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L Cravello

Publications and source records attributed to L Cravello.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

[Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy].

Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy permits to avoid several painful gestures of classical office hysteroscopy. The aim of this article is to describe the advantages such vaginoscopic approach. Six studies were thus selected, dealing with vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. The diameter of the hysteroscope, always a rigid one, was between 3.5 and 5 mm, and CO(2) or saline infusions were indifferently used. Failure rate is inferior to 5%. One study, comparing pain induced by vaginoscopic versus classical hysteroscopy, concluded that vaginoscopic approach was less painful.

Female↗
PubMed2006

[Cervical ripening using misoprostol before hysteroscopy].

Cervical ripening with misoprostol is performed before office or operative hysteroscopy. Aim of this review is to evaluate benefits of cervical ripening with misoprostol before hysteroscopy . Ten studies were selected concerning office or operative hysteroscopy. Cervical ripening with misoprostol seems to be not useful for office hysteroscopy performed with minihysteroscope. Interest of misoprostol in menopausal women with traditional office hysteroscope is debatable. Risk of cervical tear during operative hysteroscopy seems to be reducing with misoprostol. However, interest of misoprostol was not found in all studies. Data were not sufficient to determine adequate dose of misoprostol, time and mode of administration. However, vaginal administration is preferable.

Administration, Intravaginal↗
PubMed2005

Outcome of ICSI in HIV-1-infected women.

BACKGROUND: Since 2001, French law has permitted the use of assisted reproductive technology in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 infected women under strict conditions. This report describes a preliminary series of seropositive women who underwent assisted reproduction treatment at our facility. To minimize contamination of culture media, equipment, and therefore of male gametes and embryos, we chose to perform ICSI in all cases. The outcome of ICSI was compared with the outcome in an age-matched group of non-HIV-1-infected women. Since several previous reports have indicated that HIV infection may be associated with a decrease in spontaneous fertility, our goal was also to assess the fertility status of the HIV-1-infected women entering our ICSI programme. METHODS: The French law governing the use of assisted reproduction protocols in HIV-1-infected women was strictly applied. The inclusion criteria were absence of ongoing disease, CD4((+)) count >200 cells/mm(3), and stable HIV-1 RNA level. Since mean age at the time of ICSI was higher in HIV-1-infected women than in the overall group of non-HIV-infected women, we compared outcome data in HIV-1-infected women (group I) to a group of non-HIV-1-infected women matched with regard to age and follicle retrieval period (group II) as well as to the overall group of women who underwent ICSI at our institution (group III). RESULTS: A total of 66 ovarian stimulations was performed in 29 HIV-1-infected-infected women. The percentage of cancelled cycles was higher in infected women than in matched controls (15.2 versus 4.9%, P < 0.05). The duration of ovarian stimulation (13.3 versus 11.7 days, P < 0.05) and amount of recombinant FSH injected (2898 versus 2429 IU, P < 0.001) were also higher in infected women. The number of retrieved oocytes, mature oocytes, and embryos obtained as well as embryo quality was similar in all groups. The fertilization rate was higher in infected women than in matched controls (67 versus 60%, P < 0.01). The pregnancy rate was not significantly different between groups I and II (16.1 versus 19.6%) in spite of the fact that the number of embryos transferred was purposefully restricted in the HIV-1-infected group to minimize multiple pregnancy (2.0 versus 2.4, not significant). CONCLUSION: The results of this preliminary series of ICSI cycles in HIV-1-infected women indicate that optimal ovarian stimulation is slightly more difficult to achieve than in matched seronegative women. However, when criteria for oocyte retrieval were fulfilled, ICSI results were similar to those of age-matched controls.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Posthysterectomy prolapse: results of sacrospinous ligament fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results of sacrospinous ligament fixation in the treatment of posthysterectomy prolapse. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 1990 and September 2002, 92 women (mean age 64.8 years, range 45 to 92 years) underwent sacrospinous ligament fixation following total hysterectomy (82.6%) or subtotal hysterectomy (17.4%); 96.7% had a menopausal status, and 21.7% used hormone replacement therapy. 48.9% of the patients had a history of surgery for prolapse (and/or urinary incontinence), and 21.7% had associated symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. In all cases, sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed under visual control using conventional stitch. Sacrospinous ligament fixation was combined with the following procedures: anterior vaginal repair (n=31), additional incontinence surgery (n=11), cervical amputation (n=11), levator myorrhaphy (n=61). Main outcome measures were intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, anatomic and functional outcome. RESULTS: Complications were represented by 1 vaginal hematoma (related to sacrospinous fixation), 1 bladder injury, 1 ureteral injury, 3 acute urinary retentions. With a mean follow-up of 47 months (range: 12-156), 12 patients (13.5%) had failure of sacrospinous ligament fixation and 9 required additional procedures, during the first year of follow-up. 14 patients (15.7%) had postoperative cystocele, with 1 case of third-degree cystocele treated with sub-bladder prosthesis by the vaginal route. CONCLUSION: We noted low rates of major complications and sacrospinous ligament fixation in posthysterectomy prolapse appears to give satisfactory long-term results.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Cognitive and affective disorders in the elderly: a neuroendocrine study.

Both in physiological and pathological brain aging, cognitive and affective disorders usually keep up with significant morphological and metabolic changes of brain areas possibly involved in the control of mood, learning and memory, as well as in the modulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The aim of this work was to study the circadian rhythm of serum cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS) in 25 old demented patients and 10 old unipolar depressed patients, compared with 21 old and 13 young controls. The circadian profile of serum cortisol was clearly flattened in elderly subjects,both healthy and demented, in comparison to young controls, with significantly higher cortisol levels at nighttime. The occurrence of minor depression was associated with a further increase of the cortisol mean levels in old demented subjects, but not in the healthy ones. The trend towards the increase of the nocturnal cortisol levels was also evident in old subjects with major depression. The decline of DHEAS secretory pattern was clearly age related,being additive factors to both dementia and major depression. No significant influence of minor depression on DHEAS secretion was found. The cortisol/DHEAS molar ratio,considered as a good index of the brain steroidal milieu, progressively increased with aging and exhibited a further increase related to the occurrence of senile dementia or minor depressive symptoms. The value of the same ratio was higher in elderly subjects with major depression, than in age-matched healthy controls. In conclusion, the occurrence of major depression or even only of depressive symptoms seems to amplify the changes of the adrenal steroidal secretory pattern, already present in physiological aging.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Results of hysteroscopic myomectomy].

Main symptoms related to submucous fibroids are menorrhagia, infertility, and postmenopausal bleeding. First experiences of hysteroscopic transcervical resection of fibroids have been published by Neuwirth in the late seventies. Reports with long-term follow-up in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding are available. After a follow-up period of five years and more, results are satisfactory in 70-85% of the patients. Intramural class 2 and larger fibroids (> 4 cm) constitute the limits of the endoscopic technique. Prior to hysteroscopic myoma resection, pretreatment with GnRH agonists may be indicated in selected cases (large myomas, patients suffering from secondary anemia). Repeat resection is an option after failed primary hysteroscopic operation and may reduce the hysterectomy rate. In infertile women with submucosal or intracavitary fibroids, pregnancy and delivery rates are increased after hysteroscopic myomectomy. Operative hysteroscopy is also safe and effective in controlling persistent postmenopausal bleeding. To conclude, hysteroscopic resection is the gold standard for the treatment of symptomatic submucous fibroids.

Female↗
PubMed2004

[Sacrospinous colpopexy complications].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate complications of sacrospinous ligament fixation. DESIGN: Monocentric retrospective study. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, La Conception University Hospital, Marcella. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 1991 and September 2002, 277 women (mean age 64.9 years, range 37 to 92 years) underwent a sacrospinous ligament fixation; 91% had a menopausal status, and 15.5% used hormone replacement therapy. 33.2% of the patients had prior hysterectomy, 28.9% had a history of surgery for prolapse, and 18.8% had associated symptoms of stress urinary incontinence. In all cases, sacrospinous ligament fixation was performed under visual control using conventional stitch. Sacrospinous ligament fixation was combined with the following procedures: anterior vaginal repair (N =137), additional incontinence surgery (N =31), vaginal hysterectomy (N =137), levator myorraphy (N =203). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative complications, postoperative complications, long-term painful symptoms. RESULTS: Intraoperative complications were represented by 1 case of vascular wound and four rectal injuries. Main postoperative complications were vaginal haematomas (N =6) and abscesses (N =2). Long-term symptoms were perineal pain, sciatic neuralgia, and dyspareunia. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There was no surgical mortality, and we noted low rates of major complications. Sacrospinous ligament fixation assumes high priority in our therapeutic regimen.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

[Surgical management of primary postpartum hemorrhage].

Despite the development of medical, obstetrical and arterial embolization techniques to control acute postpartum hemorrhage, familiarity with surgical procedures is essential. They may be the ultimate available option in order to obtain hemostasis. Conservative techniques consist of arterial ligations and uterine compression sutures that preserve the reproductive future and may be combined together. Radical options include hysterectomy which may be total or sub-total. To date, there are no comparative trials assessing the superiority of a given surgical option. In this review, the main surgical interventions are described and a practical stepwise approach is discussed according to the etiology, based on a professional consensus work-shop. Surgical management must be timely triggered after failure of first line treatments and integrated in a global strategy aimed to cease hemorrhage. It should be adapted to the available local health resources and in compliance with the various members of the medical staff.

Decision Trees↗
PubMed2003

Port site metastasis after laparoscopy for uterine cervical carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to review cases reported of port-site recurrence (PSR) after laparoscopy for uterine cervical carcinoma. METHODS: A Medline computer database search from January 1980 to September 2002. RESULTS: We reported 13 cases published of PSR after laparoscopy for cervical carcinoma. The majority of them were squamous carcinoma (9/13 at least, 69%) and initial staging of disease was Ib (7/13 (54%)). Median of interval between laparoscopy and diagnostic of PSR was 7 months (min 1.5 month, max 48 months). Of 10 cases of laparoscopy with lymphadenectomy, in three cases (30%) nodes were not involved. PSR developed at the port through which tissues was extracted in four cases (30.1%) or another port in five cases (38.5%). At the time of PSR, five patients (38.5%) were free of disease. CONCLUSIONS: PSR were reported after laparoscopy for lymphadenenectomy with or without hysterectomy and with or without node involvement. In some cases, umbilical metastases should not be systematically diagnosed as PSR and a diagnosis of Sister Mary Joseph's nodule may be discussed.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

[Complications of operative hysteroscopy].

OBJECTIVES: Assess the prevalence and severity of the various complications of operative hysteroscopy, the context in which they occur and the treatments proposed. METHOD: A single-center observational study from 1/1/90 to 1/1/99 including 2,116 surgical hysteroscopies (resection of a fibroma (782) or polyp (422), section of a septate uterus (199), synechia uteri (90) and endometrectomy (623)). RESULTS: There were 74 complications (3.5%). The most frequent was uterine perforation (34 cases (1.61%)). There were 13 cases of haemorrhage (0.61%), 16 cases of post-surgical fever (0.76%) and 11 metabolic complications (0.47%). Synechia uteri was the surgical intervention with the greatest risk of complications. CONCLUSIONS: The complications of surgical hysteroscopy are rare and relatively benign. Uterine perforation appears to predominate. In our study, the risk of complication was enhanced in the case of synechia uteri.

Endometrium↗
PubMed2003

[Atypical hyperplasia of endometrium and hysteroscopy].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of discovering an endometrial cancer when atypical hyperplasia was diagnosed by either endometrial samples using the pipelle device or hysteroscopic resection products. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective monocentric study from january 1990 to july 2000. Twenty-three patients with atypical hyperplasia were included. Initial endometrial status was provided by endometrial biopsyduring diagnosis hysteroscopy (12 cases) or by operative hysteroscopic resection products (11 cases). For 23 patients, operative hysteroscopy and analyse of products resected were performed. For all patients, there was no hysteroscopical aspect evocative of adenocarcinoma. For 23 patients, histopathological analysis of the hysterectomy piece precised the final diagnosis. RESULTS: Among the 23 hysterectomy pieces, 7 adenocarcinomas were diagnosed (30.4%). Risk for discovering adenocarcinoma when atypical hyperplasia was diagnosed by means of the pipelle biopsy device was 50% (6/12). Risk for discovering adenocarcinoma when atypical hyperplasia was diagnosed by means of operative hysteroscopy resection products was 5.9 % (1/17). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Atypical endometrial hyperplasia evidenced by pipelle biopsy device is often associated with adenocarcinoma. Diagnosis hysteroscopy however does not show evident pathological aspect of adenocarcinoma in such cases. Operative hysteroscopy allows in most cases correction of endometrial status. Risk of omitting adenocarcinoma when atypical hyperplasia is discovered on hysteroscopic resection pieces is low.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Complications during set-up procedures for laparoscopy in gynecology: open laparoscopy does not reduce the risk of major complications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of major complications during the set-up procedures for laparoscopy according to whether the classic technique (creation of the pneumoperitoneum followed by introduction of the optics trocar) or open laparoscopy is used. METHODS: Comparison was made of two retrospective series each carried out in a department promoting one of the two techniques. The setting was a university-affiliated hospital. Two groups of patients were compared: group A, classic laparoscopy, n = 8324; group B, open laparoscopy, n = 1562. We investigated the set-up procedures of operative laparoscopy according to the rules of classic or open laparoscopy. RESULTS: The risk of failure requiring conversion to laparotomy is significantly higher in the group of patients who underwent open laparoscopy [three cases (0.19%) vs. 0 case (0.0%); p = 0.004]. The risk of major complications is comparable in the two groups [group A, four cases (0.05%) vs. group B, three cases (0.19%); p = 0.08]. In the classic laparoscopy group there were four major complications: one injury to the aorta and three bowel injuries. In the open laparoscopy group there were three major complications: two bowel injuries and one postoperative occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: Open laparoscopy does not reduce the risk of major complications during the set-up procedures for laparoscopy. Randomized prospective trials are indispensable for comparing the risks involved with the classic technique and those of open laparoscopy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

[Open laparoscopy: analysis of complications due to first trocar insertion].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications of open laparoscopy during the set-up of laparoscopy in gynecologic surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective study performed between February 1994 and January 2001 in a University Centre. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 1,562 patients underwent open laparoscopies. Procedures were performed by 8 gynaecological surgeons. Peri- and postoperative complications were assessed and analysed. RESULTS: Major injuries concerned gastrointestinal tract: 2 perforations with immediate diagnosis and one postoperative occlusion treated by delayed laparotomy (0.19%). No death occurred. No vascular injuries and no bladder complications were noted. CONCLUSION: We recommend open laparoscopy because of its innocuity and easiness. Advantages concern decrease of major vascular injuries and early recognition of bowel injuries.

Female↗
PubMed2002

Thyroid function in physiological aging and in centenarians: possible relationships with some nutritional markers.

Changes in thyroid function are often described in elderly subjects; however, their pathophysiologic significance and the possible contributory role of both malnutrition and nonthyroidal illness are still debated. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate thyroid function in relationship to some markers of the nutritional status in a group of healthy old subjects and in some centenarians living in nursing homes. Patients included 24 clinically healthy elderly women (age, 71 to 93 years), 24 clinically healthy centenarian women (age, 100 to 106 years), and 20 healthy young subjects (age, 22 to 33 years). Blood samples were drawn from each subject for the evaluation of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT(3)), free thyroxine (FT(4),) reverseT(3) (rT3), autoantibodies against thyroglobulin (AbTg) and against thyroid peroxidase (AbTPO), and for the main humoral nutritional markers. TSH and thyroid hormones were assayed by fluoroimmunometric method; rT3 and thyroid autoantibodies by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme chemiluminescent immunometric assay, respectively. The mean values of TSH, FT(3) and FT(4) fell within the normal range in both groups. However, by comparison to old controls, in centenarian subjects, TSH levels were significantly lower, whereas rT(3) concentrations were slightly, but significantly, increased. Autoantibodies positivity was found in 4.16% of centenarians and in 10.4% and 13.6% of old and young controls. Thus, the incidence of thyroid autoantibodies was lower in centenarians than in old controls. Except for transferrin, lower than the normal range in centenarians, all of the other nutritional markers evaluated fell within the laboratory range of normality. Total cholesterol levels were significantly reduced in centenarians by comparison to old controls. Our results showed an age-related decline of the TSH levels and a significant increase of the rT(3) concentrations in centenarians by comparison to old controls. These findings may be related to an age-dependent reduction of the 5'-deiodinase activity rather than to important changes of nutritional markers.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Combined brachytherapy and surgery for early carcinoma of the uterine cervix: analysis of extent of surgery on outcome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the survival data and rates and patterns of complications and recurrences for patients who had early uterine cervix carcinoma and underwent brachytherapy and subsequent surgery. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Between January 1990 and December 1997, 192 women with cervical carcinoma (Stages IA2 with vascular invasion [n = 28], IB1 [n = 144], and IIA [n = 20]) underwent brachytherapy, delivering 60 Gy and then hysterectomy with external iliac lymphadenectomy. Piver class I, II, and III hysterectomies were performed on 136, 38, and 18 patients, respectively. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was delivered to patients with positive lymph nodes. RESULTS: The median follow-up time was 61 months. After brachytherapy, a pathologically complete response (CR) was observed in 137 (71.3%) of 192 women. The distribution of CRs according to tumor stage was as follows: Stage IA2, 24 (85.7%) of 28; Stage IB1, 105 (72.9%) of 144; and Stage IIA, 8 (40%) of 20. Patients with Stage IB1 cancer had 13 lymph node metastases (9%), as did 6 with Stage IIA disease (30%). Pelvic recurrences occurred in 9 (4.6%) of the 192 patients; in 3, local relapses were associated with relapses at distant sites. Ten patients had systemic relapses (5.2%). Recurrences at distant sites were more frequent (p < 0.02) in partial responders, and other recurrences were more frequent in patients with lymph node metastases (p < 0.04). The overall 5-year disease-free survival rate was 91.2% (96.2% for Stage IA2, 91% for Stage IB1, and 84.4% for Stage IIA cancers). The class of hysterectomy did not influence the outcome. Late complications occurred in 28 patients (Grade 1, 24 [12.5%]; Grade 2, 4 [2%]; and Grade 3, 1 [0.5%] of 192 patients). CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatments resulted in high local control and low morbidity rates in patients with early-stage cervical carcinoma. Limited surgery seemed to be adequate after intracavitary therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Age-related changes of the adrenal secretory pattern: possible role in pathological brain aging.

The biosynthetic dissociation of the adrenocortical secretion occurring with age may have a pathogenetic role in the pathophysiology of brain aging. We studied cortisol and DHEAS secretion in healthy old and young subjects, in senile dementia, in major depression of elderly subjects and in healthy centenarians. A clear age-related decline of DHEAS secretion was well evident in healthy centenarians, and a further decrease in DHEAS concentration was found in old depressed patients and moreover in the demented ones, by comparison with age-matched controls. The circadian profile of serum cortisol was clearly flattened in old subjects, due to the selective increase in the cortisol nocturnal levels, particularly evident in demented subjects; on the other hand, the morning serum cortisol levels were not significantly different among centenarians, young and old controls. The molar ratio between cortisol and DHEAS showed a significant age-related increase; the occurrence of senile dementia and of major depression played an additive role, by comparison to physiological aging. The qualitative and quantitative modifications of the adrenocortical secretion occurring with aging seem mainly dependent on age itself, but the occurrence of pathological conditions may amplify these changes. Since cortisol and DHEAS play opposite effects on the central nervous system, the evaluation of the ratio between cortisol and DHEAS seems to be a good marker of the neuroendocrine features in old subjects.

Adrenal Glands↗