-
Facts, Views & Vision in ObGyn Sep 2023Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome has an incidence of 1 in 4000. The absence of the vagina and uterus results in sexual dysfunction and infertility. The...
BACKGROUND
Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome has an incidence of 1 in 4000. The absence of the vagina and uterus results in sexual dysfunction and infertility. The first-line treatment is vaginal dilatation. There exists a number of second-line surgical options including the Uncu-modified Davydov procedure.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the complication rate, anatomical outcomes, and long-term sexual outcomes of MRKH syndrome patients after Uncu-modified Davydov procedure.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Patients with MRKH syndrome who underwent paramesonephric remnant-supported laparoscopic double-layer peritoneal pull-down vaginoplasty (aka Uncu-modified Davydov procedure) between January 2008 and December 2021. The procedure involves laparoscopic circular dissection of the pelvic peritoneum followed by pulling down, through the opened vaginal orifice, and suturing the vaginal cuff with the support of uterine remnants. The long-term complication rate, anatomical outcomes, and sexual function outcomes (as measured by Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI)) were ascertained.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Main Outcome Measures: The long-term complication rate, anatomical outcomes and FSFI survey results.
RESULTS
A total of 50 patients with MRKH syndrome underwent the Uncu-modified Davydov procedure between Jan 2008- Dec 2021. There were four perioperative complications: three bladder injuries (6%) and one rectal serosa injury (2%). Four long-term postoperative complications were identified: one vesicovaginal fistula (2%), one recto-vaginal fistula (2%), and two vaginal stenoses (4%). All patients were physically examined at least one year after surgery. The mean vaginal length was 8.4 + 1.9 cm. The mean FSFI score was 31.5 + 3.9 (minimum score of 24, maximum score of 36).
CONCLUSION
Conclusion: The Uncu-modified Davydov procedure has been demonstrated to be a safe and effective treatment option with high female sexual function index scores for patients with MRKH syndrome.
WHAT IS NEW?
The long-term complication rate, anatomical and sexual outcomes of Uncu-modified laparoscopic peritoneal pull-down vaginoplasty were reported in this study. The results indicated that the surgical approach could be used in selective MRKH patients who failed first-line self-dilatation therapy.
PubMed: 37742200
DOI: 10.52054/FVVO.15.3.091 -
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 -
AJOG Global Reports Nov 2023Vaginal stenosis is a common complication following construction of a neovagina with vascularized myocutaneous flaps. This is primarily because of inconsistent or...
INTRODUCTION
Vaginal stenosis is a common complication following construction of a neovagina with vascularized myocutaneous flaps. This is primarily because of inconsistent or inappropriate vaginal dilator use. Image-guided recanalization, especially for obstructed genitourinary tracts, is an emerging idea in interventional radiology. Although multiple surgical techniques have been reported to treat vaginal agenesis or obstruction, the idea of image-guided recanalization of vaginal stenosis is a relatively new management strategy for vaginal stenosis.
CASE
We present a challenging case of a patient who initially presented with the complaint of increasing pelvic pressure after the creation of a neovagina via vaginoplasty. She had a distal neovagina created after extensive surgical resection for a large infiltrating pelvic rectal adenocarcinoma. A computed tomography scan revealed a fluid-filled neovaginal abscess. Examination under anesthesia revealed complete stenosis of the neovagina with no identifiable tract for dilation.
INTERVENTION
A computed tomography scan and fluoroscopy-guided sharp recanalization of the stenosed neovagina was performed, followed by serial fluoroscopic balloon angioplasty to dilate the stenosed neovagina. Finally, the patient underwent a gynecologic surgery for the excision of remaining granulation tissue to produce a more permanent patent neovagina, followed by regular and proper use of vaginal dilators to ensure patency.
CONCLUSION
This case report demonstrates that image-guided techniques can be used to aid in vaginal recanalization in the postoperative setting.
PubMed: 37701754
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100257 -
The Journal of Sexual Medicine Oct 2023Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that is medically necessary for some transfeminine individuals. Little research exists describing vaginal health after the...
BACKGROUND
Vaginoplasty is a gender-affirming surgery that is medically necessary for some transfeminine individuals. Little research exists describing vaginal health after the initial recovery from surgery, and evidence-based guidelines for vaginal care practices are unavailable.
AIM
The study sought to describe self-reported gynecological concerns and vaginal care practices among transfeminine persons who have undergone vaginoplasty.
METHODS
A total of 60 transfeminine participants 18+ years of age, living in Canada, and who had undergone vaginoplasty at least 1 year prior were recruited through social media, community groups, healthcare provider referrals, and study recontact. Participants completed a cross-sectional, online questionnaire detailing demographics, gynecological concerns, and genital practices and exposures. Hierarchical clustering was used to group participants based on behavioral practices and exposures. Associations between clusters and gynecological concerns were assessed.
OUTCOMES
Outcomes included self-reported gynecological concerns within the past year, recent vulvar or vaginal symptoms (past 30 days), and behavioral practices/exposures, including douching with varied products and dilating.
RESULTS
Participants reported a variety of concerns in the past year, including urinary tract infection (13%) and internal hair regrowth (23%). More than half (57%) had experienced at least 1 recent vaginal symptom, most commonly malodor (27%) and vaginal bleeding (21%). Of participants, 48% were dilating weekly and 52% reported douching in the past 30 days. Four distinct clusters of vaginal practices/exposures were identified: limited exposures; dilating, no douching; dilating and douching; and diverse exposures. No significant associations between cluster membership and gynecological concerns were identified, though cluster membership was significantly associated with surgical center (P = .03). Open-text write-ins provided descriptions of symptoms and symptom management strategies.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
The results provide insight for clinicians on common patient-reported gynecological concerns and current vaginal care practices and exposures, including symptom management strategies.
STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS
This was the first study to investigate vaginal health and genital practices/exposures among a community sample of transfeminine individuals. As participants self-enrolled for a detailed survey and swab collection, individuals experiencing concerns were likely overrepresented.
CONCLUSION
Transfeminine individuals reported a range of gynecological concerns outside of the surgical healing period. Genital practices/exposures varied across clusters, but no clear associations between clusters and symptoms were identified; instead, practice/exposure clusters were dependent on where the individual underwent vaginoplasty. There is a need for evidence to inform diagnostics, treatments, and vaginal care guidelines to support vaginal health.
Topics: Female; Humans; Transgender Persons; Cross-Sectional Studies; Transsexualism; Vagina; Sex Reassignment Surgery
PubMed: 37700562
DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdad109 -
Radiotherapy and Oncology : Journal of... Dec 2023To compare two vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) schedules in postoperative endometrial carcinoma (PEC) patients considering vaginal-cuff relapses (VCR), late toxicities,...
PURPOSE
To compare two vaginal brachytherapy (VBT) schedules in postoperative endometrial carcinoma (PEC) patients considering vaginal-cuff relapses (VCR), late toxicities, dosimetry analysis and vaginal dilator use.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
110 PEC patients were treated with exclusive high-dose-rate VBT using two schedules. Group-1:44-patients received 6 Gy×3fractions (September-2011-April-2014); Group-2:66-patients were treated with 7.5 Gy×2fractions with a dose limit of equivalent total doses in 2-Gy fr (EQD2) of 68 Gy in the most exposed 2 cm of clinical target volume (CTV) (July-2015-November-2021). The dose was prescribed at 5 mm from the applicator surface. Were evaluated the overall radiation dose delivered to 90% of the CTV (D90), the CTV receiving 100% of the prescription dose (V100) and the EQD2 received in the most exposed 2 cm to dose in CTV. Late toxicity was prospectively assessed using RTOG scores for bladder and rectum and objective LENT-SOMA criteria for late vaginal toxicity (LVT).
STATISTICS
Descriptive analysis, Chi-square, Student's t-tests and Kaplan and Meier method.
RESULTS
The median follow-up was 60 months (15.9-60). There were no VCR or late toxicities in bladder or rectum. LVT ≥ G1 appeared in 26/44 (59.1%) in Group-1 and 25/66 (37.9%) in Group-2. The mean EQD2 received by the most exposed 2 cm of CTV was 63.7 Gy ± 10.0 in Group-1 and 60.5 Gy ± 3.8 in Group-2 (p = 0.063). There were no differences in adherence to vaginal dilator use ≥9 months, overall D90 and V100.
CONCLUSION
Considering the lack of vaginal relapses and similar LVT over time, 7.5 Gy×2fractions seem more efficient in terms of patient comfort, workload, and cost. This is the first study using dosimetry parameters to compare effectivity of schedules. Larger series are needed to confirm the present results.
Topics: Female; Humans; Brachytherapy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Vagina; Endometrial Neoplasms; Recurrence
PubMed: 37699447
DOI: 10.1016/j.radonc.2023.109909 -
BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth Sep 2023The study aims were to analyze pregnancy outcomes after the use of emergency cerclage in patients with different BMIs.
BACKGROUND
The study aims were to analyze pregnancy outcomes after the use of emergency cerclage in patients with different BMIs.
METHODS
A total of 76 singleton pregnant patients who underwent emergency cerclage at a tertiary comprehensive hospital in China between Jan 2017 and Dec 2021 were retrospectively divided into an obesity group of 37 patients with BMIs ≥ 28 kg/m and a non-obesity group of 39 patients with BMIs < 28 kg/m. The medical records of patients were reviewed and all relevant clinical data were further collected into an itemized data spreadsheet for various analyses.
RESULTS
Emergent cerclage, along with amnioreduction if needed, could be safely performed on both obese and non-obese pregnant women with a dilated external cervix (> 1 cm), which effectively prolonged the gestational week up to ≥ 25 weeks. Obese gravidae had shorter suture-to-delivery intervals and mean pregnancy lengths but more spontaneous preterm births before 37 weeks, and a lower live birth rate (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that BMI, how many times cerclages have been performed during pregnancy (frequency of cerclage) and bacterial vaginosis, aerobic vaginitis and vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal microecology) were significantly correlated with fetal loss (P < 0.05), while rank correlation analysis established a negative correlation between BMI values and the suture-to-delivery interval (P = 0.031).
CONCLUSIONS
Pregnant cervical insufficiency patients with BMIs > 28 kg/m may ill-serve the gestational outcomes and suture-to-delivery interval after their emergent cerclage. Additionally, BMI, frequency of cerclage and vaginal microecology accounted for higher fetal loss in patients who underwent emergency cerclage.
Topics: Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Body Mass Index; Pregnancy Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Birth Rate; Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal; Obesity
PubMed: 37679736
DOI: 10.1186/s12884-023-05974-y -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024This study aimed to quantify the association between mode of operative delivery in the second stage of labor (cesarean delivery vs operative vaginal delivery) and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to quantify the association between mode of operative delivery in the second stage of labor (cesarean delivery vs operative vaginal delivery) and spontaneous preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy.
DATA SOURCES
MEDLINE, Embase, EmCare, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science: Core Collection, and Scopus were searched from database inception to April 1, 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All retrospective cohort studies with participants who had a second-stage cesarean delivery (defined as intrapartum cesarean delivery at full cervical dilation) or operative vaginal delivery (including forceps- and/or vacuum-assisted delivery) and that reported the rate of preterm birth (either spontaneous or not specified) in subsequent pregnancy were included.
METHODS
Both a descriptive analysis and a meta-analysis were performed. A meta-analysis was performed for dichotomous data using the Mantel-Haenszel random-effects model and used the odds ratio as an effect measure with 95% confidence intervals. The risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane's 2022 Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Exposure tool.
RESULTS
After screening 2671 articles from 7 databases, a total of 18 retrospective cohort studies encompassing 605,138 patients were included. The pooled rates of spontaneous preterm birth in a subsequent pregnancy were 6.9% (12 studies) after second-stage cesarean delivery and 2.6% (8 studies) after operative vaginal delivery. A total of 7 studies encompassing 75,460 patients compared the primary outcome of spontaneous preterm birth after second-stage cesarean delivery vs operative vaginal delivery in an index pregnancy with an odds ratio of 2.01 (95% confidence interval, 1.57-2.58) in favor of operative vaginal delivery. However, most studies did not include important confounding factors, did not address exposure misclassification because of failed operative vaginal delivery, and considered operative vaginal delivery as a homogeneous category with no distinction between forceps- and vacuum-assisted deliveries.
CONCLUSION
Although a synthesis of the existing literature suggests that the risk of spontaneous preterm birth is higher in those with a previous second-stage cesarean delivery than in those with operative vaginal delivery, the risk of bias in these studies is very high. Findings should be interpreted with caution.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Premature Birth; Retrospective Studies; Labor Stage, Second; Cohort Studies; Delivery, Obstetric
PubMed: 37673234
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.033 -
AJOG Global Reports Aug 2023Labor progression curves are believed to differ between spontaneous and induced labors. However, data describing labor progression patterns with different modes of...
BACKGROUND
Labor progression curves are believed to differ between spontaneous and induced labors. However, data describing labor progression patterns with different modes of induction are insufficient.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to compare the progress patterns between labors induced with slow-release prostaglandin E vaginal analogue and those induced with a double-balloon catheter.
STUDY DESIGN
This retrospective cohort study included all nulliparous women who delivered at term and who underwent cervical ripening with prostaglandin E vaginal analogue or a double-balloon catheter from 2013 to 2021 in a tertiary hospital in Israel. Included in the analysis were women who achieved 10 cm cervical dilatation. The time intervals between centimeter-to-centimeter changes were evaluated.
RESULTS
A total of 1087 women were included of whom 786 (72.3%) were induced using prostaglandin E vaginal analogue and 301 (27.7%) were induced using a double-balloon catheter. The time from induction to birth was similar between the groups (32.5 hours for the prostaglandin E vaginal analogue group [5th-95th percentiles, 6.5-153.8] vs 29.2 hours for the double-balloon group [5th-95th percentiles, 9.1-157.1]; =.100). The median time of the latent phase (2-6 cm dilation) was longer for the double-balloon catheter group than for the prostaglandin E vaginal analogue group (7.3 hours [5th-95th percentiles, 5.6-14.5] vs 6.0 hours [5th-95th percentiles, 2.4-18.8]; =.042). The median time of active labor (6-10 cm dilatation) was similar between groups (1.9 hours [5th-95th percentiles, 0.3-7.4] for the prostaglandin E vaginal analogue group vs 2.3 hours [5th-95th percentiles, 0.3-6.5] for the double-balloon catheter group; =.307).
CONCLUSION
Deliveries subjected to cervical ripening with a double-balloon catheter were characterized by a slightly longer latent phase than deliveries induced by prostaglandin E vaginal analogue. After reaching the active phase of labor, the mode of cervical ripening did not influence the labor progress pattern.
PubMed: 37645656
DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2023.100198 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Aug 2023Endometriosis (EM) is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This study aimed to examine the effects of quince gel and hesperidin treatment on uterine...
OBJECTIVES
Endometriosis (EM) is the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This study aimed to examine the effects of quince gel and hesperidin treatment on uterine tissue in an experimental endometriosis model.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-two rats were categorized into four groups as sham, EM, EM+quince gel (QG), and EM+QG+Hesperidin (HES). The endometriosis (EM) model was induced with surgical intervention. Estradiol benzoate (EB) was used to induce endometrial hyperplasia. In the EM group, EB was given to rats for 7 days. The EM+QG group received 2 cc QG for 21 days. HES treatment was given for 21 days after EM induction. At the end of the experiment, blood was taken from the animals and the serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) values were studied. Uterine tissues were dissected and processed for histological paraffin embedding. Tissues were fixed in 4% glutaraldehyde solution and processed for ultrastructural analysis.
RESULTS
After EM, QG and HES treatment significantly increased the TAS and decreased the TOS value. EM caused epithelial and glandular degeneration, thinning of the basal membranes, and vascular dilatation with increased fibrosis and edema. QG+HES restored the pathology and showed protective effects in uterine tissues. Caspase-3 expression was increased in the epithelium, glands, and muscle layers of the EM group. In EM+QG+HES, hesperidin protected cell survival and decreased Caspase-3 expression in uterine tissues. TNF-α expression was intense in inflammatory cells and the muscle layer in the EM group. HES reduced inflammation by decreasing the TNF-α expression. MAPK expression was increased after EM induction in epithelial, glandular, and inflammatory cells in the EM group. After HES treatment, MAPK expression was mainly negative in cells of uterine tissue in the EM+QG+HES group. Ultrastructurally, in the EM group, organelles were disrupted and dilated and degenerated after EM induction. QG and HES treatment improved cellular organelles.
CONCLUSION
Local vaginal applications can be an alternative treatment method in the endometriosis model via QG+HES treatment promoting cell proliferation and angiogenesis and preventing cell death.
Topics: Female; Humans; Animals; Rats; Caspase 3; Endometriosis; Hesperidin; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Antioxidants
PubMed: 37630196
DOI: 10.3390/molecules28165945 -
American Journal of Obstetrics and... Mar 2024Having a cesarean delivery at full dilatation has been associated with increased subsequent risk of spontaneous preterm birth. The Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal...
BACKGROUND
Having a cesarean delivery at full dilatation has been associated with increased subsequent risk of spontaneous preterm birth. The Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank provides a rare opportunity to study subsequent pregnancy outcomes after a previous cesarean delivery at full dilatation over 40 years, with an ability to include a detailed evaluation of potential confounding factors.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate if having an initial cesarean delivery at full dilatation is associated with spontaneous preterm birth or other adverse pregnancy outcomes in the subsequent pregnancy.
STUDY DESIGN
A retrospective cohort study was conducted including women with a first and second pregnancy recorded within the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank between 1976 and 2017, where previous cesarean delivery at full dilatation at term in the first birth was the exposure. The primary outcome was spontaneous preterm birth (defined as spontaneous birth <37 weeks). Multivariate logistic regression was used to investigate any association between cesarean delivery at full dilatation and the odds of spontaneous preterm birth. Cesarean delivery at full dilatation in previous pregnancy was compared with: (1) any other mode of birth, and (2) individual modes of birth, including planned cesarean delivery, cesarean delivery in first stage of labor (<10-cm dilatation), and vaginal birth (including spontaneous vaginal birth, nonrotational forceps, Kielland forceps, vacuum-assisted birth, breech vaginal birth). Other outcomes such as antepartum hemorrhage and mode of second birth were also compared.
RESULTS
Of the 30,253 women included, 900 had a previous cesarean delivery at full dilatation in the first pregnancy. Women with previous cesarean delivery at full dilatation had a 3-fold increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in a second pregnancy (unadjusted odds ratio, 2.63; 95% confidence interval, 1.82-3.81; adjusted odds ratio, 3.31; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-5.05) compared with those with all other modes of first birth, adjusted for maternal age, diabetes mellitus, body mass index, smoking, preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, socioeconomic deprivation (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2016), year of birth, and interpregnancy interval (in second pregnancy). When compared with women with vaginal births only, women with cesarean delivery at full dilatation had 5-fold increased odds of spontaneous preterm birth (adjusted odds ratio, 5.37; 95% confidence interval, 3.40-8.48). Compared with first spontaneous vaginal birth, first instrumental births (nonrotational forceps, Kielland forceps, and vacuum births) were not associated with increased risk of spontaneous preterm birth in the second birth. After an initial cesarean delivery at full dilatation, 3.7% of women had a repeated cesarean delivery at full dilatation and 48% had a planned cesarean delivery in the second birth.
CONCLUSION
This study is a substantial addition to the body of evidence on the risk of subsequent spontaneous preterm birth after cesarean delivery at full dilatation, and demonstrates a strong association between cesarean delivery at full dilatation in the first birth and spontaneous preterm birth in subsequent pregnancy, although the absolute risk remains small. This is a large retrospective cohort and includes a comprehensive assessment of potential confounding factors, including preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, and lengths of first and second stage of labor. Future research should focus on understanding possible causality and developing primary and secondary preventative measures.
Topics: Female; Infant, Newborn; Pregnancy; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Premature Birth; Cohort Studies; Pre-Eclampsia; Dilatation; Hemorrhage
PubMed: 37598995
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.08.013