Trends in the operative management of invasive squamous carcinoma of the vulva at Indiana University, 1974 to 1988
Article Abstract:
The vulva is the portion of the female genitals located outside the body. For many years, removal of the vulva (vulvectomy) has been the standard treatment for invasive squamous carcinoma (cancer) of the vulva. Over the last several decades, the surgical techniques used during vulvectomy have been improved and there has been a trend toward using more conservative surgical techniques. Between 1974 and 1988, 150 women with invasive squamous carcinoma of the vulva had surgery at the Indiana University Medical Center. Thirty-one of the patients had surgery between 1974 and 1978 (group 1), 38 between 1979 and 1983 (group 2) and 81 between 1984 and 1988 (group 3). In groups 1, 2, and 3 the percentage of patients having a more extreme form of surgery, to completely remove all parts of the vulva, decreased from 77 percent to 71 percent to 36 percent, respectively. Also, the average length of hospitalization following surgery decreased over the three periods. Those in group 1 spent an average of 30 days in the hospital, those in group 2 stayed an average of 23 days, and those in group 3 stayed an average of 11 days. The amount of blood required for transfusion during surgery decreased from one and a half units of blood (group 1) to a half unit of blood (group 3). The length of time required for the operation decreased from 3.7 hours (group 1) to 3.2 hours (group 3). It is concluded that the more conservative surgical procedures used for treating cancer of the vulva can reduce the length of hospitalization, operating time, the amount of blood lost during surgery. However, the conservative techniques are associated with a higher incidence of recurrence of the cancer than the more extreme or radical surgical procedures. In this study, four patients in group 1, two in group 2, and 15 in group 3 had their cancer recurrence. Although more recurrences were reported for patients in group 3, the rate of recurrence was not statistically significant. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 1991
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New simple endoscopic operations for interstitial pregnancies
Article Abstract:
An endoscopic technique involving endoloop and encircling suture methods is safe, simple, and effective in treating interstitial pregnancies. Interstitial pregnancies are a form of ectopic pregnancy in which the embryo does not implant in the uterus.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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Needle excision of the transformation zone: a new method for treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Article Abstract:
A doctor describes a method for cutting out diseased cervical tissue in women with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) using a diathermy needle and hook. CIN is considered a precursor of cervical cancer.
Publication Name: American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0002-9378
Year: 2000
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