A New Paradigm for Uterine Fibroid Treatment: Transcervical, Intrauterine Sonography-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Fibroids with the Sonata System
This article provides the current evidence related to transcervical radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids under integrated intrauterine sonography guidance (the Sonata System).Recent FindingsPublished data on the treatment of fibroids with the Sonata System has demonstrated significant median reductions in total (73.3%) and perfused (73.3%) uterine fibroid volume, menstrual bleeding (72.3%), symptom severity (62.5%), and improvements in health-related quality of life (127%) at 12  months post-ablation. A clinical trial under an FDA Investigational Device Exemption is in progress.SummaryThe Sonata System is a promisi...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - February 14, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

What Does the Data Show for Primary Ovarian Insufficiency?
This article provides an updated review of different etiologic factors and pathogenic mechanisms that lie behind POI as well as current and novel stra tegies for the management of this challenging disease aimed at the primary prevention of the adverse effects of estrogen deficiency and infertility related to the early loss of ovarian function.Recent FindingsPOI is considered as a multifactorial and heterogeneous condition with a wide spectrum of causes, such as cytogenetic, autoimmune, infectious, metabolic, or iatrogenic causes. Most women affected with isolated POI still appear sporadically, and the exact underlying path...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - February 8, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Chronic Endometritis and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic endometritis is generally an asymptomatic condition typically diagnosed by the histopathological presence of plasma cell infiltration in the endometrial stromal compartment. Emerging data suggests that chronic endometritis may be a cause of recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).Recent FindingsChronic endometritis is prevalent in cases of otherwise unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss. Treatment appears to lead to improved pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. The use of CD138 immunohistochemistry as a supplement to traditional hematoxylin and eosin staining of plasma cells increases the de...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - February 1, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Practical Approach to the PCOS Patient
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe purpose of this review is to provide an overview of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) with a discussion on our current understanding of the pathophysiology and sequela of this syndrome. A diagnostic algorithm, as well as the challenges clinicians may face when evaluating these patients is also included. Clinical treatment strategies for fertility and non-fertility PCOS patients are described in detail.Recent FindingsRecent discussions on the inaccuracies and lack of standardization for the measurement of androgens, both clinically and chemically, are highlighted. A meta-analysis and a randomized...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - January 31, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Endometriosis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Clinical Management
AbstractPurpose of ReviewEndometriosis is a disease of adolescents and reproductive-aged women characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity and commonly associated with chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Here we review the epidemiology of endometriosis as well as potential biomarkers for detection and with the goal of highlighting risk factors that could be used in combination with biomarkers to identify and treat women with endometriosis earlier.Recent FindingsEarly age at menarche, shorter menstrual length, and taller height are associated with a higher risk of endometriosis while pari...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - January 26, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding in Women with Infertility
AbstractPurpose of ReviewAbnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a common gynecologic complaint of reproductive-age women that necessitates careful evaluation due to potential underlying structural and systemic abnormalities. The majority of studies on AUB and infertility examine these topics separately, despite emerging evidence that many etiologies of AUB influence fertility. This review aims to provide an updated perspective on the diagnosis and management of AUB in the context of the infertility evaluation.Recent FindingsThe FIGO PALM-COEIN classification of AUB allows for the precise identification of systemic and structur...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - January 19, 2017 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Approaches to Morbidly Obese Women with Gynecologic Cancer
AbstractModifiable lifestyle factors, such as obesity, contribute significantly to cancer and preventable death worldwide. This review appraises recent evidence on the relationship of obesity with endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, and other gynecologic malignancies as well as new evidence for the best surgical and medical practices in morbidly obese female cancer patients, including utilization of minimally invasive surgery, cytoreductive surgery, appropriate chemotherapy dosing, and optimizing radiation therapy in this population. For gynecologic cancer survivors, physical activity and weight loss are associated with im...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - November 10, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Radiofrequency Ablation of Uterine Fibroids: a Review
AbstractLaparoscopic, ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a new, FDA-cleared uterine sparing, outpatient procedure for uterine fibroids. The procedure utilizes recent technological advancements in instrumentation and imaging, allowing surgeons to treat numerous fibroids of varying size and location in a minimally invasive fashion. Early and mid-term data from multi-center clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficacy, with resolution or improvement of symptoms and significant volume reduction. Re-intervention rates for fibroid symptoms have been low. The procedure is well tolerated with a typically u...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - November 3, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Addressing End-of-Life Care in Cancer Patients through “Ubuntu”: Lessons Learned from Rwanda in Global Health Perspective of Humanity
This article aims to describe palliative care in Rwanda and to address end-of-life care issues in a post-genocide society. (Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports)
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 28, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

The Role of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery in Sub Saharan Africa
AbstractPurpose of ReviewMinimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS) is now firmly established in developed countries where there has been a trend away from traditional open surgery towards laparoscopy given proven benefits of faster recovery time and better cosmesis for patients. However, this same trend has not been observed in regions like sub Saharan Africa (SSA) where resources are limited. Lack of human and material resources, need for technological support, and challenges with training have been postulated as major limitations for wide spread introduction and expansion of MIGS in SSA. Nonetheless, a few institutio...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 26, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Techniques for Laparoscopic Contained Tissue Extraction
AbstractTraditionally, uncontained electromechanical morcellation was the preferred technique by gynecologists for tissue extraction in minimally invasive surgery. However, recent reports of inadvertent morcellation of undiagnosed sarcomas and dissemination of the tissue fragments have led to change in surgical approach. A number of techniques for contained morcellation have been proposed as an alternative to traditional techniques. A review of literature about contained tissue extraction in gynecological laparoscopic surgery has been performed in this article. Several techniques have been described, using either a specime...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 14, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Myomectomy versus Traditional Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Are They the Same?
AbstractThe relative pros and cons of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) are still debated. The short-term surgical outcomes such as estimated blood loss, need for blood transfusion, intra-operative complications, and conversion to laparotomy are similar for RALM and LM. Although RALM was previously thought to require longer operative time when compared to LM, recent studies show comparative surgical duration. On longer follow-up, high pregnancy rates and low pregnancy morbidity have been reported for both surgical approaches. The increased cost of RALM when compared to LM may ...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 14, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Laparoscopic Abdominal Cerclage
This article reviews the current state of the literature as regards to the indications, outcomes, and techniques of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage.Recent FindingsLaparoscopic abdominal cerclage is a safe and effective method for the treatment of refractory cervical insufficiency or anatomic restriction to transvaginal cerclage placement. Laparoscopic cerclage has similar success rates to open abdominal cerclage and is the preferred approach given reduced blood loss, postoperative pain, length of stay, and cost. Laparoscopic placement prior to conception may improve feasibility of the procedure and decrease complications. ...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 14, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Cervical Cancer Screening and the Immunosuppressed Patient: the Issues in Screening High-Risk Populations
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWhile evidence-based guidelines are available for cervical cancer screening in the general population, women at higher risk of persistent HPV infection and cervical cancer are excluded. There is limited evidence to guide screening practices for “high-risk” women, in particular, those who are immunosuppressed.Recent FindingsWomen with immunosuppression demonstrate an increased risk of cervical dysplasia and invasive cervical cancer (ICC) compared to the baseline population. Women with HIV were found to have increased rates of ICC and recurrent dysplasia, compounded by lower CD4 counts. Women wit...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 12, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research

Fertility-Sparing Options for Early Cervical Cancer: Optimism for Oncologic and Obstetric Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewIt is well established that in carefully selected patients with early cervical cancer, fertility-sparing procedures are equally safe in terms of recurrence and mortality to the standard treatment with radical hysterectomy. This review highlights the evolution in fertility-sparing management options, with long-term evidence on oncologic and obstetrical outcomes presented.Recent FindingsThe long-term safety of radical vaginal and abdominal trachelectomy is well established. Recently published series also suggest that when patient selection is limited to tumors<2  cm, the oncologic safety for lapa...
Source: Current Obstetrics and Gynecology Reports - October 4, 2016 Category: OBGYN Source Type: research