BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyomas occasionally manifest as giant leiomyomas, displaying exceptional sizes within the uterus and abdominal cavity. These massive growths, although rare because of increased patient awareness, can severely distort pelvic structures and pose life-threatening complications by compressing adjacent organs. We report a case of a patient who presented with severe hemodynamic instability, cardiac arrest, and multiorgan failure caused by a giant 54.8-kg uterine leiomyoma, representing the heaviest weight ever reported in the literature in surviving patients so far. CASE: This article documents a case of a 56-year-old woman with a giant uterine leiomyoma in critical condition characterized by multiorgan failure and acute kidney injury necessitating urgent surgical intervention. A laparotomy and subsequent total abdominal hysterectomy were performed. Histopathologic examination revealed a giant uterine leiomyoma. Postoperatively, the patient underwent intensive care management followed by rehabilitation, exhibiting significant clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: Managing giant uterine leiomyomas demands a multidisciplinary approach, emphasizing tailored treatment strategies and specialized surgical expertise. The case report describes one of the largest leiomyomas in the literature, underscoring its rarity, and highlights the significance of timely diagnosis and appropriate interventions.

Purpose Sarcopenia has been established as the "gold standard" for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Minimal invasive laparoscopy can help to reduce the risks of open access surgery. We compare the surgical results and outcomes of robotic-assisted sacropexies. Methods In this monocentric retrospective study we enrolled 49 patients operated on symptomatic POP. Patients were divided into two groups according to the type of robotic-assisted sacropexy: patients with a history of hysterectomy received robotic-assisted sacrocolpopexy (RSCP; n = 19), while patients with subtotal hysterectomy received robotic-assisted cervicosacropexy (RCSP; n = 30). Failure was defined as recurrence of the disease with a need for reoperation. Validated questionnaires (the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20) and Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire-7 (PFIQ-7)), were used for evaluation of patients quality of life postoperatively. Results The comparison between RCSP versus RSCP showed that the latter is related to slightly but not significantly increased recurrence rates and a higher impact of POP symptoms on quality of life in long-term follow-up (p = 0.04). Perioperative data showed similar complication rates in both RSP types but shorter postoperative time of bladder catheterization in the case of RCSP (p = 0.008). Conclusions The monocentric long-term data confirm that RSP is a safe and effective method of surgical POP treatment, regardless of the site of the anatomical compartment. In comparison to RSCP, RCSP is associated with a lower impact of POP symptoms on patients' quality of life with a tendency to slightly lower rates of POP recurrence.

Die traditionelle operative Therapie des Vulvakarzinoms führt häufig zu ästhetisch-funktionell unbefriedigenden Ergebnissen mit gestörtem Körperbild und Kohabitationsfähigkeit, erschwerten Vorsorgeuntersuchungen sowie verminderter Lebensqualität. Um diese Konsequenzen zu vermindern, stehen einfache und sichere plastisch-rekonstruktive Lappenplastiken zur Verfügung, die in 2 Teilbeiträgen erläutert werden (Teil I V-Y-Flap und Limberg-Flap).

Neonatal and infant immune responses are characterized by a limited capability to generate protective Ab titers and memory B cells as seen in adults. Multiple studies support an immature or even impaired character of umbilical cord blood (UCB) B cells themselves. In this study, we provide a comprehensive molecular and functional comparison of B cell subsets from UCB and adult peripheral blood. Most UCB B cells have a mature, naive B cell phenotype as seen in adults. The UCB Ig repertoire is highly variable but interindividually conserved, as BCR clonotypes are frequently shared between neonates. Furthermore, UCB B cells show a distinct transcriptional program that confers accelerated responsiveness to stimulation and facilitated IgA class switching. Stimulation drives extensive differentiation into Ab-secreting cells, presumably limiting memory B cell formation. Humanized mice suggest that the distinctness of UCB versus adult B cells is already reflected by the developmental program of hematopoietic precursors, arguing for a layered B-1/B-2 lineage system as in mice, albeit our findings suggest only partial comparability to murine B-1 cells. Our study shows that UCB B cells are not immature or impaired but differ from their adult mature counterpart in a conserved BCR repertoire, efficient IgA class switching, and accelerated, likely transient response dynamics.

Grading scales for the surgical difficulty of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) had been mentioned but not common. In order to clarify and compare grading score for the surgical difficulty of LC, we conducted this study to present our grading scoring method by measuring the time of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PROBLEM:The aim of this study was to evaluate the sCEACAM1 concentrations in serum from patients in the first trimester who have a high risk for developing PE during pregnancy.METHOD OF THE STUDY:Carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) levels were determined with ELISA. The patients (n = 109) were divided into two groups: patients who have a high risk of developing PE early-onset and a control group. Patients who have a high risk of developing PE were then divided into two subgroups depending on PE development in third trimester of pregnancy: PE in third trimester versus no PE in third trimester.RESULTS:sCEACAM1 concentrations in patients who were screened as having a high risk for developing PE were significantly higher than in healthy pregnant women in the first trimester (p = .03). The highest sCEACAM1 concentration was found in the high-risk group with PE development compared to the control group (p = .004).CONCLUSION:Elevated sCEACAM1 blood serum levels in women with PE suggest that there is immune dysregulation in early pregnancy, which may be helpful in PE prediction and therapy.

OBJECTIVE:Peritoneal mesometrial resection (PMMR) plus targeted compartmental lymphadenectomy (TCL) aims at removal of the locoregional cancer field in endometrial cancer (EC). Optimal locoregional control without adjuvant radiotherapy and acceptable surgical morbidity should be achieved concomitantly sparing systematic lymphadenectomy (LNE) for most of the patients.METHODS:We evaluated data from 132 patients treated for EC. Out of these, between January 2017 and June 2020 we performed robotic PMMR and TCL on 51 women. We present the first data of feasibility and safety of the procedure as well as preliminary oncological results.RESULTS:The 51 patients treated with robotic PMMR and TCL showed comparable morbidity to classic laparoscopic hysterectomy or PMMR without LNE. One intraoperative complication occurred. Postoperative complications grade 3 and higher occurred in 2 cases (3.9%). One of these (85 years old) experienced grade 5 following pulmonary embolism with lysis therapy. Fifteen patients (29.4%) could be spared complete LNE. The rate of adjuvant radiotherapy was 3.9% in our collective (n=2), compared to 39.2% of patients (n=20) eligible for irradiation according to international guidelines. In a mean follow-up time of 15 months (0-41), no locoregional recurrences were observed, although three patients showed distant relapse.CONCLUSIONS:Our data suggest that robotic PMMR and pelvic TCL can be performed regardless of BMI and comorbidities without a relevant increase in surgical morbidity. Moreover, despite a relevant reduction of adjuvant radiotherapy, first follow-up data hint at a favorable locoregional recurrence rate in the reported cohort.

The human infant B cell system is considered premature or impaired. Here we show that most cord blood B cells are mature and functional as seen in adults, albeit with distinct transcriptional programs providing accelerated responsiveness to T cell-independent and T cell-dependent stimulation and facilitated IgA class switching. Stimulation drives extensive differentiation into antibody-secreting cells, thereby presumably limiting memory B cell formation. The neonatal Ig-repertoire is highly variable, but conserved, showing recurrent B cell receptor (BCR) clonotypes frequently shared between neonates. Our study demonstrates that cord blood B cells are not impaired but differ from their adult counterpart in a conserved BCR repertoire and rapid but transient response dynamics. These properties may account for the sensitivity of neonates to infections and limited effectivity of vaccination strategies. Humanized mice suggest that the distinctness of cord blood versus adult B cells is already reflected by the developmental program of hematopoietic precursors, arguing for a layered B-1/B-2 lineage system as in mice. Still, our findings reveal overall limited comparability of human cord blood B cells and murine B-1 cells.Significance Statement Neonates and infants suffer from enhanced susceptibility to infections. Our study contrasts with the current concept of a premature or impaired B cell system in neonates, by showing that most cord blood B cells are mature and functional. However, their responses are rapid but provide only short-term protection, which may help to improve infant vaccination strategies. We propose an altered perspective on the early human B cell system, which looks similar to but functions differently from the adult counterpart. Finally, our analysis indicates that cord blood- and adult B cell development occur layered as in mice, but certain mouse models still may offer a limited view on human neonatal B cell immunity.### Competing Interest StatementThe authors have declared no competing interest.

Roboterunterstützung findet zunehmende Verbreitung in der minimal-invasiven Chirurgie. Schnelle Erlernbarkeit, intuitive Bedienung, verbesserte Ergonomie und die Integration künstlicher Intelligenz (AI) erweitern die Möglichkeiten der klassischen Laparoskopie auf ein deutlich größeres Patientinnenkollektiv und machen sie zukunftsfähig. Ausbildung und Training erfolgen nach neuen didaktischen Prinzipien, was vergleichbare, wissenschaftlich valide Behandlungsergebnisse erwarten lässt. Konkurrenzsysteme kündigen weiteren Fortschritt an und lassen eine Kostensenkung erwarten. Roboterunterstütztes Operieren wird zur chirurgischen Routine.

Robotic-assisted procedures are increasingly being applied in minimally invasive surgery. Ease of learning, intuitive use, optimized ergonomics and an interface for the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) expand the possibilities of classical straight stick laparoscopy to a larger group of patients and make it fit for the future. Education and training are carried out according to new didactic principles, so that comparable scientifically valid treatment results can be expected. Competitive robotic systems promise further progress and a cost reduction is to be expected. Robotic-assisted surgery is becoming part of routine surgery.

Purpose To show feasibility of laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICPMS) for analysis of zinc content and concentration in breast cancer tissue and to correlate this with validated prognostic and predictive markers, i.e. histological grading and expression of steroid receptors (estrogen receptor, ER; progesterone receptor, PR) and human epidermal growth-factor receptor 2 (Her2). Methods 28 samples of human invasive ductal breast cancer tissue were subclassified into groups of four different intrinsic subtypes according to the expression of ER, PR and Her2 by immunohistological staining and then analyzed for zinc content and distribution by LA-ICPMS applying a calibration technique based on spiked polyacrylamide gels. A correlation of zinc concentration with histological grading and molecular subtypes was analyzed. Results Consistent with results of a pilot-study LA-ICPMS was feasible to show zinc accumulation in cancerous tissue, even more adjacent healthy stroma was with proportional increase of zinc. Zinc levels were most elevated in triple-positive (TPBC) and in triple-negative (TNB) breast cancers. Conclusion LA-ICPMS was feasible to confirm a connection between zinc and grade of malignancy; furthermore, focusing on a correlation of zinc and intrinsic breast cancer subtypes, LA-ICPMS depicted an upwards trend of zinc for "high-risk-cancers" with highest levels in Her2-positive and in triple-negative (TNBC) disease. The currently uncommon alliance of clinicians and analytical chemists in basic research is most promising to exploit the full potential of diagnostic accuracy in the efforts to solve the enigma of breast cancer initiation and course of disease.

Background The Society of European Robotic Gynaecological Surgery (SERGS) aims at developing a European consensus on core components of a curriculum for training and assessment in robot assisted gynaecological surgery. Methods A Delphi process was initiated among a panel of 12 experts in robot assisted surgery invited through the SERGS. An online questionnaire survey was based on a literature search for standards in education in gynaecological robot assisted surgery. The survey was performed in three consecutive rounds to reach optimal consensus. The results of this survey were discussed by the panel and led to consensus recommendations on 39 issues, adhering to general principles of medical education. Results On review there appeared to be no accredited training programs in Europe, and few in the USA. Recommendations for requirements of training centres, educational tools and assessment of proficiency varied widely. Stepwise and structured training together with validated assessment based on competencies rather than on volume emerged as prerequisites for adequate and safe learning. An appropriate educational environment and tools for training were defined. Although certification should be competence based, the panel recommended additional volume based criteria for both accreditation of training centres and certification of individual surgeons. Conclusions Consensus was reached on minimum criteria for training in robot assisted gynaecological surgery. To transfer results into clinical practice, experts recommended a curriculum and guidelines that have now been endorsed by SERGS to be used to establish training programmes for robot assisted surgery.

The ligamentous mesometrium is a 3-dimensional structure consisting of a rectouterine/-vaginal part with attachment to the anterior lateral mesorectum and a sacrouterine part surrounding the mesorectum attached to the pelvic fascia and the mesorectum dorsolaterally. The lymphatic network draining the posterior cervix connected caudally ventrally to the deep venous lymph network of the vascular mesometrium is running at the lateral surface of the sacrouterine part and dorsomedially of the inferior hypogastric plexus; it drains to the deep internal iliac, prespinal and preischiadic nodes.

Objective: Whether pelvic and para-aortic lymphadenectomy is of therapeutic benefit in advanced ovarian cancer will remain unclear until the publication of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynakologische Onkologie lymphadenectomy in ovarian neoplasms (AGO LION) trial. In early ovarian cancer, however, lymphadenectomy seems mandatory for diagnostic and also therapeutic reasons [1-3].Methods: Complete systematic lymphadenectomy is accompanied by morbidity which may be reduced by sentinel node biopsy already established for several solid tumors [4-6]. In ovarian cancer there are 2 main pathways in lymphatic drainage: along the ovarian vessels to the para-aortic nodes and the uterine vessels to the iliac lymph compartments [7]. Following injection of radioactive dye into the ovarian ligaments this could be confirmed suggesting that there is bidirectional flow at this level of the ovarian and uterine lymphatic pathways [8]. Indocyanine-green-guided (ICG) injection to the uterine corpus seems to be equally effective in labelling the "uterine Mullerian" and the "ovarian mesonephric" lymphatic drainage of the ovary [9,10].Results: This technique [9] was applied and will be outlined in the video showing the procedure with respect to the para-aortic lymphatic drainage. Isolated sentinel node biopsy and tumor excision will not resect the organ compartment together with its super-ordinated draining lymphatic system at risk.Conclusion: Thus, the authors suggest to remove the malignancy together with its draining lymphatic vessels and at least the first 2 sentinel nodes in each channel en bloc; we propose to analyze this procedure consistent with the ontogenetic approach [11, 12] with respect to diagnostic accuracy and loco-regional control. This could potentially avoid most of systematic lymphadenectomies in early ovarian cancer.

•PMMR is a compartment based radical hysterectomy in endometrial cancer.•Pelvic PMMR may be combined with ICG guided Targeted Compartmental Lymphadenectomy (TCL).•Video of Pelvic PMMR and TCL technique may be basis for a prospective study.

•Visualization of paraaortic sentinel compartments in endometrial cancer•Nerve sparing dissection of left paraaortic infrarenal lymph compartment•Educational video may be basis for standardization of paraaortic sentinel node dissection.