Topic Review
Phenotypes of Endometriosis and Adenomyosis
The link between endometriosis and adenomyosis has been suggested in theories that identified endometrial abnormalities in instances where both conditions coexist, particularly in patients with infertility. When—during the second half of the 19th century—the presence of epithelial cells on the peritoneal surface and within the myometrium was first identified, endometriosis (except for ovarian endometriomas) and adenomyosis were considered under the common name ‘adenomyoma’. Subsequently, in the 1920s, as they came to be regarded as separate entities, the terms adenomyosis and endometriosis gained wide acceptance. Interestingly, the term endometriosis also came to be used as an overarching term that encompasses instances where endometrial tissue is present outside the lining of the uterus. Adenomyosis came to be referred to as endometriosis interna to distinguish it from cases where the aberrant endometrium is present outside the uterus, which was referred to as endometriosis externa.
  • 88
  • 16 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Anatomy of Pelvic Autonomic Nerve System
The pelvic autonomic nerve system is a complex network divided into three parts—the sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems. The enteric nervous system controls the functions of the gastrointestinal tract and is not associated with the autonomic innervation of the pelvis. Therefore, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve plexuses innervate the pelvic viscera. The superior hypogastric plexus (SHP), sympathetic trunk, hypogastric nerves (HNs), and most parts of the inferior hypogastric plexus (IHP) contribute to the sympathetic system of the pelvis.
  • 116
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Internal Iliac Artery Anatomy
The internal iliac artery (IIA), previously referred to the hypogastric artery, is the primary arterial vessel of the pelvis. It supplies the pelvic viscera, pelvic walls, perineum, and the gluteal region. The blood supply to the uterus comes from some of the IIA divisions and their anastomoses
  • 166
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Ontogenetic Anatomy
Ontogenetic anatomy is a relatively novel concept based on embryologic development. During early embryologic development, the proliferating groups of cells do not mix with each other. They form units—ontogenetic compartments—which can be identified and mapped in mature organisms. The ontogenetic cancer field model was developed by Höckel and considered malignant tumor growth as an anisotropic process. According to the theory, tumor growth is confined by a permissive compartment during the long time of its natural history, and the compartment’s borders are tumor suppressive. It is also a predictive model, which contributes to selecting the proper surgical procedure for every single patient according to the probability of the compartment’s involvement. The term “meso” is widely used in ontogenetic surgery. It is an abbreviation of “mesentery”, which differs from the classical anatomical definition. In general, the term “mesentery” means the structure attaches the organ to the posterior abdominal wall and is covered by the peritoneum on both sides. In ontogenetic anatomy, the prefix “meso-” defines a compartment derived from distinct primordial tissue. Mesotissues abut the corresponding organ, although their origin differs from the organ. It contains fibro-fatty tissue, blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves. Sometimes, meso-structures are enveloped by an easily dissectible fascia (e.g., mesorectum and mesorectal fascia); in other cases, it could not be dissected in an avascular plane and the related veins may communicate between different compartments (e.g., the Mullerian compartment and mesobladder).
  • 94
  • 15 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Premature Ovarian Insufficiency
A major obstacle contributing to the decreased efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) programs is the prevalence of diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI, or premature ovarian failure—POF) in infertile patients. In addition, the age-related decline in follicle number leads to a lower availability of oocytes in IVF cycles in the poor prognosis group characterized by a poor response to ovarian stimulation, resulting in a higher dropout rate of ART cycles and a lower number of live births.
  • 154
  • 09 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Vitamin D with Ovarian Reserve Markers and Depression
Since the identification of vitamin D receptors in both the female reproductive tract and the central nervous system, further data have shown that vitamin D is involved in the processes of reproductive and mental health.
  • 93
  • 05 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Müllerian Agenesis Causing Congenital Uterine Factor Infertility
Infertility affects around 1 in 5 couples in the world. Congenital absence of the uterus results in absolute infertility in females. Müllerian agenesis is the nondevelopment of the uterus. Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser (MRKH) syndrome is a condition of uterovaginal agenesis in the presence of normal ovaries and the 46 XX Karyotype. With advancements in reproductive techniques, women with MA having biological offspring is possible. 
  • 374
  • 02 Jan 2024
Topic Review
The Bidirectional Relationship between Endometriosis and Microbiota
Endometriosis is an inflammatory and estrogen-dependent condition, affecting approximately 6–10% of women in their reproductive years. The pathogenesis and histological findings are characterized by endometrial glandular and stromal tissue growing beyond the uterus. It is classified into three types: superficial, ovarian, and deep endometriosis. In addition to gynecological manifestations, many endometriosis patients experience gastrointestinal symptoms, indicating a potential association between gut health and the disease.
  • 95
  • 28 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Molecular Pathology for Sex Cord–Stromal Tumors of Ovary
Ovarian sex cord–stromal tumors (SCSTs) account for 8% of all primary ovarian neo-plasms. Accurate diagnosis is crucial since each subtype has a specific prognostic and treatment. Apart from fibrosarcomas, stromal tumors are benign while sex cord tumors may recur, sometimes with a significant time to relapse. Although the diagnosis based on morphology is straightforward, in some cases the distinction between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors may be tricky. Indeed, the immunophenotype is usually nonspecific between stromal tumors and sex cord tumors.
  • 94
  • 25 Dec 2023
Topic Review
Vaginal Microbiome during Pregnancy in Health and Disease
Many aetiological agents pose a risk to pregnancy; in particular, infections of the genital tract by various pathogens that can cause serious health issues for both mothers and their fetuses have become a major public health issue all over the world for their high and growing prevalence. Genital infections can have a long duration, and women with these infections before pregnancy might also have increased risks of adverse outcomes including macrosomia, preterm birth (PTB), and spontaneous abortion. Multiple types of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections have been identified that can affect the health of the pregnant woman, the pregnancy, and the infant after delivery.
  • 88
  • 22 Dec 2023
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