[Lucy's cancer(s): A prehistorical origin?]

OBJECTIVES

The recent discovery of the earliest hominin cancer, a 1.7-million-year-old osteosarcoma from South Africa has raised the question of the origin of cancer and its determinants. We aimed to determine whether malignant and benign tumors exist in the past societies.

METHODS

A review of literature using Medline database and Google about benign and malignant tumors in prehistory and antiquity. Only cases with morphological and paraclinical analysis were included. The following keywords were used: cancer; paleopathology; malignant neoplasia; benign tumor; leiomyoma; myoma; breast cancer; mummies; soft tissue tumor; Antiquity.

RESULTS

Thirty-five articles were found in wich there were 34 malignant tumors, 10 benign tumors and 11 gynecological benign tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

The fact that there were some malignant tumors, even few tumors and probably underdiagnosed, in the past may be evidence that cancer is not only a disease of the modern world. Cancer may be indeed a moving target: we have likely predisposing genes to cancer inherited from our ancestors. The malignant disease could therefore appear because of our modern lifestyle (carcinogens and risk factors related to the modern industrial society).

[Current surgical practice of prophylactic and opportunistic salpingectomy in France]

OBJECTIVES

Since the recent evidence of a tubal origin of most ovarian cancers, opportunistic salpingectomy could be discussed as a prophylactic strategy in the general population and with hereditary predisposition. We aimed to survey French gynecological surgeons about their current surgical practice of prophylactic salpingectomy.

METHODS

An anonymous online survey was sent to French obstetrician-gynaecologists and gynecological surgeons. There were 13 questions about their current clinical practice and techniques of salpingectomy during a benign hysterectomy or as a tubal sterilization method, salpingectomy versus salpingo-oophorectomy in the population with genetic risk, salpingectomy in relationship with endometriosis and questions including histopathological considerations.

RESULTS

Among the 569 respondents, opportunistic salpingectomy was always performed between 42.48% and 43.44% during laparoscopic, laparoscopic-assisted vaginal or laparotomic hysterectomy and only 12.26% in case of vaginal route. In the genetic population, salpingo-oophorectomy was mainly performed. Tubal sterilization was often practiced by the hysteroscopic route. More than 90% of respondents didn't perform salpingectomy in case of endometriosis. There was not any specific tubal histopathological protocol in 71.54% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Salpingectomy may be a preventing strategy in the low- and high-risk population. The survey's responses show that salpingectomy seems to be a current practice during benign hysterectomy for more than 40% doctors. However, there is not any change with no more salpingectomy in the population with genetic risk, or in case of endometriosis or tubal sterilization.

[Benign struma ovarii: Report of 7 cases and review of the literature]

OBJECTIVE

Struma ovarii is a monodermal teratoma composed of thyroid tissue, representing 0.85 to 1.3% of ovarian tumors. The objective of the present study is to report a continuous series of struma ovarii, with a comprehensive analysis of the literature.

METHODS

A retrospective study in the gynecological surgery department of Hôpital Femme-Mère-Enfant (Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France) assessed a continuous series of struma ovarii from the Lyon East Pathology Center database. Clinical and biological, imaging and pathological aspects were analyzed and the various forms of treatment described.

RESULTS

We identified 7 patients with struma ovarii from March 2008 to April 2015. Mean patient age was 49.7 years (28-70years). Three patients had a history of thyroid disease. CA-125 was elevated (51IU/mL) in only 1 patient. MRI and ultrasound imaging did not enable diagnosis of struma ovarii, which depended on pathologic examination. Conservative surgery for cystectomy or oophorectomy was performed for patients wishing to become pregnant (71%); nonconservative hysterectomy was performed in postmenopausal women (29%).

CONCLUSIONS

Struma ovarii is a rare, often asymptomatic condition in which diagnosis is difficult. Few series are described in the literature. Here we propose a management model for struma ovarii. Revision surgery and adjuvant therapy is indicated in case of malignant struma ovarii.

[Is endometriosis a precancerous lesion? Perspectives and clinical implications]

Epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between endometriosis and clear cell/endometrioid ovarian cancers (named "Endometriosis Associated Ovarian Cancer" or EAOC). The recent discovery of signaling pathways (especially the SWI/SNF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways) that linked endometriosis and EAOC could lead to the development of specific biomarkers as ARID1A to screen benign to premalignant endometriosis and to new targeted treatment. Moreover, the better understanding of the pathogenesis of the epithelial ovarian cancer arising from the Fallopian tube could allow new early prevention strategies that will be described in this review.

[Urinary, infectious and digestive adverse events related to benign hysterectomy and the associated surgery on the Fallopian tube: Guidelines]

OBJECTIVES

To provide clinical practice guidelines from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF) based on the best evidence available, concerning the urinary, infectious and digestive adverse events related to benign hysterectomy and the associated surgery including opportunistic salpingectomy and adnexectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Review of literature using following keywords: benign hysterectomy; urinary injury; bladder injury; ureteral injury; vesicovaginal fistula; infection; bowel injury; salpingectomy.

RESULTS

Urinary catheter should be removed before 24h following uncomplicated hysterectomy (grade B). In case of urinary catheter during hysterectomy, immediate postoperative removal is possible (grade C). No hemostasis technics can be recommended to avoid urinary injury (grade C). There is not any evidence to recommend to perform a window in the broad ligament or an ureterolysis, to put ureteral stent or a uterine manipulator in order to avoid ureteral injury. An antibiotic prophylaxis by a cephalosporin is always recommended (grade B). Mechanical bowel preparation before hysterectomy is not recommended (grade B). If there is no ovarian cyst/disease and no familial or personal history of ovarian/breast cancer, ovarian conservation is recommended in premenopausal women (grade B). In postmenopausal women, informed consent and surgical approach should be taken in account to perform a salpingo-oophorectomy. Since the association salpingectomy and hysterectomy is not assessed in the prevention of ovarian cancer, systematic bilateral salpingectomy is not recommended (expert consensus).

CONCLUSIONS

Practical application of these guidelines should decrease the prevalence of visceral complications associated with benign hysterectomy.

[Hysterectomy for benign pathology: Guidelines for clinical practice]

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French college of obstetrics and gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning hysterectomy for benign pathology.

METHODS

Each recommendation for practice was allocated a grade which depends on the level of evidence (guidelines for clinical practice method).

RESULTS

Hysterectomy should be performed by a high volume surgeon (>10 procedures of hysterectomy per year) (grade C). Rectal enema stimulant laxatives are not recommended prior to hysterectomy (grade C). It is recommended to carry out vaginal disinfection using povidone iodine solution prior to an hysterectomy (grade B). Antibioprophylaxis is recommended during a hysterectomy, regardless of the surgical route (grade B). The vaginal or the laparoscopic routes are recommended for hysterectomy for benign pathology (grade B), even if the uterus is large and/or the patient is obese (grade C). The choice between these two surgical approaches depends on others parameters, such as the surgeon's experience, the mode of anesthesia and organizational constraints (operative duration and medico economic factors). Hysterectomy by vaginal route is not contraindicated in nulliparous women (grade C) or in women with previous c-section (grade C). No specific technique to achieve hemostasis is recommended with a view to avoid urinary tract injuries (grade C). In the absence of ovarian pathology and personal or family history of breast/ovarian carcinoma, it is recommended to conserve ovaries in pre-menopausal women (grade B). Subtotal hysterectomy is not recommended in order to diminish the risk of per- or postoperative complications (grade B).

CONCLUSION

The application of these recommendations should minimize risks associated with hysterectomy.

[Surgery alone or in association with preoperative uterovaginal brachytherapy for stage IB1 cervical cancer: Toxicities profiles]

OBJECTIVE

To assess toxicity profile in two stage-IB1 cervical cancer treatment strategies: surgery with and without preoperative uterovaginal pulsed dose-rate brachytherapy.

METHODS

A retrospective study included 45 patients presenting stage-IB1 cervical cancer without pelvic lymph-node invasion, between 2009 and 2011: 25 treated by colpohysterectomy alone (group A) and 20 with preoperative uterovaginal pulsed dose-rate brachytherapy (group B). The median follow-up was 45 and 39 months (group A and B).

RESULTS

Groups were comparable for age (median, 46.9 vs 47.6 years), histologic type (52% vs 65% squamous cell carcinoma) and tumor size (68% vs 60%, <2cm). In postoperative year 1, rates of urinary, digestive and gynaecological disorder were 39.1%, 8.7% and 15% respectively in group A versus 36.8%, 5.3% and 31.6% in group B and in year 2, 5.9%, 8.4% and 15% versus 5.6%, 5.1% and 27.8%.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The present study comparing two stage-IB1 cervical cancer treatment strategies found no significant difference in early or late complications. In 2 months, there was greater grade-3 urinary toxicity (21.1%) and sexual disorder (15.8%) with preoperative brachytherapy but no significant difference. Exclusive surgery is probably preferable for the patient's quality of life.

[Cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies: combined modality therapies with uterine artery embolization before surgical procedure]

OBJECTIVES

To offer a therapeutic management of cesarean scar pregnancies (GSC) in the first trimester of pregnancy with a first approach by uterine artery embolization (UAE) PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study describes seven cases of GSC diagnosed between 2009 and 2013 in the clinic of the University Hospital of the Hospital of Croix-Rousse. We present the symptoms and how imagery has led to the diagnosis and the therapeutic management conducted.

RESULTS

The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 9 weeks gestation. There were ongoing pregnancies with cardiac activity present for each patient. An additional MRI was performed in five patients. Five patients were treated with methotrexate injection, two patients received the Mifegyne. All patients then received a selective uterine artery embolization. Finally within 48hours, suction curettage was performed in 6 patients. A patient at 13 WA+1 required a subtotal hysterectomy for placenta accreta. Intra-operative complications were represented by a bladder injury, two bleeding of 1000mL in patients at 13 WA+1 and 12 WA. For the 6 cases of GSC with a gestational age less than 10 WA, average blood loss was less than 500mL. Three patients underwent resection of scar isthmocele confirmed by EVAC. An intrauterine pregnancy was carried to term after care.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Cesarean scar pregnancies is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, which should be diagnosed as early as soon as possible with care in a medical facility with a uterine artery embolization technical platform. Our protocol combining Mifegyne and methotrexate for termination of pregnancy and uterine artery embolization (UAE) followed by curettage for evacuation of pregnancy allows conservative treatment while minimizing the risk of bleeding (for GSC diagnosed before 10 WA).

[Prophylactic salpingectomy or salpingo-oophorectomy as an ovarian cancer prevention?]

A recent hypothesis has stated that many ovarian cancers (especially high-grade serous histotype) could arise from the distal part of the fallopian tube. On one hand we know that risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy is the most effective prevention for ovarian cancer among BRCA mutation carriers. On the other, oophorectomy increases the relative risk for cardiovascular, osteoporotic psychosexual and cognitive dysfunctions in premenopausal women. This raises the question whether bilateral salpingectomy could be an effective strategy in the prevention of ovarian cancer in case of hereditary predisposition and in the general population. Here we discuss origin of ovarian cancer in the light of the latest molecular studies and the relative risks and benefits of a strategy of exclusive salpingectomy in comparison with the classical adnexectomy.

Does ultrasonic advanced energy reduce lymphocele incidence in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of ultrasonic advanced energy in reducing the occurrence of symptomatic lymphocele and its related complications in laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecological cancer.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients in a tertiary referral center identified 2 groups of patients, undergoing laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy with or without the use of ultrasonic advanced energy. Surgery time, hospital stay, number of retrieved nodes and lymphocele requiring treatment were studied. Results were also compared between trained and trainee surgeons.

RESULTS

163 patients were scheduled for laparoscopic extra-peritoneal para-aortic lymphadenectomy: 81 treated using bipolar energy (control group: group 1) between August 1999 and January 2005, and 82 treated using ultrasonic advanced energy (study group: group 2) between July 2010 and March 2014. The main indication (90% in group 1, 61% in group 2) was advanced cervical carcinoma (stage IB2 and above). Ultrasonic advanced energy significantly decreased operative time (p=0.001) and intra-operative bleeding (p=0.01) and increased the number of para-aortic nodes retrieved (p=0.02). There was no significant difference in hospital stay or lymphocele requiring treatment (8.6% in group 1, 8.5% in group 2: p=0.98). For senior than for junior surgeons, surgery time was shorter but not significantly (p=0.80) and postoperative lymphocele rates were identical.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonic advanced energy may provide benefit in laparoscopic para-aortic lymphadenectomy, facilitating surgical ergonomics, but did not decrease post-surgery lymphocele.

Cutaneous actinomycosis associated with anti-TNF-alpha therapy: report of two cases

Increased susceptibility to infections is among the main safety concerns raised by anti-TNF-α agents. We describe two cases of cutaneous actinomycosis in patients undergoing anti-TNF-α therapy: a 49-year-old female treated with etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis and a 57-year-old female treated with infliximab for psoriasis. Both patients had discharge with the intermittent presence of sulfur granules occurring at the site of previous surgical wounds. Bacteriological culture demonstrated Actinomyces. Since in both cases laboratory findings and medical imaging ruled out visceral actinomycosis, oral antibiotics were introduced without discontinuing anti-TNF-α. The first patient did not relapse after 2 years. The second one did and received a second course of antibiotics combined with transient interruption of the anti-TNF-α therapy. The risk of developing actinomycosis is reported to be similar in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, however cases of cutaneous actinomycosis occurring during anti-TNF-α therapy need to be recognized and may be under-reported.

High risk HPV contamination of endocavity vaginal ultrasound probes: an underestimated route of nosocomial infection?

BACKGROUND

Endocavity ultrasound is seen as a harmless procedure and has become a common gynaecological procedure. However without correct disinfection, it may result in nosocomial transmission of genito-urinary pathogens, such as high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HR-HPV). We aimed to evaluate the currently recommended disinfection procedure for covered endocavity ultrasound probes, which consists of "Low Level Disinfection" (LLD) with "quaternary ammonium compounds" containing wipes.

METHODS

From May to October 2011 swabs were taken from endovaginal ultrasound probes at the Gynecology Department of the Lyon University Hospital. During the first phase (May-June 2011) samples were taken after the ultrasound examination and after the LLD procedure. In a second phase (July-October 2011) swab samples were collected just before the probe was used. All samples were tested for the presence of human DNA (as a marker for a possible transmission of infectious pathogens from the genital tract) and HPV DNA with the Genomica DNA microarray (35 different HPV genotypes).

RESULTS

We collected 217 samples before and 200 samples after the ultrasound examination. The PCR was inhibited in two cases. Human DNA was detected in 36 (18%) post-examination samples and 61 (28%) pre-examination samples. After the ultrasound LLD procedure, 6 (3.0%) samples contained HR-HPV types (16, 31, 2×53 and 58). Similarly, HPV was detected in 6 pre-examination samples (2.7%). Amongst these 4 (1.9%) contained HR-HPV (types 53 and 70).

CONCLUSION

Our study reveals that a considerable number of ultrasound probes are contaminated with human and HR-HPV DNA, despite LLD disinfection and probe cover. In all hospitals, where LLD is performed, the endovaginal ultrasound procedure must therefore be considered a source for nosocomial HR-HPV infections. We recommend the stringent use of high-level disinfectants, such as glutaraldehyde or hydrogen peroxide solutions.

[Rare cause of heart failure in an elderly woman in Djibouti: left ventricular non compaction]

The purpose of this report is to describe the first case of left ventricular non compaction diagnosed in Djibouti. The patient was a 74-year-old Djiboutian woman with symptomatic heart failure. Echocardiography is the key tool for assessment of left ventricular non compaction. This rare cardiomyopathy is probably underdiagnosed in Africa.

[Ulceration of the heel in a woman from Djibouti: squamous cell carcinoma with carcinomatous lymphangitis]

The purpose of this report is to describe a case in which a heel ulcer with atypical features, i.e., large size and rapid progression, led to diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Patient management was based on specialist advice obtained by "tele-dermatology" based on pictures and comments transmitted over the Internet. However, due to the risk of spreading and impossibility of providing other medical treatment (radiotherapy-chemotherapy), the lower limb was amputated at the top of the thigh.

[High-level HCG in non-gravidic situations: About two cases]

Ovarian dysgerminoma is the most common germinal tumor in women; however, a lot of different symptoms can lead to its diagnosis. In the two cases reported here, misdiagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was first done because of inappropriate secretion of HCG by the tumor. These two cases point out the particularity of dysgerminoma with its various secretion capacity. Conversely, facing a raised level of HCG in non-gravidic situation, physicians have to consider different gynaecological and extragynaecological hypothesis.