Lisa Allen

Endometriosis: Diagnosis and Management

OBJECTIVE To improve the understanding of endometriosis and to provide evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis. OUTCOMES OUTCOMES evaluated include the impact of the medical and surgical management of endometriosis on womens experience of morbidity and infertility. METHODS Members of the guideline committee were selected on the basis of individual expertise to represent a range of practical and academic experience in terms of both location in Canada and type of practice, as well as subspecialty expertise along with general gynaecology background. The committee reviewed all available evidence in the English and French medical literature and available data from a survey of Canadian women. Recommendations were established as consensus statements. The final document was reviewed and approved by the Executive and Council of the SOGC. RESULTS This document provides a summary of up-to-date evidence regarding diagnosis, investigations, and medical and surgical management of endometriosis. The resulting recommendations may be adapted by individual health care workers when serving women with this condition. CONCLUSIONS Endometriosis is a common and sometimes debilitating condition for women of reproductive age. A multidisciplinary approach involving a combination of lifestyle modifications, medications, and allied health services should be used to limit the impact of this condition on activities of daily living and fertility. In some circumstances surgery is required to confirm the diagnosis and provide therapy to achieve the desired goal of pain relief or improved fecundity. Women who find an acceptable management strategy for this condition may have an improved quality of life or attain their goal of successful pregnancy. EVIDENCE Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for articles in English and French on subjects related to endometriosis, pelvic pain, and infertility from January 1999 to October 2009 in order to prepare a Canadian consensus guideline on the management of endometriosis. VALUES The quality of evidence was rated with use of the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care. Recommendations for practice were ranked according to the method described by the Task Force. See Table 1. BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS Implementation of the guideline recommendations will improve the care of women with pain and infertility associated with endometriosis.

Müllerian Duct Anomalies and Mimics in Children and Adolescents: Correlative Intraoperative Assessment with Clinical Imaging

Müllerian duct anomalies (MDAs) are congenital entities that result from nondevelopment, defective vertical or lateral fusion, or resorption failure of the müllerian (paramesonephric) ducts. MDAs are common, although the majority are asymptomatic, and have been classified by the American Society of Reproductive Medicine according to clinical manifestations, prognosis, and treatment. Accurate diagnosis of an MDA is essential, since the management approach varies depending on the type of malformation. In females, when a müllerian duct becomes obstructed, the patient may present with an abdominal mass and dysmenorrhea. If the patient is not treated in a timely fashion, the consequences can be severe, extending even to infertility. When an MDA is suspected, ultrasonography (US) should be performed initially to delineate any abnormalities in the genital tract. However, US cannot help identify the type of MDA. In contrast, magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable technique for noninvasive evaluation of the female pelvic anatomy and accurate MDA classification. If obstruction is present, surgical correction of the MDA may be required, and further counseling of the patient with regard to reproductive possibilities becomes important. Supplemental material available at http://radiographics.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/29/4/1085/DC1.

Laparoscopic cervico-isthmic cerclage: surgical technique and obstetric outcomes.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of the study is to review the surgical technique, complication rate and obstetric outcome associated with the laparoscopic approach to the placement of the cervico-isthmic cerclage. STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort study was conducted from 2003-2008 and compared with previously reported cases of cervico-isthmic cerclage by laparotomy and laparoscopy. RESULTS Thirty-one patients underwent cerclage placement during pregnancy and 34 patients were not pregnant at the time of the surgery. Seven cases were converted to laparotomy due to complications arising from uterine vessel bleeding or impaired surgical visibility; 2 pregnancies were lost perioperatively. No other complications occurred. The fetal salvage rate (n = 67 pregnancies) was 89% with a mean gestational age of 35.8 +/- 2.9 weeks. Six pregnancies were lost in the second trimester due to the consequences of acute or subacute chorioamnionitis. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the cervico-isthmic cerclage placed laparoscopically compares favorably with the traditional laparotomy approach.

Management of Ovarian Dermoid Cysts in the Pediatric and Adolescent Population

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the surgical approach used in the management of ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent population. DESIGN A descriptive retrospective chart review of all cases of ovarian dermoid cyst excision between January 2001 and January 2006. SETTING The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada. PARTICIPANTS Forty-one female children and adolescents who underwent operative management of an ovarian dermoid cyst. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Surgical approach (laparoscopy vs laparotomy), intraoperative cyst rupture, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications. RESULTS The mean age was 12.5 years. All cysts were unilateral. Twenty-three patients (56%) underwent laparoscopic cystectomy, 14 (34%) underwent cystectomy via laparotomy, and 4 (10%) oophorectomies were performed via laparotomy. Cyst size was significantly larger in the laparotomy group compared to the laparoscopy group (mean diameter 14.4 cm vs 7.1 cm, respectively, P < .001). A significantly higher rate of cyst rupture was experienced during laparoscopic cystectomy (100%), compared to excision via laparotomy (27.7%, P < .001). Length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the laparoscopy group compared to the laparotomy group (median of 0 vs 3 days, respectively, P < .001). A single case in the laparoscopy group sustained a bladder injury and developed postoperative necrotizing fasciitis resulting in a prolonged hospitalization and recovery. There were no operative or postoperative complications related to cyst content spillage, regardless of the surgical approach. CONCLUSION Laparoscopic cystectomy is a safe and effective method of managing ovarian dermoid cysts in the pediatric and adolescent patient population.

Pediatric vulvovaginal disorders: a diagnostic approach and review of the literature.

Vulvovaginal complaints in the prepubertal child are a common reason for referral to the health care provider. The Cochrane Library and Medline databases were searched for articles published in English from 1980 to December 2004 relating to vulvovaginal conditions in girls. The following search terms were used: vulvovaginitis, prepubertal, pediatric, lichen sclerosis, labial fusion, labial adhesion, genital ulcers, urethral prolapse, psoriasis, and straddle injuries. The objectives of this article are to review the normal vulvovaginal anatomy, describe how to perform an age-appropriate examination, and discuss common vulvovaginal disorders and their management in young girls.

Trends in menstrual concerns and suppression in adolescents with developmental disabilities.

PURPOSE Demonstrate changes in methods of menstrual suppression in adolescents with developmental disabilities in a recent 5-year cohort compared with an historical cohort at the same hospital. METHODS Retrospective cohort study of patients with physical and cognitive challenges presenting for menstrual concerns at an Adolescent Gynecology Clinic between 2006 and 2011 compared with a previous published cohort (1998 to 2003). RESULTS Three hundred patients with developmental disabilities aged 7.3 to 18.5 years (mean 12.1 ± 1.6) were analyzed. Caregiver concerns included menstrual suppression, hygiene, caregiver burden, and menstrual symptoms. Ninety-five percent of patients had cognitive disabilities, 4.4% had only physical impairments. Thirty-two (31.7) percent of patients presented premenarchally. The most commonly selected initial method of suppression was extended or continuous oral contraceptive pill (OCP) (42.3%) followed by patch (20%), expectant management (14.9%), depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) (11.6%), and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) (2.8%). Published data from 1998 to 2003 indicated a preference for DMPA in 59% and OCP in 17% of patients. The average number of methods to reach caregiver satisfaction was 1.5. Sixty-five percent of initial methods were continued. The most common reasons for discontinuation were breakthrough bleeding, decreased bone mineral density, or difficulties with patch adherence. Second-choice selections included OCP (42.5%), LNG-IUS inserted under general anesthesia (19.2%), DMPA (17.8%), and patch (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS Since identification of decreased bone mineral density with DMPA and emergence of new contraceptive options, use of extended OCP or patch has surpassed DMPA for menstrual suppression in our patient population. LNG-IUS is an accepted, successful second-line option in adolescents with developmental disabilities.

Maternal luteoma of pregnancy presenting with virilization of the female infant.

BACKGROUND Virilization in female newborns typically results from congenital adrenal hyperplasia, requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. We report a rare cause of virilization, maternal pregnancy luteoma, responsible for virilization of both a newborn and the mother. Luteomas are usually asymptomatic tumour-like ovarian lesions of pregnancy that secrete androgens in only 25% of cases. Many female infants born to masculinized mothers will also be virilized. CASE A term infant born with ambiguous genitalia was transferred to a referral centre for investigation, diagnosis, and treatment. Assessment identified Prader II-III genitalia, an elevated serum testosterone level, a normal serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone level, and a normal female karyotype (46,XX). The mother had had virilization from the second trimester and was found to have an elevated serum testosterone level. Pelvic ultrasound assessment in the mother showed a complex right ovarian mass. Laparotomy was performed, and the mass was excised. Histopathology examination confirmed a luteoma. CONCLUSION High maternal serum testosterone levels due to a luteoma can result in virilization in the female newborn. This report emphasizes the need to consider possible underlying maternal pathology in evaluating a virilized female infant.

Multidisciplinary Management of Invasive Placenta Previa

OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary team approach to reduce severe maternal morbidity in women with invasive placenta previa. METHODS We conducted a prospective study of 33 women with placenta previa and increta-percreta (diagnosed by ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging) delivering at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, following the introduction in January 2008 of a team-based approach to women with this condition. We included women who delivered by June 2012. We reviewed antenatal outpatient and inpatient records for use of six pre-defined team components by the attending staff obstetrician: (1) antenatal maternal-fetal medicine consultation, (2) surgical gynaecology consultation, (3) antenatal MRI, (4) interventional radiology consultation and preoperative placement of balloon catheters in the anterior divisions of the internal iliac arteries, (5) pre-planned surgical date, and (6) surgery performed by members of the invasive placenta surgical team. Antenatal course, delivery, and postpartum details were recorded to derive a five-point composite severe maternal morbidity score based on the presence or absence of: (1) ICU admission following delivery, (2) transfusion > 2 units of blood, (3) general anaesthesia start or conversion, (4) operating time in highest quartile (> 125 minutes), and (5) significant postoperative complications (readmission, prolonged postpartum stay, and/or pulmonary embolism). RESULTS All 33 women survived during this time period. Two thirds (22/33) had either five or six of the six components of multidisciplinary care. Increasing use of multidisciplinary team components was associated with a significant reduction in composite morbidity (R2 = 0.228, P = 0.005). CONCLUSION Team-based assessment and management of women with invasive placenta previa is likely to improve maternal outcomes and should be encouraged on a regional basis.

Retrospective Review of Unintentional Female Genital Trauma at a Pediatric Referral Center

Unintentional female genital trauma is a complaint commonly seen and managed through the emergency department. The purpose of this study was to review all unintentional female genital trauma evaluated at The Hospital for Sick Children for 3.5 years to determine the factors associated with gynecologic consultation and need for operative repair. Methods: One hundred five patients were identified by health record coding. Data were extracted to study factors associated with gynecologic consultation and operative repair. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the significance of these associations. Surgical choices were also evaluated. Results: Mean age was 5.60 years. Mean time to presentation was 7.05 hours. Straddle injury was the most common mechanism (81.90%), and only 4.76% injuries were penetrating. Of the 105 patients, 48.57% consulted the gynecology section, 19.05% were taken to the operating room, and 6.66% were treated under conscious sedation. Overall, 20.95% required surgical repair. The most common complication was dysuria. Six patients had other injuries, the most common of which were pelvic fractures related to trauma. Factors significantly associated with gynecologic consultation and operative management included older age, transfer to our institution, shorter time to presentation, laceration-type injury, hymenal injury, and larger size of injury. Straddle injuries were significantly less likely to be taken to the operating room. When cases were stratified by a surgeon, there were no significant differences in management. Conclusions: Unintentional female pediatric genital traumas most commonly result from straddle injuries. Most injuries are minor, and in this cohort, only 48.57% received gynecologic consultation and 19.05% required operative management. Future prospective studies would be useful to better evaluate the efficacy of surgical choices.

Female Genital Cosmetic Surgery

OBJECTIVE To provide Canadian gynaecologists with evidence-based direction for female genital cosmetic surgery in response to increasing requests for, and availability of, vaginal and vulvar surgeries that fall well outside the traditional realm of medically-indicated reconstructions. EVIDENCE Published literature was retrieved through searches of PubMed or MEDLINE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library in 2011 and 2012 using appropriate controlled vocabulary and key words (female genital cosmetic surgery). Results were restricted to systematic reviews, randomized control trials/controlled clinical trials, and observational studies. There were no date or language restrictions. Searches were updated on a regular basis and incorporated in the guideline to May 2012. Grey (unpublished) literature was identified through searching the websites of health technology assessment and health technology-related agencies, clinical practice guideline collections, clinical trial registries, and national and international medical specialty societies. VALUES The quality of evidence in this document was rated using the criteria described in the Report of the Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care (Table). Recommendations 1. The obstetrician and gynaecologist should play an important role in helping women to understand their anatomy and to respect individual variations. (III-A) 2. For women who present with requests for vaginal cosmetic procedures, a complete medical, sexual, and gynaecologic history should be obtained and the absence of any major sexual or psychological dysfunction should be ascertained. Any possibility of coercion or exploitation should be ruled out. (III-B) 3. Counselling should be a priority for women requesting female genital cosmetic surgery. Topics should include normal variation and physiological changes over the lifespan, as well as the possibility of unintended consequences of cosmetic surgery to the genital area. The lack of evidence regarding outcomes and the lack of data on the impact of subsequent changes during pregnancy or menopause should also be discussed and considered part of the informed consent process. (III-L) 4. There is little evidence to support any of the female genital cosmetic surgeries in terms of improvement to sexual satisfaction or self-image. Physicians choosing to proceed with these cosmetic procedures should not promote these surgeries for the enhancement of sexual function and advertising of female genital cosmetic surgical procedures should be avoided (III-L) 5. Physicians who see adolescents requesting female genital cosmetic surgery require additional expertise in counselling adolescents. Such procedures should not be offered until complete maturity including genital maturity, and parental consent is not required at that time. (III-L) 6. Non-medical terms, including but not restricted to vaginal rejuvenation, clitoral resurfacing, and G-spot enhancement, should be recognized as marketing terms only, with no medical origin; therefore they cannot be scientifically evaluated. (III-L).