The influence of the vaginal ecosystem on vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted diseases: an epidemiological study and literature review.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to demonstrate the correlation between altered balance of the vaginal ecosystem and increased risk of vaginitis, bacterial vaginosis, and sexually transmitted diseases and the association between specific alterations found in fresh bacterioscopic examinations (FBE) and the risk of certain infections. METHODS: A retrospective, monocentric study was conducted from January 2013 to December 2023. Patients who underwent FBE and vaginal swabs following reported symptoms or suspected syndromic pictures of vulvovaginal infections were included. RESULTS: Two thousand one hundred ten patients were included and divided into a control group (n = 811, 38.4%) and a pathological group (n = 1299 patients, 61.6%), based on the presence of alterations at the FBE. In the pathological group, 1185 women (91% of positive FBE) had vaginal infections detected through vaginal swabs. The presence of lactobacilli and typical inflammatory cells was detected in 111 (8%) women with pathological FBE and correlated with higher rates of positive swabs for common germs (n = 104, 94%), often leading to co-infections (n = 30, 29%). Conversely, Döderlein's cytolysis (n = 56, 4.3% of positive FBE) indicated a predominance of positive human papillomavirus (HPV) swabs (n = 33, 59%). The presence of fungal elements (n = 208, 16% of positive FBE) suggested a higher prevalence of co-infections (n = 62, 30%). Similarly, mixed bacterial flora (n = 470, 36% of positive FBE) and Trichomonas vaginalis (n = 11, 0.8% of positive FBE) correlated with positive swabs for other pathogens, except for Mycoplasma (n = 0). Bacterial vaginosis (n = 443, 34% of positive FBE) was linked to co-infections (n = 142, 32%) and HPV (n = 123, 28%). CONCLUSION: The importance of conducting FBE in patients with vulvovaginal symptoms is emphasized. This approach aids in determining the need for further diagnostic tests like vaginal swabs, guided by microscopic findings. A strong correlation emerges between the presence of specific alterations in the FBE and an increased prevalence of certain infections.

Exploring the Relationship between Ovarian Cancer and Genital Microbiota: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Ovarian cancer (OC) remains a significant health challenge globally, with high mortality rates despite advancements in treatment. Emerging research suggests a potential link between OC development and genital dysbiosis, implicating alterations in the microbiome composition as a contributing factor. To investigate this correlation, a meta-analysis was conducted following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines, involving eight studies encompassing 3504 patients. Studies investigating the role of upper and inferior genital tract dysbiosis were included, with particular reference to HPV infection and/or history of pelvic inflammatory disease. The analysis revealed no significant difference in genital dysbiosis prevalence between OC patients and healthy controls. Although previous literature suggests associations between dysbiosis and gynecologic cancers, such as cervical and endometrial cancers, the findings regarding OC are inconclusive. Methodological variations and environmental factors may contribute to these discrepancies, underscoring the need for standardized methodologies and larger-scale studies. Despite the limitations, understanding the microbiome's role in OC development holds promise for informing preventive and therapeutic strategies. A holistic approach to patient care, incorporating microbiome monitoring and personalized interventions, may offer insights into mitigating OC risk and improving treatment outcomes. Further research with robust methodologies is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between dysbiosis and OC, potentially paving the way for novel preventive and therapeutic approaches.

Correlation of sexual desire with sexual hormone binding globulin and free androgen index in women using combined contraceptives.

PURPOSE: To correlate the sexual desire levels with sexual hormone binding globulin and free androgen index in women taking different types of hormonal contraceptives (HCs) containing ethinylestradiol (EE), oestradiol valerate (E2V), 17ß-oestradiol (E2), or estetrol (E4), combined or in phasic formulation with different progestogens having antiandrogenic properties. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty-seven women (age range 18-46) participated in the study. SHBG and total testosterone (TT) were measured, and the Free Androgen Index (FAI) was calculated. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS) questionnaires were used to assess sexual function and distress, respectively. RESULTS: The highest SHBG values and the lowest FAIs were obtained of women on HCs containing EE than those of women on HCs containing E2V/17ß E2 or E4 (p < 0.001). Desire scores and FSFI total scores were lower in women on HCs with EE than in those using HCs containing E2V, 17ß E2, or E4 (p ≤ 0.001). The women who were on HCs containing EE reported FSDS levels higher than those containing all the other types of oestrogen. Finally, sexual desire and FSFI total scores had a negative correlation with the SHBG values and a positive correlation with FAI percentage (p ≤ 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A minority of women using HCs with EE might experience a decreased sexual desire. This was not observed in women on HCs containing E2V, 17 E2, or E4. To avoid HC discontinuation, due to sexual desire reduction, HCs having minor antiandrogenic effects could be taken into consideration.

Impact of obesity in the identification of the sentinel lymph node in endometrial cancer: a retrospective, monocentric study and literature review.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) protocol for staging endometrial carcinomas, assessing its impact on surgical management, and determining indications for adjuvant therapies. The study also examines factors that may influence SNL mapping, particularly focusing on the failure of the technique due to obesity. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients with a histological diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma, who underwent surgical staging with SLN biopsy. The lymph node status was compared between non-obese (group 1) and obese (group 2) patients. RESULTS: 71 women were included in the study, of which 33 were non-obese (46.5%) and 38 were obese (53.5%). The failure detection rate was higher in obese patients (14, 36.8%) compared to non-obese patients (5, 15.2%) (p = 0.039). The risk of mapping failure increased by 1.6 times for every 5-unit increase in body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.672, 95% CI 1.024-2.730, p = 0.040). BMI was confirmed as an independent risk factor for mapping failure in both univariate (OR 3.267, 95% CI 1.027-10.395, p = 0.045) and multivariate analyses (OR 5.779, 95% CI 1.320-25.297, p = 0.020). CONCLUSION: SLN detection in obese patients requires great care, as obesity may alter the sensitivity of the technique.

Use of cigarettes and heated tobacco products during pregnancy and maternal-fetal outcomes: a retrospective, monocentric study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of using heated tobacco products (HTP) or traditional cigarettes (C) on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This is a retrospective, monocentric study conducted at San Marco Hospital from July 2021 to July 2022. We compared a cohort of pregnant patients who smoked HTP (HS), with pregnant women smoking cigarettes (CS), ex-smoker (ES) and non-smoker (NS) pregnant women. Biochemistry, ultrasound, and neonatal evaluations were performed. RESULTS: In total, 642 women were enrolled, of which 270 were NS, 114 were ES, 120 were CS, and 138 were HS. CS had the greatest weight gain and had more difficulty getting pregnant. Smokers and ES experienced more frequently threats of preterm labor, miscarriages, temporary hypertensive spikes, and higher rates of cesarean sections. Preterm delivery was more associated with CS and HS groups. CS and HS had lower awareness of the risks to which the mother and the fetus are exposed. CS were more likely to be depressed and anxious. Biochemical parameters did not show significant differences between the groups. CS had the greatest difference in days between the gestational age calculated based on the last menstrual period and the one based on the actual ultrasound age. The average percentile newborn weight range of CS was lower, as well as the mean 1st minute and the 5th minute Apgar scores. CONCLUSION: The comparison of the data obtained between CS and HS underlines the greater danger of C. Nevertheless, we do not recommend HTP because the maternal-fetal outcomes are not superimposable to the NS outcomes.

The unpredictable clinical course of an abdominal cyst diagnosed in the prenatal period: A case report.

Enteric duplication cysts are rare congenital malformations of the gastrointestinal tract. Prenatal diagnosis can be achieved through ultrasound, which may reveal a cystic mass, though the differential diagnosis is broad. We report a case in which the prenatal ultrasound detection of an abdominal cystic mass prompted postnatal magnetic resonance imaging, leading to the diagnosis of an enteric duplication cyst. At 6 weeks of age, the infant developed an obstruction of the small bowel, requiring urgent surgical intervention. This case underscores the difficulties in differentiating abdominal cysts prenatally. Thorough prenatal and neonatal follow-up is crucial, and postnatal magnetic resonance imaging is sometimes essential for accurate diagnosis. The clinical course can be unpredictable, and complications that may arise could necessitate urgent surgical treatment.

Techniques and endocrine-reproductive outcomes of ovarian transposition prior to pelvic radiotherapy in both gynecologic and non-gynecologic cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Premature ovarian failure may be a consequence of radiotherapy administered for the treatment of various female oncologic diseases. Before radiotherapy, fertility may be preserved through ovarian transposition (OT), which consists of moving the ovaries away from the radiation field. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain all types of surgical techniques employed for OT, outline the endocrine and reproductive outcomes of each one, and discover if one works better than the others. SEARCH STRATEGY: The authors performed a systematic search of the English literature looking for all studies related to OT before radiotherapy published up to June 2023. Nine studies were included. SELECTION CRITERIA: The eligible studies were assessed based on the presence of a description of the surgical technique employed for OT before pelvic radiotherapy and a report of the endocrine and reproductive outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals were used to compare endocrine and reproductive outcomes The χ2 test was employed for the statistical analysis and a P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 323 female patients aged between 7 and 51 years-198 (61.3%) with non-gynecologic cancer and 125 (38.7%) with gynecologic cancer-underwent OT, either bilateral (221, 68.4%) or unilateral (102, 31.6%), before radiotherapy. Essentially, two types of OT were employed: lateral and medial. A total of 71 (22%) patients underwent medial OT and 252 (78%) patients (127 with non-gynecologic tumors and 125 with gynecologic tumors) had a lateral OT. The latter was used in a similar percentage of cases for gynecologic (50.4%) and non-gynecologic (49.6%) tumors, whereas the medial approach was performed only for non-gynecologic cancers (Hodgkin's lymphoma). The difference between medial OT and lateral OT was not significant regarding the preservation of endocrine function (OR 0.65, P = 0.120). However, midline OT worked better in terms of reproductive outcomes. In fact, the percentage of patients with pregnancy (49.2%) and live births (45%) associated with medial OT was significantly higher than that associated with lateral OT, 6.5% and 13.4%, respectively, and the difference between such data was statistically significant (OR 7.04, P = 0.001 and OR 5.29, P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Ovarian transposition is an important method to preserve fertility before radiotherapy, considering the worldwide ongoing use of this treatment for various cancers arising in young women. The surgical method depends on the type of disease, but OT-especially medial OT when feasible-is effective in terms of ovarian function preservation and reproductive outcomes.

Comparison of Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes between SARS-CoV-2 Variants: A Retrospective, Monocentric Study.

The impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on maternal and neonatal outcomes during pregnancy is still poorly understood, and the emergence of different variants has further complicated our understanding of the virus's effects. This retrospective, monocentric study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by analyzing the outcomes of pregnant women with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection caused by the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants. The study, conducted between December 2020 and March 2022 at San Marco Hospital, included 313 pregnant women with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The results showed that the Delta variant was associated with a significantly higher incidence of adverse outcomes, such as premature births, maternal intensive care unit admission, intrauterine growth restriction, and small for gestational age infants. Additionally, the Delta variant was linked to lower Apgar scores, higher maternal and fetal mortality rates, and increased levels of various biomarkers indicating more severe illness. Finally, the Delta variant also presented a greater possibility of vertical transmission. These findings underscore the complexity of understanding the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnancy outcomes, especially considering the distinctive characteristics of different variants. By better understanding the specific impacts of each variant, appropriate preventive measures and management strategies can be implemented to optimize maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Interleukin-6 as A Useful Predictor of Endometriosis-Associated Infertility: A Systematic Review.

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Several authors have reported on the association between changes in inflammatory marker levels and the maintenance or progression of endometriosis and associated infertility. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the most studied cytokine in endometriosis and has important functions in reproductive physiology. The aim of this study is to review systematically available evidence about altered IL-6 concentrations in endometriosis-related infertility. This is a systematic review including all studies until December 2022 in which IL-6 in serum, peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, or endometrial biopsy specimens was measured and that correlated their findings with endometriosis- associated infertility. Fifteen studies were included in the systematic review. There seems to be a correlation between elevated serum and peritoneal fluid IL-6 concentrations and the occurrence of endometriosis-associated infertility. IL-6 may be a potential diagnostic or biomarker tool for the prediction of endometriosis-related infertility. However, the numerous biases affecting the available studies, and challenges in endometriosis research reproducibility must be considered. Future investigations should pay attention to factors that may affect the results, such as the choice of suitable control groups, and carefully consider other pathological conditions affecting the patients, endometriosis stage, and type of lesion.

Hysteroscopic Findings and Operative Treatment: All at Once?

Hysteroscopy is considered not only a diagnostic instrument but also a therapeutic tool for many uterine pathologies. In the early 1990s, advances in technology and techniques made hysteroscopy less painful and invasive, allowing to increase in the number of gynecological procedures performed in an ambulatory setting without significant patient discomfort and with potentially significant cost savings. This is the so-called "office hysteroscopy" or "see-and-treat hysteroscopy", whose spread has permitted the decrease of the number of procedures performed in the operating room with the benefit of obviating the need for anesthesia and dilatation of the cervical canal.

Effects of Drospirenone only pill contraception on postpartum mood disorders: A prospective, comparative pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this non-randomized control study was to assess the effect of Drospirenone (DRSP) only pill (DOP) 4 mg, in a 24 active/4 placebo regimen, on the mood of postpartum women who wanted to use a hormonal contraceptive. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-one women in the study group, and 78 in the control group, were included in intention-to-treat analyses. The depression score was assessed using the self-administrated Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at the childbirth preparation course (T0), and at 2 (T1), 12 (T2), and 24 (T3) weeks postpartum follow-ups. RESULTS: From T0 to T1 an increase in the scores was observed in both groups: in the study group from 9.2 ± 2.5 to 10.1 ± 2.4 (p = 0.02), and in the control group from 8.7 ± 2.7 to 10.3 ± 2.2 (p < 0.001). At the T2 follow-up, the EPDS score reduction was statistically significant in the study group (p < 0.001) but not in the control group (p = 0.16). Similarly, at the T3 follow-up, the score was statistically reduced in the study (p < 0.01), but not in the control group (p = 0.35). The intergroup statistical analysis showed no differences between groups at T0 (p = 0.19) and at T1 (p = 0.55). Instead, they were statistically significant at T2 and T3 (p < 0.001). EPDS scores had no significant correlation with the mode of delivery (r = 0.2; p > 0.05) and with the mode of breastfeeding (r = 0.3; p > 0.05). On the other hand, EPDS scores demonstrated a positive correlation with the social status of single (r = 0.99; p < 0.002) and low education level (r = 0.82; p < 0.004). CONCLUSION: Postpartum mood disorders may have persistent effects that compromise the mother's health and newborn development. DRSP, used as DOP, could modulate mood disorders of the postpartum period in women with individual sensitivity to steroid levels.

Oral HPV Infection in Women with HPV-Positive Cervix Is Closely Related to Oral Sex.

The oral transmission of HPV and, consequently, the risk of oral cancer has increased in the last years. Oral sex has often been implicated among the risk factors for oral HPV infections, however, there is still no consensus on these topics, nor on the relationship between genital and oral HPV infections. The present study aimed to evaluate the coexistence of papilloma virus, at the levels of the oral and genital mucosa, in women with a histologically confirmed HPV lesions (and a positive HPV test) at the genital level and a negative HPV control group. We also evaluated how some risk factors, such as smoking, the number of partners, age, and sexual habits can influence the possible presence of the virus itself in the oropharynx of the same women. In total, 117 unvaccinated women aged between 18 and 52 were enrolled. We found that the prevalence of oral HPV infection was high among the women with concomitant genital HPV infection (22%) compared to the HPV-negative women (0%), and the estimated odds ratio was 17.36 (95% CI: 1.02, 297.04). In none of the women with oral HPV did we find any relevant clinical lesions. The potential risk factors for HPV infections in the oropharynx and genitals were analyzed based on questionnaire responses. A multivariate analysis showed that genital HPV infections were significantly associated with a number of sexual partners > 10 (OR 138.60, 95% CI: 6.04-3181.30, p < 0.001), but the data also referred to having between 3-5 or 6-10 partners as being significant, as were a high level of education (OR 6.24, 95% CI: 1.67-4.23.26 p = 0.003), a frequency of sexual intercourse >10 (OR 91.67 95% CI: 3.20-2623.52, p = 0.004), oral sex (OR 6.16, 95% CI: 1.22-31.19, p = 0.014), and >20 cigarettes/day (OR 6.09 95% CI: 1.21-30.61, p = 0.014). Furthermore, being "separate" and having multiple sexually transmitted diseases were also significantly associated with genital HPV infection. In contrast, oral HPV infections were significantly associated with women aged 36 to 50 years (OR 27.38, 95% CI: 4.37-171.37; p = 0.000202) and oral sex (OR 95.5, 95% CI: 5.13-1782.75, p = 0.001126).Additionally, being separate, being cohabitant, lifetime sexual partners of >10, 3-5 lifetime sexual partners, <20 years of age, >10 sexual intercourse per month, occasional and regular anal sex, >20 cigarettes per day, a history of sexually transmitted disease (herpes and multiple), and having a history of genital warts were significant. Screening and early diagnosis are considered to be practically unfeasible for this category of cancer, given the lack of visible lesions; the 9-valent HPV vaccine remains the only means that could help to successfully counter the growing incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Cesarean Scar Pregnancy and Successful Ultrasound-Guided Removal after Uterine Artery Ligation.

A correct management of cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is mandatory to avoid further complications. There is no consensus for the standard therapy and the most frequent methods used are not free from failures and sequelae. A 38-year-old woman was admitted referring amenorrhea lasting 9 weeks, pelvic pain, and vaginal bleeding. She had three previous cesarean sections. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a gestational sac of 16 mm in the cervico-isthmic site and inside the thickness of the uterine wall, and the dosage of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin was 12,770 mU/mL. A diagnosis of CSP was done, and an ultrasound-guided removal after uterine artery cervical branch ligation was performed. The follow-up was uneventful. Even if not yet codified in the literature, our therapeutic procedure should be considered in other similar cases in the future, as it potentially limits the possible iatrogenic problems and reduces intraoperative and postoperative bleeding to a minimum.

Performance of p16/Ki67 Immunostaining for Triage of Elderly Women with Atypical Squamous Cells of Undetermined Significance.

BACKGROUND: The p16/Ki67 technique has been poorly studied in postmenopausal women with ASC-US cytology. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of p16/Ki67 staining, HPV testing and HPV 16 genotyping for the identification of CIN2 + lesions in postmenopausal women with ASC-US cytology. METHOD: A total of 324 postmenopausal women with positive ASC-US were included. The women underwent HPV test, colposcopy, and biopsy. The slides were discolored and then stained with the CINtec Plus Kit for p16/Ki67. The HPV test results were classified as HPV16 +, hrHPV+ (other hrHPV genotypes), or HPV negative. RESULTS: The p16/Ki67 sensitivity for CIN2+ was 94.5%, the specificity 86.6%, PPV of 59% and NPV of 95.9%. The HPV test showed a sensitivity of 96.4% for CIN2+, a specificity of 62.8%, a PPV of 35% and a NPV of 98.8%. In postmenopausal women, the prevalence of genotype 16 decreases in favor of the other high-risk genotypes. CONCLUSION: Given the low sensitivity of cytology and the low percentage of HPV16-positive cancers among elderly women, triage via cytology and genotyping is not the best strategy; double staining cytology shows high profiles of sensibility and specificity for CIN2+ in ASCUS postmenopausal women.

Papillomavirus Infection as Potential Cause of Miscarriage in the Early Gestational Age: A Prospective Study.

The possible association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and negative pregnancy outcomes has been debated in the literature, with conflicting results from clinical trials. While some authors support a link between HPV and miscarriage, others argue that the mere detection of the virus does not necessarily indicate a causal relationship with negative pregnancy outcomes. In this study, we conducted a prospective, controlled investigation of the potential association between HPV infection and miscarriage. Our study included 59 women who had experienced a miscarriage and 57 women who had undergone voluntary termination of pregnancy (TOP) within the 12th week of gestation. We assessed HPV prevalence, maternal age, and HPV genotype in both groups and evaluated the relationship between these factors and pregnancy outcome. Unlike previous studies that only identified HPV in cases of abortion, we also correlated the positivity of chorionic villi with gestational age in both groups. We found a close correlation between positive chorionic villi and very early gestational age, with all 13 cases of virus-positive chorionic villi in the miscarriage group occurring in gestational periods of less than 8 + 5 weeks (<60 days) (RR = 28.6). Our analysis showed no correlation between HPV infection and maternal age or viral genotypes. The results suggest that the presence of HPV alone is not enough to cause spontaneous abortion, but a high viral load in early pregnancy may increase the risk of negative outcomes. These findings have important implications for the management of HPV infection during pregnancy and may provide a rationale for the use of HPV vaccines to reduce the incidence of spontaneous abortion and infertility due to preclinical spontaneous abortions.

Post Treatment Sexual Function and Quality of Life of Patients Affected by Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: The aim of this study is to analyze the available scientific evidence regarding the quality of life (QoL) and sexual function (SF) in patients affected by cervical cancer (CC) after surgical and adjuvant treatments. Materials and Methods: Preliminary research was conducted via electronic database (MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane Library) with the use of a combination of the following keywords: SF, QoL, and CC. The principal findings considered in the present review were the study design, the number of patients included in each study, the information about the malignancy (histology and stage of disease), the questionnaires administered, and the principal findings concerning SF and QoL. Results: All studies were published between 2003-2022. The studies selected consisted of one randomized control study, seven observational studies (three prospective series), and nine case control studies. The scores used were focused on SF, QOL, fatigue, and psychological aspects. All studies reported a decreased SF and QOL. The most developed questionnaires were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HADS), and the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS). Discussion: All studies reported a decreased SF and QOL. In addition to the perception of body image, several factors coexist in influencing the outcomes such as the physical, hormonal, psychological. Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction after CC treatment has a multifactorial aetiology which negatively affects the quality of life. For these reasons, it is important to follow and support patients with a multidisciplinary team (doctors, nurses, psychologists, dieticians) before and after therapy. This type of tailored therapeutic approach should become a standard. Women should be informed about possible vaginal changes and menopausal symptoms after surgery and on the positive effects of psychological therapy.

Assessment of Salvage Surgery in Persistent Cervical Cancer after Definitive Radiochemotherapy: A Systematic Review.

Background and Objectives: The standard treatment approach in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) is exclusive concurrent chemoradiation therapy (RTCT). The risk of local residual disease after six months from RTCT is about 20-30%. It is directly related to relapse risk and poor survival, such as in patients with recurrent cervical cancer. This systematic review aims to describe studies investigating salvage surgery's role in persistent/recurrent disease in LACC patients who underwent definitive RTCT. Materials and Methods: Studies were eligible for inclusion when patients had LACC with radiologically suspected or histologically confirmed residual disease after definitive RTCT, diagnosed with post-treatment radiological workup or biopsy. Information on complications after salvage surgery and survival outcomes had to be reported. The methodological quality of the articles was independently assessed by two researchers with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched the PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Medline, and Medscape databases in May 2022. We applied no language or geographical restrictions but considered only English studies. We included studies containing data about postoperative complications and survival outcomes. Results: Eleven studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and all were retrospective observational studies. A total of 601 patients were analyzed concerning the salvage surgery in LACC patients for persistent/recurrent disease after RTCT treatment. Overall, 369 (61.4%) and 232 (38.6%) patients underwent a salvage hysterectomy (extrafascial or radical) and pelvic exenteration (anterior, posterior, or total), respectively. Four hundred and thirty-nine (73%) patients had histologically confirmed the residual disease in the salvage surgical specimen, and 109 patients had positive margins (overall range 0-43% of the patients). The risk of severe (grade ≥ 3) postoperative complications after salvage surgery is 29.8% (range 5-57.5%). After a median follow-up of 38 months, the overall RR was about 32% with an overall death rate of 40% after hysterectomy or pelvic exenteration with or without lymphadenectomy. Conclusions: There is heterogeneity between the studies both in their design and results, therefore the effect of salvage surgery on survival and recurrence cannot be adequately estimated. Future homogeneous studies with an appropriately selected population are needed to analyze the safety and efficacy of salvage hysterectomy or pelvic exenteration in patients with residual tumors after definitive RTCT.

Hereditary Women's Cancer: Management and Risk-Reducing Surgery.

Hereditary women's syndromes due to inherited mutations result in an elevated risk of developing gynecological cancers over the lifetime of affected carriers. The BRCA 1 and 2 mutations, Lynch syndrome (LS), and mutations in rare hereditary syndromes increase this risk and require more effective management of these patients based on surveillance and prophylactic surgery. Patients need counseling regarding risk-reducing surgery (RRS) and the time required to perform it, considering the adverse effects of premenopausal surgery and the hormonal effect on quality of life, bone density, sexual activity, and cardiological and vascular diseases. Risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) is the gold standard for BRCA-mutated patients. An open question is that of endometrial cancer (EC) risk in patients with BRCA1/2 mutation to justify prophylactic hysterectomy during RRSO surgical procedures. RRS provides a 90-95% risk reduction for ovarian and breast cancer in women who are mutation carriers, but the role of prophylactic hysterectomy is underinvestigated in this setting of patients. In this review, we evaluate the management of the most common hereditary syndromes and the benefits of risk-reducing surgery, particularly exploring the role of prophylactic hysterectomy.

Impact of Hysterotomy Closure Technique on Subsequent Cesarean Scar Defects Formation: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The uterine caesarean scar defect, also known as uterine niche or isthmocele, is an irregularity in the anterior uterine wall at the site of a previous cesarean section scar. It is associated with obstetrical complications such as caesarean scar, ectopic pregnancy, uterine rupture, and the placenta accreta spectrum. Women with cesarean scar defects are frequently asymptomatic but may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. METHODS: This systematic review aims to determine the best hysterotomy closure technique to prevent subsequent development of uterine scar defects. An electronic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov was performed from January 2001 until December 2020 for studies evaluating hysterotomy closure techniques. RESULTS: Our systematic search strategy identified 1,781 titles. Six studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The results supported the superiority of the double-layer closure over the single-layer closure. CONCLUSIONS: Hysterotomy closure with continuous running sutures in two layers represents a suitable option to prevent cesarean scar defect formation. Particularly, the first layer should include the decidua and the second layer should overlap the first.

Letrozole and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS): A Promising Prevention Strategy.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS) is an uncommon but serious complication occurring in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation. It is characterized by ovarian enlargement, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain/distension, and reduction in urine output. However, OHSS may rarely evolve into a life-threatening condition with ascites, hemoconcentration and hypercoagulability. Prevention of OHSS consists of an integrated approach that associates behavioral aspects with administration of pharmacological compounds. Among drugs used to manage OHSS, Letrozole has recently been proposed as an effective option for prevention of the syndrome. However, despite the promising findings reported by several studies, to date Letrozole is not yet officially mentioned in the guidelines for "Prevention and Treatment of moderate and severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome". In this scenario, the current study discusses Letrozole approaches scientifically available to prevent OHSS.