A novel proteomic-based screening method for ovarian cancer using cervicovaginal fluids: A window into the abdomen

OBJECTIVE

Our objective is to develop a site-specific proteomic-based screening test for ovarian cancer(OC) using the mucus of the cervix and vagina and evaluate a potential means for home testing.

METHODS

Cervicovaginal fluid samples were obtained from ovarian cancer and normal control patients for LC-mass spectrometry(MS) proteomic evaluation. Statistical modeling determined the protein panel with the highest penetrance across ovarian cancer samples. A subcohort of patients consented to provide self-collected vaginal samples at home with questionnaire on feasibility. Cohen's kappa methodology was utilized to determine agreement between physician-collected and patient-collected samples.

RESULTS

A total of 83 consecutive patient samples were collected prospectively (33 ovarian cancer & 50 controls). Thirty patients consented for self-collection. Using LC-MS, 30 peptides demonstrated independent statistical significance for detecting ovarian cancer. Using statistical modeling, the protein panel that determined the best predictor for detecting OC formed a "fingerprint" consisting of 5 proteins: serine proteinase inhibitor A1; periplakin; profilin1; apolipoprotein A1; and thymosin beta4-like protein. These peptides demonstrated a significant increase probability of detecting ovarian cancer with the ROC curve having an AUC of 0.86 (p = 0.00001). Physician-collected and patient-collected specimens demonstrated moderate agreement with kappa average of 0.6 with upper bound of 0.75.

CONCLUSIONS

Using novel site-specific collection methods, we identified an OC "fingerprint" with adequate sensitivity and specificity to warrant further evaluation in a larger cohort. Agreement of physician-collected and patient-collected samples were encouraging and could improve access to screening with a home self-collection if this screening test is validated in future studies.

Intraperitoneal (IP) port cytology after completion of primary therapy for advanced stage ovarian cancer: A novel approach to a "second look"

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether IP port cytology predicts early recurrence and/or poor prognosis in patients with ovarian cancer who have completed primary therapy.

METHODS

A prospective study of patients with advanced stage ovarian cancer undergoing IP port removal after debulking followed by IV/IP chemotherapy was performed. Ports were flushed with 10 cc of normal saline into ThinPrep fixative to be analyzed for cytology. Results were correlated with clinical factors and cancer outcomes. Survivals were calculated using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared using log-rank analysis.

RESULTS

Effluent from 53 IP ports was analyzed, and patients were followed for a median of 62 months. Mean age was 58.5, with the majority of patients being white (90%), with stage 3 (62%), serous histology (87%). Seven (13.2%) patients had positive IP cytology. POS and NEG groups were similar with regard to age, BMI, stage, grade, and GOG status. Patients with POS results had increased risk of recurrence HR 3.2 (95%CI 0.4, 28.9), and death HR 6.5 (95%CI 0.7, 58.8), and were more likely to recur before 12 months, 71% vs. 22% (p = 0.007). Compared to NEG, POS conferred a shorter median survival with PFS of 32 vs. 7 months (p = 0.02) and OS of 84 vs. 42 months (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

IP port cytology is predictive of recurrence and survival in patients with ovarian cancer. This inexpensive test may serve as an adjunct to imaging and tumor markers to determine disease status at the completion of treatment. Further study should investigate how this may impact management.

Unraveling the etiology of ovarian cancer racial disparity in the deep south: Is it nature or nurture?

BACKGROUND

Our objective was to evaluate racial treatment and survival disparities in black women with ovarian cancer in the Deep South and to determine how environmental factors / socioeconomic status (SES) influence survival.

METHODS

A retrospective study of ovarian cancer patients from 2007 to 2014 was performed. Socioeconomic status (SES) was obtained though U.S. Census block data and compared using Yost scores. Comparisons were performed using standard statistical approaches.

RESULTS

A total of 393 patients were evaluated, 325 (83%) white and 68 (17%) black. Demographic information and surgical approach were similar in each racial group. However, compared to whites, black patients had lower rates of optimal debulking [89% vs. 71%, respectively (p=0.001)] and intraperitoneal chemotherapy (19% vs. 11%, p=0.01). Black women had lower SES parameters including education, income, and poverty. As a result, more black patients had the lowest SES (SES-1) when compared to white patients (17% vs. 41%, p<0.001). When controlling for these factors by cox regression analysis, a survival disadvantage was seen in black women for both progression free survival (16 vs. 27months, p=0.003) and overall survival (42 vs. 88months, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite controlling for clinical and environmental factors, a survival disadvantage was still observed in black patients with ovarian cancer in the Deep South. Black women had lower optimal debulking rates and more platinum resistant disease. These data suggest other factors like tumor biology may play a role in racial survival differences, however, more research is needed to determine this causation.

Minority participation in Gynecologic Oncology Group (GOG) Studies

OBJECTIVE

Participation of minority populations in clinical trials is paramount to understanding and overcoming cancer racial disparities. The goal of this project is to evaluate minority participation in published GOG clinical trials.

METHODS

GOG publications from 1985 to 2013 were reviewed. Minority enrollment was stratified by tumor site, type of study, and year published. Based on Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) age-adjusted incidence for race, expected and observed ratios of racial participation were calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 445 GOG publications involving 67,568 patients were reviewed. Racial breakdown was provided in 170 studies (38%) for a total of 45,259 patients: 83% White (n=37,617); 8% Black (n=3,686), and 9% Other (n=3,956). The majority of studies were Ovarian (n=202) and Phase 2 (n=290). When evaluating the quartiles of publication year, a steady decline in the proportion of Black patients enrolled was seen. Race was not reported in any publication prior to 1994. Compared to years 1994-2002, a 2.8-fold lower proportion of black enrollment was noted in years 2009-2013 (16% and 5.8%, respectively; p<0.01). Utilizing CDC age-adjusted incidence, observed enrollment of Black patients onto GOG clinical trials was significantly less than expected enrollment. Observed Black enrollment was 15-fold lower than expected for ovarian trials, 10-fold lower for endometrial, 4.5-fold for cervix, and 5.2-fold for sarcoma (each p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on age-adjusted incidence, observed enrollment of Black patients was lower than expected enrollment onto GOG studies. Despite national emphasis on minority enrollment on clinical trials, fewer Black patients were enrolled over time.

ALDH1A1 maintains ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties by altered regulation of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair network signaling

Objective

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) expressing cells have been characterized as possessing stem cell-like properties. We evaluated ALDH+ ovarian cancer stem cell-like properties and their role in platinum resistance.

Methods

Isogenic ovarian cancer cell lines for platinum sensitivity (A2780) and platinum resistant (A2780/CP70) as well as ascites from ovarian cancer patients were analyzed for ALDH+ by flow cytometry to determine its association to platinum resistance, recurrence and survival. A stable shRNA knockdown model for ALDH1A1 was utilized to determine its effect on cancer stem cell-like properties, cell cycle checkpoints, and DNA repair mediators.

Results

ALDH status directly correlated to platinum resistance in primary ovarian cancer samples obtained from ascites. Patients with ALDH^HIGH displayed significantly lower progression free survival than the patients with ALDH^LOW cells (9 vs. 3 months, respectively p<0.01). ALDH1A1-knockdown significantly attenuated clonogenic potential, PARP-1 protein levels, and reversed inherent platinum resistance. ALDH1A1-knockdown resulted in dramatic decrease of KLF4 and p21 protein levels thereby leading to S and G2 phase accumulation of cells. Increases in S and G2 cells demonstrated increased expression of replication stress associated Fanconi Anemia DNA repair proteins (FANCD2, FANCJ) and replication checkpoint (pS317 Chk1) were affected. ALDH1A1-knockdown induced DNA damage, evidenced by robust induction of γ-H2AX and BAX mediated apoptosis, with significant increases in BRCA1 expression, suggesting ALDH1A1-dependent regulation of cell cycle checkpoints and DNA repair networks in ovarian cancer stem-like cells.

Conclusion

This data suggests that ovarian cancer cells expressing ALDH1A1 may maintain platinum resistance by altered regulation of cell cycle checkpoint and DNA repair network signaling.

Validation of a venous thromboembolism risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology

OBJECTIVES

Gynecologic oncology patients undergoing surgery are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE). We attempted to validate a VTE risk assessment model in gynecologic oncology patients.

METHODS

All gynecologic oncology patients who underwent a laparotomy for the diagnosis or suspicion of gynecologic malignancy from 2004 to 2010 were included. Demographic, surgicopathologic, and complication data were collected. VTE was based on the symptomatic diagnosis. Data for the Caprini risk assessment model (RAM) was used to score and stratify patients on their risk for VTE.

RESULTS

1123 gynecologic oncology patients were included within this study. Ovarian cancer was the most common diagnosis (39%) with a median age of 56.1. All patients received SCDs with 40% receiving double prophylaxis. The overall incidence of VTE was 3.3%, with lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT) n=17 and pulmonary embolism (PE) n=20. Complication rates were similar in each group. Based on the Caprini scoring model 92% of patients scored in the "Highest Risk" category. The Caprini RAM accurately predicted all 37 VTEs, all of which scored in the "Highest Risk" category. The percentage of patients that received double prophylaxis increased with time from 12% in 2004 to 63% in 2010. Importantly, 25 of the 37 VTEs (68%) did not receive double prophylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the Caprini RAM accurately predicted patients at the highest risk of experiencing VTE. Considering accurate identification of patients allows proper administration of double prophylaxis, we recommend the use of this scoring model preoperatively in patients undergoing surgery for gynecologic malignancies.

The incidence and clinical significance of lymph node micrometastases determined by immunohistochemical staining in stage I - lymph node negative endometrial cancer

OBJECTIVE

Determine the incidence and clinical relevance of lymph node micrometastases found with immunohistochemical (IHC) staining in patients diagnosed with stage I lymph node-negative endometrial adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Eligible patients with endometrioid-type histology and negative lymph nodes by H&E were identified by a computerized database. After histologic confirmation, all paraffin-embedded pathologic specimens were freshly sliced and stained with IHC stains for pancytokeratin. Slides were interpreted by two pathologists and positive IHC staining for micrometastases was defined as positive staining of cells <2 mm in greatest dimension. Patient demographics, clinicopathologic factors, and follow-up data were abstracted.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were included in our study. Most patients had stage IA (84%) tumors of grade 2/3 histology (51%), and 11 patients (22%) received adjuvant therapy. Mean number of lymph nodes was 12.2 per patient. Of 151 lymph node paraffin blocks evaluated for pancytokeratin, only two (1.3%) had IHC-positive micrometastases. The two lymph node-positive results occurred in separate patients, leading to 3.9% of all patients in our cohort. Both micrometastatic lymph node-positive patients had adjuvant radiation therapy for uterine high-risk factors and are currently without evidence of disease at 15 and 16 months, respectively. Three lymph node-negative patients (6.1%) have developed recurrences within a median follow-up of 15 months.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of IHC stain-positive micrometastases in H&E-negative lymph nodes is low in surgically staged endometrial cancer and does not justify routine IHC staining. Additionally, as little evidence exists to support the clinical significance of IHC-stained micrometastases in endometrial cancer, further study is warranted.

MiR-181 mediates cell differentiation by interrupting the Lin28 and let-7 feedback circuit

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted attention because of their key regulatory functions in many biological events, including differentiation and tumorigenesis. Recent studies have reported the existence of a reciprocal regulatory loop between the family of let-7 miRNAs and an RNA-binding protein, Lin28, both of which have been documented for their important roles during cell differentiation. Hence, using bipotent K562 human leukemia cells and human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells as research models, we demonstrate that let-7 and Lin28 have contrary roles in megakaryocytic (MK) differentiation with a dynamic balance; expression of miR-181 is capable of effectively repressing Lin28 expression, disrupting the Lin28-let-7 reciprocal regulatory loop, upregulating let-7, and eventually promoting MK differentiation. However, miR-181 lacks a significant effect on hemin-induced erythrocyte differentiation. These results demonstrate that miR-181 can function as a 'molecular switch' during hematopoietic lineage progression specific to MK differentiation, thus providing insight into future development of miRNA-oriented therapeutics.

A novel method for training residents in robotic hysterectomy

Standard surgeon training for robotic hysterectomy currently includes the use of a porcine lab to gain experience using the daVinci Surgical System. Residents in obstetrics/gynecology are taught using a novel dry lab which mimics the tasks specific to a robotic hysterectomy. This technique may ultimately aid in the credentialing of gynecologic surgeons, obviating the need for the porcine lab. A lab simulating the anatomy of key tasks in the hysterectomy with salpingo-oophorectomy has been developed using readily available materials. Residents perform simulated tasks under direct supervision. Time to complete, a subjective grading score, and any errors made are recorded and compared amongst the participants. From April 2007 through April 2008, 16 residents participated in the lab. Mean times (range, standard deviation) to perform simulated procedures were: 177.3 s (100-270, 48.2) for dexterity training, 71.9 s (32-171, 34.6) for identification of the ureter and sealing/dividing the infundibulopelvic ligament, 157.8 s (60-300, 76.8) for dissecting the bladder flap, 77 s (25-148, 34.8) for skeletonizing the uterine arteries, and 516 s (270-946, 237.8) for suturing the vaginal cuff. Since completing the lab, five residents have completed a total of 16 robotic hysterectomies on live patients, with no training-related patient complications. This lab closely mimics those segments of a hysterectomy on humans. Here, we describe a technique to train residents for robotic hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy without the use of a porcine lab.

Endometrial cancer in women 45 years of age or younger: a clinicopathological analysis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the experience with endometrial carcinoma in women < or =45 years of age at Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, La.

STUDY DESIGN

We evaluated the clinical history, treatment, and follow-up of 38 women < or =45 years of age diagnosed with endometrial cancer.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight patients received primary treatment for endometrial cancer: stage I, 32 (84.2%); stage II, 1 (2.6%); stage III, 4 (10.5%); stage IV, 1 (2.6%). Tumors were well differentiated in 20 (52.6%), moderately differentiated in 10 (26.3%), and poorly differentiated in 8 (21.1%). At end of study period 32 women (84.2%) were alive with no evidence of disease, 5 had died of recurrent disease, and 1 died of metastatic breast cancer.

CONCLUSION

Patients < or =45 years of age had lower incidence of advanced stage disease, higher degree of tumor differentiation, and better prognosis compared to patients older than 45 years.

Hysterectomy in women with cervical stenosis. Surgical indications and pathology

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate indications for surgery and final pathology results in patients who underwent hysterectomy with a concurrent diagnosis of cervical stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of 25 women who underwent hysterectomy after diagnosis of cervical stenosis.

RESULTS

The average age was 59 years (range, 38-80). Indications for surgery included postmenopausal bleeding in 10 patients, previous dysplasia with inadequate Papanicolaou test follow-up in 4, recurrent high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion in 1, chronic pelvic pain in 5, acute pain in 2, dysfunctional uterine bleeding in 2 and thickened endometrial stripe in 1 patient on tamoxifen. An attempt to obtain an endometrial sample was unsuccessful in 14 patients. Twenty patients had undergone prior gynecologic surgery. The results of final cervical pathologic examination revealed severe cervical dysplasia or carcinoma in situ in 3. Final uterine pathology revealed 1 patient with uterine adenocarcinoma and 19 patients with benign pathology, including endometritis, fibroids, adenomyosis and endometrial hyperplasia.

CONCLUSION

The majority of patients with cervical stenosis resulting in inadequate cancer screening and/or symptoms resulting from stenosis will have significant benign pathology (64%), cervical dysplasia (12%) or uterine cancer (4%). For these patients, hysterectomy is a reasonable option.

Bartholin's gland carcinoma, malignant melanoma and other rare tumours of the vulva

Non-squamous cancers of the vulva encompass an exciting and broad group of tumours, including Bartholin's gland carcinoma, malignant melanoma, Paget's disease, sarcomas and lymphoma. These tumours range from innocuous lesions treatable with simple local excision, such as basal-cell carcinoma, to cancers with very poor prognosis, such as Merkel-cell tumours. All of these tumours are thoroughly reviewed, with emphasis on presenting symptoms, pathological diagnosis and optimal management approaches. The literature supporting these recommendations is reviewed. Of the utmost importance in the management of these tumours is a thorough review of the pathological diagnosis by a specialist pathologist and a gynaecological oncologist. Establishing the correct diagnosis is essential to reaching appropriate treatment decisions. Frequently this will necessitate a second opinion by a referral centre.

Postoperative ileus on a gynecologic oncology service--do abdominal X-rays have a role?

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to estimate the role of abdominal radiographs in the management of the patient with gastrointestinal dysfunction in the early postoperative period following intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery.

METHODS

Hospital records were reviewed for 84 patients from the gynecologic oncology service having a clinical diagnosis of either ileus or bowel obstruction immediately after intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery. Patient history, clinical signs and symptoms, findings of plain radiographs, and clinical course were studied to determine whether plain abdominal radiographs were useful in the management of these patients.

RESULTS

At least one set of abdominal X-rays was obtained for 56 (66.7%) patients, of which 24 (42.9%) were considered radiographically diagnostic. A lower preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status score correlated with a greater likelihood of having abdominal films (P = 0.005). No single clinical finding correlated with either the decision to obtain films or X-ray diagnosis of ileus or bowel obstruction. Use of any nonsurgical treatment modality was not significantly different for patients who had films versus those who did not. Mean length of hospital stay was significantly prolonged for patients who had abdominal X-rays. Seven patients were subjected to reoperation; however, no association was found between X-ray diagnosis of ileus or bowel obstruction and the need for reoperation.

CONCLUSION

Plain abdominal radiographs have little clinical utility in the evaluation of patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction in the early postoperative period following intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery. Diagnostic studies such as CT scanning or a GI contrast study may be more helpful in the management of these patients.

Necessity of endometrial biopsy in women with enlarged uteri and a preoperative diagnosis of uterine leiomyomata

OBJECTIVE

To determine the necessity of a preoperative endometrial biopsy when evaluating a patient with symptomatic uterine fibroids.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study of 182 cases of hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. The patients were stratified into 2 groups: those with uteri weighing between 280 and 500 g and with uteri weighing > 500 g. Charts were reviewed for all patients who did not have an endometrial biopsy and for all cases of malignancy.

RESULTS

Of the patients with menorrhagia, 21-30% did not undergo a preoperative biopsy. In those who did, biopsy failed to detect 2.75% of malignancies. All patients diagnosed postoperatively with malignancy had presented with complaints of bleeding.

CONCLUSION

With complaints other than bleeding, a preoperative endometrial biopsy may be omitted. However, any menstrual complaints warrant an investigation of the endometrium even though the incidence of endometrial carcinoma in these larger uteri is only 1.1%.

Predictors of complications and hospital stay in gynecologic cancer surgery

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that comorbid medical conditions can predict length of hospital stay and incidence of postoperative complications.

METHODS

We reviewed the medical records of 187 women who had surgery for known or suspected gynecologic malignancies during 1996 and 1997, and 179 were included in the present study. Information on each woman's comorbid medical conditions, surgical history, surgicopathologic cancer diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification, surgical procedures, and postoperative complications was collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Women with two or more comorbid medical conditions had significantly longer mean hospital stays (8.62 days) than those with none or one comorbid medical condition (6.43 days) (P <.001). Women with two or more postoperative complications had significantly longer mean hospital stays (11.88 days) than those with none or one complication (6.02 days) (P <.001). Women with two or more postoperative complications also had significantly more comorbid medical conditions (mean 2.5) than those with none or one complication (mean 1.7) (P <.001). The American Society of Anesthesiologists class also was a significant predictor of postoperative complications and length of hospitalization. Age over 60 years also was associated with statistically significant increase in comorbid medical conditions and significantly longer hospitalizations.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that certain high-risk patients can be identified before hospital admission based on comorbid medical conditions. Certain risk indices, such as the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification score, also can predict postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. This information can be used to coordinate preoperative and postoperative hospital care and be a reference for certain future disease management systems.

Thrombocytosis as a predictor of malignancy in women with a pelvic mass

OBJECTIVE

To determine if thrombocytosis (platelets > 350,000/microL) is a predictor of malignancy in women with a pelvic mass.

STUDY DESIGN

The charts of 323 patients who presented with a pelvic mass and subsequently underwent an exploratory laparotomy were reviewed for preoperative platelet count and final diagnosis. Thrombocytosis was defined as a platelet count > 350,000/microL. The data were analyzed utilizing the SPSS 6.1 software package (Chicago, Illinois); analysis of variance and chi 2 tests were used for data comparison.

RESULTS

The difference in the platelet counts of patients with malignancy and benign tumors was statistically significant (P < .00001). Eighty-seven patients had cancer; of these, 42 (48.3%) had thrombocytosis. Only 31 (13.8%) patients with benign tumors had thrombocytosis.

CONCLUSION

High preoperative platelet counts in women presenting with a pelvic mass may predict a final diagnosis of cancer.

Striae gravidarum as a predictor of vaginal lacerations at delivery

BACKGROUND

Abdominal stretch marks found during pregnancy may be indicative of poor skin elasticity. One who does not have stretch marks may have better skin elasticity and may be less likely to tear perineal and vaginal tissue during vaginal delivery. This study was conducted to determine whether striae gravidarum could predict lacerations and their severity.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included 168 women having vaginal delivery of infants who weighed more than 2,000 g. The absence or presence and degree of lacerations involving the perineum, vagina, labia, and periurethral regions were studied with a step-wise multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Episiotomy was found to prevent spontaneous lacerations. Abdominal stretch marks were found to be statistically significant predictors of lacerations when controlling for episiotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with striae gravidarum are at higher risk for lacerations at the time of vaginal delivery than patients who do not have abdominal stretch marks.

Abdominal sacral colpopexy resulting in a retained sponge. A case report

BACKGROUND

During abdominal sacral colpopexy, a procedure used to correct vaginal vault prolapse, the vaginal cuff must be elevated intraabdominally to facilitate suturing. The use of a vaginal sponge stick to elevate the cuff can result in foreign body complications.

CASE

A 70-year-old woman developed chronic pelvic pain and a vaginal discharge after undergoing abdominal sacral colpopexy. Radiographic films showed what appeared to be a retained surgical needle in the vaginal cuff. During an exploratory laparotomy to remove the foreign body, a fragment of the sponge used to elevate the vaginal cuff during abdominal sacral colpopexy was found to have been inadvertently incorporated into the apex of the vagina.

CONCLUSION

An end-to-end anastomotic sizer should be used to elevate the vaginal cuff during abdominal sacral colpopexy to reduce the risk of foreign body complications.

Detection of sentinel lymph nodes with lymphazurin in cervical, uterine, and vulvar malignancies

BACKGROUND

Identification of sentinel lymph nodes may allow prediction of metastatic disease in cancer patients. We did a prospective study to determine whether lymphazurin dye could identify sentinel lymph nodes in patients with cervical, uterine, and vulvar cancer.

METHODS

In 33 patients having surgery for either uterine, cervical, or vulvar carcinoma, lymphazurin dye was injected into the respective organs before the tumor and node dissection began. Sentinel lymph nodes were identified and dissected in situ.

RESULTS

The identification rate of sentinel lymph nodes was 0/8 (0%) for uterine cancer patients, 2/13 (15.4%) for cervical cancer patients, and 9/12 for vulvar cancer patients (75%).

CONCLUSIONS

In a limited number of patients, lymphazurin day may be useful in identifying or assessing the sentinel nodes draining vulvar and cervical cancers. The role of this procedure in treatment planning for patients with gynecologic malignancies is yet to be determined.

Correlation between endometrial cells on Papanicolaou smear and endometrial carcinoma

BACKGROUND

A retrospective study was done to assess the correlation between endometrial cells on routine cervical cytology and carcinoma of the endometrium.

METHODS

In a 4-year period, endometrial cells of some type were identified on the Papanicolaou (Pap) smears of 61 women, of whom 52 had further diagnostic evaluation of the endometrium. Data were analyzed with a multivariate stepwise logistic regression.

RESULTS

The results indicated an association of endometrial cells in Pap smears with carcinoma of the endometrium in seven patients (13.5%). In 45 patients (86.5%), the final diagnosis was benign. Factors that impacted the diagnosis of carcinoma were the findings of atypical or cancerous endometrial cells on Pap smear and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate the importance of further diagnostic evaluation with endometrial sampling in postmenopausal patients with endometrial cells seen in Pap smears, especially those with abnormal bleeding.

Body mass predicts the survival of patients with new International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics Stage IB1 and IB2 cervical carcinoma treated with radical hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

The authors evaluated the impact of body mass on survival and morbidity of patients with new International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Stage IB1 and IB2 cervical carcinoma managed with radical hysterectomy.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty-nine patients with Stage IB1 or IB2 cervical carcinoma treated with radical hysterectomy were studied in a multivariate logistic regression analysis. The body mass index (BMI) and the ponderal index (PI) were used as measures of body mass and were analyzed as predictors of recurrence, survival, and complications in light of the new staging system.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven of 229 patients died of recurrent disease. A low BMI or a high PI were predictive of poor survival. Tumor greatest dimension, lymph node involvement, BMI, and PI were all independent predictors of survival (P=0.0006). The only independent predictor of complications was para-aortic lymph node dissection (P=0.0026).

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical carcinoma patients with a low body mass, as indicated by a low BMI or a high PI, were found to have poor survival after undergoing radical hysterectomy. Additional predictors of poor survival included lymph node metastases and increased tumor size. BMI and PI are more important predictors of survival than the new FIGO Stages IB1 and IB2. Body mass is not predictive of complications.

Retained surgical needle in the perineum. Report of a case with a novel method of search and rescue

BACKGROUND

Retrieval of a broken or lost surgical needle can be a difficult task, often requiring extensive surgical exploration.

CASE

A surgical needle was retained in the perineum. Needle-hookwire placement with biplane fluoroscopy allowed the precise localization and marking of the foreign body; surgical removal without extensive exploration was therefore possible.

CONCLUSION

The use of needle-hookwire localization with biplane fluoroscopy should be considered for retrieval of foreign bodies in the perineum.

Turbo-gracilis myocutaneous flap for perineal reconstruction

The turbo-gracilis flap, which has been described previously for the purpose of extending the unreliable gracilis skin island, and previously applied in forearm reanimation surgery, is now adapted for reconstruction in the perineal region. We present a case report of a patient with previous vulvar carcinoma treated with resection and radiation who presented with a very large defect of the perineal region. Reconstruction was carried out using a turbo-gracilis flap. The advantages of the flap are well demonstrated in the successful reconstruction, in that it provides an extensive amount of well-vascularized tissue due to an extended gracilis skin island which is vascularized by way of a vein graft from the proximal pedicle blood supply to a distal gracilis pedicle which, in turn, supplies the extended skin island. This allows an extensive amount of tissue to be harvested from a single donor site and ensures the viability of the skin island. A review of the advantages and disadvantages of various types of perineal reconstruction is also presented and contrasted with the turbo-gracilis method.

Surgical resection of endometriosis after prior hysterectomy

Twenty-seven patients who underwent laparotomy after a prior hysterectomy for endometriosis were studied. The mean interval from index surgery to repeat surgery was 7.8 years. Abdominal/pelvic pain was the most common presenting complaint, followed by the objective finding of a pelvic mass. Six patients were taking estrogen replacement therapy. Physical findings suggested a pelvic mass or nodularity in 15 patients. Extensive pelvic adhesions with dense involvement of the ovaries was common. Surgery in 2 patients was complicated by an enterotomy, with 4 patients requiring a bowel resection and anastomosis. Postoperatively, 5 patients developed fever, 3 a postoperative ileus, 1 a wound breakdown, and 1 a small bowel obstruction. The mean hospital stay was 5 days. We conclude that in patients who have undergone a hysterectomy as treatment for endometriosis, subsequent surgery to remove the ovaries involved with recurrent endometriosis carries considerable morbidity. In light of readily available estrogen replacement therapy, conservation of the ovaries in patients who are undergoing a hysterectomy for endometriosis should be applied with caution.

Sacrospinous colpopexy: management of postoperative pudendal nerve entrapment

BACKGROUND

Sacrospinous colpopexy requires the placement of a suture through the sacrospinous ligament, under which lies the pudendal nerve. Entrapment of this nerve may result in perineal or buttock pain. This report analyzes a case of pudendal nerve entrapment and studies the management of the resultant neuropathy.

CASE

A 62-year-old patient experienced a chronic pudendal neuropathy with perineal and buttock pain following a sacrospinous colpopexy. Removal of the suture, 2 years after it was originally placed, resulted in immediate relief of her pain. She has been asymptomatic for 1 year following surgery.

CONCLUSION

Pudendal nerve entrapment should be considered in the differential diagnosis of perineal or buttock pain after sacrospinous colpopexy. Relief of pain can be achieved even 2 years after initial surgery.

Massive pelvic hemorrhage during gynecologic cancer surgery: "pack and go back"

Over a 13-year period, intraabdominal packing has been used to control massive hemorrhage during surgery for gynecologic malignancy in six patients. Five patients had undergone total pelvic exenteration and one total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for endometrial cancer. Massive hemorrhage was defined as infusion of more than 10 units of blood and replacement of more than one total blood volume. Tamponade was performed using continuous Kerlex rolls (Kendall Co., Boston, MA) in a bowel bag with directed pressure over the hemorrhaging site with abdominal closure. The packs were removed in 48 to 72 hr in the operating room, transabdominally in five patients and transvaginally in one. One postoperative death occurred within 8 hr of surgery. The packing was ultimately successful in the five remaining patients. In five of six patients, tumors were removed before the packing, whereas in one, the tumor was removed concurrently with the pack. In one patient, immediate repacking was required after pack removal, with ultimate hemostasis. Morbidity included "empty pelvis syndrome" in four patients, neuropathy in three (obturator in 1, sciatic in 2), and small bowel obstruction in one. In patients with severe intraoperative hemorrhage, intraabdominal packing has been successful as a mode of treatment.

Radical hysterectomy for stage IB1 vs IB2 carcinoma of the cervix: does the new staging system predict morbidity and survival?

Two hundred twenty-nine patients with Stage IB cervical cancer treated with radical hysterectomy were assigned to the new FIGO substages IB1 (n = 181) and IB2 (n = 48) based on clinical tumor diameter. Our purpose was to determine the impact of the new staging system for IB1 and IB2 cervical cancer on nodal status and survival. Additionally, we analyzed the morbidity of radical hysterectomy in light of the new staging system. The complications were similar between the two groups. Para-aortic lymphadenectomy was the only independent predictor of complications (P = 0.00026). Stage IB2 patients did have a significantly worse 5-year survival (72.8%) when compared with IB1 (90.0%) (P = 0.0265). Multivariate stepwise logistical regression analysis indicated that the new staging system did not have an independent impact on survival. Stage acts through nodal status in its impact on survival. Positive lymph nodes, tumor diameter, and Ponderal Index are all independent predictors of survival (P = 0.0001). Patients with Stage IB2 carcinoma of the cervix undergoing radical hysterectomy showed no significant increase in morbidity when compared with patients with Stage IB1 disease treated with the same procedure.

Intraoperative liver biopsy with the loop electrosurgical excision procedure in patients with gynecologic malignancies

When patients with gynecologic malignancies undergo exploratory surgery, hepatic lesions suggestive of malignancy are occasionally encountered. In 18 patients undergoing laparotomy for gynecologic cancer, visible liver lesions suggestive of malignancy were biopsied with the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Hemostatic suture placement was required in 3 of these 18 patients, and in 15, hemostasis was achieved with electrocautery only. Three of the 18 biopsies (16.7%) were positive for malignancy. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were attributed to the liver biopsy. One patient required postoperative transfusion of 2 units packed red blood cells. A new technique is described using the LEEP to remove suspicious lesions during exploratory laparotomy in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Radical hysterectomy for stage IB cervical cancer: recurrence interval as a predictor of survival

Two hundred patients with stage IB carcinoma of the cervix were treated with radical hysterectomy. We evaluated the impact of recurrence interval on survival and determined its relationship to other prognostic factors. Thirty-one patients (15.5%) had recurrence, with a median follow-up of 2.8 years (range, 1 to 5 years). Multivariate analysis, using the Cox proportional hazard regression model, showed the impact of recurrence interval on survival and its relationship to other prognostic factors. Patients were 19 times more likely to die during follow-up if recurrence occurred shortly after the operation. However, the risk of death from recurrence decreased exponentially as recurrence interval increased, by a multiple of 0.93 m where m is recurrence interval in months. We conclude that in patients with stage IB carcinoma of the cervix treated initially with radical hysterectomy, the shorter the recurrence period after operation, the greater the likelihood the patient would die during 5-year follow-up. This information may help clinicians determine a patient's prognosis after confirmed recurrence.

Ability of visual tests to predict underlying cervical neoplasia. Colposcopy and speculoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To describe the attributes of colposcopy and a low-power, magnified examination that utilizes chemiluminescent illumination (speculoscopy) in the visualization of cervical epithelium in a predefined, high-risk population and to compare how the two tests predict cervical histology.

STUDY DESIGN

During this multicenter, prospective study, 395 women who were referred to our colposcopy clinic underwent a repeat cervical smear and speculoscopy followed immediately by colposcopy. Abnormal colposcopic lesions were biopsied and endocervical curettage performed when indicated. Histologic diagnoses were compared with cytology, speculoscopy and colposcopy results.

RESULTS

Colposcopy was more sensitive than speculoscopy in the detection of cervical neoplasia (97% vs. 82%) (P < .001) and was superior in visualizing focal lesions and vascular patterns. An antecedent acetowhite abnormality detected during speculoscopy was highly predictive of subsequent abnormal colposcopy (97% positive predictive value). The "overall" rate of acetowhite lesions during speculoscopy was nearly half the rate during colposcopy (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

Colposcopy is better suited than speculoscopy to the follow-up of patients with abnormal cervical cytology because it facilitates lesion grading and assists in directing biopsies. Speculoscopy is best utilized as a dichotomous screening test based on the presence or absence of at least one well-demarcated acetowhite lesion and may be more suitable than colposcopy as an adjunct to cervical cancer screening due to its lower overcall rate. The biophysical properties of blue-white chemiluminescent light as it relates to the diagnosis of cervical neoplasia are discussed.

Ileus following gynecologic surgery: management with water-soluble hyperosmolar radiocontrast material

Postoperative ileus following gynecologic surgery can prolong hospitalization and may predispose patients to mechanical obstruction. Our objective was to study the safety and efficacy of a water-soluble, hyperosmolar, radiocontrast material in the management of postoperative ileus in patients having gynecologic surgery. Of 115 cases, 57 were studied prospectively and received water-soluble radio-opaque contrast material via a nasogastric tube if bowel function had not returned by the third day. Fifty-eight well-matched control cases were managed without this material and received a suppository on the third day. The contrast material was well tolerated. Return of bowel function, day of oral intake, subsequent postoperative recovery, and duration of hospital stay were similar in the two groups. Water-soluble, hyperosmolar, radio-opaque contrast material given on the third postoperative day was safe, but of no apparent clinical benefit in resolving ileus following gynecologic surgery.

Artificial Dura Film for femoral vessel coverage after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy

Eleven patients undergoing inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy for carcinoma of the vulva had the femoral vessels covered with Dura Film (Codman, Randolph, MA); a total of 21 groins were explored. The Dura Film was sutured to the inguinal ligament, sartorius muscle fascia, and adductor longus fascia. Nine of the 21 groins became infected with 3 of these breaking down; each of these 3 required removal of the Dura Film to achieve satisfactory healing. One patient developed a unilateral inflammatory groin mass requiring surgical removal of the Dura Film. One patient developed a chronic draining sinus that required surgical intervention. Seven groins developed lymphocysts. The morbidity was high with 9 of the 11 patients experiencing complications. Coverage of the femoral vessels with Dura Film after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy is not an effective alternative to human dura mater or sartorius muscle transplant.

Pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flaps for vaginal reconstruction in gynecologic oncology

The pudendal thigh is a sensate fasciocutaneous flap supplied by the posterior labial artery. We report on the results of pudendal thigh flaps used for vaginal reconstruction in eight patients at the time of pelvic exenteration (6) and radical vaginectomy (2). Patients were interviewed and results were assessed 5 to 19 months after surgery. The flaps were raised in the thigh creases just lateral to the hair bearing area of the labia majora and included skin, subcutaneous tissues, deep fascia of the thigh, and the epimysium of the adductor muscles. Flap sizes varied from 9 x 4 cm to 15 x 6 cm. Bilateral flaps were used in seven patients. The flaps were technically easy to perform. Partial (apical) flap necrosis occurred in four patients. One patient developed complete necrosis of bilateral flaps, followed by an enterovaginal fistula. One patient whose flaps did not necrose developed a rectovaginal fistula at the site of rectal reanastomosis. The functional results are disappointing. The only patient having successful vaginal intercourse had a unilateral flap reconstruction following lower vaginectomy in a nonirradiated pelvis. No patient with bilateral flaps or prior pelvic irradiation has had successful coitus. Other long-term sequelae include vulvar pain (2), chronic vaginal discharge (2), hair growth (4), and protrusion of the flaps (2). These vulvovaginal symptoms discourage patients and their partners from genital contact. Breaching the integrity of the vulva to construct a neovagina that is likely to be unsuitable for sexual intercourse may deprive women of their only potential for normal genital sexual responsiveness. Techniques of vaginoplasty require continued assessment.

Surgical management of groin node metastases from nonvulvar gynecologic malignancies

Metastatic disease from nonvulvar gynecologic malignancies involving the groin lymph nodes is uncommon. The purpose of this study is to analyze the morbidity, recurrence-free interval, and survival in this group of surgically managed patients. Twenty patients underwent surgical resection of metastatic disease involving the groin lymph nodes between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1991. Individual factors which have an impact on morbidity, recurrence, and survival were analyzed. Two patients developed wound infection and 2 had wound breakdown. Both of the patients with postoperative wound infection had clinically fixed nodes. None of the patients developed deep venous thrombosis. Long-term complications included lymphocytes in 2 patients and lymphedema in 4 patients. The median local disease progression-free interval was 10 months, with 5 of 20 patients developing local recurrence. The overall median survival was 11 months, with an adjusted 5-year survival rate of 11.5%. Patients with clinically fixed lymph nodes had a shorter median survival (3.6 months) than those with clinically mobile (median, 22.6 months) nodes (P = 0.0032). Metastatic disease from carcinoma of the ovary, fallopian tube, uterus, and cervix involving the groin lymph nodes can be managed safely and effectively with surgical resection. The acute and long-term morbidity is acceptable. Local control can be achieved in the majority of patients.

Cervical cancer and tuboovarian abscesses. A report of three cases

Tuboovarian abscesses are rarely found in cervical cancer cases. In each of the three cases presented below, the diagnosis of adnexal disease was established at exploratory laparotomy. In one patient following surgery the cancer was downstaged from IIIb to IB. Another patient had undergone external radiotherapy with considerable morbidity prior to surgery. The third patient presented with ruptured tuboovarian abscesses. The cases illustrate the spectrum of problems when these diseases coexist. Exclusion of the presence of tuboovarian abscesses in selected cases by surgery is recommended to optimize treatment of the cancer.

Elective cesarean hysterectomy for treatment of cervical neoplasia. An update

From January 1, 1979, to March 31, 1991, 37 patients underwent elective cesarean hysterectomy for early cervical neoplasia. Thirty-four patients had cervical intraepithelial neoplasia III, and three patients had stage IA-1 squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix. Twenty-eight were primary cesarean sections; nine had obstetric indications. The mean operative time was 128 minutes; mean estimated blood loss was 1,400 mL. One patient experienced an intraoperative hemorrhage (3,500 mL). There were no other recognized intraoperative complications. Four significant postoperative complications included a vaginal cuff abscess, a wound dehiscence and pelvic abscess, one patient with febrile morbidity and an ileus and ligation with partial transection of a ureter. Patients were discharged on a mean of postoperative day 5.7. Although significant complications occurred, we believe that the noncompliant nature of our patient population justifies elective cesarean hysterectomy for treatment of cervical neoplasia.

Use of speculoscopy in the evaluation of women with atypical Papanicolaou smears. Improved cost effectiveness by selective colposcopy

Since up to 45% of patients with atypical Papanicolaou smears have been shown to have significant pathology, women with persistent atypia are usually referred for colposcopy. This study evaluated the use of a new adjunctive screening test, speculoscopy, in selecting women with atypical Papanicolaou smears who would most benefit from referral for colposcopy. Both screening and referral patients were evaluated with the Papanicolaou smear, speculoscopy and colposcopy at 10 study centers. Biopsies were obtained from most women with positive colposcopy. The results in patients with atypical smears were used to perform a cost-benefit analysis of each of three management protocols. Using the results of speculoscopy to select women with atypical Papanicolaou smears for colposcopy provided a cost-effective alternative to performing colposcopy either on all women or on those with persistent atypia following treatment. Even when all women undergo speculoscopy at the time of screening, this protocol provides a cost savings of up to 24% and no significant loss of diagnostic accuracy. These data suggest that speculoscopy performed at the time of initial screening can accurately select women with atypical Papanicolaou smears who require colposcopy for diagnostic biopsy in a cost-effective manner.

Interstitial radiotherapy for early stage vaginal cancer. A new method of tumor localization

Carcinoma of the vagina is optimally treated primarily with teletherapy, followed by interstitial needle brachytherapy. Following teletherapy, identification of the original tumor site is frequently difficult. We describe a method of marking the tumor with an india ink "tattoo" at initial presentation, followed by placement of a purse-string suture and titanium hemoclips at the time of brachytherapy. A stable marker is created so that the location of the original vaginal tumor can be easily identified on dosimetric films.

The effects of cold therapy on postoperative pain in gynecologic patients: a prospective, randomized study

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of cold therapy on the subjective assessment of pain, analgesic requirements, and wound complications in female patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-seven patients were entered in the study in a prospective, randomized fashion. The Hot/Ice Thermal Blanket was applied to 13 patients, and 12 patients were in the control group. All patients underwent exploratory laparotomy and received postoperative pain relief with intravenously self-administered morphine sulfate through a patient-controlled analgesic pump.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group (0.363 +/- 0.118 mg/kg/day), the cold pack group used more morphine sulfate on the first postoperative day (0.529 +/- 0.236 mg/kg/day, p < 0.05). The mean amount of morphine sulfate used by both groups was similar on postoperative day 2.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the cold pack does not improve postoperative pain control in gynecologic patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy.

Lymphoscintigraphy in vulvar cancer: a pilot study

This pilot study was undertaken to correlate the patterns of lymphatic drainage demonstrated by vulvar lymphoscintigraphy with the clinical and pathologic findings of the inguino-femoral lymph nodes in patients with vulvar cancer. Ten patients were studied with the radionuclide Technetium-antimony trisulfide colloid (Tc 99m ASC) using a perilesional technique. Images were obtained at 2-4 hr postinjection. Four of the six patients with central lesions or lesions that crossed the midline had bilateral groin uptake, and two had unilateral uptake to the side on which the lesion was predominantly located. Three of these patients, each with suspicious groin nodes bilaterally, had metastatic nodal disease, two unilateral and one bilateral, in whom the uptake was bilateral and unilateral, respectively. Three of the four patients with unilateral lesions had ipsilateral groin drainage only and one had no drainage. Three underwent a bilateral lymphadenectomy and none had metastasis. The pattern of Tc 99m ASC uptake was not predictive of metastatic nodal disease. In two of the three patients with unilateral groin recurrence the side of recurrence was the same as that demonstrated on lymphoscintigraphy, and in the third case there was bilateral drainage. Further data are needed to determine the role of lymphoscintigraphy in the management of vulvar cancer.

A comparative study of radical vulvectomy and modified radical vulvectomy for the treatment of invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

Forty-five patients who underwent a modified radical vulvectomy for invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva were compared with forty-five patients who underwent radical vulvectomy for similar lesions. Vulvar wound infection and breakdown were infrequent in both groups. Anal incontinence developed postoperatively in five of the modified radical vulvectomy patients and in none of the radical vulvectomy patients. Urinary incontinence developed postoperatively in two of the modified radical vulvectomy patients and in seven of the radical vulvectomy patients. Possible reasons for these differences are discussed. One invasive local recurrence (2.2%) developed in the modified radical vulvectomy group and two (4.4%) local recurrences developed in the radical vulvectomy group. A modified radical vulvectomy appears to be efficacious for the vulvar phase of treatment of localized invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva.

Complications of colostomy performed on gynecologic cancer patients

From 1/1/80 to 5/31/90 111 patients underwent a colostomy on a gynecologic oncology service. Six patients developed 7 (6.3%) early colostomy-related complications, including sepsis (1), stomal retraction (1), ostomy wound infection (3), and partial stomal obstruction (2). The sepsis was felt to be related to spillage of stool upon maturing the colostomy, and this patient expired on Postoperative Day 63. There were no other mortalities attributed to the colostomies. Fourteen patients developed 17 (15.3%) delayed colostomy-related complications, including parastomal hernia (5), stomal retraction (1), stomal prolapse (3), tumor replacement (2), and site-choice problems (6). These results compare favorably with those in the literature and support the continued role of the gynecologic oncologist in gynecologic cancer-related gastrointestinal surgery.

An interesting case presentation: peripartum meningococcal meningitis

Meningococcal disease during pregnancy is extremely rare. A single reported case occurred more than 20 years ago in England. We present the case of a young woman who just hours after delivery of her baby developed fulminant meningococcal meningitis with its classic findings. Our experience illustrates the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate therapy of meningococcal disease in the gravid as well as in the nongravid population.

Radical hysterectomy for treatment of cervical cancer: a prospective study of two methods of closed-suction drainage

Two closed-suction drainage methods were prospectively compared in 96 patients after radical hysterectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy in stage IB cervical cancer. In group 1 (n = 49) two pelvic sidewall drains and a vaginal drain were used, and in group 2 (n = 47) only the vaginal drain was used. The groups were similar for mean age, preoperative weight, hemoglobin and serum albumin level, operating time, operative blood loss, and blood transfusions. The febrile morbidity rates and the operative site infection rates were similar in the two groups. Ninety vaginal drains were removed by day 3. By day 6 55% of patients in group 1 had at least one sidewall drain, with a mean drainage of 150 ml/day. The median postoperative stay was similar in both groups. A pelvic lymphocyst developed in one patient in each group. The single vaginal closed-suction drain is safe, efficient, more acceptable to patients, and more cost-effective.

Upper vaginectomy for in situ and occult, superficially invasive carcinoma of the vagina

Between Aug. 1, 1985, and July 31, 1990, 32 patients underwent upper vaginectomy for grade 3 vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. Thirty-one of these patients had undergone hysterectomy, 25 because of cervical neoplasia. Fourteen patients had undergone treatment for vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. Nine (28%) had invasive cancer on final pathologic examination. Among the remaining 23 patients, recurrence of vaginal neoplasia developed in four (17%), with a mean time to recurrence of 78 weeks, and one was found to have superficial invasion at the time of recurrence. The remaining 19 patients remain alive with no evidence of recurrent disease at a mean follow-up interval of 152 weeks. In our patients upper vaginectomy was efficacious for the diagnosis of occult invasive carcinoma of the vagina and for the treatment of in situ and superficially invasive carcinoma of the vagina.