Development of a machine learning-based model for predicting positive margins in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) treatment by Cold Knife Conization(CKC): a single-center retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to analyze factors associated with positive surgical margins following cold knife conization (CKC) in patients with cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and to develop a machine-learning-based risk prediction model. METHOD: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 3,343 patients who underwent CKC for HSIL at our institution. Logistic regression was employed to examine the relationship between demographic and pathological characteristics and the occurrence of positive surgical margins. Various machine learning methods were then applied to construct and evaluate the performance of the risk prediction model. RESULTS: The overall rate of positive surgical margins was 12.9%. Independent risk factors identified included glandular involvement (OR = 1.716, 95% CI: 1.345-2.189), transformation zone III (OR = 2.838, 95% CI: 2.258-3.568), HPV16/18 infection (OR = 2.863, 95% CI: 2.247-3.648), multiple HR-HPV infections (OR = 1.930, 95% CI: 1.537-2.425), TCT ≥ ASC-H (OR = 3.251, 95% CI: 2.584-4.091), and lesions covering ≥ 3 quadrants (OR = 3.264, 95% CI: 2.593-4.110). Logistic regression demonstrated the best prediction performance, with an accuracy of 74.7%, sensitivity of 76.7%, specificity of 74.4%, and AUC of 0.826. CONCLUSION: Independent risk factors for positive margins after CKC include HPV16/18 infection, multiple HR-HPV infections, glandular involvement, extensive lesion coverage, high TCT grades, and involvement of transformation zone III. The logistic regression model provides a robust and clinically valuable tool for predicting the risk of positive margins, guiding clinical decisions and patient management post-CKC.

Clinical analysis of 314 patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion who underwent total hysterectomy directly: a multi-center, retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the risk factors of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion(HSIL) complicated with occult cervical cancer and standardize the management of initial treatment for HSIL. METHOD: The clinical data of patients who underwent total hysterectomy directly due to HSIL in the obstetrics and gynecology department of two tertiary hospitals and three secondary hospitals from 2018 to 2023 were collected. Their general characteristics, pathological parameters and survival status were analyzed. Logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlation between clinical parameters and postoperative pathological upgrading. RESULT: 1. Among the 314 patients with HSIL who underwent total hysterectomy directly, 73.2% were from primary hospitals. 2. 25 patients (7.9%) were pathologically upgraded to cervical cancer, all of which were early invasive cancer. 3. Up to now, there was no recurrence or death in the 25 patients with early-stage invasive cancer, and the median follow-up period was 21 months(range 2-59 months). 4. Glandular involvement(OR 3.968; 95%CI 1.244-12.662) and lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants (OR 6.527; 95% CI 1.78-23.931), HPV 16/18 infection (OR 5.382; 95%CI 1.947-14.872), TCT ≥ ASC-H (OR 4.719; 95%CI 1.892-11.766) were independent risk factors that affected the upgrading of postoperative pathology. 5. The area under the curve (AUC) calculated by the Logistic regression model was 0.840, indicating that the predictive value was good. CONCLUSION: There is a risk of occult cervical cancer in patients with HSIL. Glandular involvement, Lesion range ≥ 3 quadrants, HPV 16/18 infection and TCT ≥ ASC-H are independent risk factors for HSIL combined with occult cervical cancer. The prognosis of biopsy-proved HSIL patients who underwent extrafascial hysterectomy and unexpected early invasive cancer was later identified on specimen may be good.

Recurrent High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion After Loop Excision Procedure Versus Loop Procedure With Top Hat.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate single-pass loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP-SP) versus LEEP with top hat (LEEP-TH) in terms of treatment failure defined as high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) cytology within 2 years' follow-up. METHODS: This single-institution cohort study used a prospectively collected cervical dysplasia database including all patients who underwent LEEP-SP or LEEP-TH for biopsy-proven cervical intraepithelial neoplasia between 2005 and 2019. RESULTS: Of 340 patients included, 178 underwent LEEP-SP and 162 LEEP-TH. The LEEP-TH patients were more likely to be older (mean age, 40.4 vs 36.5 years; p < .001) and have a positive preprocedure endocervical sampling (68.5% vs 11.8%; p < .001). Positive margins were found in 23 LEEP-SP (12.9%) and in 25 LEEP-TH (15.4%; p = .507). There was no significant difference in depth of excision between LEEP-SP (13.21 ± 23.19 mm) and LEEP-TH (17.37 ± 28.26 mm; p = .138). At 2 years, there was no difference in the rates of HSIL cytology (5.2% vs 6.3%; p = .698), any positive human papillomavirus test, or HSIL cytology (25% vs 15%; p = .284). The 57 patients undergoing repeat excision were more likely to be older (mean age, 40.95 vs 37.52 years; p = .023), have had a LEEP-TH (26.3% vs 73.7%; p < .001), and have initial cytologic HSIL (64.9% vs 35.0%; p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this single-institution study, there is no difference in the rate of recurrent HSIL in patients undergoing LEEP-SP versus LEEP-TH. A LEEP-TH may have limited additional benefit over a LEEP-SP in the treatment of cervical HSIL.

Prognostic Value of Human Papillomavirus Genotyping before and after Cervical Conization for Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion.

INTRODUCTION: We previously reported that preoperative human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16/18 positivity and postoperative high-risk (HR)-HPV test positivity are associated with abnormal postoperative cytology. In this study, we further examined whether preoperative and postoperative HR-HPV genotyping could predict cytological abnormalities and the risk of additional surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent cervical conization at our hospital between July 2009 and June 2018 were enrolled. HPV genotyping was performed preoperatively for all patients with HPV-positive. The association among preoperative and postoperative HR-HPV genotyping results, the cumulative risk of cytological abnormalities, and additional surgery were evaluated. The endpoint approach was used to investigate the cumulative incidence of additional surgery owing to cytological abnormalities, such as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion positivity and recurrence 2 years after cervical conization. RESULTS: Positive and negative histological margins were observed in 21 and 287 of 308 cases, respectively. The cumulative incidence of abnormal cytology and additional surgery was significantly higher in margin-positive cases than that in margin-negative cases. Examination established according to the margin status demonstrated that the postoperative HR-HPV-positive group had a significantly worse prognosis than the HR-HPV-negative group. Additionally, 32 cases, wherein the same genotype detected before and after surgery, demonstrated significantly unfavorable outcomes. Fifteen patients with persistent HPV 16/18 had the worst prognosis than the other types. CONCLUSION: Preoperative and postoperative HR-HPV genotype tests were used to predict the cumulative incidence of abnormal cytology and additional surgery. Particularly, patients with suspected persistent HPV type 16/18 infection are at a high recurrence risk.

Recurrence in Cervical High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion: The Role of the Excised Endocervical Canal Length-Analysis of 2,427 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the excised canal length on relapse rates of cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) treated by loop electrosurgical excision procedure and to find a cut-off point, above which lower recurrence rates could be observed, with low probability of compromising future obstetric outcome, and the relationship with other individual factors related to HSIL recurrence. METHOD: This was a retrospective cohort study of 2,427 women diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia CIN2+ who underwent cervical conization using the high-frequency loop electrosurgical excision procedure surgery technique, to analyze the role of endocervical canal length associated with individual factors in the recurrent disease after CIN2+ treatment and determine a cut-off point for the excised canal length needed to decrease the risk of disease relapse. RESULTS: In 2,427 cases, the relapse rate of HSIL treated was 12%. Compromised margins of conization, HIV+, and endocervical canal length were related directly to relapses ( p < .001). The cut-off point, by receiver operating characteristic curve, to calculate the endocervical canal length related to relapses was 1.25 cm of canal excised. Canal length of less than 1.25 cm increased the recurrence rate 2.5 times. Compromised margins and HIV+ increased recurrence rates by more than 5 times. CONCLUSION: Cervical HSIL recurrence was directly related to the endocervical canal length: excised canal length of 1.25 cm or more decreases recurrence rate; HIV and compromised margins increase the chance of recurrence by more than 5 times.

Topical Imiquimod for the Treatment of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions of the Cervix: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the histologic response rate of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) of the cervix after topical application of 5% imiquimod cream. METHODS: In this phase II trial, women with cervical HSIL (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia [CIN] 2-3) were randomly assigned to 250 mg of 5% imiquimod cream applied to the cervix weekly for 12 weeks, followed by loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) without preceding treatment. The sample size was calculated based on the HSIL regression rates previously reported by Grimm et al. The primary outcome was rate of histologic regression (to CIN 1 or less) in LEEP specimens. Prespecified secondary endpoints included surgical margin status and adverse events. Outcomes were stratified by human papillomavirus type and lesion grade (CIN 2 or CIN 3). Results were reported according to per protocol (PP) and intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses. RESULTS: Ninety women were enrolled: 49 in the experimental group and 41 in the control group. In the PP population, histologic regression was observed in 23 of 38 participants (61%) in the experimental group compared with 9 of 40 (23%) in the control group (P=.001). Surgical margins were negative for HSIL in 36 of 38 participants (95%) in the experimental group and 28 of 40 (70%) in the control group (P=.004). In the ITT population, rates of histologic regression also were significantly higher in the experimental group. Rates of adverse events in the experimental group were 74% (28/38) in the PP population and 78% (35/45) in the ITT population. Adverse events were mild, with abdominal pain being the most common. Three patients in the experimental group had grade 2 adverse events, including vaginal ulcer, vaginal pruritus with local edema, and moderate pelvic pain. CONCLUSION: Weekly topical treatment with imiquimod is effective in promoting regression of cervical HSIL. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03233412.

Management of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion patients with positive margin after LEEP conization: A retrospective study.

ABSTRACT: To explore the optimal way to manage patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) and positive margin by identifying the risk factors for its recurrence and residue.A retrospective study was conducted on 267 cases of a pathologically confirmed HSIL with positive margin following conization by loop electrosurgical excisional procedure (LEEP) between January 2010 and December 2015. One hundred two cases were selected for regular follow-up every 6 months, and 165 cases were selected for a second surgery (repeat cervical conization or hysterectomy) within 3 months of initial LEEP. We analyzed the association between recurrent or residual diseases and these factors: age, menopausal status, ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT) results, high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, pathological grades of the margin, number of involved margins, and glandular involvement.The recurrence rate among 102 cases who underwent follow-up was 17.6% (18/102). The factors: atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance cannot exclude HSIL (ASC-H) or higher lesions in the pre-LEEP TCT (P = .038), persistent HR-HPV infection at the 6th month post-LEEP (P = .03), HSIL-positive margin (P = .003), and multifocal-involved margin (P = .002) were significantly associated with recurrent disease, while age, menopause, and pre-LEEP HR-HPV infection were not associated with recurrent disease (P > .05). The residual rate among 165 patients who underwent a second surgery was 45.5% (75/165), of which 15 cases were residual cervical cancer. The factors: menopause (P = .02), ≥ASC-H in pre-LEEP TCT (P = .04), pre-LEEP HR-HPV infection (P = .04), ≥HSIL-positive margin (P < .001), and multifocal-involved margin (P < .001) significantly increased the risk of residual disease. No correlation existed between residual disease and age or glandular involvement (P > .05).For patients with a positive margin after LEEP, regular follow-up or second surgery should be selected according to fertility requirement and pathological characteristics of the positive margin, as well as TCT and HR-HPV infection condition.

Benefit and burden in the Dutch cytology-based vs high-risk human papillomavirus-based cervical cancer screening program.

BACKGROUND: In 2017, the Dutch cervical cancer screening program had replaced the primary cytology-based screening with primary high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening, including the opportunity to participate through self-sampling. Evaluation and balancing benefit (detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia) and burden of screening (unnecessary referrals, invasive diagnostics, and overtreatment) is needed. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the referral rates, detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment in the new high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening program, including physician-sampled and self-sampled material, with the previous cytology-based screening program in the Netherlands. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was conducted within the Dutch population-based cervical cancer screening program. Screenees with referrals for colposcopy between 2014 and 2015 (cytology-based screening) and 2017 and 2018 (high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening) were included. Data were retrieved from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) and compared between the 2 screening programs. The main outcome measures were referral rate, detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse, overdiagnosis (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less in the histologic specimen), and overtreatment (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less in the treatment specimen). RESULTS: Of the women included in the study, 19,109 received cytology-based screening, and 26,171 received high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening. Referral rates increased from 2.5% in cytology-based screening to 4.2% in high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening (+70.2%). Detection rates increased to 46.2% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse, 32.2% for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse, and 31.0% for cervical cancer, and overdiagnosis increased to 143.4% with high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening. Overtreatment rates were similar in both screening periods. The positive predictive value of referral for detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse in high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening was 34.6% compared with 40.2% in cytology-based screening. Women screened through self-sampling were at higher risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse detection (odds ratio, 1.38; 95% confidence interval, 1.20-1.59) and receiving treatment (odds ratio, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.16-1.48) than those screened through physician-sampling. CONCLUSION: Compared with cytology-based screening, high-risk human papillomavirus-based screening increases detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, with 462 more cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse cases per 100,000 women but at the expense of 850 more cases per 100,000 women with invasive diagnostics indicating cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less.

Streptococcus agalactiae-Induced Soft Tissue Infection in a Nonpregnant Adult After a Gynecological Procedure.

BACKGROUND We present a case of a 24-year-old woman with type 1- diabetes mellitus who developed necrotizing fasciitis (NF) due to Streptococcus agalactiae after a recent colposcopy. Literature review suggests this as the first case to be reported. CASE REPORT The patient initially presented to the emergency department (ED) with right lower neck pain and spasm of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), with decreased range of motion. She was diagnosed with torticollis and was sent home on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and spasmolytic. She returned 5 days later because of a lack of response. Magnetic resonance imaging of her neck revealed edema and inflammatory changes in the distal portion of her right SCM; an oral-systemic steroid was added to her treatment. However, she presented to the ED 3 days after her second visit with worsening symptoms. Her complaints of severe pain involving the right chest wall, development of fever, and the findings on imaging studies prompted the diagnosis of necrotizing soft-tissue infection and NF. She promptly underwent successful surgical debridement. Tissue cultures grew abundant Streptococcus agalactiae. Her antibiotics were readjusted and she was discharged to rehabilitation. Retrospective analysis of the case was notable for colposcopy with cervical biopsy and endocervical curettage for chronic cervicitis and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion within a week of her first ED visit. CONCLUSIONS NF caused by Streptococcus agalactiae should be suspected in patients who have had recent genitourinary/gastrointestinal procedures.

Intraoperative Human Papillomavirus Test Predicts 24-Month High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion Recurrence Saving Costs: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: The human papilloma virus (HPV) test is recommended in the posttreatment follow-up of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The aim of the study was to assess whether the intraoperative HPV (IOP-HPV) test had a similar diagnostic accuracy that HPV test performed at 6 months to predict high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, 304 women diagnosed with HSIL by biopsy and/or endocervical curettage before treatment and/or confirmation in the histological specimen were included. Immediately after surgery, HPV testing was performed. This test was compared with the test at 6 months and other predictors of recurrence. Patients were followed for 24 months. An economic analysis was performed to compare the costs of IOP-HPV and HPV test at 6 months. RESULTS: Recurrence rate of HSIL was 6.2% (19 patients). The diagnostic accuracy of the IOP-HPV test to predict HSIL recurrence at 24 months was similar to the HPV test at 6 months, with comparative sensitivities of 100% versus 86.7%, specificities of 82.0% versus 77.9%, positive predictive values of 27.1% versus 18.1%, and negative predictive values of 100% versus 99.0%. Direct economic saving per high-grade intraepithelial lesion patient was 172.8 &OV0556;. CONCLUSIONS: The HPV test performed after loop electrosurgical resection procedure predicted recurrence of HSIL at 24 months with a similar diagnostic accuracy than the HPV test at 6 months. The use of the IOP-HPV test in the management of HSIL will allow early detection of the risk of recurrent disease and to save costs because of potential suppression of the need of HPV and follow-up controls at 6 months.

Syringe or mask? Loop electrosurgical excision procedure under local or general anesthesia: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Loop electrosurgical excision procedure may be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, and practice patterns differ worldwide. No randomized head-to-head comparison has been published to confirm or refute either practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare loop electrosurgical excision procedure under local anesthesia vs general anesthesia regarding patient satisfaction and procedure-related outcomes such as rates of involved margins, complications, pain, and blood loss. STUDY DESIGN: Consecutive women referred to our colposcopy unit were recruited. Loop electrosurgical excision procedure was performed under local anesthesia with 4 intracervical injections of bupivacaine hydrochloride 0.5% or under general anesthesia with fentanyl, propofol, and a laryngeal mask with sevoflurane maintenance. The primary endpoint was patient satisfaction assessed on the day of surgery and 14 days thereafter using a Likert scale (score 0-100) and a questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included rates of involved margins, procedure-related complications, pain, blood loss, and surgeon preference. Results were compared using nonparametric and chi-square tests. RESULTS: Between July 2018 and February 2020, we randomized 208 women, 108 in the local anesthesia arm and 100 in the general anesthesia arm. In the intention-to-treat analysis, patient satisfaction did not differ between the study groups directly after surgery (Likert scale 100 [90-100] vs 100 [90-100]; P=.077) and 14 days thereafter (Likert scale 100 [80-100] vs 100 [90-100]; P=.079). In the per-protocol analysis, women in the local anesthesia arm had significantly smaller cone volumes (1.11 cm3 [0.70-1.83] vs 1.58 cm3 [1.08-2.69], respectively; P<.001), less intraoperative blood loss (Δhemoglobin, 0.2 g/dL [-0.1 to 0.4] vs 0.5 g/dL [0.2-0.9]; P<.001), and higher satisfaction after 14 days (100 [90-100] vs 100 [80-100]; P=.026), whereas surgeon preference favored general anesthesia (90 [79-100] vs 100 [90-100], respectively; P=.001). All other secondary outcomes did not differ between groups (resection margin status R1, 6.6% vs 2.1% [P=.26]; cone fragmentation, 12.1% vs 6.3% [P=.27]; procedure duration, 151.5 seconds [120-219.5] vs 180 seconds [117-241.5] [P=.34]; time to complete hemostasis, 60 seconds [34-97] vs 70 seconds [48.25-122.25] [P=.08]; complication rate, 3.3% vs 1.1% [P=.59]). In a multivariate analysis, parity (P=.03), type of transformation zone (P=.03), and cone volume (P=.02) and not study group assignment, age, body mass index, and degree of dysplasia independently influenced the primary endpoint. CONCLUSION: Loop electrosurgical excision procedure under local anesthesia is equally well tolerated and offers patient-reported and procedure-related benefits over general anesthesia, supporting the preferred practice in some institutions and refuting the preferred practice in others.

Clinical outcomes of vaginectomy and laser ablation for the treatment of post-hysterectomy women with vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions: A retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of vaginectomy and laser ablation for the treatment of vaginal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) patients who underwent previous hysterectomy for cervical HSIL or cancer. STUDY DESIGN: The clinicopathologic data and follow-up information of 167 post-hysterectomy vaginal HSIL patients who underwent laser ablation or vaginectomy were retrospectively reviewed from 2010 to 2018 at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University. RESULTS: Of the 167 vaginal HSIL patients enrolled, 74 patients underwent vaginectomy, and 93 patients underwent laser ablation. At a median follow-up of 15 months, 13 (7.8 %) patients experienced progression to vaginal cancer, and 22 (13.2 %) patients had persistent/recurrent disease. Upon multivariate analysis, laser ablation (OR: 5.16, p = 0.02), cytology indicating HSIL (OR: 25.45, p = 0.00), and a shorter interval between previous hysterectomy and vaginal HSIL diagnosis (< 24 vs ≥ 24 months, OR: 0.10, p = 0.02) were associated with disease persistence/recurrence. In post-hysterectomy for cervical HSIL patients, the vaginectomy group had a significantly higher recurrence-free survival rate (RFS, 94.5 % vs 69.0 %, p = 0.00) and a similar progression-free survival rate (PFS, 96.4 % vs 91.4 %, p = 0.17) compared with the laser ablation group. Among post-hysterectomy for cervical cancer patients, RFS (89.5 % vs 65.7 %, p = 0.04) and PFS (100.0 % vs 82.9 %, p = 0.05) were both higher in the vaginectomy group than in the laser ablation group. CONCLUSION: Compared with laser ablation, vaginectomy resulted in better clinical outcomes among vaginal HSIL patients who had undergone previous hysterectomy for cervical neoplasia.

Can we predict surgical margin positivity while performing cervical excisional procedures?

We designed this study to evaluate any factors associated with positive surgical margin in conisation specimens and to determine the optimal cone size. The medical records of patients who had undergone a loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), cold-knife conisation (CKC) and needle excision of the transformation zone (NETZ) procedure were reviewed retrospectively. Two hundred and sixty eight women fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Univariate analyses showed that 'postmenopause', 'HSIL on smear', 'previous colposcopic examination revealing HSIL in endocervical curettage (ECC) material and in two or more ectocervical quadrants' and 'managing with LEEP' were significant predictors of surgical margin positivity. Nulliparous patients showed significantly lower rate of surgical margin positivity. 'Postmenopause', 'previous colposcopic examination revealing HSIL in ECC material and in two or more ectocervical quadrants' and 'HSIL on smear' were identified as independent predictors of surgical margin positivity according to multivariate analyses.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Previous studies demonstrated 'menopause', 'Age ≥50', 'managing with LEEP', 'disease involving >2/3 of cervix at visual inspection', 'training level of the surgeon', 'cytology squamous cell carcinoma' and 'mean cone height' as factors associated with positive surgical margin in conisation specimens.What do the results of this study add? In our study, univariate analyses showed that 'postmenopause', 'HSIL on smear', 'previous colposcopic examination revealing HSIL in endocervical curettage material and in two or more ectocervical quadrants' and 'managing with LEEP' were associated with surgical margin positivity. On the other hand, nulliparous women showed significantly lower rate of surgical margin positivity compared with parous women. Multivariate analyses showed that 'postmenopause', 'previous colposcopic examination revealing HSIL in endocervical curettage material and in two or more ectocervical quadrants' and 'HSIL on smear' were independent predictors of surgical margin positivity in conisation specimens.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? We can predict high-risk patients with regard to surgical margin positivity. Prediction of high-risk patients and management with a tailored approach may help minimise surgical margin positivity rates.

Specimen Fragmentation and Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure and Cold Knife Cone Biopsy Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical technique for loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) and cold knife cone (CKC) emphasizes a uniform specimen, but sequelae of specimen fragmentation are not established. We evaluated outcomes between fragmented and unfragmented excisional biopsy specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Loop electrosurgical excision procedure and CKCs from January 2010 to October 2013 were reviewed. Intraepithelial lesion grade, fragmentation, margin, and Endocervical curettage status were analyzed. Adenocarcinoma in situ and cancer were excluded. Repeat procedures during the study period were included in follow-up. Loop electrosurgical excision procedures with top hat with no separate fragments were analyzed independently versus those with fragmented LEEP and/or top hat. Indeterminate margin was defined as inconclusive or unevaluable margin, or intraepithelial lesion in unidentifiable margin or fragment. Outcomes involved residual or recurrent disease and repeat procedures for intraepithelial lesion. χ was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Fragmented specimens were more likely to have any positive margin (p = .01), multiple positive margins (p < .001), and indeterminate margin (p < .001) than unfragmented specimens. There was no significant difference in rates of positive, insufficient, or high-grade Endocervical curettage (p = .74, 0.54, 0.92). Patients with fragmented specimens were more likely to have high-grade lesion recurrence in the following 3 years (p = .04) versus patients with index unfragmented specimens, though not compared with those with unfragmented LEEP + top-hat cases. Overall rates of repeat LEEP/CKC or hysterectomy for dysplasia were not different (p = .56). CONCLUSIONS: Fragmentation of LEEP and CKC specimens is associated with higher rates of positive margins, recurrent high-grade intraepithelial lesions, and indeterminate margins. These may cause diagnostic uncertainty, require closer follow-up, and increase cost with more visits and studies.

Clinical practice variation and overtreatment risk in women with abnormal cervical cytology in the Netherlands: two-step versus see-and-treat approach.

BACKGROUND: Only a few small studies have compared the 2-step method (biopsy followed by treatment) with a see-and-treat (immediate treatment) approach in women both low-grade or high-grade referral cytology. The clinical practice variation in the Netherlands has not been reviewed before. OBJECTIVES: To determine overtreatment rates in the 2-step versus see-and-treat approach in women referred for colposcopy because of abnormal cytology results, and to evaluate clinical practice variation in the Netherlands. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a population-based retrospective cohort study including 36,581 women with a histologic result of the cervix identified from the Dutch Pathology Registry (PALGA) between 2016 and 2017. Odds ratios for overtreatment, defined primarily as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 or less, were determined for the 2-step and see-and-treat approach in relation to age, high-risk human papillomavirus status, and referral cytology. RESULTS: Of the included women 10,713 women (29.3%) received the 2-step method; 6,851 women (18.7%) underwent see-and-treat; and 19,017 women (52.0%) received conservative management after colposcopy with histologic assessment with cytologic follow-up or another type of treatment. Despite the existence of a national guideline advising see-and-treat only in case of suspected high-grade disease in women who have completed their childbearing, there is a wide practice variation between the 2 strategies in the Netherlands, with 7.0-88.3% of the women receiving see-and-treat per laboratory. The median time between cytology and treatment was 1-2 months (range, 0-12 months) in women receiving see-and-treat and the 2-step method, respectively. A total of 4119 women (23.5%) were overtreated, with older women, high-risk human papillomavirus-negative women, and women with low-grade cytology results being more likely to be overtreated. Women with low-grade cytology results and see-and-treat were associated with a higher overtreatment rate than women receiving the 2-step method (65.0% [1414 of 2174] versus 32.1% [1161 of 3613], respectively; odds ratio, 3.34; 95% confidence interval, 2.92-3.82). However, in women with high-grade cytology results, see-and-treat was inversely associated with overtreatment (11.3% [529 of 4677] versus 14.3% [1015 of 7100], respectively; odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.58-0.81). CONCLUSION: A see-and-treat approach is justified only in women with high-grade cytology results who have completed their childbearing. There is a wide practice variation between the 2 strategies in the Netherlands, and gynecologists should adhere to the guideline to prevent overtreatment.

[Analysis of recurrence and its influencing factors in patients with cervical HSIL within 24 months after LEEP].

Objective: To analyze clinical outcome of high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) within 24 months after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), and to explore risk factors of recurrent cervical HSIL, the risk of progress into cervical cancer and methods of follow-up. Methods: This retrospective study was carried out on 1 005 patients who underwent LEEP, diagnosing with HSIL after LEEP from January 2011 to December 2013 at Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University to confer the difference between non-recurrent group and recurrent group 24 months after the LEEP conization. Patients were followed with ThinPrep cytologic test (TCT), high risk HPV (HR-HPV) test, colposcopy guided biopsy. Results: A total of 1 005 cases were enrolled in this study with HSIL in the LEEP specimen, no residual HSIL in the 6-month follow up, and have follow up records in 24 months after LEEP. HSIL recurred in 5 cases, microinvasive carcinoma in 1 case, low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 17 cases at 12 months follow-up. HSIL recurred in 8 cases, LSIL in 11 cases, adenocarcinoma in situ in 1 case, and invasive cervical carcinoma in 1 case in Ⅰb1 stage at 24 months after LEEP. The recurrence rate was 1.3% (13/1 005) , and the progression rate was 0.3% (3/1 005) . There was no significant difference in age, length, circumference and width of LEEP between recurrent and non-recurrent patients (P>0.05) . The recurrence rate was highest in the endocervical positive margin group with 3/16, which was higher than ectocervical positive margin and negative margin (P<0.01, P=0.040, respectively). The recurrence rate of endocervical positive margin group and fibrous interstitial positive margin group showed no significant difference (P=0.320) . There was no significant difference between ectocervical positive margin and negative margin [2.8% (2/72) vs 0.7% (6/882), P=0.117]. Postoperative cytological examination combined with HR-HPV detection has a high sensitive and high negative predictor value of HSIL recurrence with both 100.0%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that positive endocervical positive margin, abnormal follow-up cytological examination and positive HR-HPV after LEEP were independent factors affecting recurrence of HSIL patients after LEEP (P<0.05). Conclusions: Age, length, circumference and width of LEEP have no effect on recurrence within 24 months after HSIL. The high risk factors for HSIL recurrence within 24 months after LEEP in HSIL patients include: positive HPV, abnormal cytology, and positive endocervical positive margin. Colposcopy biopsy and endocervical curettage have important role in diagnosing HSIL recurrence and progression.

HPV-ISH-Negative Invasive Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Histologic and Pap Test Results.

INTRODUCTION: A causal link between infection with a high-risk strain of human papilloma virus (hrHPV) and the development of cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is well established. However, a small number of SCCs are hrHPV-negative by either HPV co-DNA testing and/or HPV-in situ hybridization (HPV-ISH) at the time of diagnosis. These apparently hrHPV-negative lesions are poorly understood, specifically whether hrHPV-positive precursor lesions exist, which would be detected through hrHPV-based screening. METHODS: A search of the pathology archives at the Johns Hopkins Hospital identified women with a diagnosis of hrHPV-negative cervical SCC on surgical specimen. All prior pathologies, including cervical cytology and surgical pathology specimens, and associated hrHPV DNA test results, p16 immunohistochemistry, and HPV-ISH were reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 25 women were identified having a surgical specimen diagnosed as SCC with either negative or equivocal HPV-ISH. Fifteen had a Pap test in the 6 months preceding a diagnosis of SCC, with cytology diagnoses as follows: high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion n = 14/15; atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion n = 1/15. hrHPV co-testing was performed for 5 of these 15 women and was negative in 2/5 cases. Cervical biopsy was performed for 24 women. HPV-ISH testing, performed on 14 of the biopsy specimens, was negative for 11/14 patients. Of 15 specimens stained for p16, 14 were positive. CONCLUSION: A subset of patients exist in whom hrHPV is not detectable at or near the time of progression to SCC. Additional research is necessary to further describe this population and determine whether maintaining cytological screening would provide benefit.

Obstetric outcomes in patients who have undergone excisional treatment for high-grade cervical squamous intra-epithelial neoplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationships between excisional treatment for high-grade cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN2+) and obstetric outcomes in terms of preterm delivery risk, premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and type of delivery, and between pre-term delivery and the type of excisional technique (radio frequency excision, laser conization). METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the obstetric outcomes of 2316 women aged 25-45 years who underwent excisional treatment for CIN2+ at the Obstetric and Gynecological Clinic of Ospedale Maggiore della Carità in Novara and at the Obstetric and Gynecological Department of Ospedale Sant'Anna in Torino in the period 2005-2014 and were evaluated until April 2016, and 57,937 untreated women of the same age, from the same centers. RESULTS: After treatment, 320 women had at least one pregnancy leading to delivery after a mean of 3.35 years. Treatment significantly increased the risk of preterm delivery. Compared with no treatment, the risk of preterm birth was higher in women who had undergone treatment (33.13% vs. 6.60%). Techniques removing or ablating more tissue, such as large loop excision of the transformation zone, were associated with worse outcomes (OR 2.96, 95% IC 1.72-5.10). Smoking habits significantly increase the risk of preterm delivery in the treated women (OR 2.82, 95% IC 1.61-4.9). The risk of premature rupture of the membranes (PROM) (40% vs. 23.22%), the risk of preterm PROM (pPROM) (13.13% vs. 2.71%) and dystocic births (18.75% vs 4.48%) were also significantly increased after treatment. Caesarean sections were less frequent among the treated women (15.94% vs. 32.41%). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings reveal a relationship between cervical excisional treatment and pre-term delivery, PROM, and the method of delivery. In order to minimise risk and guarantee the best obstetric outcome, patient treatment and follow-up should be personalised.

Cervical Screening Results Leading to Detection of Adenocarcinoma in Situ of the Uterine Cervix

Background: Adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) of the uterine cervix is a preinvasive lesion of the invasive adenocarcinoma. We analyzed the cervical screening results leading to detecting the AIS lesions including the coexistence of AIS lesions with high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesions (HSIL) and invasive carcinoma. Methods: Women who were diagnosed and received treatment for AIS at Chiang Mai University Hospital between January 1, 2007 and August 31, 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. The inclusion criteria were the women who had pathological diagnosis of AIS obtained from cervical punch biopsy or excisional cone biopsy with either loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) or cold-knife conization (CKC). The patient characteristics, diagnostic work-up and treatment details were reviewed, including the cervical screening results prior to the diagnosis of cervical AIS, pathologic results of excisional cone biopsy and hysterectomy specimens. Results: During the study period, 75 women with AIS pathology undergoing excisional cone biopsy with either LEEP (n=62) or CKC (n=13) were identified. The abnormal cytologic screening leading to detection of AIS was the squamous cell abnormality accounting for 57.3%. Abnormal glandular cytology accounted for 37.3%. The most common abnormal cervical screening results was HSIL cytology (n = 25) followed by AIS cytology (n = 13). Normal cytology was noted in 4 women in whom 3 were positive for HPV 18 and 1 had AIS on the endocervical polyp. AIS coexisted with HSIL and invasive carcinoma were detected in cone biopsy specimens in 21 (28%) and 29 (38.7%) patients, respectively. Conclusion: The majority of cervical screening results leading to detection of cervical AIS was the squamous cell abnormality accounting for 57.3% in which, HSIL cytology was the most common. Abnormal glandular cytology accounted for only 37.3%. Diagnostic cone excision is recommended if AIS lesion is noted in cervical biopsy specimen since nearly 40% have coexisting invasive lesions.