Investigation of Keyes skin biopsy instrument for cervical biopsy procedures versus Kevorkian biopsy forceps.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the utility and efficacy of the Keyes skin biopsy instrument for cervical biopsy procedures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective clinical trial was conducted on 50 women with cervical lesions. Colposcopy-guided cervical biopsies were collected using a Keyes biopsy punch and a Kevorkian biopsy forceps and the two methods were compared with definitive histopathological examination of the specimens obtained by the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), conization or hysterectomy. RESULTS: There were no differences in speed of collection, diagnostic value of specimens, complication rates, or sample quality. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictivity of specimens were all 100% for both methods. CONCLUSIONS: The Keyes biopsy punch was found to be a safe, rapid and accurate diagnostic tool in cervical biopsy procedures. Based on the results of this study, the use of a Keyes punch instrument can be recommended as an alternative to other cervical biopsy methods.

A case of endodermal sinus tumor associated with the first pregnancy and successful management of the second pregnancy: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy complicated by endodermal sinus tumor (EST) of the ovary has rarely been reported. CASE: A huge ovarian EST causing bowel obstruction was found in a 22-year-old patient at 34 weeks of gestation. Abnormally high alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels suggested a malignant germ cell tumor of the ovary. The patient was submitted to cesarean section and fertility sparing surgery, and then received four courses of combination chemotherapy. There was no evidence of recurrence 19 months after initial treatment but transvaginal ultrasound (US) evaluation showed an intrauterine pregnancy of six weeks. We delivered a 3,200 g healthy male baby with Apgar scores of 8 and 9 by elective cesarean section at 39 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Successful outcome of a second pregnancy is possible after treatment with fertility sparing surgery and combination chemotherapy for an endodermal sinus tumor associated with a first pregnancy. Moreover checking of weekly AFP levels and performing monthly abdominal US could be effective for surveillance of these pregnancies. However management of EST during pregnancy should be based on consideration of the patient's presenting condition, preferences, and gestational age.