Advances in Gynecological Diseases

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Obstetrics & Gynecology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 April 2025 | Viewed by 8266

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Guest Editor
Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS Burlo Garofolo, 34100 Trieste, Italy
Interests: women's Health; mini-invasive surgery; new therapy; urogynecology; female healthcare
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

This Special Issue, entitled “Advances in Gynecological disease”, will focus on the latest diagnostic and therapeutic techniques that enable adequate treatment of gynecological pathologies. Technological innovations and new diagnostic techniques allow increasingly precise and faster diagnoses to be performed. Technological and pharmacological innovations, combined with the use of minimally invasive surgery (hysteroscopy, laparoscopy and robotic surgery), have also enabled increasingly precise and tailored therapy to be introduced.

You may choose our Joint Special Issue in IJERPH.

Dr. Guglielmo Stabile
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • gynecology
  • women's health
  • mini-invasive surgery
  • laparoscopy
  • hysteroscopy
  • diagnostic imaging
  • gynecological oncology
  • endometriosis
  • new therapy
  • urogynecology
  • female healthcare

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 1093 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound of Uterine Fibroids and Adenomyosis: An 11-Year Experience from a Single Center in Hong Kong
by Vivian Wai-Yan Ng and Vincent Yuk-Tong Cheung
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(16), 4788; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13164788 - 14 Aug 2024
Viewed by 232
Abstract
Introduction: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Methods: HIFU treatments performed in premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis were analyzed retrospectively. Lesion volume reduction, change in symptoms [...] Read more.
Introduction: This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. Methods: HIFU treatments performed in premenopausal women with symptomatic uterine fibroids and adenomyosis were analyzed retrospectively. Lesion volume reduction, change in symptoms of menstrual pain, and quality of life were examined. Major and minor complications, together with re-intervention rates, were evaluated. Results: Eighty-one HIFU treatments were performed in seventy-nine premenopausal women. The follow-up period was up to 95 months. A total of 65 women underwent treatment for uterine fibroids and 14 were treated for adenomyosis. For patients with uterine fibroids, the baseline fibroid volume median was 190.1 cm3 (18.5–1729.4 cm3). Fibroid volume was reduced by 50.1% (−26.2–97.8, p < 0.0001) at 6 months and 66.9% (−33.7–98.3, p < 0.0001) at 12 months after treatment. The modified Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life (UFS-QOL) scores had decreased by 43.5% (0–62.5%, p < 0.0001) at 6 months and 50% (0–73%, p < 0.0001) at 12 months after treatment. In the adenomyosis arm, the median baseline uterine volume was 97.7 cm3 (43.7–367.4 m3). Uterine volume was reduced by 19.6% (range: 1.2–42.0, p = 0.28) at 6 months and 41.9% (18.9–69.2, p = 0.04) at 12 months after treatment. UFS-QOL scores were reduced by 38.1% (6–66.7%, p < 0.0001) at 6 months and 40% (0–70%, p < 0.0001) at 12s month after treatment. Fourteen (21.5%) patients with uterine fibroid and five (35.7%) patients with adenomyosis required subsequent interventions. Conclusions: HIFU provides symptomatic relief to most patients with uterine fibroids and adenomyosis. It is a promising uterus-sparing treatment for patients with these conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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10 pages, 1546 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Endocervical Curettage in Colposcopy in the Turkish Cervical Cancer Screening Program
by Utku Akgor, Nejat Ozgul, Ali Can Gunes, Murat Turkyılmaz and Murat Gultekin
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(15), 4417; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154417 - 28 Jul 2024
Viewed by 553
Abstract
Background/Objectives: To investigate the risk factors for CIN2+ lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse) in endocervical curettage (ECC) and to evaluate the relationship between the addition of ECC to punch biopsy in terms of the yield of CIN2+ lesions. Methods: Between February [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: To investigate the risk factors for CIN2+ lesions (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 3 or worse) in endocervical curettage (ECC) and to evaluate the relationship between the addition of ECC to punch biopsy in terms of the yield of CIN2+ lesions. Methods: Between February 2018 and 2019, data on colposcopy results from 11,944 patients were gathered from the Cancer Department of the Turkish Ministry of Health across the country. A total of 6370 women whom were referred to colposcopy were included in this study. Risk factors were identified using both univariate and multivariate logistic analyses. Results: The median age was 42 years old (range, 30–65). ASC-H (atypical squamous cells-suggestive of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion)/HSIL (high-grade intraepithelial lesion) cytology (OR 7.648 95% CI (3.933–14.871)) and HPV (human papillomavirus)-16/18 infection (OR 2.541 95% CI (1.788–3.611)) were identified as risk factors for having CIN2+ lesions. CIN2+ diagnostic yield by ECC is only 1.2% all patients. CIN2+ diagnostic yield by punch biopsy and ECC are 9.7% and 6% of patients, respectively. A higher CIN2+ yield by ECC was observed with increasing age. Among cytology groups, ASC-H/HSIL has highest CIN2+ yield by ECC. Finally, in patients with incomplete visualization of the squamocolumnar junction (SCJ), ECC yields approximately twice as many CIN2+ lesions. Conclusions: ECC should be considered in cases of advanced patient age and in situations where the SCJ is not routinely visualized. In addition, evaluation of the endocervical canal is necessary in HPV-positive cases infected with HPV-16/18 types and in cases infected with HPV of any type but with cytological abnormalities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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11 pages, 238 KiB  
Article
The Role of Endometrial Sampling before Hysterectomy in Premenopausal Women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
by Oguzhan Kuru, Ipek Betul Ozcivit Erkan, Cansu Turker Saricoban, Utku Akgor, Neslihan Gokmen Inan and Sennur Ilvan
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3709; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133709 - 25 Jun 2024
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Abstract
Background/Objectives: An endometrial sampling is recommended for patients experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding above the age of 40 or 45. Valid risk prediction models are needed to accurately assess the risk of endometrial cancer and avoid an unnecessary endometrial biopsy in premenopausal women. We [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: An endometrial sampling is recommended for patients experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding above the age of 40 or 45. Valid risk prediction models are needed to accurately assess the risk of endometrial cancer and avoid an unnecessary endometrial biopsy in premenopausal women. We aimed to assess the necessity and usefulness of preoperative endometrial sampling by evaluating premenopausal women who underwent hysterectomy for abnormal uterine bleeding after preoperative endometrial sampling at our clinic. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 339 patients who underwent preoperative endometrial sampling and subsequently underwent hysterectomy due to abnormal uterine bleeding. Detailed gynecologic examinations, patient histories, and reports of endometrial sampling and hysterectomy were recorded. Cohen’s Kappa (κ) statistic was utilized to evaluate the concordance between histopathological results from an endometrial biopsy and hysterectomy. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 47 ± 4 years. Endometrial biopsies predominantly revealed benign findings, with 137 (40.4%) cases showing proliferative endometrium and 2 (0.6%) cases showing endometrial cancer. Following hysterectomy, final pathology indicated proliferative endometrium in 208 (61.4%) cases, with 7 (2.1%) cases showing endometrioid cancer. There was a statistically significant but low level of concordance between histopathological reports of endometrial biopsy and hysterectomy results (Kappa = 0.108; p < 0.001). Significant differences were observed only in the body mass index of patients based on hysterectomy results (p = 0.004). When demographic characteristics were compared with cancer incidence, smoking status and preoperative endometrial biopsy findings showed statistically significant differences (p = 0.042 and p = 0.010, respectively). Conclusions: The concordance between the pathological findings of a preoperative endometrial biopsy and hysterectomy is low. Body mass index is an important differentiating factor between benign histopathologic findings of endometrium and endometrial neoplasia. Moreover, adenomyosis was found to be associated with endometrial cancer cases. The current approach to premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding, which includes a routine endometrial biopsy, warrants re-evaluation by international societies and experts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
12 pages, 851 KiB  
Article
Developing a Nomogram for Prioritizing Hysteroscopy in Endometrial Cancer Diagnosis: A Case-Control Study
by Bruna Bottura, Raphael Federicci Haddad, Vanessa Alvarenga-Bezerra, Vinicius Campos, Luiza Perez, Carolina Resende, Fernanda de Almeida Asencio, Adolfo Wenjaw Liao, Mariano Tamura Vieira Gomes, Eduardo Zlotnik and Renato Moretti-Marques
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 1145; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13041145 - 18 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1066
Abstract
(1) Background: The pandemic led to significant healthcare disruptions, resulting in postponed surgeries and extended waiting times for non-urgent treatments, including hysteroscopies essential for diagnosing endometrial cancer. This study aims to formulate a risk stratification model to enhance the prioritization of hysteroscopy procedures [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The pandemic led to significant healthcare disruptions, resulting in postponed surgeries and extended waiting times for non-urgent treatments, including hysteroscopies essential for diagnosing endometrial cancer. This study aims to formulate a risk stratification model to enhance the prioritization of hysteroscopy procedures in Brazil; (2) Methods: A case-control study was conducted at Vila Santa Catarina Hospital in São Paulo, analyzing the medical records of 2103 women who underwent hysteroscopy between March 2019 and March 2022. We used bivariate analysis and multivariate linear regression to identify risk factors associated with endometrial cancer and formulate a nomogram; (3) Results: The findings revealed a 5.5% incidence of pre-invasive and invasive endometrial disease in the study population, with an average waiting time of 120 days for hysteroscopy procedures. The main risk factors identified were hypertension, diabetes, postmenopausal bleeding, and obesity; (4) Conclusions: This research highlights the urgent need for efficient prioritization of hysteroscopy procedures in the wake of the pandemic. The developed nomogram is an innovative tool for identifying patients at higher risk of endometrial cancer, thus facilitating timely diagnosis and treatment and improving overall patient outcomes in a strained healthcare system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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14 pages, 1465 KiB  
Article
Comparison of Secondary Prevention Following Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis in the Improvement of Reproductive Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Study
by Tianyu Wu, Tao Fang, Yuanhang Dong, Jingxia Mao, Jia Wang, Ming Zhao and Ruijin Wu
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(1), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13010073 - 22 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1092
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is primarily caused by endometrial injury, and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is presently the main treatment. However, postoperative recurrence and poor pregnancy outcomes remain intractable. In this study, we aim to assess the effects of different treatments on clinical symptoms and reproductive [...] Read more.
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is primarily caused by endometrial injury, and hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is presently the main treatment. However, postoperative recurrence and poor pregnancy outcomes remain intractable. In this study, we aim to assess the effects of different treatments on clinical symptoms and reproductive outcomes in IUA. This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary university-affiliated women’s hospital. The study included 1449 consecutive women who desired to have a baby and were diagnosed with IUA through hysteroscopy from January 2016 to December 2021. Patients with IUA underwent hysteroscopic electric resection (E) or cold scissors separation (C), as well as hormone therapy and one or both of the following secondary prevention measures: intrauterine devices (IUD) and hyaluronic acid gel (HA). The pregnancy rate (PR) was significantly higher in the E + IUD + HA (90.23% CI: 85.82, 94.64%) than in other groups (p = 0.000) groups. The rates of full-term birth (p = 0.000) and live birth (p = 0.000) were significantly higher in the E + IUD + HA (67.82% and 68.97%, respectively) and E + HA (62.41% and 63.91%, respectively) groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed a significantly higher PR in women who received second-look hysteroscopy (OR 1.571, 95% CI: 1.009–2.224, p = 0.013) and E + IUD + HA (OR 4.772, 95% CI: 2.534–8.987, p = 0.000). Combining hysteroscopic electric resection with IUDs and HA gel could prevent adhesion recurrence and improve postoperative pregnancy and live birth outcomes in IUA. Furthermore, postoperative second-look hysteroscopy may increase the PR and shorten the waiting period. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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Review

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14 pages, 234 KiB  
Review
Endometriosis Predictive Models Based on Self-Assessment Questionnaire, Evidence from Clinical Examination or Imaging Findings: A Narrative Review
by Fani Gkrozou, Orestis Tsonis, Felice Sorrentino, Luigi Nappi, Anastasia Vatopoulou, Chara Skentou, Suruchi Pandey, Minas Paschopoulos and Angelos Daniilidis
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(2), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13020356 - 8 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1153
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate existing questionnaires on predictive models for endometriosis. These symptom-based models have the potential to serve as screening tools for adult women to detect endometriosis. Data sources: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase [...] Read more.
Objective: The aim of this narrative review is to evaluate existing questionnaires on predictive models for endometriosis. These symptom-based models have the potential to serve as screening tools for adult women to detect endometriosis. Data sources: A comprehensive search of PubMed and Embase databases was conducted to identify studies on endometriosis screening. Selection of studies: The search targeted predictive models for endometriosis localisation, bowel involvement, need for bowel surgery and fertility. Due to the heterogeneity identified, a systematic review was not possible. A total of 23 studies were identified. Data extraction and synthesis: Among these studies, twelve included measures for general endometriosis, two targeted specific sites, four focused on deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and three addressed the need for endometriosis-related bowel surgery. Many measures combined clinical, imaging and laboratory tests with patient questionnaires. Validation of these models as screening tools was lacking in all studies, as the focus was on diagnosis rather than screening. Conclusion: This review did not identify any fully validated, symptom-based questionnaires for endometriosis screening in adult women. Substantial validation work remains to establish the efficacy of such tools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)

Other

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33 pages, 18737 KiB  
Case Report
Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome with Bilateral Gonadal Sertoli Cell Lesions, Sertoli–Leydig Cell Tumor, and Paratesticular Leiomyoma: A Case Report and First Systematic Literature Review
by Apollon I. Karseladze, Aleksandra V. Asaturova, Irina A. Kiseleva, Alina S. Badlaeva, Anna V. Tregubova, Andrew R. Zaretsky, Elena V. Uvarova, Magda Zanelli and Andrea Palicelli
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(4), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13040929 - 6 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1342
Abstract
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare Mendelian disorder caused by mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) gene on the long arm of the X chromosome. As a result of the mutation, the receptor becomes resistant to androgens, and hence, karyotypically [...] Read more.
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare Mendelian disorder caused by mutations of the androgen receptor (AR) gene on the long arm of the X chromosome. As a result of the mutation, the receptor becomes resistant to androgens, and hence, karyotypically male patients (46,XY) carry a female phenotype. Their cryptorchid gonads are prone to the development of several types of tumors (germ cell, sex cord stromal, and others). Here, we report a 15-year-old female-looking patient with primary amenorrhea who underwent laparoscopic gonadectomy. Histologically, the patient’s gonads showed Sertoli cell hamartomas (SCHs) and adenomas (SCAs) with areas of Sertoli–Leydig cell tumors (SLCTs) and a left-sided paratesticular leiomyoma. Rudimentary Fallopian tubes were also present. The patient’s karyotype was 46,XY without any evidence of aberrations. Molecular genetic analysis of the left gonad revealed two likely germline mutations—a pathogenic frameshift deletion in the AR gene (c.77delT) and a likely pathogenic missense variant in the RAC1 gene (p.A94V). Strikingly, no somatic mutations, fusions, or copy number variations were found. We also performed the first systematic literature review (PRISMA guidelines; screened databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science; ended on 7 December 2023) of the reported cases of patients with AIS showing benign or malignant Sertoli cell lesions/tumors in their gonads (n = 225; age: 4–84, mean 32 years), including Sertoli cell hyperplasia (1%), Sertoli cell nodules (6%), SCHs (31%), SCAs (36%), Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs) (16%), and SLCTs (4%). The few cases (n = 14, 6%; six SCAs, four SCTs, two SLCTs, and two SCHs) with available follow-up (2–49, mean 17 months) showed no evidence of disease (13/14, 93%) or died of other causes (1/14, 7%) despite the histological diagnosis. Smooth muscle lesions/proliferations were identified in 19 (8%) cases (including clearly reported rudimentary uterine remnants, 3 cases; leiomyomas, 4 cases). Rudimentary Fallopian tube(s) were described in nine (4%) cases. Conclusion: AIS may be associated with sex cord/stromal tumors and, rarely, mesenchymal tumors such as leiomyomas. True malignant sex cord tumors can arise in these patients. Larger series with longer follow-ups are needed to estimate the exact prognostic relevance of tumor histology in AIS. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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11 pages, 5668 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Use of Methotrexate and Mifepristone for Treatment of Interstitial Pregnancies: An Overview of Effectiveness and Complications
by Davide Dealberti, Simona Franzò, David Bosoni, Carla Pisani, Victor Morales, Ivan Gallesio, Matteo Bruno, Giuseppe Ricci, Stefania Carlucci and Guglielmo Stabile
J. Clin. Med. 2023, 12(23), 7396; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm12237396 - 29 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
Interstitial pregnancy is an unusual and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for approximately 1–6% of all ectopic pregnancies, with a maternal mortality rate of 2–2.5%. Implantation happens in the proximal portion of the fallopian tube as it passes through the myometrium. [...] Read more.
Interstitial pregnancy is an unusual and potentially life-threatening form of ectopic pregnancy, accounting for approximately 1–6% of all ectopic pregnancies, with a maternal mortality rate of 2–2.5%. Implantation happens in the proximal portion of the fallopian tube as it passes through the myometrium. The resolution of interstitial pregnancy after medical treatment should be assessed by a decline in serum β-hCG, which occurs in about 85–90% of cases. Nonetheless, its effectiveness and consequences have been presented through case reports and case series. However, few cases of interstitial pregnancies treated totally medically with the use of methotrexate and mifepristone have been presented in the literature. Complications of this medical treatments have also never been reviewed before. In the present manuscript, we present a case of interstitial pregnancy treated with methotrexate and mifepristone. The patient after treatment developed a uterine arteriovenous malformation, treated with uterine artery embolization. Furthermore, we performed a systematic review of the literature using Scopus, PubMed and Google Scholar. A total of 186 papers were found, and 7 papers which included 10 cases were assessed for eligibility. The systemic medical treatment with the use of methotrexate and mifepristone was effective in 7 of the 10 cases. Two cases of hemoperitoneum following combined methotrexate and mifepristone treatment were reported. The applicability of this medical conservative treatment should be tailored to the patient, taking into account their obstetric history, gestational age at diagnosis and desire for future pregnancies. Complete resolution after this treatment was achieved in most of the cases reported without major complications. The appearance of uterine arteriovenous malformation can be managed conservatively, and we propose uterine artery embolization as an effective treatment of this rare complication. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Gynecological Diseases)
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