Within a 1-year period, two cases of primary ovarian pregnancy associated with an intrauterine device (IUD) occurred in our institution. The clinical signs and symptoms were similar to those in any other ectopic pregnancy. Both cases satisfied the criteria of Spiegelberg. The final diagnosis was based on the histopathological findings. A review of the literature is presented summarizing the 53 cases reported until now. The association between IUD, ectopic pregnancy in general, and ovarian pregnancy in particular is discussed.

Clear cell carcinoma of the endometrium and uterine cervix is a rare entity. Most of the recent literature deals with its occurrence in young women, and links it with intrauterine exposure to synthetic estrogens. Three cases of clear cell carcinoma in postmenopausal women are presented, with their histopathological findings. The clinical picture, incidence, origin and treatment of this neoplasm are reviewed.

A case of primary omental pregnancy associated with an IUD is described. To the best of our knowledge, this is the 2nd such case to be reported. The clinical picture differs little from that in other cases of ectopic pregnancy. (author's)

ABSTRACTIn order to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms of genital prolapse, an electromyographic (E.M.G.) survey of the perineal muscles is presented. Fifty women with genital prolapses and stress incontinence, plus 10 women as a control group, were examined. The results pointed to a primary neurogenic lesion in 50% of cases with a denervation pattern in extreme cases. Our hypothesis is that the muscular deficiency in genital prolapse is secondary to a neurogenic lesion. Operations were performed on 31 women, subsequently re‐examined electromyographically. In those cases with severe denervation, the surgical results were poor and relapse occurred. It is suggested that the E.M.G. can be a preoperative prognostic test, as well as a tool in evaluation of conservative treatment in genital prolapse.

Labour pains associated with fear and anxiety increase the blood level of catecholamines. This in turn causes dysfunctional labour due to the weak uterine contractions which follow stimulation of uterine adrenergic beta receptors. Intravenous propranolol was administered to ten primigravidae with typical dysfunctional labour. This was shortly followed by normal uterine activity and delivery without any significant maternal or fetal complications. To the best of our knowledge this is the first attempt to treat dysfunctional labour by the intravenous administration of a beta-blocking agent, and our preliminary results are encouraging.

Summary A cervical pregnancy which progressed to the 28th week of pregnancy was terminated by an emergency laparotomy and resulted in the birth of a live infant.

SummaryIn 78 women with stress incontinence the urethral length was measured before and after urethro‐colporrhaphy. The urethral length was increased by 0·5–2·5 cm. and this procedure cured 88·5 per cent of patients. The urethral length before operation had no reaction to the prognosis.