Borderline ovarian tumours (BOTs) commonly affect young nulliparous women, thus making fertility-preserving approaches more desirable. Women who opt for conservative management should be counselled about disease recurrence. In this retrospective study, the medical records of 57 women with BOT treated at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre between January 1986 and May 2018 were reviewed. Clinical, pathologic, and demographic data were collected and analysed to identify variables associated with poor clinical outcomes including advanced disease and risk of recurrence. Younger and nulliparous women were more likely to undergo fertility-sparing surgery. The open approach was adopted for women with larger adnexal masses and was associated with more blood loss with a mean difference of 172 mL (95% CI [110-235], p-value < .001) but no significant difference in operative time and length of hospital stay compared to the laparoscopic approach. CA-125 correlated with an advanced International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage (p = .004). The recurrence rate was found to be 7% with a median recurrence time of 41.5 months.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? BOTs are common in young nulliparous women who often desire fertility-sparing procedures. Prognostic factors associated with disease severity and recurrence remain controversial. What do the results of this study add? This study presents an opportunity to understand the disease behaviour and compare local practices and outcomes to what was reported in the literature. CA-125 appears to be a useful marker in predicting the stage of BOT. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Future research should focus on exploring whether BOTs with micropapillary features represent an aggressive histologic subtype more prone to recurrence.

The aim of this study was to compare intraoperative frozen section (FS) with the final pathology (FP), and determine its clinical impact in clinically apparent early stage endometrial cancer (EC) at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). Data for patients 18 years or older, with clinically apparent early stage, grade 1 or 2, endometrioid EC, who underwent hysterectomy +/- lymph node dissection (LND) at AUBMC between January 1(st) 1996 and June 30(th) 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. 70 patients were included. The overall concordance between FS and FP was 92.3% for histological subtype, 77% for tumour grade, 82% for Myometrial invasion (MI) and 100% for tumour size. At a median follow up of 30 months, 8 recurrences (11.4%) were noted, with a 5-year PFS and OS of 76 and 84% respectively, with a trend towards lower recurrence and improved survival in patients who underwent FS or LND.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the standard surgery for stage I endometrial cancer (EC). Intraoperative frozen section (FS) facilitates the decision on performing lymph node dissection (LND). However, its accuracy and clinical impact have been questioned. What do the results of this study add? Our objective is to compare FS with the final pathology (FP), and determine its clinical impact in clinically apparent early stage EC at the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC). There is a lack of standardisation regarding FS use and reporting at AUBMC. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The strong correlation between FS and FP can serve as a tool to guide decision to perform LND in patients with apparent early stage disease, where use of sentinel LN biopsy technique is not available.

Objectives. The study aims to report on the feasibility and associated adverse events of HPV-Vaccination (HPVV) in a private clinic setting in Lebanon and, when available, the results of subsequent cervical cancer screening. Methods. Opportunistic HPV vaccination is offered at the Women’s Health Center of the AUBMC. We retrospectively reviewed the patients’ demographic data, the incidence of adverse events, and their cytological screening. Results. A cohort of healthy women (n = 1013) aged 26.2 years (12–54 years) were opportunistically vaccinated with one of two HPV vaccines; 845 (83.4%) received the quadrivalent vaccine (Q4V), and 151 (14.1%) received the bivalent vaccine (B2V). The majority (75.8%) received three doses while 16% received two doses. Out of these women, 26.3% (267) became sexually active postvaccination (NS2), whereas 17% (174) were sexually active prior to vaccination (SA) and the rest 57% (572) reported no sexual activity (NS1). Among the SA group, 26% (46/147) presented with abnormal cytology at time of vaccination. As for the NS2 women, 5% (14/267) had subsequently abnormal screening within 37 (12–103) months following vaccination. Conclusions. In this observational study, we report the successful introduction of HPVV with negligible adverse events. The incidence of abnormal cervical cytology was low among our patients.

"Chronic abdominal heterotopic pregnancy: a unique case report." Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 42(6), pp. 2527–2528

Choosing the most suitable embryo remains challenging as the standard approach to select top-quality embryos for transfer rely on static morphological assessment. It is completed after fertilisation, on days 3 and 5 post oocyte retrieval and evaluates the size and number of blastomeres, presence of nucleation and percentage of fragmentation for cleavage stage embryos. Because of the limited number of observations during the morphological assessment, morphokinetic development of embryos has been implemented. It shows a broader image of embryo behaviour with precise evaluation of the timing of events. Yet, studies are inconsistent and debatable in predicting the parameters to identify chromosomal abnormalities. Pre-implantation genetic testing detects dysmorphic embryos and correlate their developmental potential to the assessed morphology. However, the clinical utility of PGT-aneuploidy remains controversial. The future relies on newly described scoring systems such as artificial intelligence and non-invasive PGT, yet their application and actual success rate still lacks supportive evidence.

Objective: To compare the efficacy of dienogest with the combined oral contraceptive pill (COC) Yasmin for the control of endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Study design: Seventy women with endometriosis-associated chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea or both for >6 months were randomized to either dienogest (Visanne) 2 mg/day or monophasic COC (Yasmin, 0.03 mg ethinyl estradiol and 3 mg drospirenone) for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was change in non-cyclic pelvic pain and dysmenorrhoea from baseline to end of treatment, assessed using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The secondary efficacy variable was change in the Biberoglu and Behrman (B&B) scale scores for chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was evaluated using the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) questionnaire at baseline and 24 weeks. Safety variables included incidence of side-effects, bleeding pattern and treatment tolerability. Results: Both treatments improved the mean VAS score for endometriosis-associated pelvic pain significantly: mean difference 6.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9-7.1; p < 0.0001] in the dienogest group and 4.54 (95% CI 3.1-5.9; p < 0.0001) in the COC group; the difference between them was not significant (p = 0.111). Similarly, both dienogest and COC improved HRQoL in various core and modular segments of the EHP-30 questionnaire with comparable requirements for supplemental pain medication (p = 0.782 and 0.258 at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively), and redistribution of the B&B severity profile for chronic pelvic pain (p = 0.052 and 0.526 at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively), dysmenorrhoea (p = 0.521 and 1 at 12 and 24 weeks, respectively) and dyspareunia (p = 0.376 and 0.835, respectively). Nevertheless, dienogest was associated with fewer side-effects, and hence had a better safety and tolerability profile than COC. Conclusions: Dienogest (2 mg/day) is comparable to the COC Yasmin for the relief of endometriosisassociated pelvic pain and improvement in HRQoL. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Background Laparoscopic surgery has become a standard of care for many gynecological surgeries due to its lower morbidity, pain and cost compared to open techniques. Unfortunately, the use of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) to insufflate the abdomen is the main contributor to post-operative shoulder pain. Methods We aim to assess the effect of postoperative Trendelenburg position on shoulder pain after gynecological laparoscopic procedures. We hypothesize that maintaining the patient in Trendelenburg for 24 h postoperatively will significantly decrease postoperative shoulder pain and analgesic consumption. After obtaining written informed consent, 108 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups. In the control group, patients underwent standard gynecologic laparoscopic procedures; then after passive deflation of the pneumoperitoneum at the end of the surgery, the patients were placed in supine head up position in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) and received our institution’s common postoperative care. Patients in the intervention group were subjected to the same maneuver but were positioned in a Trendelenburg position (20 °) once fully awake and cooperative in the PACU and retained this position for the first 24 h. Numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess shoulder pain and nausea upon patient arrival to the PACU, at 4, 6, 12 (primary outcome) and 24 h postoperatively. Time to first rescue pain medication, total rescue pain medications and overall satisfaction with pain control were recorded. 101 patients were included in the final data analysis. Results Both groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. NRS pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group at 12 h compared to the control group (0 [0–1] versus 5 [1–4], p < 0.001), furthermore improvement in postoperative shoulder pain between time of arrival to PACU (time zero) and 12 h postoperatively was significantly higher in patients allocated to the experimental group compared to the control group. Pain scores were significantly lower in patients allocated to the experimental group versus the control group (0 [0–1] versus 5 [1–4], p < 0.001). Conclusion In conclusion, Trendelenburg position is an easy non-pharmacologic intervention that is beneficial in reducing postoperative shoulder pain following gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at Clinicaltrials.gov, registration number NCT04129385 , date of registration: June 28, 2019

e18060 Background: To evaluate the impact of timing and extent of cytoreduction on the survival of patients with EOC before (2002-2008) and after (2009-2018) the introduction of aggressive debulking. Methods: A retrospective review of 195 patients with Stages IIIC and IV EOC who underwent debulking between 2002-2018 (Group#1: G1:(2002-2008), and Group#2: G2:(2009-2018). Medical and surgical variables related to PFS and OS were analyzed. Results: Compared to patients in G1, more patients in G2 had neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and interval debulking surgery (IDS) [56%(39/70 Vs. 76%(95/125) Vs), p = 0.003], had complete debulking (CD) [44%(31/71) Vs. 79%(103/131), P-value < 0.001]including [diaphragmatic resection [6%(4/72) Vs. 48%(63/131) p < 0.001], bowel ressection [15%(11/72) Vs. 37%(48/131), p = 0.001], peritnoectomy [11%(8/72) Vs. 62%(81/131) p < 0.001], and lymph node dissection [8%(6/72) Vs. 26%(34/131) p = 0.003] .More patients in G2 received Bevacizumab than in G1 [59%(38/65) Vs. 14%(4/29), p < 0.001]. More patients who had ACT and IDS had CD than optimal debulking (OD) than patients who had (PDS) (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.89, 95% CI: 0.98,3.6). After 2008, there was an increase in the number of patients with high tumor load and lower performance status who were referred for NACT and IDS. In patients with stage IIIC and IV, median PFS was longer in patients who had CD Vs. OD [in stage IIIC: 24 months, 95% CI: 21,27 Vs. 19 months, 95% CI: 17, 21, HR = 0.4, p = 0.006 respectively] [in stage IV: 18 months, 95% CI: 16,20 Vs. 14 months, 95% CI: 9,18, HR = 0.4, p = 0.1 respectively].Patients with stage IIIC who had PDS Vs. NACT and IDS had a non-statistically significant longer PFS [24 months, 95% CI; 20,27 Vs. 19 months, 95% CI: 17,21, HR = 0.8, p = 0.3]. Moreover, in stage IV, there was no difference in PFS in NACT and IDS Vs. PDS [16 months, 95% CI: 12,20 Vs. 17 months, 95% CI: 15,19 HR = 0.8, p = 0.7 respectively]. However, the timing and extent of the cytoreductive surgery did not significantly affect OS in both stages IIIC and IV. Conclusions: In Stage IIIC EOC, the extent but not timing of debulking surgery has the greatest impact on PFS. Longer follow-up is needed to assess the impact on OS.

Ewing sarcoma (ES) and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pPNET) are soft tissue tumors that generally affect the bones. Extraosseous ES/pPNET has been rarely reported. Our patient presented with a 6 x 4 cm right subcutaneous solid vulvar lesion causing pain and discomfort. Pathology and immunohistochemistry staining showed strong positivity for CD99 and vimentin, favoring the diagnosis of ES/pPNET. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a 6-cm lesion in the right vulvar region with enlarged bilateral inguinal and right iliac lymph nodes. Fluorescencein situhybridization test for translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) was positive, confirming the diagnosis. The patient received three cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine, adriamycin, cyclophosphamide alternating with ifosfamide and etoposide with complete response. The patient underwent vulvar radical local excision. Residual tumor measured 1.6 cm with free margins. She received four additional cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy and 30 sessions radiotherapy. She is currently disease free after 37 months. No ES/pPNET cases with pelvic lymph nodes metastasis were ever reported.

Background The aim of this retrospective study is to investigate the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) following one or more completed in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles (up to 6 cycles) stratified by maternal age and type of infertility. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, five hundred forty-seven women who received 736 fresh ovarian stimulation/embryo transfer cycles between January 2016 and December 2016 were included in the study at a tertiary care center located in Lebanon. Results In all women, the live birth rate for the first cycle was 33.0% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27.8-38.2]. The CLBR showed an increase with each successive fresh cycle to reach 56.9% (95% CI: 51.2-62.4) after 3 cycles and 67.9% (95% CI: of 62.5-73.0) after 6 cycles. The CLBR following 6 cycles reached 69.9% (95% CI: 63.8-75.6) in women younger than 35 years. In women older than 40 years, however, the live birth rate for the first cycle was signifi- cantly low at 3.1% (95% CI: 0.3-9.5) with a plateau in success rates after 4 cycles reaching 21.9% (95% CI: 9.2-40.0). Couples with different types of infertility had CLBRs ranging from 65% to 72%, with the exception of women with low ovarian reserve, where CLBRs reached 29.4% (95% CI: 10.3-56.0). Conclusion The CLBR at a referral center in a Middle Eastern country reached 67.9 % after 6 cycles, with variations by age and type of infertility treatment. These findings are encouraging for patients insisting to extend their treatment beyond 4 to 5 cycles.

Study Objective: To measure parental attitudes toward fertility preservation (FP) in female adolescent cancer patients in a Middle Eastern country to understand barriers to decision-making and decisional conflicts. Design and Setting: A questionnaire was distributed to parents of all female adolescents at a tertiary care center from February 2018 to September 2018. Participants: A total of 70 families. Interventions: None. Main Outcome Measures: Parental attitudes toward FP. Results: The educational level of parents was associated with the knowledge about the side effects of treatment (P < .001). FP options were not offered to parents in 60/70 (85.6%) of cases. Oocyte cryopreservation was an acceptable option for 23/70 (32.9%) of interviewed parents who agreed on collecting the oocytes using vaginal ultrasound. The fear of disrupting the hymen was the main reason for disapproval in 20/70 (28.6%) of cases. The religious preference of the family was a significant factor in the acceptance of vaginal ultrasound and vaginal oocyte retrieval. The educational level of parents, the monthly income, and the current employment status were not linearly associated with their acceptance to approve their daughters' undergoing oocyte cryopreservation through the vaginal route (chi(2) = 100.651; P < .001). Conclusion: Parents are not aware of the effect of cancer treatment on future fertility of their daughters. Ethical, social, and religious barriers affect the decision-making for FP. However, a major interest exists among parents for FP, highlighting the importance of development of an oncofertility program, involving a multidisciplinary team to initiate proper counseling and guidance.

Struma ovarii is a rare type of ovarian teratoma characterised by a predominance of thyroid tissue. Among ovarian tumours, it accounts for 0.3% of cases and around 3% of mature cystic teratomas. It occurs mainly in the fifth and sixth decades of life. Adnexal masses are found in 1–3% of gravid women and dermoid cysts are the most common (Bernhard et al. 1999). The management of these masses in pregnancies is quite challenging, since different factors are taken into consideration, mainly the risk of malignancy, the risk of cyst rupture of torsion and the gestational age at the time of diagnosis. Struma ovarii manifests as a pelvic mass but can present as a hyperthyroid state or ascites. Histologically, it is characterised by large thyroid follicles with colloid material. The immunohistochemical staining of thyroglobulin protein confirms its thyroid nature (McCluggage and Young 2005). In undiagnosed cases undergoing surgical resection, thyrotoxicosis is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication (Matsuda et al. 2001). To-date, one case has been reported in literature of an ovarian torsion of a struma ovarii during pregnancy (Kung et al. 1990). In this report, we describe a case of a benign non-functional struma ovarii presenting as ovarian torsion during pregnancy.

Background: Periodontal disease can lead to bacteremia with release of cytokines, affecting implantation in women trying to conceive through in vitro fertilization (IVF). A potential association between maternal periodontal disease and poor IVF outcomes has been described. Objective: The aim of the study is to assess whether pre-existing periodontal disease has any effect on IVF parameters. Method: A pilot study composed of 34 women was conducted at a tertiary care center. Prior to IVF, dental examination, IVF parameters were collected. Results: Thirty-four women participated in the study. The outcomes of 28 women (82.3%) were analyzed. Out of the 28 patients, 17 patients had a positive pregnancy test (60.7%) with a total of 13 live births (46.4%) and 4 pregnancy losses (14.3%). Plaque and bleeding index scores were both lower in patients who achieved pregnancy after IVF yet did not reach statistical significance (p=0.309 and 0.422). Comparison of mean values for the different infertility parameters showed no significant differences among women with different IVF outcomes (p>0.05). Different degrees of inflammation of the gingiva did not have an effect on the different clinical parameters and the live birth rates. Conclusion: The evidence provided by the present study does not support the hypothesis. Addressing the status of oral health before any infertility treatment remains to be elucidated.

ObjectiveEndometriosis is a common gynecological condition with a pathogenesis that is multifactorial and not well understood.The aim of this review was to explore the multiplicity of epigenetic changes in the field of this disease. Main FindingsEpigenetic alterations in endometriosis may be classified into four main categories, with cross-reactions between these changes as well as genetic, environmental, hormonal factors, etc. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hypomethylation and hypermethylation control the transcription of several genes leading to the progression of this condition.Micro RNAs (miRNA) dysregulation controls ribonucleic acid (RNA) translation, degradation, and splicing.Immunologic changes involved downregulate the ability of immune cells to target shed cells.Furthermore, histone hypoacetylation and hyperacetylation affect the metabolism of steroids. ConclusionEndometriosis pathogenesis is a very wide and complex subject, associating several hypotheses.The epigenetic pathways discussed in this review may be the target of new more effective treatments in this field.

A 43-year-old woman treated with radical hysterectomy 1 year ago for cervical cancer presented with a suprapubic abdominal mass. A 15 cm necrotic mass from the abdominal wall along with 2 small bowel loops and the dome of the bladder were resected. The peritoneal defect was reconstructed with a pedicled anterolateral thigh and Vastus Lateralis muscle composite flap. Pathology showed invasive non-keratinizing moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, consistent with metastatic cervical cancer, involving urinary bladder, bowel and soft tissue. With advancement in reconstructive surgery, extensive resection with defect closure in properly selected cases of metastatic cervical cancer to the abdominal wall may be considered in an attempt at improving quality of life and overall survival.

A hematologic disorder occurred simultaneously with an ovarian cystic teratoma in a young woman. The blood disorder was a severe thrombocytopenia, with no spontaneous remission, or improvement after steroids tapering. To date, this is the second report in literature of immune thrombocytopenia associated with an ovarian teratoma, completely resolving following surgical excision of the ovarian teratoma. This case may suggest a potential peptide secreted by the ovarian teratoma toxic to platelets, and or a genetic predisposition in patients displaying the syndrome. Further research is needed in this area to highlight the mechanism of association.

Laparoscopic myomectomy, a minimally invasive procedure performed for the management of uterine leiomyomas, involves a challenging aspect: excessive local bleeding. Hemorrhage control during laparoscopic myomectomy can be achieved through the use of a wide range of vasoconstrictors, including epinephrine. Epinephrine is frequently used for the control of local bleeding during surgery; however, it has been associated with several complications. In this case report, we present a rare and unique case of stress-induced cardiomyopathy, also known as Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC), caused by intramyomal injection of epinephrine during laparoscopic myomectomy. TC is a transient type of cardiomyopathy associated with a reversible regional systolic and diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle as well as various abnormal wall motions, and is often indistinguishable from myocardial infarction. TC is more prevalent in women than in men and has been linked to supraphysiological levels of plasma catecholamine. Although epinephrine is an effective vasoconstrictor used to control bleeding, it is potentially associated with adverse events that should be thoroughly investigated within the field of gynecology and its application to laparoscopic myomectomy.