The evaluation of the efficacy of etofenamate spray in postoperative cesarean pain: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to investigate the effect of etofenamate spray to be applied around the postoperative incision on pain control in cesarean section in this trial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial. 187 patients (93 cases and 94 controls) were recruited for the study. In the trial group, we applied the etofenamate spray (Doline® 50 ml) after closing the cesarean skin incision and go on four times a day on the skin incision for 24 h. In the control group, we applied a placebo. All patients received paracetamol IV (Paracerol®) as standard analgesic doses. If analgesia was insufficient, tramadol (Contramal®) 50 mg IV doses were added and recorded. A visually analog pain scale (VAS) was performed on both groups at 6-12-18-24th hours. Independent t-tests were performed for data showing normal distributions. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the mean of differences VAS scores between the two groups at 6-12, and 6-18 h. However, a significant difference was obtained in the mean of differences VAS score at the 6-24th hour (p < 0.05). When the groups were compared in terms of additional paracetamol need, a significant difference was found again (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of tramadol need. CONCLUSION: Postoperative administration of etofenamate spray provided an analgesic effect at 24 h and additional analgesic usage decreased. Postoperative analgesia can also be used by administering NSAIDs around the cesarean section incision. In this way, the side effects of other systemic analgesics are avoided. CLINICAL TRIAL ID: PACTR201811864509898. CLINICAL TRIAL WEB LINK: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=5745.

Comparison of 2-year follow-up outcomes of laparoscopic lateral suspension and sacrospinous fixation in apical compartment prolapse: an observational study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the results of patients with laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) and sacrospinous fixation (SSF). METHODS: This prospective observational study included 52 patients who underwent LLS and 53 patients who underwent SSF due to pelvic organ prolapse. The pelvic organ prolapse's anatomical cure and the frequency of recurrence have been recorded. Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score, and complications were evaluated preoperatively and at the postoperative 24th month. RESULTS: In the LLS group, the subjective treatment rate was 88.4% and the anatomical cure rate for apical prolapse was 96.1%. In the SSF group, the subjective treatment rate was 83.0% and the anatomical cure rate for apical prolapse was 90.5%. There was a significant difference between the groups regarding Clavien-Dindo classification and reoperation (p < 0.05). Female Sexual Function Index, and the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score were different between the groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that there is no difference between two surgical techniques in apical prolapse cure rates. However, the LLS seem preferable in terms of the Female Sexual Function Index, Pelvic Organ Prolapse Symptom Score, reoperation, and complications. We need larger sample size studies in terms of incidence of complications and reoperation.

The relationship between anogenital distance and female sexual life.

BACKGROUND: Anogenital distance (AGD) is affected by intrauterine biochemical exposure. AGD appears to be associated with intrauterine testosterone level. It was aimed to explain the relationship between AGD and women's sexual quality of life. METHODS: A total of 600 participants were included in the study, 200 of whom did not give birth, 200 who had a normal vaginal delivery, and 200 who had a cesarean section. Hormone levels on the third day of their period, age, and BMI were recorded. AGD measurements were made and compared with the Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) and The Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) scores. RESULTS: AGD and serum testosterone level appear to be unrelated. SQOL-F scores were statistically significantly correlated with AGD-AC and AGD-AF in all women (r=0.66 and r=0.84, respectively); FSFI scores were statistically significantly correlated with AGD-AC and AGD-AF in all women (r=0.66 and r=0.85, respectively) regardless of birth status. CONCLUSIONS: Female sexual life is associated with AGD determined in the womb. However, further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Investigating the relationship between the cervical mucoprotein levels and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer has been ranked as the fourth most common cancer in women. The role of HPV, the DNA virus identified in the 1980s, in almost all cervical cancers is undisputed. In patients scanned with smear and HPV, a cervical biopsy is performed accompanied by colposcopic examination, and the lesion is defined. The concentration of mucoproteins varies in the structure of the cervical mucus with neoplasms. The major aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the levels of cervical mucoprotein in patients at the early stages of cervical cancer and evaluate if these levels can be used in the early diagnosis of this cancer type. METHODS: The study was designed as a prospective cohort study. Samples from cervical mucus were taken and stored before colposcopy examination of human papillomavirus (HPV) positive patients (N.=100). According to the pathology results, while 36 cases constituted the precancerous group, no suspicion of cancer was found in 64 cases. To ensure standardization, colposcopy was performed immediately after the menstrual cycle and at least 0.5 mL of the cervical mucus sample was taken from all individual patients used in this study. Cervical mucus samples of the patients were analyzed for mucoproteins MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B. RESULTS: All mucoprotein levels were found to be higher in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) than those of subjects with normal pathology for cervical neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Significant relationship was obtained between cervical intraepithelial neoplasms and the levels of mucoproteins in cervical mucus. The results showed that diagnosis of neoplasia with HPV may be easily performed by utilizing any mucoprotein test.

A modified mid-urethral sling technique for stress urinary incontinence: Three-year results of a prospective randomized trial in comparison with original transobturator tape procedure.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is the most common subtype of urinary incontinence, which causes many social, psychological, and economic problems. Mid-urethral sling (MUS) surgery is popular worldwide for the treatment of SUI. We aimed to define a new modified mid-urethral sling technique (mMUS) in SUI treatment and to compare it with transobturator tape (TOT) surgery in terms of safety and efficiency. METHODS: A prospective, randomized study was planned with 126 women suffering from SUI. The patients were randomly divided into two groups, TOT and mMUS. In mMUS, the obturator membrane was not perforated. The objective and subjective symptoms, pain, quality-of-life measures, and side effect profiles were assessed in a 3-year follow-up. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain assessment. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) and Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) were used for cure assessment scales. RESULTS: In total, 96 patients completed 3-year follow-up (TOT, n = 49 and mMUS, n = 47). There was no statistical difference between the procedures in terms of cure rates (87.75% and 87.23%, respectively; p = 0.614). Mean VAS scores at 8 and 24 h postoperatively were significantly higher in the TOT group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in VAS scores after 24 h. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of pad test results, ICIQ, or PGI scores at baseline and 36 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the mMUS procedure was as safe and effective as TOT, with less postoperative groin pain and complications.

Evaluation of the Pelvic Floor of Women with Breast Cancer Using Tamoxifen by Transperineal 3D Ultrasonography.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the anatomical changes in the pelvic floor of women with breast cancer using tamoxifen by transperineal 3D ultrasonography and their effect on the urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Methods: Ninety-four patients with breast cancer using TAM in the study group and ninety-five healthy women of the same age in the control group were included in this prospective cohort study. Female Sexual Function Index and Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form scales were applied to both groups. Ultrasonographic evaluation was performed at resting and Valsalva Maneuver with a convex (3-8 MHz) probe transperineally and the levator urethra gap and levator hiatus diameter were measured after 3-dimensional imaging. Independent t-tests were performed for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age and body mass index of the experimental group versus control groups were 46.3 ± 6.12 years versus 46.4 ± 5.23 years and 27.6 ± 4.34 kg/m2 versus 29.2 ± 6.45 kg/m2, respectively. LUG and LH values were found significantly higher for the experimental groups compared to control groups at 17.23 ± 2.53 mm versus 14.1 ± 2.23 mm and 21 ± 2.45 cm2 versus 18 ± 4.56 cm2, respectively. (p < 0.05). The FSFI score significantly decreased (12.49 ± 3.58 versus 20.89 ± 3.69) and the ICIQ-SF score increased (4.02 ± 0.34 versus 2.34 ± 0.45) in the experimental group in comparison to control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the effects of TAM usage on pelvic floor can be detected by measuring the changes in the levator ani muscle using the transperineal 3D USG. With transperineal USG screening, pelvic floor changes can be early diagnosed and clinical measures can be taken before they become symptomatic.

Psychosocial outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant women.

The aim of this study was to compare the levels of anxiety and social support evaluated in pregnancy before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study was designed prospectively and observationally. Participants were asked to fill in two different questionnaire forms for the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support and The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Independent t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analysis. The mean age of 386 pregnant was 29.1 ± 4.91 years, and the gestational week was 29.12 ± 4.54. The values of the total social support scale were determined 61.52 ± 5.53-51.15 ± 5.86 before and during the pandemic, while the total state anxiety scale was found 39.81 ± 9.04 and 63.38 ± 10.55, respectively. The total trait anxiety scale was found at 38.23 ± 7.39 and 53.22 ± 8.74 in the same respect. A significant difference was obtained in the data between before and during the pandemic (p < .05). The study showed that pregnant are deprived of social support and their anxiety levels increase during the COVID-19 pandemic.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? During the COVID-19 pandemic, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in pregnant women have been reported as 25.6 and 30.5%, respectively. Social support is an important determinant of physical and psychological well-being, especially during pregnancy when individuals take on new responsibilities and roles.What do the results of this study add? The study showed that pregnant women were deprived of social support and their anxiety levels increased during this pandemic. The results highlight that there is a high need to mitigate mental health risks and adjust interventions under pandemic conditions.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? It is necessary to provide social support from family, friends, and close circles. States and health professionals need to put forward serious programs and studies to reduce the stress and anxiety experienced by the society and especially pregnant women and to provide accurate information about COVID-19.

Direct hysteroscopic endometrial sampling and pipelle sampling in perimenopausal women.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal uterine bleeding is a common cause of hospital admission in perimenopausal women. It can be the first sign of many diseases such as endometrial cancer and endometrial hyperplasia. Endometrial sampling is valuable in early diagnosis and treatment. Although hysterectomy is the gold standard in the diagnosis of endometrial pathology, it is not considered an acceptable method for diagnosis. With the principle of "see and treat, hysteroscopy seems to be the most successful method. METHODS: After obtaining the necessary ethics committee approval, we obtained liquid-based cytology samples of our perimenopausal patients who frequently applied to our outpatient clinic with abnormal uterine bleeding. To conduct endometrial sampling of our patients, we used pipelle aspiration method in our 75-disease group and direct hysteroscopic sampling method in our other 75 disease group. We then compared the pre- and postoperative pathology results. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative pathological results in both pipelle and hysteroscopic sampling groups. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of endometrial pathologies by hysteroscopic method and pipelle method has high sensitivity and specificity. Gynecologists may determine the method preference according to the status of the health system together with their patients.

The effect of male and female factor infertility on women's anxiety, depression, self-esteem, quality of life and sexual function parameters: a prospective, cross-sectional study from Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Despite the development of diagnosis and treatment methods, the psychological effects of infertility on women were not adequately addressed. This study investigated the effect of male and female factor infertility on women's anxiety, depression, self-esteem, quality of life, and sexual function parameters. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 480 women [n = 234, with male factor infertility (MFI) (MFI group) and n = 246, with female factor infertility (FFI) (FFI group)], who could not conceive despite unprotected intercourse for 1 year, and 242 fertile healthy women (control group) who had children within the last 1 year were included. Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES), Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQol) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires were used for patients' evaluation. RESULTS: RSES, BAI and BDI-II scores were significantly higher and FSFI score was significantly lower in the FFI group compared to other groups. RSES, BAI and BDI-II scores were also significantly higher and FSFI score was significantly lower in the MFI group compared to the control group. FertiQol total score was significantly lower in the FFI group compared to the MFI group. RSES score was positively correlated with BDI-II and BAI scores; however, it was negatively correlated with FertiQol and FSFI scores. CONCLUSIONS: The negative psychological effects of infertility are ignored by many centres, especially in the treatment process of infertility. Regardless of the infertility factor (male or female), we believe that psychological support should be given to all women to improve their life quality.

Sperm concentration and semen volume increase after smoking cessation in infertile men.

Smoking has negative reproductive consequences. This study investigated the effect of smoking cessation on the main semen parameters. We included 90 participants who applied to our infertility clinic and smoked at least 20 cigarettes a day for at least 1 year. Of the 90 participants, 48 were in the study group and 42 were in the control group. Semen analysis was performed before and at least 3 months after quitting smoking in the study group. Semen analysis was repeated at baseline and at least 3 months later in the control group. Semen parameters such as volume, sperm concentration, total sperm count, morphology, and motility were evaluated according to the World Health Organization criteria. Patient characteristics as well as the duration of the smoking period, the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the time elapsed since smoking cessation were recorded. The mean age of the participants was 34.69 ± 5.3 years, and the duration of infertility was 34.12 ± 12.1 months (n = 90). The number of cigarettes smoked per day was 30.14 ± 6.69, and the smoking time was 8.31 ± 3.53 years. The average time to quit smoking was 104.2 ± 11.51 days (n = 48). A significant increase in semen volume, sperm concentration and total sperm count was observed 3 months after smoking cessation (2.48 ± 0.79 ml vs. 2.90 ± 0.77 ml, p = 0.002; 18.45 × 106/ml ± 8.56 vs. 22.64 × 106/ml ± 11.69, p = 0.001; 45.04 ± 24.38 × 106 vs. 65.1 ± 34.9 × 106, p < 0.001, respectively). This study showed that smoking cessation had a positive effect on sperm concentration, semen volume, and total sperm count. Although smoking cessation contributed positively to sperm motility and morphology, the difference was not statistically significant.

Emergency peripartum hysterectomy - our 6 years of experience.

OBJECTIVE: Peripartum hysterectomy is a life-saving procedure performed during and after vaginal delivery or cesarean section. The incidence of placental invasion anomaly is increasing in parallel with the increase in the number of births by cesarean section. It was aimed to evaluate the frequency, risk factors and outcomes of peripartum hysterectomy performed in a tertiary hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research data were obtained by a retrospective review of patient files. Patients who underwent peripartum hysterectomy because of postpartum hemorrhage in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic of Trabzon Kanuni Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Turkey, were included in the present study. The patients were divided into two groups as those who underwent emergency peripartum hysterectomy (EPH) and those who did not. Demographic variables, fetal and maternal mortality, EPH indications, additional surgeries performed during EPH, and intra- or postoperative complications were collected. Pearson chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: There were 22,464 deliveries, of which 13,514 were delivered vaginally and 8,950 by cesarean section. Peripartum hysterectomy was performed on 42 patients (vaginal 16, cesarean section 26). The most common EPH indications in both groups were placenta accreta spectrum (42.9/ 3.2%), followed by uterine atony (38.1/ 2.5%). The most common risk factor for EPH was found to be a history of previous cesarean sections. CONCLUSION: Placental invasion anomalies that cause severe postpartum hemorrhage are due to increased cesarean rates. Currently, the most common indication of EPH is placental invasion anomalies.

A prospective cohort study of the relationship of female genital mutilation with birth outcomes in Somalia.

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is defined as the partial or complete removal of the external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. There are some complications related to childbirth that concern both the mother and the baby. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the birth outcomes of FGM, which is widely applied in Somalia. METHODS: The study included 268 women who gave birth at 37-42 weeks of gestation with a cephalic singleton, 134 with FGM and 134 without FGM. This study was designed a prospective cohort study and conducted between January 2019 and December 2020. Patients' ages, duration of delivery, FGM types, caesarean section requirements, before and after birth hemoglobin levels, birth weeks, baby birth weights and perineal tear data were recorded. In addition, we analyzed neonatal intensive care needs and APGAR scores for infants. RESULTS: In patients with FGM, it was determined that the outlet obstruction increased 2.33 times, perineal tears increased 2.48 times, the need for caesarean section increased 2.11 times compared to the control group, and the APGAR score below 7 at the 5th minute in the children increased 2 times and the need for neonatal intensive care increased 1.87 times. CONCLUSIONS: FGM causes increased risk of perineal tear, prolongation in the second stage of labour, increased need for emergency caesarean section, and increased need for NICU for infants. Prevention of FGM will help reduce both obstetric and neonatal complications.

The Efficiency of Temporary Uterine Artery Ligation on Prevention of the Bleeding in Cesarean Section.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the effect of temporary ligation of the uterine artery on postpartum bleeding during uncomplicated cesarean section. DESIGN: This was a prospective, randomized, and controlled study. We recruited a total of 200 patients, including 100 cases and 100 controls. METHODS: The bilateral uterine artery was temporarily clamped 2 cm below the uterine incision in the study group and compared with controls. Patient demographics, the amount of intraoperative bleeding, the duration of the operation, the closure time of the uterine incision, the need for additional uterotonics, the need for additional sutures, and the hemoglobin values before and after birth were assessed. RESULTS: The mean value of the amount of bleeding in the clamped and control groups was 267.3 ± 131.8 mL and 390.2 ± 116.4 mL, respectively. The amount of bleeding was significantly decreased for clamped group (p < 0.001). A significant reduction occurred in the results of pre- and postoperative values of hemoglobin and hematocrit difference, operation duration, and the closing time of the uterine incision in the experimental group which has temporary uterine artery clamping. LIMITATIONS: The cases of recurrent cesareans were not included in this study. CONCLUSION: Temporary uterine artery ligation can be used to reduce the amount of bleeding during uncomplicated cesarean delivery and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

A rare cause of clitoromegaly: Epidermoid cyst.

Clitoromegaly due to non-hormonal causes is rare. In this case, we aimed to present an epidermal cyst that caused clitoromegaly after traditional female circumcision. A 22-year-old African female was referred to our clinic with enlarged clitoris. There is a mobile, soft, nonfluctuant mass with a size of 6 cm originating from the clitoral region at physical examination. Under spinal anesthesia the clitoral mass was excised totally and labioplasty was performed. Histopathologic examination was reported as epidermal cyst. Epidermal cyst should be considered after hormonal reasons are excluded in patients with clitoromegaly who have a history of trauma.

Comparison of the effect of isotretionin and alitretionin on endometriotic implants and serum vascular endothelial growth factor level: an experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of alitretionin and isotretionin on endometrial peritoneal implants and serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels. STUDY DESIGN: Forty-eight female Sprague Dawley rats were used. Initially surgical rat endometriosis model was done. The endometrial implant volume was measured and rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group 1: Control group (rats did not get any drug but having endometriotic implants), group 2: rats receiving po isotretionin 10 mg/kg per day for 10 d, group 3: rats receiving po isotretionin 20 mg/kg per day for 10 d and group 4: rats receiving po alitretionin 80 mg/kg per day for 10 d. After 1-week medication, rats were sacrificed and size, histopathology of endometriotic implant and levels of VEGF were evaluated. RESULTS: Volumes of peritoneal endometrial implants were significantly decreased in Group 2 and Group 3 compared with initial values. However, there were no significant changes in histopathological scores and serum VEGF levels in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study finding may suggest the possible medical treatment modality of isotretionin on endometriosis. However, alitretionin (potent retinoid) does not have potent regressive effect on endometriotic implants as in isotretionin.

Multicenter analysis of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the incidence, diagnosis and management of GTN among 28 centers in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was designed to include GTN patients attending 28 centers in the 10-year period between January 2003 and May 2013. Demographical characteristics of the patients, histopathological diagnosis, the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) anatomical and prognostic scores, use of single-agent and multi-agent chemotherapy, surgical interventions and prognosis were evaluated. RESULTS: From 2003-2013, there were 1,173,235 deliveries and 456 GTN cases at the 28 centers. The incidence was calculated to be 0.38 per 1,000 deliveries. According to the evaluated data of 364 patients, the median age at diagnosis was 31 years (range, 15-59 years). A histopathological diagnosis was present for 45.1% of the patients, and invasive mole, choriocarcinoma and PSTTs were diagnosed in 22.3% (n=81), 18.1% (n=66) and 4.7% (n=17) of the patients, respectively. Regarding final prognosis, 352 (96.7%) of the patients had remission, and 7 (1.9%) had persistence, whereas the disease was mortal for 5 (1.4%) of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the differences between countries, it is important to provide national registration systems and special clinics for the accurate diagnosis and treatment of GTN.