[Laparoscopic treatment of cesarean scar pouch - A case series study of 9 patients]. / Prise en charge cœlioscopique des isthmocèles ­ Étude d'une série de 9 cas.

OBJECTIVES: To study the effects of laparoscopic repair of isthmoceles acquired after a cesarean section on symptoms and fertility. METHODS: This retrospective case series study included symptomatic women (abnormal uterine bleeding and/or pelvic pain and/or infertility) suffering from a large isthmocele and treated laparoscopically in our center. The surgical procedure consisted in resecting the pouch and suturing the scar in 2 layers. The patient follow-up has been realised through the postoperative control, the medical file and a survey, and concerned the evolution of the symptoms and fertility. RESULTS: Nine patients have been included, all suffering from large isthmoceles, diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasound associated with hysteroscopy, hysterosalpingography or MRI. Postoperatively, the symptoms disappeared in 78% of the patients. There have been 4 spontaneous pregnancies in 4 patients, 3 of them had been diagnosed with infertility. The median patient medical follow-up lasted 28 months. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of a large isthmocele in patients suffering from invalidant symptoms and infertility should lead to consider a surgical treatment which is an efficient and surgically safe procedure.

Retroperitoneal primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET): case report and review of literature.

Primitive Neuroectodermal tumor belongs to the family of Ewing's tumor and is characterized by at (11;22) (q24;ql2) or at (21;22) (q22;ql2) translocation. Retroperitoneal primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) are rare, usually affect young adults, and are often diagnosed late. There is no specific characteristics for imaging. The diagnosis is made on histological examination of the surgical spec- imen or biopsies. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy complete the treatment. The authors report the case of a 26-year-old patient who only had pelvic discomfort. Diagnostic laparoscopy showed a retroperitoneal and retrovesical mass of five centimeters. The patient benefited from adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is free of disease 30 months after treatment.

[The practice of neonatal umbilical blood gas analysis in the "Alsace" regional French perinatal network]. / La pratique de l'analyse des gaz du sang au cordon ombilical dans le réseau périnatal alsacien.

OBJECTIVE: The assessment of neonatal well-being is paramount in delivery rooms. For that purpose, it is recommended in France to carry out a systematic neonatal umbilical cord blood gas analysis. The aim of this study is to evaluate how umbilical cord blood gas sampling is realised, analysed and interpreted by midwives in a French regional perinatal network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a survey focused on randomly selected midwives partitioning in different maternities that constitute the "Alsace" regional perinatal network. A questionnaire concerning the modalities of umbilical cord blood sampling, its analysis and the interpretation of results was used during interviews with included midwives. RESULTS: Fifty-one midwives were included in the study (15.8% of whom were working in delivery rooms). Only 13% of maternities constituting the perinatal network did not realise systematic neonatal umbilical cord blood analysis. Among interviewed midwives, 78.4% reported umbilical cord clamping after the first breath of the child. Among the midwives included, 86.3% of them realise sampling from the umbilical artery and 29.4% from both umbilical artery and vein. For 86.3% of interviewed midwives, the leitmotif of realising umbilical blood sampling was medico-legal. More than two third of included midwives interpret blood gas taking into account two parameters (either pH and base excess, or lactate). They settled at 7.0-7.2, the limit below which a newborn might present sequelae. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study shows that the neonatal umbilical cord blood gas analysis at birth is almost systematic in this regional French perinatal network. It is realised primarily for medico-legal purpose. However, there are significant variations in sampling procedures and interpretation. This should lead to the establishment within each maternity of a neonatal umbilical cord blood gas sampling protocol along with a midwifery training program.

[Maternal morbidity and mortality associated with conservative management for placenta morbidly adherent (accreta) diagnosed during pregnancy. Report of 15 cases]. / Morbimortalité maternelle associée au traitement conservateur d'un placenta anormalement adhérent (accreta) diagnostiqué en anténatal. À propos d'une série continue de 15 cas.

BACKGROUND: High risk of morbidly adherent placenta increased during past years. Their management is controversial. Cesarean hysterectomy, considered the gold standard treatment by American Society, is associated with high risk of maternal morbimortality. Conservative management has been sought to reduce maternal morbidity associated with caesarean hysterectomy while maintaining fertility. It consists of leaving the placenta in place but long-term monitoring. Our main objective was to determine advantage/disadvantage of conservative management on patient with an antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta, increta or percreta. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with an antenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta, increta or percreta between 2007 and 2014. Conservative treatment was systematically attempted according to our protocol. The primary outcome was defined as uterine conservation and the secondary outcome as maternal morbimortality defined as any medical or surgical condition occurring after childbirth. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (0.07 % of all living childbirths) were included. Conservative management was successful in 80 % of patients. There was no case of maternal death. Severe post-partum hemorrhage occurred in 4 patients (33.3 %) requiring uterine arteries embolization in one patient and hysterectomy in the 3 others. They underwent immediate blood transfusion of 13.5±4.5 average of red blood cell units. No severe septic condition occurred but 4 patients suffered from endometritis, 2.6±0.5 months after birth requiring intravenous antibiotics treatment in conventional hospitalization. Mean duration for spontaneous abortion of the placenta was 23.0±7.2 weeks. Three spontaneous pregnancies occurred in 2 patients after 19±16.9 months. CONCLUSION: Conservative management seems encouraging but is associated with a non-insignificant risk of secondary complication requiring long-term monitoring in conciliant patients.

[Cervical cerclage]. / Le cerclage cervical.

Cervical cerclage aims to strengthen not only the mechanical properties of the cervix, but also its immunological and anti-infectious functions. The demonstration of a strong interrelation between cervical insufficiency as well as decreased cervical length at endo-vaginal ultrasonography and infection has changed the indications cerclage. Actually we can distinguish three indications for cerclage: prophylactic, for obstetrical history; therapeutic, for shortened cervical length at ultrasonography in patients at risk and; emergency cerclage in case of threatening cervix at physical examination. The McDonald's technique is the most recommended. In case of failure, it is proposed to realize cerclage at a higher level on the cervix either by vaginal or abdominal route.

[Twin pregnancy with complete hydatiform mole and coexistent fetus: Report of 4 cases and review of literature]. / Les grossesses gémellaires molaires associant une môle complète à un fœtus sain à partir de 4 cas et d'une revue de la littérature.

OBJECTIVE: Twin pregnancy with complete hydatiform mole and coexistent fetus is a rare clinical condition, occurring in 1 in 22,000 to one in 100,000 pregnancies. Continuation of pregnancy in these cases is controversial because of a high risk of immediate and long-term maternal morbidity. It allows, however, in 33 % of the case the delivery of a healthy child. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients presenting a complete hydatiform mole coexisting with a live twin fetus antenatally diagnosed between 2007 and 2012 in the level III maternity of the Strasbourg University Hospital. Informations concerning diagnostic circumstances, pregnancy follow-up and outcome were studied. RESULTS: Four pregnancies were included in the study, all of them were spontaneous. Medical termination of pregnancies was related to maternal reasons in the four cases. One before 17 weeks of gestation, the three other after 2 weeks of gestation, leading to delivery of a healthy child. All patients developed a mild to severe preeclampsia. One patient developed a gestational trophoblastic disease, requiring chemotherapy by methotrexate. There was no fatal evolution. CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancy with complete hydatifom mole and coexistent fetus is associated with increased risk of gestational trophoblastic disease. This risk is not increased by continuation of pregnancy. In case of prenatal diagnosis of complete hydatiform mole coexisting with a live twin fetus, patients should be aware of the potential high risk of morbidity and a regular follow-up during and after the pregnancy should be intaured. In absence of maternal complications, continuation of the pregnancy is possible.

[Reliability of endocervical curettage after conservative treatment of intraepithelial neoplasia of the cervix]. / Fiabilité du curetage endocervical après traitement conservateur des néoplasies intraépithéliales du col utérin.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of endocervical curettage (ECC) in patients previously treated for CIN. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from 85 patients between January 1985 and December 2011 who received an ECC during monitoring after treatment of CIN. The reliability of the ECC was evaluated by comparison with the final histological analysis of the surgical specimen or the data for subsequent cyto-colpo-histological follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were referred to colposcopy either within the immediate post-treatment monitoring (n=42), meanly 9.7±5.3 months after treatment, or if cytological abnormalities were detected during long-term monitoring, meanly 78.6±52.4 months after treatment. Colposcopy was unsatisfactory in 75.3% of patients and normal colposcopic findings were found in 80% of patients. A perfect agreement between the ECC and the endocervical final diagnosis was noted in 68 patients (80%). For the diagnosis of severe cervical lesions (CIN 2+) ECC had a sensitivity of 86.2% (68.3-96.1), a specificity of 94.6% (85.1-98.9) and positive and negative predictive values of 61.4% (47.6-74.0) and 93% (83.0-98.1), respectively. CONCLUSION: The high sensitivity and negative predictive value of ECC for the diagnosis of severe post-therapeutic endocervical lesions avoid iterative treatment without increasing the risk of progression of a lesion to cancer.

[Secondary postpartum hemorrhage]. / Hémorragie secondaire du post-partum.

OBJECTIVES: To define secondary postpartum hemorrhage (HSPP), to discuss its main etiologies and suggest a proposal for its management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bibliographic research by crossing keywords: secondary postpartum hemorrhage, delayed postpartum hemorrhage, postpartum bleeding, placental remnant, placental and hysteroscopy. RESULTS: The HSPP (0.5 and 2%) is defined as bleeding occurring between 24hours and 6weeks after birth and requiring therapeutic action whatsoever (professional consensus). The most common etiology is retained placental fragments and/or endometritis, associated or not with incomplete uterine involution (Professional consensus). Among other etiologies: the pseudoaneurysms of the uterine artery, arteriovenous fistulae's, choriocarcinoma and coagulopathies. Management of HSPP depends on its etiology and the severity of bleeding. It includes antibiotics (grade A) and uterotonics (professional consensus). Antibiotherapy depends of the protocols of each department. Usually the patient will be hospitalized (Professional consensus). In case of persistent bleeding, suction curettage with or without hysteroscopy is recommended (Professional consensus). CONCLUSION: Although HSPP is an important source of maternal morbidity, it is concerned by a relatively few number of studies in the literature. Its management is based on a comprehensive etiological work-up in order to provide appropriate treatment.

[Prevention of obstetrical complications following LEEP, is it possible?]. / Prévention des conséquences obstétricales des conisations à l'anse diathermique, est-ce possible ?

Recent epidemiological data suggest an increase of the incidence and prevalence of CIN as well as a decrease of the mean age of the patients presenting these lesions. Large loop electrosurgical procedure (LEEP) is the most commonly used treatment method. According to recent studies LEEP provides a 1.4 to 7.0 fold increase of preterm delivery. Cervical cerclage does not show efficiency in reducing this risk, even if cervical shortening is measured by transvaginal ultrasound. Considering histological severity of lesions and the age of patients, number of currently conducted conizations in France could be avoided and so their obstetrical consequences prevented, just because no treatment is necessary or could be done by ablative procedures.

[Pertinence of the preoperative exploration in the evaluation of the risk of lymph node metastasis in endometrial cancer]. / Pertinence du bilan préoperatoire dans l'évaluation du risque de métastases ganglionnaires d'un cancer endométrial.

PURPOSE: To assess the relevance of MRI, endometrial biopsy and curettage in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer at high risk of lymph node metastasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study on continuous series of patients treated for endometrial cancer limited to the uterus between 2004 and 2008, results of preoperative evaluation of tumor stage using MRI, histological type and grade by endometrial curettage and biopsies were compared to final histological examination. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty-nine patients were included in the study. Ninety (53.3%) had MRI, 112 (66.2%) curettage and 61 (36.6%) endometrial biopsy using Pipelle de Cornier. Sensibility (SN), specificity (SP), positive (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of MRI, in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer at high risk of lymph nodes metastases were of 65.6%, 87.2%, 77.7%, 79.2%. For EB and curettage SN, SP, PPV and NPV were of 42.9%, 96.9%, 85%, 79.5%; 80.6%, 98.3%, 96.2% and 90.6% respectively. 37.8% of cancers diagnosed to be at low risk of lymph node metastasis were at high risk in definitive histologic examination. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Preoperative evaluation by MRI, endometrial curettage and biopsy has good diagnostic value in the identification of endometrial cancer susceptible to benefit from lymphadenectomy. Underestimation, however, is encountered in approximately one third of cases.

[Obstetric outcomes following LOOP-excision]. / Conséquences obstétricales des conisations à l'anse diathermique et facteurs aggravants.

The obstetrical consequences of conisation for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) should be considered since patients affected by these lesions are actually younger and most often desire further pregnancies. The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), which is currently mostly used, achieves cure rate varying according to the authors between 80 and 95%. However, the most recent data show an increase of obstetrical morbidity, especially prematurity, after LEEP excision. As the frequency and severity of prematurity is correlated to the size and depth of the LEEP, we should minimize as much as possible the resection for these young patients.

[Vitamin D and breast cancer: is there a link?]. / Vitamine D et cancer du sein : y a-t-il un lien ?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to know the relationship between breast cancer and vitamin D, synthesised by skin or brought by food or supplementation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The selected articles were extracted from the Pubmed database between 1998 and 2012. The keywords used were: "25-hydroxyvitamin D", "breast cancer recurrence", "breast cancer risk", "serum levels of vitamin D", "vitamin D intake". A total of 37 articles were selected. RESULTS: The sun exposure, via the skin vitamin D synthesis, is associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer. This decrease seems also likely for food contributions and an over 400IU per day vitamin D supplementation. An inverse relationship between plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OH-D) level and breast cancer risk has been suggested. An increased 25-OH-D level seems associated with a decreased risk of breast cancer recurrence. CONCLUSION: Recommendations concerning a vitamin D supplementation could be established, but should be supported by additional studies.