Murat Gultekin

Predictors of lymphocyst development following lymphadenectomy in patients with gynecologic cancer

Abstract Objective To evaluate the incidence of lymphocyst formation in patients undergoing pelvic and/or para‐aortic lymphadenectomy for gynecologic malignancies and identify associated factors. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 614 patients who underwent lymphadenectomy for primary endometrial, ovarian, or cervical cancer at Hacettepe University between 2014 and 2019. Results Of the 614 patients, 276 (45%) had endometrial cancer, 262 (42.6%) had ovarian cancer, and 76 (12.4%) had cervical cancer. Postoperative lymphocyst formation occurred in 187 patients (30.5%), predominantly in the pelvic region (91.4%). Lymphocyst incidence was not significantly influenced by primary cancer type. Factors such as age, menopausal status, the extent of surgery and the use of pelvic drains or absorbable hemostats did not significantly affect lymphocyst formation. However, para‐aortic lymphadenectomy, neoadjuvant therapy, adjuvant therapy, and the number of lymph nodes removed were identified as significant factors contributing to the development of lymphocysts. In multivariate analysis, only para‐aortic lymphadenectomy (OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.26–3.73) and neoadjuvant therapy (OR 2.31, 95% CI: 1.28–4.19) were found to be independent parameters associated with lymphocyst development. Symptomatic or complicated lymphocysts requiring intervention occurred in 16 patients (8.6%), representing 2.6% of the total patient cohort. The most common reason for intervention was infection within the lymphocyst. Conclusion Lymphocyst formation is a frequent complication following gynecologic cancer surgery, often remaining asymptomatic and detected incidentally during routine follow‐ups. Lymphocysts are generally not a cause for concern, but they can lead to complications like infection, which requires intervention.

Highlights from the 24th European Congress on Gynaecological Oncology in Istanbul: an ENYGO-IJGC Fellows compilation

Planning and performing simultaneous bariatric surgery and robotic hysterectomy in a super-obese patient with endometrial cancer

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries, and endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) is the defined precancerous lesion. Obesity is considered a risk factor for both EC and EIN. On the other hand, mortality is often attributed to obesity-related conditions in patients with early-stage EC. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve oncological outcomes and obesity-related morbidity and mortality in patients with EC. Therefore, combination surgery addressing both uterine disease and obesity is a very recent point of interest. Here, we present a video article to demonstrate the crucial surgical steps for a simultaneous robotic-assisted total laparoscopic hysterectomy and sleeve gastrectomy in a patient with super obesity and EIN. A patient in her 40s with a body mass index of 62.4 kg/m² and a diagnosis of EIN was scheduled for combo surgery. The operation started with sleeve gastrectomy in the reverse Trendelenburg position. The da Vinci Xi Surgical System™ (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) with left-side docking was used for surgery. After the mobilization of the stomach, gastric resection was performed using a stapler. Following sleeve gastrectomy, the patient was positioned in the Trendelenburg position, and the robotic system was positioned for hysterectomy. Hysterectomy and salpingectomy were performed. The excised stomach and hysterectomy material were removed through the vagina. A frozen examination revealed EC below 2 cm with superficial invasion, and bilateral oophorectomy was performed. The whole surgery took approximately 4 hours. No postoperative complications occurred, and the patient was discharged on the 3rd day.

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statement on the management of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN varies according to the grade of the lesion: VaIN 1 (low grade vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)) can be subjected to follow-up, while VaIN 2-3 (high-grade vaginal SIL) should be treated. Treatment needs individualization according to the patient's characteristics, disease extension and previous therapeutic procedures. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and should be performed if invasion cannot be excluded. Total vaginectomy is used only in highly selected cases of extensive and persistent disease. Carbon dioxide (CO

The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) Consensus Statement on the Management of Vaginal Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Abstract The European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), the International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), the European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and the European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) developed consensus statements on pre-invasive vulvar lesions in order to improve the quality of care for patients with vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN). The management of VaIN varies according to the grade of the lesion: VaIN 1 (low grade vaginal squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL)) can be subjected to follow-up, while VaIN 2–3 (high-grade vaginal SIL) should be treated. Treatment needs individualization according to the patient’s characteristics, disease extension and previous therapeutic procedures. Surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment and should be performed if invasion cannot be excluded. Total vaginectomy is used only in highly selected cases of extensive and persistent disease. Carbon dioxide (CO2) laser may be used as both an ablation method and an excisional one. Reported cure rates after laser excision and laser ablation are similar. Topical agents are useful for persistent, multifocal lesions or for patients who cannot undergo surgical treatment. Imiquimod was associated with the lowest recurrence rate, highest human papillomavirus (HPV) clearance, and can be considered the best topical approach. Trichloroacetic acid and 5-fluorouracil are historical options and should be discouraged. For VaIN after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3, laser vaporization and topical agents are not the best options, since they cannot reach epithelium buried in the vaginal scar. In these cases surgical options are preferable. Brachytherapy has a high overall success rate but due to late side effects should be reserved for poor surgical candidates, having multifocal disease, and with failed prior treatments. VaIN tends to recur and ensuring patient adherence to close follow-up visits is of the utmost importance. The first evaluation should be performed at 6 months with cytology and an HPV test during 2 years and annually thereafter. The implementation of vaccination against HPV infection is expected to contribute to the prevention of VaIN and thus cancer of the vagina. The effects of treatment can have an impact on quality of life and result in psychological and psychosexual issues which should be addressed. Patients with VaIN need clear and up-to-date information on a range of treatment options including risks and benefits, as well as the need for follow-up and the risk of recurrence.

European consensus statement on essential colposcopy

This European consensus statement on essential colposcopy provides standards for the general colposcopist seeing women referred for colposcopy with an abnormal cervical screening test (including cytology and HPV tests) or with a clinically suspicious cervix. The article gives guidance regarding the aims and conduct of colposcopy. Recommendations are provided on colposcopy technique, the management of common colposcopy issues, treatment and follow-up of after treatment of CIN or early stage cervical. Colposcopists should make an informed decision on the management of each individual that is referred and organize appropriate follow-up. Cervical cancer is still a major health issue and the quality of care can only improve if there is a structured guidance for women with an abnormal smear or suspicious cervix.

Effective approaches towards eliminating cervical cancer from low-and middle-income countries amid COVID-19 pandemic

The European response to the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem

AbstractThe age‐standardised incidence of cervical cancer in Europe varies widely by country (between 3 and 25/100000 women‐years) in 2018. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage is low in countries with the highest incidence and screening performance is heterogeneous among European countries. A broad group of delegates of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations endorse the principles of the WHO call to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem, also in Europe. All European nations should, by 2030, reach at least 90% HPV vaccine coverage among girls by the age of 15 years and also boys, if cost‐effective; they should introduce organised population‐based HPV‐based screening and achieve 70% of screening coverage in the target age group, providing also HPV testing on self‐samples for nonscreened or underscreened women; and to manage 90% of screen‐positive women. To guide member states, a group of scientific professional societies and cancer organisations engage to assist in the rollout of a series of concerted evidence‐based actions. European health authorities are requested to mandate a group of experts to develop the third edition of European Guidelines for Quality Assurance of Cervical Cancer prevention based on integrated HPV vaccination and screening and to monitor the progress towards the elimination goal. The occurrence of the COVID‐19 pandemic, having interrupted prevention activities temporarily, should not deviate stakeholders from this ambition. In the immediate postepidemic phase, health professionals should focus on high‐risk women and adhere to cost‐effective policies including self‐sampling.

European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) and European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO) joint considerations about human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, screening programs, colposcopy, and surgery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic

ESGO contribution to the WHO initiative on elimination of cervical cancer

World Health Organization call for action to eliminate cervical cancer globally

Endocervical polyps in high risk human papillomavirus infections

Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive patients with and without endocervical polyps is compared with respect to HPV genotypes and presence of pre-invasive diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first and largest report in the literature examining the endocervical polyps in HPV positive cases. Clinicopathological data for the first one million screening patients (n = 1060 992) from around the entire country during 2015 and 2016 were targeted for this research. Colposcopy, colposcopic surgical diagnostic procedures and final pathology results of 3499 patients with high-risk (HR) HPV-positive were obtained from reference colposcopy centers. Patients with endocervical polyps (n = 243 [6.9 %]) were accepted as experimental arm while patients without any endocervical polyp (n = 3256 [93.1%]) were regarded as the control group. Age, HPV genotype, Pap smear abnormality, and final pathological results were compared between two groups using Student's t-test and cross-tabulation chi-square test. The incidence of endocervical polyp was found to be 6.9 % in HR HPV-positive women. The most common HPV genotypes observed in both groups were HPV 16 or 18. Abnormal cytology reports (≥ ASC-US) were not significantly different between both groups. However, with respect to final pathological diagnosis, patients with endocervical polyp had significantly lower numbers of pre-invasive diseases (31.3% vs 44.2%; p < 0.10). Endocervical polyps may be more common in patients with HR HPV infections. HPV 18 is observed significantly more, in the HR HPV positive endocervical polyp group. Patients with endocervical polyps do not have increased risk for preinvasive cervical diseases.

Declaration on cervical cancer elimination: literature review and perspectives from early-career clinicians.

Despite effective prevention methods, cervical cancer remains one of the most incident malignancies globally. This literature review and perspectives from early-career clinicians aim to propose actionable recommendations to reduce the global burden of cervical cancer. The authors, representing the early-career clinicians and researchers, patient representatives, epidemiologists, and gynecologic oncology experts, identified 5 key pillars for cervical cancer elimination based on literature reviews and interdisciplinary discussion: (1) raising awareness of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer; (2) ensuring evidence-based HPV communication; (3) fostering collaboration with other specialties and organizations; (4) increasing HPV vaccination rates; and (5) improving cervical cancer screening. Achieving the World Health Organization's cervical cancer elimination target by 2030 requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. Our recommendations emphasize the need for targeted awareness campaigns, evidence-based communication, collaboration with various stakeholders, promotion of best practices, and keeping evidence of innovative interventions up-to-date, with intensified efforts in low- and middle-income countries where the burden is the greatest.

Vulvar inspection at the time of cervical cancer screening: European Society of Gynaecological Oncology (ESGO), International Society for the Study of Vulvovaginal Disease (ISSVD), European College for the Study of Vulval Disease (ECSVD), and European Federation for Colposcopy (EFC) consensus statements

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma incidence is increasing, especially among women under 60, largely attributed to human papillomavirus infections. Precursor pre-invasive vulvar lesions are frequently underdiagnosed. Routine vulvar inspection during cervical cancer screening could offer an opportunity for the detection of these lesions. To emphasize the importance of integrating routine vulvar inspection during cervical cancer screening procedures and to raise awareness about the early detection of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma and its precursors to reduce the diagnostic delay of vulvar pathologies. A multidisciplinary task force comprising experts from 4 international scientific societies was formed. A focused literature review was conducted, and consensus statements were developed through a structured voting process to ensure clinical relevance and comprehensiveness. The consensus defines key elements of normal vulvar anatomy, identifies potential pre-cancerous dermatoses, and highlights risk factors for vulvar malignancy. The consensus statements promote the integration of vulvar inspection into cervical cancer screening procedures, urging health care professionals across various levels to receive training and guidance in vulvar examinations and enhancing patient education. Health care providers are recommended to gather a brief history of vulvar symptoms, conduct comprehensive inspections of the vulvar area, and report any abnormalities. For patients with positive human papillomavirus or Pap tests, they should closely monitor vulvar findings, encourage self-examinations, and discuss risks for intra-epithelial or invasive neoplasia. Establishing standardized practices in vulvar inspection during cervical cancer screening procedures along with public awareness, could significantly impact early detection and timely interventions of vulvar pathologies at cancer risk ultimately reducing the burden of vulvar cancers.

Impact of adjuvant treatments and risk factors on survival in 2023 FIGO stage IIB endometrial cancer patients: Turkish Gynecologic Oncology Group Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of adjuvant treatments, factors influencing recurrence, and survival data in patients with 2023 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIB endometrial cancer. A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with endometrial cancer who underwent surgery between 2005 and 2022 at seven different centers in Turkey. Demographic, clinicopathological, and survival data were collected and analyzed. Among 7323 patients, 565 (7.7%) were classified as 2023 FIGO stage IIB based on pathological results. Of 565 patients, 214 were followed without receiving adjuvant treatment, while 335 (95.4%) received adjuvant radiotherapy, and 16 (4.6%) received radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The locoregional recurrence rate was higher in patients with a tumor size >4 cm (p=0.038) and myometrial invasion >50% (p=0.045). In patients with distant metastasis, the recurrence rate was lower in those with myometrial invasion <50% compared with myometrial invasion ≥50% (p=0.031). The impact of adjuvant treatment on endometrial cancer patients revealed no significant differences for both disease free survival (p=0.85) and overall survival (p=0.54). Subgroup analyses showed that in patients with deep myometrial invasion, adjuvant treatment was associated with a significant increase in overall survival (p=0.044), but there was no effect on disease-free survival (p=0.12). Patients with stage IIB endometrial cancer with myometrial invasion ≥50% were more likely to have locoregional and distant metastases. Adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy did not demonstrate an overall survival benefit in these patients.

Evaluation of colposcopy after the addition of human papillomavirus testing to the Turkish cervical cancer screening program

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate colposcopy performance following the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening program in Turkey.MethodsWomen aged 30–65 years are screened for cervical cancer every 5 years, with individuals positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 or other high‐risk HPV types with abnormal cytology referred for colposcopy. Both HPV test and cytology are obtained at the same visit. If HPV is negative, cytology will not be assessed. However, if HPV is positive, both cytology and HPV genotyping will be performed. Colposcopy‐require was defined as HPV 16/18 positivity or abnormal smear results with any hrHPV positivity, and the remaining patients (normal smear with hrHPV positivity other than HPV 16/18) were grouped as colposcopy non‐required. National data on colposcopy outcomes and unnecessary performance rates in February 2018–2019 were evaluated via a questionnaire.ResultsA total of 9808 patients were included, divided based on colposcopy requirement: 5751 (58.6%) patients required colposcopy and 4057 (41.4%) did not. Unnecessary colposcopy was performed on 90.1% of the non‐required group (3657 of 4057 patients). In the colposcopy‐required group, 4455 patients (79.9%) underwent punch biopsy; 3194 (57.1%), endocervical curettage (ECC); and 421 (7.5%), “see and treat” in the non‐required group, the results were 2790 (76.3%), 1957 (53.2%), and 211 (5.7%), respectively. A total of 746 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)‐3 isolates were detected, including 702 using existing screening and triage with 94.1% sensitivity (702/746). Multiple biopsies were taken in 69.8% (n = 3110) of patients from the colposcopy‐required group and 63.7% (n = 1777) from the non‐required group. The ECC samples included 19 cervical cancers and 212 ≥CIN‐3 lesions in the colposcopy‐required group, and four cancers and 41 ≥CIN‐3 lesions in the non‐required group. The proportion of ≥CIN‐3 lesions detected by ECC only was 4.7% (35 of 746 ≥CIN‐3 lesions).ConclusionOur results showed high rates of unnecessary colposcopies, and a high percentage of multiple and random punch biopsies and ECC.