The Impact of Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal Systems on Histopathologic Analysis for Benign and Cancerous Endometrial Pathology: An Ex Vivo Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of hysteroscopic tissue removal systems (TRS) on histopathology tissue diagnosis. MEASUREMENTS AND METHODS: This is a paired-comparison ex vivo study in which 23 endometrial sections from hysterectomized uteri (13 benign and 10 hyperplasia/cancer) were analyzed in a simulation laboratory center at a university teaching hospital. After routine tissue processing, a section of endometrium was provided for ex vivo TRS with suture mounting to a uterine model (Polly, Remedy). Morcellated specimens using the Hologic® MyoSure hysteroscopic device were processed for histopathologic analysis by two blinded pathologists (Pa and Pb) and compared to the original specimens' tissue diagnoses. RESULTS: Sufficient tissue for evaluation was found in 100% (23/23) of TRS specimens by Pa and 91.3% by Pb. TRS specimen diagnoses were concordant with routine histologic diagnosis 86.9% (20/23, k = 0.76) for Pa and 80.9% (17/21, k = 0.68) for Pb. Sensitivity and specificity were 70%/100% for Pa and 80%/91% for Pb, respectively. The false-positive (overdiagnosed) and false-negative rates (underdiagnosed) were 0%/30% and 9%/20% for Pa and Pb. Both Pa and Pb underdiagnosed most specimens confirmed by routine tissue diagnosis. TRS specimen diagnoses between Pa and Pb were concordant in 76.2% (16/21, k = 0.60). CONCLUSION: TRS may adversely impact the ability to provide a histologic tissue analysis. Up to 30% of samples were overdiagnosed and 20% underdiagnosed. If confirmed, pathologists may need to reassess workflows to better offset potential underdiagnosis of malignant specimens as findings may be obscured through TRS. Additionally, surgeons may need to reconsider specimen handling, so highest yield specimens are provided to pathology.

Societal pressures and procreative preferences for gay fathers successfully pursuing parenthood through IVF and gestational carriers.

This retrospective study surveyed decision-making and challenges among 78 gay cisgender male couples utilizing in-vitro fertilization (IVF) and a gestational carrier. While most couples (67.1%) found the decision to actively pursue fertility treatment 'not difficult', 32.9% felt that it was 'somewhat difficult' or 'very or extremely difficult'. Almost 30% of couples had not undertaken financial planning for treatment, which introduced delays of > 2 years for 25.3% of participants. Conceiving twins was 'important to very important' in 52.3% of couples, and 84.2% of couples chose to transfer two embryos to 'increase the odds' or reach an ideal family size in a single attempt despite increased complications with multiple pregnancies. Paternal leave was granted for one partner in 47.3% of couples, and for both partners in 43.2% of couples. One-third of couples reported experiencing discrimination, prompting a partner to seek employment, and 38% changed jobs or careers. For 80.3% of couples, the estimated cost exceeded US$100,000. Couples where one partner was aged > 50 years were significantly more likely to find the decision to actively pursue fertility treatment 'very or extremely difficult' (28.6%), and less likely to agree on becoming parents (64.3%). Gay male couples undergoing assisted reproduction face challenges regarding decision-making, lack of infertility benefits and discrimination, which appear to be influenced by age and country of residence. Policy and educational changes are needed, including broader fertility benefits, more egalitarian parental leave, and greater awareness of risks inherent to multiple gestation.

Selecting the Appropriate Patient for Opioid Therapy: Risk Assessment and Treatment Strategies for Gynecologic Pain.

Chronic pelvic pain is a commonly encountered clinical entity, and many women with this chronic pain condition will be treated at some point in time with opioids for management of their pain. Clinicians in women's health are frequently asked and expected to participate in the care of women with chronic pelvic pain, as well as other gynecologic pain conditions, and should be familiar with the role of opioid therapy for these conditions. The goal of this article is to help determine which patients may be appropriate candidates for the initiation or continuation of opioid therapy for gynecologic pain. In addition, this article will help the clinician to establish treatment goals, select appropriate medications, monitor the efficacy of treatment, and to determine when discontinuation of medications is appropriate.