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International Journal of Surgery... Dec 2023When a disorder causes the absence of a healthy, full-size vagina, various neovaginal creation methods are available. Sometimes dilation or stretching of the vaginal...
BACKGROUND
When a disorder causes the absence of a healthy, full-size vagina, various neovaginal creation methods are available. Sometimes dilation or stretching of the vaginal cavity is sufficient, but intestinal or dermal flap tissue is generally required. However, different inherent tissue properties cause complications. Therefore, a lost body part should be replaced with a similar material. The use of organ-specific acellular vaginal tissue carries great potential, as its similar architecture and matrix composition make it suitable for vaginal regeneration.
METHODS
The authors developed an optimized protocol for decellularization of healthy human vaginal tissue. Resected colpectomy tissue from 12 healthy transgender patients was used. Successful decellularization was confirmed by applying acellular criteria from in-vivo remodeling reports. Suitability as a tissue-mimicking scaffold for vaginal reconstruction was determined by visible structural features, biocompatibility during stretching, and the presence of visible collagen, elastin, laminin, and fibronectin.
RESULTS
Histological examination confirmed the preservation of structural features, and minimal cellular residue was seen during fluorescence microscopy, DNA and RNA quantification, and fragment length examination. Biomechanical testing showed decreased peak load (55%, P <0.05), strain at rupture (23%, P <0.01), and ultimate tensile stress (55%, P <0.05) after decellularization, while the elastic modulus (68%) did not decrease significantly. Fluorescence microscopy revealed preserved Fibronectin-I/II/III and Laminin-I/II, while Collagen-I and Ficolin-2B were decreased but mostly retained.
CONCLUSIONS
The absence of cellular residue, moderately altered biomechanical extracellular matrix properties, and mostly preserved structural proteins appear to make our decellularized human vaginal matrix a suitable tissue-mimicking scaffold for vagina transplantation when tissue survival through vascularization and innervation are accomplished in the future.
Topics: Female; Humans; Tissue Engineering; Fibronectins; Tissue Scaffolds; Extracellular Matrix; Collagen; Laminin; Vagina
PubMed: 37755377
DOI: 10.1097/JS9.0000000000000727 -
F&S Reports Sep 2023To report the use of progressive, high-frequency movement-based dilator therapy (MBDT) to create a neovagina in a patient with congenital vaginal agenesis.
OBJECTIVE
To report the use of progressive, high-frequency movement-based dilator therapy (MBDT) to create a neovagina in a patient with congenital vaginal agenesis.
DESIGN
Case report.
SETTING
Tertiary care military hospital.
PATIENTS
A 22-year-old woman with congenital vaginal agenesis.
INTERVENTIONS
Self-directed MBDT.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Vaginal elongation by self-directed MBDT.
RESULTS
The patient achieved a 6.5-cm vaginal length after 6 pelvic health physical therapy sessions over a span of 4 months of progressive, high-frequency MBDT.
CONCLUSIONS
Progressive, high-frequency MBDT should be considered as part of a first-line dilator therapy regimen for patients with congenital vaginal agenesis interested in creating a neovagina.
PubMed: 37719101
DOI: 10.1016/j.xfre.2023.05.007 -
Ecancermedicalscience 2023Most cervical cancers develop in the transformation zone (TZ). Type 3 TZs, where the full circumference of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) is not visible pose problems...
Most cervical cancers develop in the transformation zone (TZ). Type 3 TZs, where the full circumference of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ) is not visible pose problems during cervical screening with visual inspection methods, as (pre)cancerous lesions may be missed. Several practical strategies can be implemented to convert type 3 TZs into TZ 1 or TZ 2, including the use of an endocervical speculum or hygroscopic cervical dilators, opening the vaginal speculum more widely, skillful use of cotton-tipped applicators, performing colposcopy in midcycle, and use of oral or vaginal misoprostol and estrogen to 'ripen' the cervix. With the 2011 International Federation for Cervical Pathology and Colposcopy (IFCPC) terminology, settings with better resources to manipulate the cervix for a better view of the endocervical canal may assign patients to different categories from those in low-resource settings during a colposcopic examination. Here, we propose a colposcopic revision to the current IFCPC classification by segregating TZ 2 according to the extent of endocervical involvement and TZ 3 according to whether any attempt is made to open the endocervical canal, if such attempt(s) were successful, and the extent to which the practitioner can visualise parts of the uterine cervix beyond the border of the SCJ in the endocervical canal. In this proposed reclassification, TZ 2A has no part of the SCJ extending beyond 5 mm into the endocervical canal, whereas TZ 2B has part or all of the SCJ extending beyond 5 mm into the endocervical canal. TZ 3 is further subclassified into TZ 3A if the practitioner does not attempt to open the endocervical canal or the endocervical canal is opened, but not beyond 5 mm and TZ 3B if the full circumference cannot be visualised after opening the endocervical canal beyond 5 mm. We believe this revision will improve and better standardise the classification of TZ types, with huge implications for practice in low-resource settings, due to limited options for referral and treatment, to reduce the risk of missed cervical cancers and suboptimal treatment resulting from ablating lesions that extend too far into the endocervical canal.
PubMed: 38414959
DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1612 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Jan 2024Recent reviews have reported inconclusive results regarding the usefulness of consuming dates (Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit) in the peripartum period. Hence, this... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Is oral consumption of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit) in the peripartum period effective and safe integrative care to facilitate childbirth and improve perinatal outcomes: a comprehensive revised systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Recent reviews have reported inconclusive results regarding the usefulness of consuming dates (Phoenix dactylifera L. fruit) in the peripartum period. Hence, this updated systematic review with meta-analysis sought to investigate the efficacy and safety of this integrated intervention in facilitating childbirth and improving perinatal outcomes.
METHODS
Eight data sources were searched comprehensively from their inception until April 30, 2023. Parallel-group randomized and non-randomized controlled trials published in any language were included if conducted during peripartum (i.e., third trimester of pregnancy, late pregnancy, labor, or postpartum) to assess standard care plus oral consumption of dates versus standard care alone or combined with other alternative interventions. The Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias (RoB) assessment tools and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) were employed to evaluate the potential RoB and the overall quality of the evidence, respectively. Sufficient data were pooled by a random-effect approach utilizing Stata software.
RESULTS
Of 2,460 records in the initial search, 48 studies reported in 55 publications were included. Data were insufficient for meta-analysis regarding fetal, neonatal, or infant outcomes; nonetheless, most outcomes were not substantially different between dates consumer and standard care groups. However, meta-analyses revealed that dates consumption in late pregnancy significantly shortened the length of gestation and labor, except for the second labor stage; declined the need for labor induction; accelerated spontaneity of delivery; raised cervical dilatation (CD) upon admission, Bishop score, and frequency of spontaneous vaginal delivery. The dates intake in labor also significantly reduced labor duration, except for the third labor stage, and increased CD two hours post-intervention. Moreover, the intervention during postpartum significantly boosted the breast milk quantity and reduced post-delivery hemorrhage. Likewise, dates supplementation in the third trimester of pregnancy significantly increased maternal hemoglobin levels. The overall evidence quality was also unacceptable, and RoB was high in most studies. Furthermore, the intervention's safety was recorded only in four trials.
CONCLUSION
More well-designed investigations are required to robustly support consuming dates during peripartum as effective and safe integrated care.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
PROSPERO Registration No: CRD42023399626.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Fruit; Labor, Obstetric; Parturition; Peripartum Period; Phoeniceae; Infant
PubMed: 38166785
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-06196-y -
International Medical Case Reports... 2023It is unusual and challenging to have a molar pregnancy and a viable fetus at the same time. Bleeding per vagina, anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, hypertension,...
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE
It is unusual and challenging to have a molar pregnancy and a viable fetus at the same time. Bleeding per vagina, anemia, hyperemesis gravidarum, hypertension, thyrotoxicosis, and uterine enlargement disproportionate to uterine age are common clinical presentations that should alert the clinician to this uncommon illness. Pregnancy of a hydatidiform mole with a coexistent live fetus in most cases is a complete molar pregnancy. Partial molar pregnancy with fetus is rare and almost always ends in miscarriage due to triploid fetus.
CASE PRESENTATION
In this case study, we present a 19-year-old woman who presented with acute vaginal bleeding and pelvic discomfort. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed fetal heart rate and identified the fetus at 24 weeks gestation. A large heterogeneous and complex cystic mass was found in the fundus, which was diagnosed as an abnormal placenta with a strong suspicion of molar pregnancy. The cervix was dilated by 4 cm at the time of hospital admission and four hours later, she gave birth to a healthy female fetus. The placenta emerged along with the membrane and abundant grape-like cystic tissue.
CLINICAL DISCUSSION
A case study showed a coexisting live fetus that was 24 weeks gestational age and had a partial hydatidiform mole, along with severe vaginal bleeding and uterine contraction. A partial mole was identified through histology analysis of the placenta.
CONCLUSION
Maternal b-HCG levels fell to undetectable levels one month after birth without treatment. She was doing well and a follow-up six months later revealed no evidence of retained tissue or recurrence.
PubMed: 37822964
DOI: 10.2147/IMCRJ.S412528 -
European Journal of Obstetrics,... May 2024To assess the utility of Art & Craft - a new, hands-on course on Advanced Rotational Techniques and safe Caesarean biRth at Advanced/Full dilation Training aimed at...
OBJECTIVES
To assess the utility of Art & Craft - a new, hands-on course on Advanced Rotational Techniques and safe Caesarean biRth at Advanced/Full dilation Training aimed at senior Obstetrics trainees. The aims were to assess whether it improved confidence and skills in rotational vaginal birth, impacted fetal head at caesarean, and ultrasound for fetal position.
STUDY DESIGN
With ethical approval, pre- and post- course questionnaires and post- course interviews of attendees were conducted. A pre course questionnaire was emailed 1 week before the course. Attendees were asked to rate their confidence levels in performing vaginal examination and ultrasound assessment of fetal position, rotational ventouse, manual rotation, Kielland's rotational forceps, and disimpaction of the fetal head during second stage caesarean on a scale of 1 to 5. 1 = not confident at all and 5 = very confident. A post-course questionnaire with the same questions was emailed 3 days after. p values for differences in scores were calculated using the Wilcoxon signed rank test using Stata/MP 18 software.
RESULTS
32 trainees attended the course. 28 questionnaires were available for analysis. The majority 39 % were middle grade (ST3-ST5) level. Initial confidence was very low for rotational forceps (median 1/5). After attending the course and practical stations, respondents' confidence levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) across all domains; vaginal examination from 4 to 5, ultrasound for fetal position, rotational ventouse, and manual rotation from 3 to 5, disimpaction from 4 to 4.5, and Kielland's rotational forceps from 1 to 4. Nine participated in post course interviews, which were thematically analysed. Participants expressed that the course gave them the opportunity to ask specific questions from experts to improve their confidence. A barrier to learning new methods was highlighted in that it is difficult to receive practical training in Kielland's, resulting in low confidence.
CONCLUSION
A practical, hands-on course on complex operative birth significantly increases trainee confidence levels in vaginal examination, ultrasound for fetal position, disimpaction, and techniques for rotational vaginal birth. The evaluation highlights that continued education and practise is required, even when trainees are senior. Evaluation of clinical outcomes after training is needed; and planned.
Topics: Pregnancy; Humans; Female; Cesarean Section; Extraction, Obstetrical; Obstetrical Forceps; Obstetrics
PubMed: 38432018
DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.02.046 -
Research Square Feb 2024Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) greatly affects the daily life of numerous women and is closely related to a history of vaginal delivery and aging. We used vaginal...
Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) greatly affects the daily life of numerous women and is closely related to a history of vaginal delivery and aging. We used vaginal balloon dilation to simulate vaginal birth injury in young and middle-aged rats to produce a SUI animal model, and found that young rats restored urethral structure and function well, but not the middle-aged rats. To identify the characteristics of cellular and molecular changes in the urethral microenvironment during the repair process of SUI. We profiled 51,690 individual female rat urethra cells from 24 and 48 weeks old, with or without simulated vaginal birth injury. Cell interaction analysis showed that signal networks during repair process changed from resting to active, and aging altered the distribution but not the overall level of cell interaction in the repair process. Similarity analysis showed that muscle, fibroblasts, and immune cells underwent large transcriptional changes during aging and repair. In middle-aged rat, cell senescence occurs mainly in the superficial and middle urothelium due to cellular death and shedding, and the basal urothelium expressed many Senescence-Associated Secretory Phenotype (SASP) genes. In conclusion, we established the aging and vaginal balloon dilation (VBD) model of female urethral cell anatomy and the signal network landscape, which provides an insight into the normal or disordered urethra repair process and the scientific basis for developing novel SUI therapies.
PubMed: 38410468
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3901406/v1 -
AJP Reports Jul 2023Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity. Pregnancy-associated acquired hemophilia A (AHA) caused by autoantibodies against factor VIII...
Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) remains a leading cause of maternal morbidity. Pregnancy-associated acquired hemophilia A (AHA) caused by autoantibodies against factor VIII can present with recurrent episodes of postpartum bleeding. A 50-year-old G2P0112 presented with vaginal bleeding 22 days postcaesarean. She underwent dilation and curettage, hysterectomy, and interventional radiology (IR) embolization before AHA diagnosis. She was hospitalized for 32 days and received 23 units of blood product. She remains without relapse of AHA after 5 years. A 48-year-old G3P1021 presented with vaginal bleeding 8 days postcaesarean. She underwent three surgeries and IR embolization before AHA diagnosis. She was hospitalized for 18 days and received 39 units of blood product. Prednisone and cyclophosphamide were continued after discharge. AHA is a rare cause of PPH. An isolated prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) should prompt further workup in postpartum patients with refractory bleeding. Rapid recognition of AHA can prevent significant morbidity related to hemorrhage, massive transfusion, and multiple surgeries.
PubMed: 38033602
DOI: 10.1055/a-2198-7888 -
Revista de Saude Publica 2023To descriptively analyze Brazilian parturient women who underwent previous cesarean section and point out the factors associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)...
OBJECTIVE
To descriptively analyze Brazilian parturient women who underwent previous cesarean section and point out the factors associated with Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) in Brazil.
METHODS
The study used data from women with one, two, or three or more cesarean sections from the survey Nascer no Brasil (Birth in Brazil). Differences between categories were assessed through the chi-square test (χ2). Variables with significant differences (p < 0.05) were incorporated into logistic regression.
FINDINGS
Out of the total of 23,894 women, 20.9% had undergone a previous cesarean section. The majority (85.1%) underwent another cesarean section, with 75.5% occurring before the onset of labor. The rate of Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) was 14.9%, with a success rate of 60.8%. Women who underwent three or more cesarean sections displayed greater social vulnerability. The chances of VBAC were higher among those who opted for a vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, had a prior vaginal birth, underwent labor induction, were admitted with over 4 centimeters of dilation, and without partner. Receiving care from the private health care system, having two or more prior cesarean sections, obstetric complications, and deciding on cesarean delivery late in gestation reduced the chances of VBAC. Age group, educational background, prenatal care adequacy, and the reason for the previous cesarean section did not result in significant differences.
CONCLUSION
The majority of women who underwent a previous cesarean section in Brazil are directed towards another surgery, and a higher number of cesarean sections is linked to greater social inequality. Factors associated with VBAC included choosing vaginal birth towards the end of gestation, having had a previous vaginal birth, higher cervical dilation upon admission, induction, assistance from the public health care system, absence of obstetric complications, and without a partner. Efforts to promote VBAC are necessary to reduce overall cesarean rates and their repercussions on maternal and child health.
Topics: Child; Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Cesarean Section; Brazil; Retrospective Studies; Labor, Obstetric; Vaginal Birth after Cesarean
PubMed: 37971073
DOI: 10.11606/s1518-8787.2023057004819 -
Cureus Jan 2024Hydrosalpinx is defined as the obstruction and fluid distension of the fallopian tube. It is most often seen in the setting of pelvic inflammatory disease, but preserved...
Hydrosalpinx is defined as the obstruction and fluid distension of the fallopian tube. It is most often seen in the setting of pelvic inflammatory disease, but preserved fallopian tubes or tubal segments after hysterectomy can also develop hydrosalpinx. This case report highlights an instance of painful hydrosalpinx after vaginal hysterectomy and advocates for the complete removal of fallopian tubes as the standard of care at the time of hysterectomy of any route. In this case, a 40-year-old female, G4P3104, with a history of vaginal hysterectomy and prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding and symptomatic uterine leiomyoma two years prior, presented with one month of left lower quadrant pain. She was found to have an anechoic, tubular structure adjacent to the left ovary on transvaginal ultrasound. At the time of diagnostic laparoscopy, a 10x4 centimeter (cm) dilated hydrosalpinx was found and removed. Pathology confirmed the hydrosalpinx, and the patient's pain resolved after the surgery. Given our findings of painful hydrosalpinx following incomplete bilateral salpingectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy, attempts at the removal of the entire fallopian tube including the fimbriae are strongly recommended to prevent the morbidity of repeated surgery.
PubMed: 38371103
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52573