The clinical and pathologic findings of Merkel cell carcinoma of the vulva were reported. The light microscopic findings of sheets of small, uniform cells were consistent with a diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumor. The electron microscopic characteristics revealed membrane‐bound secretory granules, confirmed the diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma. Regional lymphnode metastases were present at the time of initial surgery and the adjunctive radiotherapy was also given. This case was unusual because Merkel cell carcinoma was usually found on the face, extremities and buttocks.

We evaluate sexuality in 100 natural menopausal women as pertains to hormones, symptoms related to intercourse, and marital relationship with sexual desire, orgasm and coital frequency. The mean age was 56.8 years while menopausal age was 50.3 years. The postmenopausal syndrome presented 55.0% occurring 1 to 7 years after menopause (mean 3.4 years). The common sexual problems after menopause were loss of libido, orgasmic dysfunction, and dyspareunia. Both sexual desire and activity decreased when compared with premenopausal period. Ninety percent of the subjects had sexual desire less than once a month. Only 14% of the subjects occasionally reached orgasm while the other 86% never had orgasm after menopause. The levels of FSH, LH, estradiol and testosterone were also reported. There was no correlation of hormone estradiol and testosterone, symptoms related to intercourse and marital relationship with sexual desire, orgasm, or coital frequency.

Prophylactic effect of cefoxitin against postoperative infection at a dose of 2 g intravenous (single dose 30 minutes before the operation) was investigated using fever index in patients who underwent the elective, nonradical abdominal hysterectomy. The results obtained are summarized as follows. Total fever index values were 12.9±10.0 degree‐hours in the control group (n=39), 11.3±9.7 degree‐hours in the study group (n=39). There were no statistical significance between both groups. Data from this investigation does not suggest the concept that prophylactic antibiotics are beneficial in the reduction of postoperative infection. The results of this prospective study reflected in unnecessity of antibiotic prophylaxis in abdominal hysterectomy.

The efficacy of 3 different nimorazole regimens in treating bacterial vaginosis in women was evaluated. The regimens consisted of: Nimorazole 2 g single dose (Group I), 1 g per day for 3 days (Group II), and 1 g per day for 7 days (Group 111) orally. In a simple randomized trial of 90 cases (30 cases in each group) with demonstrated clinical bacterial vaginosis on the presence of 3 of 5 of the following signs: (1) Characteristic thin homogenous discharge; (2) vaginal pH>4.5; (3) release of a fishy amine odor from vaginal fluid mixed with 10% KOH; (4) presence of clue cells (usually representing at least 20% of vaginal epithelial cells); and (5) vaginal fluid contains few or no lactobacilli. Cure rates for bacterial vaginosis by nimorazole were 70.0% (21/ 30), 83.3% (25/30), and 90.0% (27/30) in Group I, 11, and 111, respectively. Thus nimorazole is another effective drug for the treatment of bacterial vaginosis.