Sobreuso de ecografía transvaginal en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina: estudio de corte transversal / Transvaginal ultrasound overuse in a private university hospital in Argentina: a cross-sectional study

Introducción. Si bien contamos con recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia en contra de realizar tamizaje de cáncer ovárico con ecografía transvaginal debido a que aumenta el riesgo de resultados falsamente positivos y de cascadas diagnósticas, sin disminuir la mortalidad por esta enfermedad, su solicitud en mujeres sanas es frecuente. Sin embargo, no conocemos la magnitud de la implementación de esta práctica, que constituye un cuidado de bajo valor. Objetivo. Documentar el sobreuso de ecografías transvaginales realizadas en forma ambulatoria en un hospital universitario privado de Argentina. Métodos. Estudio de corte transversal de una muestra aleatoria de ecografías realizadas en forma ambulatoria durante 2017 y 2018. Mediante revisión manual de las historias clínicas, la solicitud de cada ecografía fue clasificada como apropiada cuando algún problema clínico justificaba su realización, o inapropiada cuando había sido realizada con fines de control de salud o por una condición clínica sin indicación de seguimiento ecográfico. Resultados. De un total de 1.997 ecografías analizadas, realizadas a 1.954 mujeres adultas (edad promedio 50 años),1.345 (67,4 %; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 % 65,2 a 69,4) habían sido solicitadas en el contexto de un control de saludo sin un problema asociado en la historia clínica y otras 54 (8,3 %; IC 95 % 6,3 a 10,7), por condiciones de salud para las que no hay recomendaciones de realizar seguimiento ecográfico. Conclusiones. Esta investigación documentó una alta proporción de sobre utilización de la ecografías transvaginales en nuestra institución. Futuras investigaciones permitirán comprender los motivos que impulsan esta práctica y ayudarán a diseñar intervenciones para disminuir estos cuidados de bajo valor. (AU)

Background. Although we have evidence-based recommendations against screening for ovarian cancer with transvaginalultrasound because it increases the risk of false positive results and diagnostic cascades without reducing mortality from this disease, its request in healthy women is frequent. However, we do not know the magnitude of the implementation of this practice, which constitutes low-value care. Objective. To document the overuse of transvaginal ultrasounds performed on an outpatient basis in a private university hospital in Argentina. Methods. Cross-sectional study of a random sample of outpatient ultrasounds performed during 2017 and 2018. Through a manual review of the medical records, the request for each ultrasound was classified as appropriate when a clinical problem justified its performance or inappropriate when it was carried out for health control purposes or for a clinical condition that had no indication for ultrasound follow-up. Results. Of a total of 1997 ultrasounds analyzed, performed on 1954 adult women (average age 50 years), 1,345 (67.4 %;95 % confidence interval [CI] 65.2 to 69.4) had been requested in the context of a health check-up or without a documented problem in the medical history that would support its performance, and another 54 (8.3 %; 95 % CI 6.3 to 10.7), for health conditions for which there are no treatment recommendations to perform ultrasound follow-up. Conclusions. This research documented a high proportion of overuse of transvaginal ultrasound in our institution. Future research will allow us to understand the reasons that drive this practice and will help design interventions to reduce thislow-value care. (AU)

Malformaciones müllerianas: actualización y revisión a propósito de casos clínicos, 2022 / Müllerian malformations: update and review of clinical cases, 2022

Las malformaciones müllerianas (MM) son un grupo de anomalías estructurales originadas por fallas de desarrollo de los conductos paramesonéfricos o de Müller durante las primeras 16 semanas de gestación. Un oportuno diagnóstico y una correcta clasificación permiten ofrecer el mejor manejo y diferenciar aquellas pacientes que requieren tratamiento quirúrgico. Se realizó una revisión de la literatura sobre MM en las bases de datos Epistemonikos, SciELO, Cochrane y PubMed. Se rescataron todas las pacientes ingresadas con diagnóstico de MM. En el año 2021, la American Society of Reproductive Medicine publicó un consenso en el que se estandarizó la nomenclatura, se amplió el espectro y se simplificó la clasificación. La clínica es variada, e incluye pacientes asintomáticas cuyo diagnóstico es un hallazgo por imágenes. Los mejores estudios imagenológicos son la resonancia magnética (RM) y la ultrasonografía 3D, dejando la histeroscopia y la laparoscopia (método de referencia) como procedimiento diagnóstico-terapéutico. Se presentan casos clínicos desarrollados durante el primer trimestre de 2022. Recomendamos la utilización sistemática de la RM para el diagnóstico de anomalías complejas u obstructivas del aparato genital. El tratamiento de estas patologías debe ser realizado por ginecólogos endoscopistas expertos, e incluye tratamiento médico y quirúrgico, el cual debe ser enfocado en cada paciente dependiendo del tipo de MM y de los deseos de fertilidad.

Müllerian malformations (MM) are a group of structural anomalies caused by developmental failure of the paramesonephric or Müllerian ducts during the first 16 weeks of gestation. Timely diagnosis and classification allow us to offer the best management and to differentiate those patients who require surgical treatment. Literature review on MM in Epistemonikos, SciELO, Cochrane and PubMed databases. All patients admitted with a diagnosis of MM were rescued. In 2021, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine publishes a consensus where it standardizes the nomenclature, broadens the spectrum, and simplifies the classification. The clinical picture is varied and includes asymptomatic patients whose diagnosis is an imaging finding. The best imaging studies are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 3D ultrasonography, leaving hysteroscopy and laparoscopy (gold standard) as diagnostic therapeutic. Clinical cases developed during the first trimester 2022 are presented. We recommend the routine use of MRI for the diagnosis of complex and/or obstructive anomalies of the genital tract. The treatment of these pathologies should be performed by expert endoscopic gynecologists and include medical and surgical treatment, which should be focused on each patient, depending on the type of MM and fertility desires.

Reparación quirúrgica por vía vaginal de fístulas vesicovaginales: una experiencia exitosa / Vaginal surgical repair of vesico-vaginal fistulas: a successful experience

OBJETIVO: Se presenta una serie de casos de reparación por vía vaginal de fístula vesicovaginal (FVV) de nuestro centro. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Se evaluaron todas las pacientes con reparación quirúrgica de FVV en el Centro de Innovación de Piso Pélvico del Hospital Sótero del Río entre 2016 y 2022. RESULTADOS: Se reportaron 16 casos, de los cuales el 81,3% fueron secundarios a cirugía ginecológica. En todos se realizó la reparación por vía vaginal, con cierre por planos. En el 94% (15/16) se logró una reparación exitosa en un primer intento. El tiempo de seguimiento poscirugía fue de 10 meses (rango: 3-29). No hubo casos de recidiva en el seguimiento. Una paciente presentó fístula de novo, la cual se reparó de manera exitosa en un segundo intento por vía vaginal. Se reportaron satisfechas con la cirugía 15 pacientes, con mejoría significativa de su calidad de vida. Una paciente reportó sentirse igual (6,3%), pero sus síntomas se debían a síndrome de vejiga hiperactiva que la paciente no lograba diferenciar de los síntomas previos a la cirugía. CONCLUSIÓN: Las FVV en los países desarrollados son secundarias a cirugía ginecológica benigna. La cirugía por vía vaginal en nuestra serie demostró una alta tasa de éxito, con mejora significativa en la calidad de vida de las pacientes.

OBJETIVE: We present a case series of vesico-vaginal fistulas (VVF) vaginal repair in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive observational study. All patients with surgical repair of VVF at the Centro de Innovación en Piso Pélvico of Hospital Sótero del Río were evaluated between September 2016 and September 2022. RESULTS: 16 cases were reported. 81.3% were secondary to gynecological surgery. In all cases, a vaginal repair was performed, with a layered closure. 94% (15/16) had no contrast extravasation at the time of examination, confirming fistula closure. The follow-up time was 10 months (range: 3-29). There were no cases of recurrence during follow-up. 1 patient presented de novo fistula which was successfully repaired in a second attempt vaginally. 15/16 patients reported being satisfied with the surgery, with significant improvement in quality of life. 1 patient reported feeling the same (6.3%), but her symptoms were due to overactive bladder syndrome that the patient could not differentiate from the symptoms prior to surgery. CONCLUSION: VFV in developed countries are mainly secondary to benign gynecological surgery. Vaginal surgery in our series achieved a significant improvement in the quality of life of patients.

Riñón pélvico fusionado con uréter único, hidrometrocolpos y ano imperforado: conjunción de malformaciones infrecuentes en una adolescente / Pancake kidney with a single ureter, hydrometrocolpos, and imperforate anus: a set of uncommon malformations in a female adolescent

Una niña de 11 años de edad con antecedentes de ano imperforado, infección urinaria y episodios de constipación intermitentes se presentó a la consulta con cólicos abdominales y náuseas de una semana de evolución. Estudios radiológicos revelaron hidrometrocolpos y fusión renal pélvica con uréter único hidronefrótico. El examen vaginal evidenció un tabique transverso no permeable. Se evacuó temporalmente la colección con resolución de los síntomas. La paciente fue programada para cirugía vaginal reconstructiva definitiva. Se destaca en este caso no solo la asociación de malformaciones infrecuentes, sino una sintomatología muy común en la práctica pediátrica a causa de una patología rara vez considerada en el diagnóstico diferencial, y la importancia de una evaluación precoz y completa de este tipo de malformaciones para un tratamiento oportuno.

An 11-year-old girl with a history of imperforate anus, urinary tract infection, and intermittent episodes of constipation presented with abdominal pain and nausea for 1 week. The x-rays revealed hydrometrocolpos and fused pelvic kidney with a single hydronephrotic ureter. The vaginal examination revealed a non-permeable transverse vaginal septum. The collection was temporarily drained and symptoms resolved. The patient was scheduled for definitive vaginal reconstructive surgery. In this case, it is worth noting the association of infrequent malformations and also the signs and symptoms very common in pediatric practice due to a pathology rarely considered in the differential diagnosis, and the importance of an early and complete assessment of this type of malformations for a timely treatment.

Research progress of the application of metagenomics technology in female reproductive tract diseases / 中华预防医学杂志

In recent years, many studies have found that vaginal microbiota is closely related to female reproductive tract diseases. However, traditional microbial culture technology has the defects of long culture cycle and most microorganisms cannot be cultured. The development of metagenomics technique has broken the limitations of culture technology, and has been gradually applied to the study of vaginal microorganisms with the characteristics of high throughput, short time, identification of microbial population structure and gene function. It also provides technical support for elucidating the relationship between vaginal microbiota and female reproductive tract diseases. This article mainly introduces the metagenomics techniques and their applications in prevention, screening and diagnosis of common female reproductive tract diseases, and discusses their promising development and limitations to be overcome.

The characteristics and correlations of vaginal flora in women with cervical lesions / 中华肿瘤杂志

Objective: To explore the characteristics and correlations of vaginal flora in women with cervical lesions. Methods: A total of 132 women, including 41 women diagnosed with normal cervical (NC), 39 patients with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 1), 37 patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2/3) and 15 patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), who came from the gynecological clinic of Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University during January 2018 to June 2018, were enrolled in this study according to the inclusive and exclusive criteria strictly. The vaginal flora was detected by 16S rDNA sequencing technology. Co-occurrence network analysis was used to investigate the Spearman correlations between different genera of bacteria. Results: The dominant bacteria in NC, CIN 1 and CIN 2/3 groups were Lactobacillus [constituent ratios 79.4% (1 869 598/2 354 098), 63.6% (1 536 466/2 415 100) and 58.3% (1 342 896/2 301 536), respectively], while Peptophilus [20.4% (246 072/1 205 154) ] was the dominant bacteria in SCC group. With the aggravation of cervical lesions, the diversity of vaginal flora gradually increased (Shannon index: F=6.39, P=0.001; Simpson index: F=3.95, P=0.012). During the cervical lesion progress, the ratio of Lactobacillus gradually decreased, the ratio of other anaerobes such as Peptophilus, Sneathia, Prevotella and etc. gradually increased, and the differential bacteria (LDA score >3.5) gradually evolved from Lactobacillus to other anaerobes. The top 10 relative abundance bacteria, spearman correlation coefficient>0.4 and P<0.05 were selected. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that Prevotella, Peptophilus, Porphyrinomonas, Anaerococcus, Sneathia, Atopobium, Gardnerella and Streptococcus were positively correlated in different stages of cervical lesions, while Lactobacillus was negatively correlated with the above anaerobes. It was found that the relationship between vaginal floras in CIN 1 group was the most complex and only Peptophilus was significantly negatively correlated with Lactobacillus in SCC group. Conclusions: The increased diversity and changed correlations between vaginal floras are closely related to cervical lesions. Peptophilus is of great significance in the diagnosis, prediction and early warning of cervical carcinogenesis.

Endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum: A case report / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Primary endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum is rare. Its pathogenesis is not clear and there is no standard treatment. One patient with endometrioid adenocarcinoma of the rectovaginal septum arising from deep infiltrative endometriosis was admitted to Qingdao Municipal Hospital. The patient presented with incessant menstruation and abdominal distension. She had bilateral ovarian endometriotic cystectomy 6 years ago. Imaging findings suggested a pelvic mass which might invade the rectovaginal septum. Pathological results of primary surgery confirmed endometrioid carcinoma of the pelvic mass arising from the rectovaginal septum. Then she had a comprehensive staged surgery. Postoperative chemotherapy was given 6 times. No recurrence or metastasis was found during the 2-year follow-up. The possibility of deep infiltrating endometriosis and its malignant transformation should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a new extragonadal pelvic lesion in a patient with a history of endometriosis, which would avoid misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis.

Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone no seguimento da braquiterapia pélvica / Meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis in the follow-up of pelvic brachytherapy

Objetivo: descrever o significado do uso da prótese peniana de silicone para dilatação vaginal no seguimento da braquiterapia em mulheres com câncer ginecológico. Método: pesquisa narrativa, realizada no Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, com 34 mulheres, após braquiterapia pélvica, em seguimento no serviço de fisioterapia. Coleta de dados por entrevistas semiestruturadas, incluindo dados sociodemográficos, clínicos e o significado do uso da prótese peniana na dilatação vaginal, submetidas à análise de conteúdo e discutidas à luz do estudo From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: o significado perpassa o exercício de dilatação vaginal; as dificuldades relacionadas às condições vaginais, doença, tratamento, dor, sexo, constrangimentos, preconceitos, falhas na educação em saúde; as motivações relacionam-se à busca por qualidade de vida, apoio dos companheiros e profissionais. Conclusão: a abordagem de possíveis barreiras emocionais, psicológicas, sociais e físicas deve ser planejada e executada para prevenção da estenose vaginal e melhor acolhimento.

Objective: to describe the meaning of the use of silicone penile prosthesis for vaginal dilation in the follow-up of brachytherapy in women with gynecological cancer. Method: narrative research conducted at the Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brazil, with 34 women after pelvic brachytherapy, under follow-up at the physical therapy service. Data collection through semi-structured interviews, including sociodemographic and clinical data and the significance of the use of penile prosthesis in vaginal dilation, submitted to content analysis and discussed in the light of the study From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Results: the meaning permeates the vaginal dilation exercise; difficulties related to vaginal conditions, disease, treatment, pain, sex, constraints, prejudices, failures in health education; motivations are related to the search for quality of life, support of partners and professionals. Conclusion: the approach of possible emotional, psychological, social and physical barriers should be planned and executed for prevention of vaginal stenosis and better reception.

Objetivo: describir el significado del uso de una prótesis peneana de silicona para la dilatación vaginal posterior a la braquiterapia en mujeres con cáncer ginecológico. Método: investigación narrativa, realizada en el Centro de Pesquisas Oncológicas, Brasil, con 34 mujeres, después de braquiterapia pélvica, en seguimiento en el servicio de fisioterapia. Recopilación de datos a través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, incluyendo datos sociodemográficos y clínicos y el significado del uso de prótesis peneana en la dilatación vaginal, sometidos a análisis de contenido y discutidos a la luz del estudio From 'sex toy' to intrusive imposition. Resultados: el significado impregna el ejercicio de dilatación vaginal; dificultades relacionadas con condiciones vaginales, enfermedad, tratamiento, dolor, sexo, vergüenza, prejuicios, fallas en la educación para la salud; las motivaciones están relacionadas con la búsqueda de calidad de vida, apoyo de la pareja y profesionales. Conclusión: se debe planificar y ejecutar el abordaje de las posibles barreras emocionales, psicológicas, sociales y físicas para prevenir la estenosis vaginal y una mejor recepción.

Three-dimensional Printer Molds for Vaginal Agenesis: An Individualized Approach as Conservative Treatment / Moldes de impressão tridimensionais para agenesia vaginal: Uma abordagem individualizada como tratamento conservador

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of vaginal molds, made with three-dimensional (3D) printing, for conservative treatment through vaginal dilation in patients with vaginal agenesis (VA). Methods A total of 16 patients with a diagnosis of VA (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, total androgen insensitivity syndrome, and cervicovaginal agenesis) from the Federal University of São Paulo were selected. Device production was performed in a 3D printer, and the polymeric filament of the lactic polyacid (PLA) was used as raw material. A personalized treatment was proposed and developed for each patient. Results There were 14 patients who reached a final vaginal length of 6 cm or more. The initial total vaginal length (TVL) mean (SD) was 1.81(1.05) and the final TVL mean (SD) was 6.37 (0.94); the difference, analyzed as 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 4.56 (5.27-3.84) and the effect size (95% CI) was 4.58 (2.88-6.28). Conclusion The 3D printing molds for vaginal dilation were successful in 87.5% of the patients. They did not present any major adverse effects and offered an economical, accessible, and reproducible strategy for the treatment of VA.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o uso de moldes dilatadores vaginais, confeccionados com impressão tridimensional (3D), para tratamento conservador através da dilatação vaginal em pacientes com agenesia vaginal (AV). Métodos Foram selecionadas 16 pacientes com diagnóstico de AV (síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser, síndrome de insensibilidade androgênica total e agenesia cervicovaginal), da Universidade Federal de São Paulo. A produção dos dispositivos foi realizada em uma impressora 3D e, como matéria-prima, foi utilizado o filamento polimérico do poliácido lático (PLA). Um tratamento personalizado foi proposto e desenvolvido para cada paciente. Resultados Quatorze pacientes atingiram um comprimento vaginal final (CVF) de 6 cm ou mais. A média inicial do CVF (DP) foi de 1,81 (1,05) e a média final do CVF (DP) 6,37 (0,94); a diferença (IC 95%) foi de 4,56 (5,27-3,84) e o tamanho do efeito (IC 95%) foi de 4,58 (2,88-6,28). Conclusão Os moldes de impressão 3D para dilatação vaginal obtiveram sucesso em 87,5% das pacientes. Como impacto secundário, não apresentaram efeitos adversos importantes e ofereceram uma estratégia econômica, acessível e reprodutível para o tratamento da AV.

Evisceración intestinal transvaginal incarcerada con perforación intestinal después de una colporrafia con malla. Reporte de un caso / Incarcerated transvaginal bowel evisceration with intestinal perforation after a mesh colporraphy. A case report

Introducción. La evisceración intestinal transvaginal es consecuencia, en la gran mayoría de casos, de dehiscencia del muñón vaginal posterior a histerectomía en pacientes postmenopáusicas. A través de la dehiscencia vaginal se produce la salida del contenido abdominopélvico, que puede presentarse como una evisceración simple, incarceración, obstrucción, estrangulamiento y perforación de un asa intestinal. Caso clínico. Mujer de 78 años, con antecedente inmediato de colpocleisis y colporrafia con malla de polipropileno por prolapso vaginal, que presentó dehiscencia del muñón vaginal debido a rechazo de la malla, que condicionó la solución de continuidad de la pared vaginal, con prolapso, incarceración, obstrucción y perforación de íleon. Con el diagnóstico de evisceración intestinal transvaginal incarcerada con perforación intestinal se llevó a tratamiento quirúrgico, con abordaje inicial por vía vaginal para liberar el asa intestinal, luego por laparotomía se realizó resección y anastomosis de íleon, sacrocolpopexia con malla y plastia de Douglas. Presentó buena evolución postoperatoria.Conclusión. La evisceración intestinal transvaginal con perforación intestinal es una entidad de muy rara presentación. El órgano más frecuentemente comprometido es el intestino delgado, especialmente el íleon. Puede complicarse con incarceración, obstrucción intestinal, isquemia y perforación. El manejo quirúrgico involucra resección intestinal, cuando hay signos de necrosis, con reparación y fijación del muñón vaginal.

Introduction. Transvaginal intestinal evisceration is a consequence, in the vast majority of cases, of dehiscence of the vaginal stump after hysterectomy in postmenopausal patients. Through vaginal dehiscence, the exit of the abdominopelvic content occurs, which can present as a simple evisceration, incarceration, obstruction, strangulation and perforation of an intestinal loop. Clinical case. A 78-year-old woman with an immediate history of colpocleisis and polypropylene mesh colporrhaphy due to vaginal prolapse, presents dehiscence of the vaginal stump caused by rejection of the mesh that conditioned the solution of continuity of the vaginal wall, prolapse, incarceration, obstruction and perforation of the ileum. Surgical treatment was performed with the diagnosis of incarcerated transvaginal intestinal evisceration with intestinal perforation. The initial approach was to free the intestinal loop vaginally, followed by laparotomy, ileal resection and anastomosis, mesh sacrocolpopexy, and Douglas plasty were performed. He presented good postoperative evolution.Conclussion. Transvaginal intestinal evisceration with intestinal perforation is a very rare entity. The most common organ involved is the small intestine, especially the ileum. It can be complicated by incarceration, intestinal obstruction, ischemia, and perforation. Surgical management involves intestinal resection, when there are signs of necrosis, with repair and fixation of the vaginal stump.

Higher symptom score, larger residual rectocele, and lower rectal compliance predict failure of improvement after surgical treatment of rectocele

Background: Rectocele is a frequent finding in women and is usually asymptomatic. However, it is sometimes associated with symptoms of obstructed defecation syndrome (ODS). While most patients with ODS due to rectocele respond well to conservative treatment, some may require surgical treatment. The aim of the study was to determine the predictors of failure of symptom improvement after rectocele repair. Methods: The study included adult women with rectocele who underwent surgical treatment by transperineal repair (TPR) or transvaginal repair (TVR). The preoperative and postoperative assessment was done using the Wexner constipation score, anorectal manometry, and defecography. Results: A total of 93 female patients with a mean age of 43.7 years were included. Among them, 65.6% of patients underwent TPR and 34.4% underwent TVR; 22 (23.7%) patients reported failure of significant improvement in ODS symptoms after surgery. The independent predictors of failure of improvement were higher preoperative Wexner score (odds ratio, OR: 1.4, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.09-1.84, p = 0.009), larger residual rectocele after repair (OR: 2.95, 95% CI: 1.43-6.08, p = 0.003), and lower postoperative maximum tolerable volume (OR: 0.949, 95% CI: 0.907-0.992, p = 0.02). The predictive cutoff point for the preoperative Wexner score was 15. Conclusions: Patients with a preoperative Wexner score higher than 15 and larger residual rectocele after surgery may experience little improvement in symptoms after rectocele repair. Although TPR was associated with a poorer relief of symptoms than did TVR; it was not an independent predictor of failure. (AU)

Vaginal distention rodent model for fecal incontinence: a pilot study on the effect on defecation behavior

Objectives: Vaginal balloon inflation simulates the compressive forces on the pelvic floor during the second phase of natural delivery. The foremost use of this animal model of vaginal distention (VD) is to study the mechanisms underlying urinary incontinence. As damage to the pelvic floor during natural birth is a common cause of fecal incontinence, the present paper aimed to investigate the effect of VD on defecation behavior in adult rats. Methods: Vaginal distention was performed in 8 rats for 2 hours, and in 3 rats for 4 hours, and sham inflation was performed in 4 rats. With the use of a latrine box in the rat home-cage and 24/7 video tracking, the defecation behavior was examined. The time spent in and outside the latrine was monitored for two weeks preoperatively and three weeks postoperatively, and a defecation behavior index (DBI; range: 0 [continent] to 1 [incontinent]) was defined. Pelvic floor tissue was collected postmortem and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Results: Vaginal balloon inflation for 2 hours resulted in fecal incontinence in 29% of the animals (responders) whereas the DBI scores of non-responders (71%) and control animals did not change in the postoperative phase compared with the baseline score. A 4-hour balloon inflation resulted in fecal incontinence in 1 animal and caused a humane endpoint in 2 animals with markedly more tissue damage in the 4-hour responder compared with the 2-hour responders. Conclusions: Vaginal balloon inflation, with an optimum duration between 2 and 4 hours, can be used as a model to study changes in defecation behavior in rats induced by pelvic floor damage. (AU)

Sangrado genital por cuerpo extraño en niñas prepuberales: a propósito de un caso / Genital bleeding caused by foreign body in prepubertal girls: a case report

El sangrado genital en niñas prepúberes es un signo poco frecuente y siempre requiere determinar su causa. Se necesitan una detallada anamnesis y examen físico, con el conocimiento adecuado de la anatomía uroginecológica, y, en muchos casos, estudios de imágenes y exámenes complementarios, para arribar al diagnóstico. Se presenta el caso de una niña de 7 años con sangrado genital, cuyo examen físico y estudios complementarios fueron poco concluyentes, y que requirió un procedimiento invasivo para su resolución. (AU)

Genital bleeding in prepubertal girls is a rare sign and always requires determining its cause. A detailed history and physical examination are needed, with adequate knowledge of urogynecological anatomy, and in many cases, imaging studies and complementary tests, to arrive at the diagnosis. We present the case of a 7-year-old girl with genital bleeding, whose physical examination and complementary studies were inconclusive, requiring an invasive procedure for its resolution. (AU)

Lactobacilluscrispatus dominance in the vaginalmicrobiome reduces the occurrence of spontaneouspreterm birth in women with a short cervical length / Dominância de Lactobacillus crispatus no microbioma vaginal reduz a ocorrênciade parto prematuro espontâneo em mulheres com encurtamento do colo uterino

Introduction: The majority of pregnant women with a short cervix will deliver at term and, thus, may unnecessarily receive advanced monitoring and treatment. It is still necessary to define more accurately which sub-population of women with a short cervix is at elevated risk for early delivery. Objective: To determine if vaginal microbiome composition influenced the rate of spontaneous preterm birth in women with a short cervical length. Methods: In an exploratory, observational prospective study, vaginal secretions were obtained from 591 women at 21­24 week gestation. Vaginal microbiome composition was determined by analyzing the V1­V3 region of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene. Results: Lactobacillus crispatus was numerically dominant in the vagina in 41.7% of subjects, followed by L. iners in 32% and Gardnerella vaginalis in 12%. In women whose cervix was ≤25mm, the sensitivity to predict an spontaneous preterm birth was 11.8%. However, when L. crispatus was not the dominant vaginal bacterium, this sensitivity increased to 81.8%. Similarly, in women with a cervical length ≤30mm, the sensitivity to predict an spontaneous preterm birth increased from 21.7 to 78.3% when L. crispatus was not the dominant vaginal bacterium.In women with a prior spontaneous preterm birth and a cervix ≤25 or ≤30mm, L. crispatus dominance was also associated with a reduced rate of spontaneous preterm birth in the current pregnancy (p<0.001). Conclusion: In pregnant women with a cervix ≤25mm or ≤30mm, the risk for an spontaneous preterm birth is increased if L. crispatus is not dominant in the vagina.

Introdução: A maioria das mulheres grávidas com colo do útero curto dará à luz a termo e, portanto, pode receber desnecessariamente monitoramento e tratamento avançados. Permanece a necessidade de definir com mais precisão qual subpopulação de mulheres com colo do útero curto está em risco elevado de parto prematuro. Objetivo: Determinar se a composição do microbioma vaginal influenciou a taxa de parto prematuro espontâneo em mulheres com colo curto. Métodos: Em um estudo prospectivo exploratório observacional, os conteúdos vaginais foram obtidos de 591 mulheres com 21­24 semanas de gestação. A composição do microbioma vaginal foi determinada pela análise da região V1­V3 do gene de RNA ribossômico bacteriano 16S. Resultados: Lactobacilluscrispatus foi numericamente dominante na vagina em 41,7% dos indivíduos, seguido por L. iners em 32% e Gardnerella vaginalis em 12%. Em mulheres cujo colo do útero era <25 mm, a sensibilidade para prever uma taxa de parto prematuro espontâneo foi de 11,8%. No entanto, quando L. crispatus não era a bactéria vaginal dominante, essa sensibilidade aumentou para 81,8%. Da mesma forma, em mulheres com comprimento cervical <30 mm, a sensibilidade para prever uma taxa de parto prematuro espontâneo aumentou de 21,7 para 78,3% quando L. crispatus não era a bactéria vaginal dominante. Em mulheres com taxa de parto prematuro espontâneo anterior e colo do útero <25 ou <30 mm, a dominância de L. crispatus também foi associada a uma taxa reduzida de taxa de parto prematuro espontâneo na gravidez atual (p<0,001). Conclusão: Em mulheres grávidas com colo do útero <25 ou <30 mm, o risco de parto prematuro espontâneo é aumentado se L. crispatus não for dominante na vagina.

Robotic management of congenital urethra-vaginal fistula with transverse vaginal septum

ABSTRACT Introduction: The transverse vaginal septum (TVS) with congenital urethra-vaginal fistula (CUVF) is a rare anomaly of the mullerian duct (1, 2). Incomplete channelling of the vaginal plate, or an abnormality in the fusion of the vaginal component of mullerian duct with the urogenital sinus results in TVS (1, 3, 4). High CUVF occurs due to the persistent communication between the urogenital sinus and utero-vaginal primordium at the tubercle sinus, whereas low CUVF is due to excessive apoptosis of the vaginal plate during channelling (5). The principles of management of CUVF with TVS include: 1) TVS resection, 2) Create a neovagina. We present a case of CUVF with TVS managed by robotic assistance. Material and methods: A 24-year-old female, married for 3 years, presented with cyclical hematuria since menarche, dyspareunia and primary infertility. Examination revealed blind ending vagina 4cm from the introitus. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a fistulous communication between urethra and vagina, and TVS. Cystourethroscopy confirmed a proximal urethra-vaginal fistula. Urethroscopy guided puncture of the TVS was performed, tract dilated and a catheter was placed across it. Robotic assisted transvaginal approach was planned. Air docking of robot was performed. Traction on the catheter was given to identify the incised edges of the septum. Vaginal flaps were raised laterally, fistulous tract was excised. Proximal vagina mucosa was identified and vaginoplasty was performed. Result: Patient's postoperative recovery was uneventful. Urethral catheter was removed after 5 days. She had normal voiding and menstruation. Vaginoscopy performed at 1st month follow-up, revealed an adequate vaginal lumen. Vaginal moulds were advised for 6 weeks during the night, following which she resumed her sexual activity. She conceived 6 months post-surgery, and delivered a child by caesarean section. Conclusion: We successfully managed this case by resection of septum, neovagina creation and thereby achieving normal menstruation and conception. The advantages of robotic approach were magnification, precision and manoeuvrability in a limited space, avoiding a vaginal release incision.

Menstrual hygiene management in public high schools in Ghana

in the ten (10) regions of Ghana. The findings showed that most girls in Public Senior High Schools in Ghana had prior knowledge about menstruation from their mothers and sisters prior to menarche. It was revealed that majority of the girls mentioned hormones as the cause of menstruation, whilst others mentioned the uterus, bladder, vagina, and other parts of the female reproductive system. A few of them had no idea what causes menstruation. The findings again revealed that most girls use sanitary pads, while some use other materials during menstruation. Less than half of the sample of girls in this study were able to change their pads twice daily or more. About half of the girls cleansed their genital parts only when bathing during menstruation using soup and water mostly. Half of the schools used public tap/standpipe as their main source of water and the rest used other sources of water. Also, most schools have toilet facilities. Some useful recommendations are proffered with the aim of improving MHM in public high schools in Ghana

Dysmenorrhea due to undiagnosed obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome can become a cause of suicide

BACKGROUND@#A Japanese woman in her early twenties had committed suicide, jumped from a 25-meter high bridge into a lake. She had been suffering from severe dysmenorrhea and general fatigue monthly.@*RESULTS@#A forensic autopsy revealed indications of a bicorporeal uterus, obstructed hemi-vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis, which lead to a diagnosis of obstructed hemi-vagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome. On the right side of the uterus, an enclosed cavity composed of black clots was observed. Histological findings suggested that her endometrium was in the early proliferative phase, implying that she was in the menstrual phase just before her death. She may have been suffering from severe lower abdominal pain from the increased pressure of the closed uterus cavity.@*CONCLUSIONS@#This case indicates that dysmenorrhea from undiagnosed OHVIRA syndrome can possibly lead to a suicide attempt. In Japan, because suicide was the leading cause of death for people aged 15 to 39 in 2019, preventive measures for suicide should be promoted. The present case also suggests that intervention for dysmenorrhea may prevent this in adolescent woman.

Obstructed hemivagina with ipsilateral renal anomaly with ureteric remnant in a prepubertal female / Philippine Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology

@#Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA), or Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome, is a rare Müllerian duct anomaly that is characterized by a triad of uterus didelphys, unilateral obstructed vagina, and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Patients with this anomaly usually present after menarche with abdominal pain or a pelvic mass which worsens over some time. Herein, presented is a case of a 12‑year‑old nulligravid with cyclic pelvic pain and palpable pelvic mass after her menarche. A series of diagnostic tests were done which were compatible with the diagnosis of OHVIRA with an associated finding of ectopic ureteral insertion into the obstructed hemivagina and nonfunctional urinary bladder. The patient underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy, cystoscopy, and full resection of the longitudinal vaginal septum as well as drainage of hematocolpos, which are the main treatment of the patient with OHVIRA.