Uterine sarcomas are rare uterine malignancies that are difficult to diagnose preoperatively. Because of cases of disseminated sarcoma after laparoscopic hysterectomy, the role of power morcellators in gynecologic surgery has been questioned. Morcellation is an integral part of making laparoscopic surgery possible for the removal of large uterine leiomyomata, and the development of power morcellation has increased efficiency during these procedures. Minimally invasive surgery has demonstrated benefits that include improved pain control, decreased infection risk, and faster surgical recovery and return to work. In this review, we examine the risk of incidental sarcoma at the time of surgery, the quality of the data, the accuracy of clinical and radiologic predictors of uterine sarcoma, and the impact of morcellation on the prognosis of uterine sarcoma.

Background Successful development of topical rectal microbicides requires preclinical evaluation in suitable large animal models. Our previous studies have demonstrated the benefits of high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize subclinical microbicide toxicity in the sheep vagina. In the current study, we evaluated the potential application of colonoscopy and OCT to visualize and quantify the effects of topical products on sheep colorectal tissue as assessed by advanced imaging techniques. Methods Yearling virginal female sheep were treated rectally with a single 8mL dose of 0.2% BZK (benzalkonium chloride) solution or PBS control. Imaging was performed before and 30 minutes after treatment. Colonoscopy findings were evaluated based on mucosal disruption. OCT images were graded based on the integrity of the mucosal layer. Biopsies collected post-treatment were evaluated by histology for validation of OCT scoring. Results Mucosal disruption was observed by colonoscopy in BZK-treated animals, while none was present in controls. In contrast to colonoscopy, high resolution in-depth OCT imaging provided visualization of the morphology of the mucosal layer and underlying muscularis, thus enabling detection of microscopic abnormalities. Noninvasive quantification of drug-induced injury after validation of the scoring system (Categories 1, 2, 3) showed increased scores after treatment with BZK (P<0.001), indicating mucosal injury. Conclusions High resolution OCT can be used as highly sensitive tool to evaluate rectal microbicide effects. Since the sheep rectum has both gross and microscopic similarities to the human, this model is a useful addition to current methods of rectal product toxicity.

Objective To develop an observed-to-expected ratio (O/E) for adherence to National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) ovarian cancer treatment guidelines as a risk-adjusted hospital measure of quality care correlated with disease-specific survival. Methods Consecutive patients with stages I–IV epithelial ovarian cancer were identified from the California Cancer Registry (1/1/96–12/31/06). Using a fit logistic regression model, O/E for guideline adherence was calculated for each hospital and distributed into quartiles stratified by hospital annual case volume: lowest O/E quartile or annual hospital case volume <5, middle two O/E quartiles and volume ≥5, and highest O/E quartile and volume ≥5. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to characterize the independent effect of hospital O/E on ovarian cancer-specific survival. Results Overall, 18,491 patients were treated at 405 hospitals; 37.3% received guideline adherent care. Lowest O/E hospitals (n = 285) treated 4661 patients (25.2%), mean O/E = 0.77 ± 0.55 and median survival 38.9 months (95%CI = 36.2–42.0 months). Intermediate O/E hospitals (n = 85) treated 8715 patients (47.1%), mean O/E = 0.87 ± 0.17 and median survival of 50.5 months (95% CI = 48.4–52.8 months). Highest O/E hospitals (n = 35) treated 5115 patients (27.7%), mean O/E = 1.34 ± 0.14 and median survival of 53.8 months (95% CI = 50.2–58.2 months). After controlling for other variables, treatment at highest O/E hospitals was associated with independent and statistically significant improvement in ovarian cancer-specific survival compared to intermediate O/E (HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 1.01–1.11) and lowest O/E (1.16, 95% CI = 1.10–1.23) hospitals. Conclusions Calculation of hospital-specific O/E for NCCN treatment guideline adherence, combined with minimum case volume criterion, as a measure of ovarian cancer quality of care is feasible and is an independent predictor of survival.

No abstract

Radiation has been relegated to a palliative role in the management of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Contemporary radiation techniques, including intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), and image-guided radiation therapy, enable conformal treatment that controls local disease with minimal morbidity. Recent studies from multiple institutions support the role of radiation in the ablative treatment of oligometastatic disease and control of locally recurrent and metastatic disease. Effective local treatment with radiation complements the role of systemic therapy in the management of EOC; reduces symptoms and disease burden, and may contribute to a prolonged drug free interval.