as evidenced by multiple publications. A number of non-anatomic and surgical elements have been postulated as contributing factors to PPI. Biological factors and preoperative parameters include: functional bladder changes, age, body mass index (BMI), pre-existing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), prostate size, and oncologic factors. Multiple studies reported the impact of specific anatomic/surgical factors, including fibrosis, shorter membranous urethral length (MUL), anastomotic stricture, damage to the neurovascular bundle, and extensive dissection, all of which have a negative impact on the continence status of patients following radical prostatectomy (RP). Investigation of the impact of techniques to spare the bladder neck and additional procedures to reconstruct the posterior or anterior support structures (eg, the Rocco stitch) on continence status is ongoing.
CONCLUSIONS
Anatomic support and pelvic innervation appear to be important factors in the etiology of PPI. Biological/preoperative factors including greater age at time of surgery, pre-existing LUTS, high BMI, shorter MUL, and functional bladder changes have a negative impact on continence after RP. Extensive dissection during surgery, damage to the neurovascular bundle, and postoperative fibrosis also have a substantial negative impact on the continence status of men undergoing RP. Sparing of the bladder neck and anterior fixation of the bladder-urethra anastomosis are associated with better continence rates. There is still debate about whether posterior pelvic reconstruction leads to better postoperative continence rates.
PATIENT SUMMARY
Radical prostatectomy is an oncologic procedure and thus requires removal of the entire prostate gland and seminal vesicles, ideally with negative surgical margins. This sometimes results in urinary incontinence. The factors contributing to urinary incontinence are explained in this article.
Topics: Animals; Fibrosis; Humans; Male; Pelvis; Peripheral Nerve Injuries; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Treatment Outcome; Urethra; Urinary Bladder; Urinary Incontinence; Urodynamics
PubMed: 27720536
DOI: 10.1016/j.eururo.2016.09.031 -
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum Mar 2023A 68-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding, urgency, and tenesmus. A digital rectal examination confirmed a craggy mass infiltrating into the sphincter complex....
A 68-year-old woman presented with rectal bleeding, urgency, and tenesmus. A digital rectal examination confirmed a craggy mass infiltrating into the sphincter complex. Follow-up colonoscopy noted a low-rectal tumor (3 cm from the dentate), and histopathology confirmed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. Subsequent staging with MRI confirmed a 5-cm circumferential low-rectal neoplasm with extramural vascular invasion and threatened circumferential resection margin. The neoplasm abutted the posterior vaginal wall and was invading the internal sphincter complex. Four enlarged mesorectal nodes (>7 mm) and several enlarged right pelvic sidewall nodes (largest at 17 mm) were also observed. There was no evidence of distant disease. The patient underwent long-course neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Restaging showed a good treatment response with some regression and no involvement/encroachment of the vagina. All the mesorectal nodes had reduced in size (~4 mm), and all but one of the right pelvic sidewall nodes had also decreased in size. However, 1 pelvic sidewall node (obturator fossa) still remained at 10 mm. After the tumor board discussion, a decision to proceed to abdominoperineal resection with right sidewall clearance was made. Final histopathology confirmed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with no mesorectal nodal involvement (19 nodes sampled), and 1 of 7 sidewall nodes had evidence of metastatic adenocarcinoma.
Topics: Female; Humans; Aged; Lymph Nodes; Rectal Neoplasms; Rectum; Pelvis; Adenocarcinoma; Neoplasm Staging; Neoadjuvant Therapy
PubMed: 36728599
DOI: 10.1097/DCR.0000000000002706 -
Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) Apr 2017The human pelvis has evolved over time into a remarkable structure, optimised into an intricate architecture that transfers the entire load of the upper body into the... (Review)
Review
The human pelvis has evolved over time into a remarkable structure, optimised into an intricate architecture that transfers the entire load of the upper body into the lower limbs, while also facilitating bipedal movement. The pelvic girdle is composed of two hip bones, os coxae, themselves each formed from the gradual fusion of the ischium, ilium and pubis bones. Unlike the development of the classical long bones, a complex timeline of events must occur in order for the pelvis to arise from the embryonic limb buds. An initial blastemal structure forms from the mesenchyme, with chondrification of this mass leading to the first recognisable elements of the pelvis. Primary ossification centres initiate in utero, followed post-natally by secondary ossification at a range of locations, with these processes not complete until adulthood. This cascade of events can vary between individuals, with recent evidence suggesting that fetal activity can affect the normal development of the pelvis. This review surveys the current literature on the ontogeny of the human pelvis. Anat Rec, 300:643-652, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Humans; Osteogenesis; Pelvic Bones; Pelvis
PubMed: 28297183
DOI: 10.1002/ar.23541