Transvaginal Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery for Surgical Staging of Early-Stage Ovarian Cancers: A Report of Two Cases https://tinyurl.com/y6tc5bum             Modern surgical practice is developing to enable minimal access procedures. One technique becoming more common is called natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) where the abdominal cavity is accessed via the posterior fornix of the vagina with previous gaseous distension of the peritoneum allowing safe access to the pouch of Douglas. This is a potential space between the vagina and the rectum.          Advantages of this technique include no visible scar and possibly no hernia complication. NOTES is being used for salpingectomy and management of cysts and endometriosis.          This case report records the use of NOTES in early stage ovarian cancer. The proce...

Association of Lower Extremity Lymphedema With Physical Functioning and Activities of Daily Living Among Older Survivors of Colorectal, Endometrial, and Ovarian Cancer https://tinyurl.com/y2v6x5t5            Lymphedema is a complication of cancer treatment. Fluid normally travels through the lymphatic system from the extremities back to the vascular system. When the normal passage of this fluid is interrupted due to pressure changes, clear fluid collects in superficial soft tissues, causing pain and disability.          This study looks at 900 women who are survivors of cancer surgery and determines the numbers who have lymphedema and the effect of this on their lives. Damage to lymph vessels and nodes causing lymphedema frequently occurs, either as a result of surgery or chemo and also following radiotherapy.          Results from the study show a ...

Predicting Ovarian-Cancer Burden in Catalonia by 2030: An Age–Period–Cohort Modeling https://tinyurl.com/myc5rtkb            Sometimes when engaged in the day-to-day management of serious disease it is important to consider the future and the impact of change. This article is a statistical review of current trends in the incidence of ovarian cancer and a prediction of future numbers.          In recent times there has been a pleasing gradual reduction in the number of women who contract ovarian cancer. Thought to be due to two major factors; increased use of hormonal contraception and less postmenopausal hormone therapy, this decrease has been noted worldwide.          However, there is a concerning rise in the incidence of ovarian cancer for women born during the 1980s. The article documents this shift amongst the population of Catalonia. Thus far ...

Age Disparities in End of Life Symptom Management Among Patients with Epithelial Ovarian Cancer https://tinyurl.com/46vyempm            The final stages of cancer are challenging for patients and treating medical professionals. Ovarian Cancer is no exception and unfortunately most women who have ovarian cancer will die from the disease.          This study looks at the symptoms women experience during their last hospital admission. 82 women were included; most had fatigue, pain and shortness of breath as the reasons for admission. About 40% of these women received palliative care only.          For the remainder invasive procedures such as drainage of ascites were undertaken. It is noted that these women were younger and usually had been sensitive to platinum chemo. No difference in survival was shown for those women who received active treatment. T...