Assisted Reproductive Technologies in HIV patients: a comprehensive review of indications, techniques and results

Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) are authorized in France in couples infected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) since the French legislation of May 10th, 2001. The goals are to reduce the risk of viral transmission between partners and to treat an underlying infertility. The classical techniques are used: IUI, IVF or ICSI, but all of them must be done in specifically authorized laboratories. ART outcome is favourable when only the man is infected, but seems to be less favourable when the woman is infected. Management of pregnancy planning should first propose to women infected by HIV, self inseminations when possible, and if needed, a quick ART treatment as some studies showed ovarian function alterations in HIV women. When the man is infected, IUI would be first proposed. Thousands of HIV positive male partners have used ART in Europe and no contamination has been reported so far. Approximately half of couples with one or both partners infected can hope to have a child through the ART process.     

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: indications, techniques and outcomes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The indications, techniques and outcomes of laparoscopic associated hysterectomy and especially total laparoscopic hysterectomy are thoroughly reviewed. RECENT FINDINGS: The original technique for total laparoscopic hysterectomy is detailed as it is still applicable. The total laparoscopic hysterectomy operation has not changed to any major degree over the past 15 years. The technique detailed works well and lessens the chance for a ureteral injury. Expansion of the technique has occurred in oncology. Evidence-based studies support the use of vaginal hysterectomy if possible over laparoscopic and abdominal hysterectomy. They also support a laparoscopic approach to hysterectomy over total abdominal hysterectomy. SUMMARY: Despite evidence-based studies, gynecologic surgical specialists have been slow to adopt both laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomy into their practice. This trend may increase in the near future. Adoption of laparoscopic associated hysterectomy has been extremely slow.     

Subcutaneous mastectomy: indications, histological results

This operation is made for therapeutic as well as diagnostic reasons. It is an enucleation of the mammary gland tissue under a saving of the skin and the areola. The operation is also made on women having one breast ablated: on account of the bilaterality of the carcinoma, because the symmetry of the reconstructed breast has to be realized.     

Robotic myomectomy: a review of indications and techniques

The primary surgical techniques used in myomectomy are open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and, recently, robot-assisted ("robotic") surgery. The optimal surgical treatment of myomas is still a subject of debate because of the limitations of minimally invasive techniques and the disadvantages of laparotomy. In this article, the authors discuss the technique and the application of robotic myomectomy in the treatment of uterine fibroids.     

Ovarian transplantation in humans: indications, techniques and the risk of reseeding cancer

Laboratory research on ovarian cryopreservation and transplantation began in the 1950s leading to clinical studies in the 2000s. The research that was performed during this half century indicated that cryopreserved ovarian tissue has the potential to restore fertility in women who face premature ovarian failure due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. To date, ovarian function has been restored in at least four women. Even though no pregnancies have been reported so far from these clinical studies, animal studies indicate that this is a valid prospect for humans. Future clinical trials will determine on a larger number of patients the longevity of ovarian grafts, normality of hormone production and ovarian follicle development, possibility and safety of pregnancy, and the safety of auto-transplantation in cancer patients. However, the major improvement in the efficiency of ovarian transplantation is anticipated to come from research exploring the revascularization process.