Salvage para-aortic lymphadenectomy in recurrent cervical cancer after visualization with 3-dimensional computed tomography angiography

We report a case of salvage lymphadenectomy for an isolated metastatic lesion in the para-aortic lymph node (LN) in a 49-year old woman with a history of cervical cancer, initially treated with radical hysterectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Preoperative 3-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) angiography clearly revealed a huge retro-crural metastatic LN with distinct demarcation. A metastatic lesion, more than 10 cm in size, was located behind the vena cava, aorta, and left kidney, encompassing the left renal and lumbar arteries. The metastatic LN was excised along with the left kidney. On histologic examination, the tumor was found to have invaded the pelvis of the left kidney. Compared with conventional imaging techniques, 3D CT angiography can more clearly visualize such lesions. Thus, 3D CT angiography provides useful anatomical information, such as the exact size and location, and provides clear visualization and demarcation.

Practice guidelines for management of uterine corpus cancer in Korea: a Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology Consensus Statement / 부인종양

Clinical practice guidelines for gynecologic cancers have been developed by many organizations. Although these guidelines have much in common in terms of the practice of standard of care for uterine corpus cancer, practice guidelines that reflect the characteristics of patients and healthcare and insurance systems are needed for each country. The Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology (KSGO) published the first edition of practice guidelines for gynecologic cancer treatment in late 2006; the second edition was released in July 2010 as an evidence-based recommendation. The Guidelines Revision Committee was established in 2015 and decided to produce the third edition of the guidelines as an advanced form based on evidence-based medicine, considering up-to-date clinical trials and abundant qualified Korean data. These guidelines cover screening, surgery, adjuvant treatment, and advanced and recurrent disease with respect to endometrial carcinoma and uterine sarcoma. The committee members and many gynecologic oncologists derived key questions from the discussion, and a number of relevant scientific literatures were reviewed in advance. Recommendations for each specific question were developed by the consensus conference, and they are summarized here, together with other details. The objective of these practice guidelines is to establish standard policies on issues in clinical areas related to the management of uterine corpus cancer based on the findings in published papers to date and the consensus of experts as a KSGO Consensus Statement.

Laparoscopic repair of a rectal fistula due to a benign ovarian dermoid cyst

Ovarian dermoid cysts are one of the most common benign neoplasms in women. Rectal fistula formation due to an ovarian dermoid cyst, particularly a benign dermoid cyst, is extremely rare. A 17-year-old girl with symptoms of lower abdominal pain, passage of sebaceous materials in the stool, and hematochezia was found to have an 11-cm dermoid cyst complicated with a rectal fistula formation. Laparoscopic repair of the rectal fistula was performed successfully with bilateral ovarian cystectomies. This case presents the rare formation of a fistula between a benign dermoid cyst and the rectum and its treatment using laparoscopic repair without laparotomy.

Hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy with cisplatin for ovarian cancer with pleural metastasis

Intrathoracic metastasis of ovarian cancer has poor prognosis regardless of treatment modality. Recent development of surgical techniques and the new concept of direct infusion of chemotherapeutic agents with hyperthermia could help with the treatment of disseminated diseases in ovarian cancer. Using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery and intracavitary chemotherapy with hyperthermia, we tried hyperthermic intrathoracic chemotherapy for a case of stage IV high-grade serous ovarian cancer with pleural metastasis. There was no high-grade complication related to the procedure. The patient is alive without disease at 32 months after initial treatment.

Adult granulosa cell tumor presenting with massive ascites, elevated CA-125 level, and low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography

Adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCTs) presenting with massive ascites and elevated serum CA-125 levels have rarely been described in the literature. An ovarian mass, massive ascites, and elevated serum CA-125 levels in postmenopausal women generally suggest a malignant ovarian tumor, particularly advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. AGCT has low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography due to its low metabolic activity. In the present report, we describe a case of an AGCT with massive ascites, elevated serum CA-125 level, and low 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission tomography/computed tomography.

YS knot: A new technique for a tension-controlled slip knot using a trocar

The Yoon Soon (YS) knot is a laparoscopic extracorporeal slip knot that is easy to learn and apply. Our new technique, which uses the trocar as a knot pusher, is simpler, faster, and has more tension than conventional knot methods. The YS knot will help surgeons save operative time and perform tension-controlled knot-tying during laparoscopic surgery.

Laparoscopic repair of indirect inguinal hernia containing endometriosis, ovary, and fallopian tube in adult woman without genital anomalies

Indirect inguinal hernia containing an ovary is a rare condition, especially in adult women who do not have any other genital tract anomalies. In addition, inguinal hernia containing an ovary and endometriosis is exceedingly rare. In the present report, we describe a case of indirect inguinal hernia containing an ovary, fallopian tube, and endometriosis. Laparoscopic repair was performed successfully using polypropylene mesh for the treatment of the inguinal hernia.

Comparison of estrogen receptor-alpha, progesterone receptor and calponin expression in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist-sensitive and -resistant uterine fibroids

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to compare immunohistochemical expression of estrogen receptor (ER)-alpha, progesterone receptor (PR), and calponin in gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a)-sensitive and -resistant uterine fibroids. METHODS: We collected data retrospectively. The sensitive group consisted of women who had reduction in uterine volume greater than 40% following GnRH-a treatment. Uterine volume was either reduced by less than 10%, or was increased in the resistant group. A tissue microarray was constructed using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, 31 and 26 patients for the sensitive and resistant groups, respectively. Tissue sections were immunostained with antibodies against ER-alpha, PR, and calponin. The intensity and area of the immunohistochemical reactions were evaluated using a semi-quantitative scoring system. The Mann-Whitney U-test, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman's rank correlation test were used for analysis of data. RESULTS: PR (P = 0.04) and calponin (P = 0.03) showed a significantly higher staining intensity in the resistant group than in the sensitive group. Both groups showed comparable expression of ER-alpha (P = 0.23). In correlation analysis between changes in uterine volume after GnRH-a therapy and clinicopathological factors, the immunohistochemical intensity of PR (P = 0.04) and calponin (P = 0.03) was significantly correlated with changes in uterine volume. CONCLUSION: This study shows that GnRH-a resistance of uterine fibroids is not related to ER-alpha content, but the expression of PR and calponin is related with GnRH-a resistance.

Laparoscopic management of endometrial cancer according to body mass index; a Korean Outcome Research & Analysis in Gynecologic Cancers (KORAGCs) Study / 대한산부인과내시경학회지

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic surgery in women with endometrial cancer according to body mass index (BMI). METHODS: From June 2009 to October 2010, prospective observational study without randomization of 159 patients treated by laparoscopic surgery from 10 hospitals nationwide. RESULTS: Patients were divided according to the WHO guidelines for Asia-Pacific populations and the distributions of BMI were as follows: 3 patients (1.9%) in underweight (BMI or = 30.0 kg/m2). Age, history of previous surgery, surgery extend, and history of previous surgery were not different between non-obese patients (BMI or = 25.0 kg/m2). Co-morbidities were more common in obese patients but marginally significant (23.5% vs. 37.7%, p=0.072). Four patients (2.5%) were converted to abdominal surgery because of severe adhesion. Regarding to surgical outcomes, operation time was significantly longer in obese patients (199 min vs. 235 min, p=0.013) but blood loss, lymph node yield, hospital stay, Foley removal, transfusion rate and peri-operative complication were not statistically significant. Regarding to pathologic results, there were no difference in terms of lymphovasucular space invasion, tumor grade, histologic type, lymph node metastasis and FIGO stage. CONCLUSION: Clinicopathologic characteristics and surgical outcomes does not seem to be significantly influenced by BMI except operation time. So the laparoscopic approach can be the alternative method for obese patients.

Clinicopathologic characteristics of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary: a multicenter retrospective study / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognostic factors of ovarian granulosa cell tumors. METHODS: Medical records of 113 patients presenting between January 1995 and December 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: One-hundred two patients had adult type disease, with a mean age of 46.2 years (range, 18 to 83 years) and a mean follow-up period of 54.7 months (range, 1 to 155 months). The distribution of FIGO stages was 86 patients at stage I, 11 at stage II, and 5 at stage III. During follow-up, ten patients recurred at a mean time of 48 months (range, 4 to 109 months). Among them, three patients died after a mean of 57 months (range, 25 to 103 months). In recurrence analysis, advanced stage (p=0.032) and presence of residual disease (p=0.012) were statistically significant, and age<40 years, premenopause and positive washing cytology were marginally significant (p<0.1). In multivariate analysis, stage was the only factor associated with recurrence; adjuvant chemotherapy and fertility-sparing surgery were not statistically significant. Among 36 patients with fertility-sparing operations, eight patients had nine pregnancies and delivered seven babies. Eleven patients had juvenile type tumors; the mean age was 20.0 years (range, 8 to 45 years) and the mean follow-up period was 69.8 months (range, 20 to 156 months). The distribution of FIGO stage was nine patients at stage I and two at stage III. There were no recurrences or deaths reported. Four patients had seven pregnancies and delivered six babies. CONCLUSION: Stage is the only factor associated with disease-free survival, and fertility-sparing surgery may be a treatment option for women with early-stage disease who want to retain fertility.

Survival benefit of laparoscopic surgical staging-guided radiation therapy in locally advanced cervical cancer / 부인종양

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the survival benefit of laparoscopic surgical staging (LSS)-guided tailored radiation therapy (RT) in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 89 LACC patients' medical records who primarily received non-surgical treatment, of which pretreatment LSS was performed in 20 (LSS group) and primary chemoradiation therapy (CCRT) without LSS (CCRT group) was carried out in 69 from January 2000 to January 2006. We analyzed clinical characteristics, pretreatment imaging study results and survival outcomes including disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) to compare them between the two groups. RESULTS: There were as many as eight cases (40%) of LSS related complications. The mean time interval between LSS and RT or CCRT was 26.6 days (+/-18.8 days). Six out of twenty (30%) in LSS group and 10 out of 69 (14.5%) in CCRT group received extended field RT when paraaortic lymph nodes (LNs) were positive based on the pathologic findings after LSS and the results of imaging studies, respectively. Three-year DFS and OS were both better in 33 imaging-negative CCRT group patients than those in 4 imaging-negative/pathology-positive (false negative) patients after LSS (3-year DFS, 50% vs. 87%, p=0.022; 3-year OS, 50% vs. 84%, p=0.033). The 5-year DFS rates were 52% and 55% in LSS group and in CCRT group, respectively (p=0.28). The 5-year OS rates were 68% in LSS group and 62% in CCRT group without significant difference between the two groups (p=0.79). CONCLUSION: We found that LSS-based RT tailoring did not show survival benefit in LACC despite inaccuracy of imaging-based RT tailoring. Further studies are required to find new method to overcome this inaccuracy and improve survival outcomes.

Pregnancy outcomes of IgA nephropathy / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: We performed this study to evaluate maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancies with IgA nephropathy. METHODS: We reviewed 20 pregnancies occurred in 14 women who were diagnosed as IgA nephropathy with the method of renal biopsy between 1997 and 2006. We used clinical and laboratory data from medical records and statistic analysis using SPSS 15.0. RESULTS: Of 20 prenancies, there were 17 live births and 3 spontaneous abortions. There was no stillbirth and congenital anomaly. We found severe preeclampsia in 47%, low birth weight in 53% and preterm birth (comprising medical indications) in 59%. But most were late preterm birth and all were alive. Blood pressure was elevated after delivery compared with pre-pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Although pregnancy is not contraindicated in IgA nephropathy, it is associated with significant complications comprising preeclampsia, preterm birth and low birth weight.

A case of massive serous ascites following radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy for cervical adenocarcinoma stage IB2 / 부인종양

Ascites following radical hysterectomy with retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for invasive cervical cancer has been reported previously. Most of these reports described chylous ascites. The chylous ascitic fluid is milky; further, chylous ascites leads to nutritional problems. Authors present the case of a patient who developed serous ascites following radical hysterectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The amount of ascites was approximately 18,000 ml over 52 days. The patient had no nutritional problems or complications. Although the etiology could not be determined, Authors surmise that the ascites may have been due to massive drainage from injured lymphatic channels below the cisterna chyli. Authors could not found any literatures which described massive serous ascites following surgery in gynecologic malignancy and reports this case with review of literatures.

A Clinicopathological Study in patients with Granulosa Stromal Cell Tumor of the Ovary / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to know the pathological and clinical characteristics of granulosa stromal cell tumor of the ovary. METHODS: From January 1996 to December 2005, patients with granulosa cell tumor of ovary and ones with thecoma, which are included in granulosa stromal cell tumor of the ovary, treated in the Obstetrics and Gynecology, College of Medicine, the Kyungpook National University Hospital of Korea were identified and reviewed retrospectively for patient profiles, mode of therapy, length of survival and so on. RESULTS: There were 14 granulosa cell tumors, and 55 thecomas. The mean age of patients with granulosa cell tumor was 46.8 years old, and 7 women (50.0%) were menopausal. Bilaterality was absent, and mean size of tumor was 11.1 cm. The chief complaints of patients were 3 cases (21.4%) of abdominal discomfort or pain, 3 cases (21.4%) of vaginal bleeding and 4 cases (28.6%) of no symptom. Of 14 cases, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 5 cases (35.7%). Chemotherapy was performed in 5 cases (35.7%), and regimen was combination of BEP (bleomycin+etoposide+cisplatin). According to FIGO staging, 10 cases (71.4%) were stage I. Second look operation was done in one case (7.1%). Among 14 patients of follow-up, one patient (7.1%) was expired. Surgical staging was associated with survival rate of patients. The mean age of patients with thecoma was 49.6 years old, and 28 women (50.9%) were menopausal. Bilaterality was 3 cases (5.4%), and mean size of tumor was 8.5cm. The chief complaints of patients were 14 cases (25.4%) of abdominal discomfort or pain, and 19 cases (34.5%) of no symptom. Of 55 cases, total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed in 21 cases (38.2%). Among 55 patients of follow-up, all patients survived. CONCLUSION: Thecomas are regarded as benign tumors but granulosa cell tumors are characterized by a long natural history with a significant capacity to recur years after apparent clinical cure. The patients with granulosa cell tumor should be followed up indefinitely.

A Case of Leiomyomatosis Peritonealis Disseminata / 대한산부인과학회지

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare condition characterized by multiple subperitoneal nodules of benign smooth muscle. Wilson and Peale were the first to describe the multiple peritoneal leiomyomas, while Taubert et al. clearly delineated the features of the lesion and named it LPD. Approximately 100 cases of this disease have been reported in the world literature. High levels of exogenous and endogenous female gonadal steroids is associated with LPD, it suggests that estrogen and progesterone play important role in the pathogenesis of LPD. We report a case of leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata with review of literature.