Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways have demonstrated improvements in outcomes following benign gynecologic and gynecologic oncology surgery. However, there is limited data reporting the benefit of ERAS from the patient’s perspective. This study aimed to explore patient knowledge of and experience with ERAS-guided surgery.
This interpretive descriptive study included participants who had undergone ERAS-guided gynecologic and gynecologic oncology surgery in Alberta, Canada using convenience sampling. Semi-structured interviews explored patient knowledge of ERAS, overall experience with surgery and recommended changes for surgical care. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted.
Eight females aged 26–76 years old participated in the study who had gynecologic (n = 4) and gynecologic oncology (n = 4) surgery. Six themes central to participant experience of ERAS-guided surgery were identified: patient expectations, individual motivation, values and support, healthcare provider communication, trust in healthcare providers, COVID-19 and care co-ordination. Overall, specific knowledge of ERAS was low. Expectations were set by previous experience of healthcare (previous surgery or occupation), as well as information provided by healthcare professionals. Participants whose expectations aligned with physical experience of ERAS provided favourable perspectives. Participants recommended improving the quality, relevance and availability of information and establishing accessible follow up strategies.
Based on the finding that knowledge about ERAS was minimal, we advocate for improved education pertaining to ERAS recommendations. Acknowledging patients’ expertise and motivation to engage in their care maybe one strategy to improve compliance with ERAS guidelines and improve outcomes for both patients and the healthcare system.
Deficiencies in the merging process of the paramesonephric ducts as part of the embryonal development lead to anomalies of the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and proximal vagina (Müllerian malformations). The co-occurrence with cervical cancer is rare and there are no standardized protocols for managing urogenital anomalies in the realm of oncologic treatment for gynecological carcinomas.
A symptom-free 41-year-old woman (gravida 0) presented at our clinic with an externally obtained AGC-FN (atypical glandular cells – favor neoplastic) finding in the Papanicolaou (Pap) smear test and persistent positivity for human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16. Sample biopsies from the portio vaginalis uteri confirmed a cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III/ high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), invasive carcinoma could not be ruled out. The examinations revealed the incidental finding of a uterus didelphys and renal agenesis on the left side. After cervical conization, the patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Guideline-compliant treatment with laparotomic hysterectomy according to Piver type II following a staging laparoscopy with sentinel lymphadenectomy was performed. A customized protocol was used for the indocyanine green (ICG) injection as part of the sentinel lymph node examination, tailored to the patient’s anatomical characteristics.
Müllerian malformations may impede detection and treatment of gynecological carcinomas. Individualized therapy planning is necessary to meet the anatomical peculiarities of the genital anomaly. In instances of concomitant urinary tract anomalies, protective measures are imperative to safeguard normal kidney function.
The current case demonstrates the successful implementation of guideline-compliant therapy for early-stage cervical cancer in an individual with Müllerian malformation.
This study aimed to determine the effect of postsurgical vaginal microbiome (VM) on high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection and the risk of disease recurrence in patients surgically treated for cervical cancer (CC) or intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).
207 women who underwent surgical treatment for CC or CIN at the Department of Gynecologic Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from November 2016 to October 2023 were included. The patients’ clinical data, including age, surgical modality, and diagnosis at time of index surgery, were collected retrospectively and analyzed. Associations between postsurgical VM indices, hrHPV infection, cervical cytology, and recurrence were also evaluated.
Patient age, surgical modality (whether complete excision of the cervix was performed), and diagnosis at time of index surgery (cervical dysplasia vs. cervical carcinoma) showed no significant association with postsurgical hrHPV infection, cervical cytology, or disease recurrence. However, postsurgical VM imbalance was significantly associated with hrHPV infection status (OR = 4.640, 95 % CI = 2.085–10.460, P < 0.001), abnormal cervical cytology (OR = 3.994, 95 % CI = 1.154–13.826, P = 0.020), and disease recurrence (OR = 3.789, 95 % CI = 1.091–13.154, P = 0.026). Among the specific VM indices, a vaginal pH above 4.5 (OR = 4.570, 95 % CI = 1.640–12.690, P = 0.002), a lactobacilli proportion below 50 % (OR = 3.938, 95 % CI = 1.299–11.934, P = 0.010), and the presence of aerobic vaginitis (AV, OR = 2.425, 95 % CI = 0.996–5.901, P = 0.046) were risk factors for postsurgical recurrence.
Postsurgical VM imbalance, especially abnormal indices, such as a pH above 4.5, a lactobacilli proportion below 50 %, and the presence of AV, was associated with an increased risk of postsurgical recurrence in patients who underwent surgical treatment for CIN and CC. Monitoring and potentially intervening in the VM may improve the prognosis of these patients.
Climate change is a complex, global issue that is impacting human health in various ways, with healthcare being a significant contributor to carbon emissions in the United States. This review discusses the environmental impact of important aspects of gynecologic oncology care, including surgery, anesthesia care, radiology, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology. Operating room energy and material use is highlighted, with a focus on the environmental impact of robotic surgery. The contribution of certain anesthetic gases in increasing greenhouse gas emissions is addressed. Additionally, the environmental impacts of radiologic imaging, chemotherapy, and radiation oncology are also discussed. Despite the complexity of climate change, there are multiple strategies on the individual and institutional level that can help mitigate the environmental impact of gynecologic oncology care. Individual efforts include practicing red bag stewardship, limiting single use-supplies, decreasing the use of potentially deleterious anesthetics, and supporting research into alternative dosing for chemotherapy and radiation which requires less patient travel. Institutional strategies include investing in efficient HVAC systems, utilizing reusable and reprocessed materials and devices, and purchasing renewable energy sources. Both individuals and institutions can advocate with industry and government at all levels for practices and policies that support lower carbon emissions. By recognizing our role in reducing carbon emissions, we can work towards improving the well-being of our patients and the larger community.
Signet-ring cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix commonly occurs owing to metastasis. Today, the rarity of primary cervical origin is still making it a diagnostic challenge. This review aims to raise awareness to maintain early diagnosis and appropriate management.
A 37-year-old patient presented with postcoital vaginal bleeding with a history revealing a negative Papanicolaou smear 2 years prior. Pelvic examination revealed a cervical mass and the biopsy was interpreted as a signet ring cell pattern. Detailed extrapelvic evaluation was made to rule out a possible extragenital primary tumor. The patient underwent a type-2 radical hysterectomy, pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy. Following the histopatologic evaluation, the case was diagnosed and managed as primary cervical signet ring cell carcinoma (PCSRCC) with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 stage IIIC. The patient received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy and is currently disease-free 24 months following surgery.
The small number of cases causes difficulty with an accurate diagnosis. Imaging and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies should be performed to distinguish possible primary sites. IHC studies are not yet close to refusing or confirming the diagnosis. Due to the lack of data, there is no consensus on the proper therapeutic strategy. Prognosis and survival appear to depend upon the stage of disease at diagnosis. Therefore, the awareness of such a histopathological kind of cervical cancer is crucial.
An increase in the risk of developing uterine serous carcinoma (USC) has been observed among BRCA1 and BRCA2 germline pathogenic variant carriers in the published literature. However, routine germline genetic testing is not currently incorporated into USC management guidelines. The primary objective of this study is to define the incidence of germline pathogenic variants identified through genetic counseling referrals for USC patients at our institution. A retrospective cohort study was performed of patients diagnosed with USC at a single institution over a seven-year interval. A total of 91 patients with uterine serous carcinoma were identified. Almost half of the patients were referred to genetic counseling, and just over half of referred patients (24/43, 56%) ultimately underwent germline genetic testing. Pathogenic variants were noted in 12.5% (3/24) of the patients who were tested. Pathogenic mutations were found in BRCA1, BRCA2, and MSH6. Variants of unknown significance (VUS) were seen in 16.6% (4/24) of patients. Based on our findings, we recommend integration of germline testing into the standard management of patients with USC.
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) represents a rare yet highly aggressive tumor, comprising approximately 1% of uterine malignancies. First-line regimens involving doxorubicin or gemcitabine and docetaxel demonstrate modest response rates. Notably, the combination of doxorubicin plus trabectedin has emerged as a preferred first-line option following the LMS-04 study, showing superior progression-free survival compared to doxorubicin alone. Second-line therapy for recurrent LMS poses greater challenges, with single-agent treatments exhibiting limited efficacy.
Herein, we present a case of a 65-year-old woman with stage 1B uterine leiomyosarcoma, previously treated with surgical resection and adjuvant gemcitabine/docetaxel, due to surgical morcellation. Despite initially achieving disease-free status, she experienced a first recurrence 5 years later, treated with surgery and radiation, and a second recurrence 4 years after, necessitating second-line therapy with doxorubicin and trabectedin. The patient exhibited a remarkable response to this regimen, achieving partial response after 6 cycles of doxorubicin and trabectedin chemotherapy. She maintained stable disease over 13 cycles of maintenance trabectedin and 6 months off treatment, for a total of 16 months of progression-free survival. This case underscores the potential efficacy of combination chemotherapy with doxorubicin and trabectedin as a second-line treatment option for recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma.
Oncovascular surgery is a rare but important component of radical surgery in gynecologic cancer, requiring interdisciplinary collaboration and coordination. In this case report, we review the case of a patient with recurrent granulosa cell tumor who underwent extensive oncovascular resection and reconstruction.
Our patient was initially diagnosed with a stage IC granulosa cell tumor in 1989 following a left salpingo—oophorectomy secondary to ovarian cyst rupture. She subsequently had multiple recurrences requiring 8 surgical procedures from 1989 to 2022. Her most recent recurrence was notable for a 6 x 8 cm left pelvic tumor invading into the inferior vena cava (IVC), encasing the aorta, left common and external iliac vessels, and involving the left ureter. In a combined case with gynecologic surgery, vascular surgery, and urology, extensive oncovascular resection was performed, including an en bloc resection of the recurrent granulosa cell tumor, aorta, bilateral common and left external iliac arteries and veins, with aortal and IVC reconstruction. Despite a complicated postoperative course, she recovered well, received no further oncologic treatment, and remains on surveillance without evidence of disease 26 months later.
To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of oncovascular surgery involving aortic and IVC resection and reconstruction for recurrent granulosa cell tumor.