Objective To identify the incidence and risk factors of haemorrhoids and fissures during pregnancy and after childbirth.Design Prospective observational cohort study.Setting University hospital and outpatient clinics in Lithuania.Population A total of 280 pregnant women followed up until 1 month after delivery.Methods Women were examined four times through pregnancy and after delivery; those that developed peri-anal diseases were compared with those that did not.Main outcome measures Incidence, time and risk factors of haemorrhoids and fissures.Results In all, 123 (43.9%) women developed peri-anal disease: 1.6% in the first trimester, 61% during the third trimester, 34.1% after delivery and 3.3% 1 month after delivery; 114 (40.7%) women were diagnosed with haemorrhoids, seven (2.5%) with haemorrhoids and anal fissure and two (0.71%) with anal fissure. Ninety-nine (80.5%) women had vaginal delivery and 24 (19.5%) women had undergone caesarean section. Multivariate analysis identified personal history of peri-anal diseases (odds ratio [OR] 11.93; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.18-65.30), constipation (OR 18.98; 95% CI 7.13-50.54), straining during delivery for more than 20 minutes (OR 29.75; 95% CI 4.00-221.23) and birthweight of newborn >3800 g (OR 17.99; 95% CI 3.29-98.49) as significant predictors of haemorrhoids and anal fissures during pregnancy and perinatal period.Conclusions Haemorrhoids and fissures are common during the last trimester of pregnancy and 1 month after delivery, with constipation, personal history of haemorrhoids or fissures, birthweight of newborn >3800 g, straining during delivery for more than 20 minutes being independently associated risk factors.

Background. Mature cystic teratomas (dermoid cysts) are the most common germ cell tumours with 10–25% incidence of adult and 50% of paediatric ovarian tumours. The aetiology of dermoid cysts is still unclear, although currently the parthenogenic theory is most widely accepted. The tumour is slow-growing and in the majority of cases it is an accidental finding. Presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific. The main complication of a dermoid cyst is cyst torsion (15%); other reported complications include malignant transformation (1–2%), infection (1%), and rupture (0.3–2%). Prolonged pressure during pregnancy, torsion with infarction, or a direct trauma are the main risk factors for a spontaneous dermoid rupture that can lead to acute or chronic peritonitis. The diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma is often made in retrospect after surgical resection of an ovarian cyst, because such imaging modalities as ultrasound, computer tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging cannot yet accurately and reliably distinguish between benign and malignant pathology. Materials and methods. We present a report of a clinical case of a 35-years-old female, who was referred to the hospital due to abdominal pain spreading to her feet for three successive days. She had a history of a normal vaginal delivery one month before. Abdominal examination revealed mild tenderness in the lower abdomen; no obvious muscle rigidity was noted. Transvaginal ultrasound showed a multiloculated cystic mass measuring 16 × 10 cm in the pelvis. In the absence of urgency, planned surgical treatment was recommended. The next day the patient was referred to the hospital again, with a complaint of stronger abdominal pain (7/10), nausea, and vomiting. This time abdominal examination revealed symptoms of acute peritonitis. The ultrasound scan differed from the previous one. This time, the transvaginal ultrasound scan revealed abnormally changed ovaries bilaterally. There was a large amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity. The patient was operated on – left laparoscopic cystectomy and right adnexectomy were performed. Postoperative antibacterial treatment, infusion of fluids, painkillers, prophylaxis of the thromboembolism were administered. The patient was discharged from the hospital on the seventh postoperative day and was sent for outpatient observation. Results and conclusions. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for a dermoid cyst because it is safe, non-invasive, and quick to perform. Leakage or spillage of dermoid cyst contents can cause chemical peritonitis, which is an aseptic inflammatory peritoneal reaction. Once a rupture of an ovarian cystic teratoma is diagnosed, immediate surgical intervention with prompt removal of the spontaneously ruptured ovarian cyst and thorough peritoneal lavage are required.

Background. Uterine sarcomas are rare gynaecologic tumours representing 3–7% of all uterine malignancies. The aetiology of sarcomas is still unclear: it is thought, that chromosomal translocations have influence on wide histological variety of sarcomas. Presenting symptoms are vague and nonspecific. Usually sarcoma causes abnormal vaginal bleeding, can cause abdominal or pelvic pain, or manifests as a rapidly growing uterine tumour. The diagnosis of sarcoma is often made retrospectively after surgical removal of a presumed benign uterine neoplasm, because imaging modalities such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging cannot yet accurately and reliably distinguish between benign leiomyoma and malignant pathology. If there are certain clinical features that raise a suspicion of malignancy in the uterus, it is recommended to avoid the use of power morcellation through laparoscopic surgery in order to prevent disease dissemination. Materials and methods. We present a clinical case of a 64-year-old patient, who was referred to hospital due to abdominal pain and tenesmus that lasted for two days. From a past medical history it was known that previously the patient had been diagnosed with uterine myoma. Transvaginal ultrasonography showed a 10.4 cm × 9.8 cm uterine tumour of nonhomogeneous structure with signs of necrosis and good vascularization. The patient refused urgent hysterectomy, that was advised to her. The patient was operated on one month later and total hysterectomy with bilateral salpingooforectomy was performed. Postoperative histological evaluation showed undifferentiated sarcoma uterus pT1b L/V0. Imaging modalities were made to evaluate possible dissemination of the disease. In the absence of signs of disease progression, the patient received radiotherapy and brachytherapy and was followed-up by doctors. Results and conclusions. Uterine sarcomas are highly malignant tumours that originate from smooth muscles and connective tissue elements of the uterus and make up 1% of all malignant gynaecological tumours and about 3–7% of all malignant uterine tumours. Imaging modalities cannot yet reliably distinguish benign myomas from malignant sarcomas. It is important not to damage the wholeness of uterus during operation in order to prevent dissemination of the disease in the abdominal cavity. The low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma has the best survival prognosis, while carcinosarcoma and undifferentiated uterine sarcoma have the lowest survival rates.

Background. Endometriosis is defined as a chronic, inflammatory, estrogen-dependent gynaecologic disease. It affects approximately 5–10% of reproductive-age women worldwide. Ovarian endometriosis is the most frequent form of this condition. Endometriotic cysts are found in about 17–44% of women diagnosed with endometriosis. It is well known, that ovarian endometriomas can cause infertility and chronic pelvic pain. Enlarging cysts can also cause ovarian torsion. In addition, ovarian endometriosis slightly increases the risk for ovarian cancer. The rupture of endometriotic ovarian cysts is an exceptional complication. According to the literature, the prevalence is less than 3% among women with endometriosis. The rupture of an ovarian endometrioma can cause acute peritonitis, which can lead to sepsis, septic shock and can be lethal. The occurrence of abscesses within an ovarian endometrioma is an extremely rare complication. Generally, the origin of infected endometriotic ovarian cysts is related to the previous invasive procedures involving pelvic organs or the use of intrauterine devices. Also, ovarian abscesses can be caused by the hematogenous or lymphatic spread of bacteria. Although, the literature points out that infection of endometriotic ovarian cysts can develop spontaneously. In these rare cases, reservoir and route of infection remains an enigma.Case report. A 49-year-old female was brought to the emergency room with severe generalized lower abdominal pain (6/10) and three days lasting fever. Abdominal examination revealed diffuse abdominal pain with anterior abdominal wall muscle tension. Painful solid masses were felt on both sides of the uterus during the pelvic examination. Cystic masses were detected in both ovaries during transvaginal sonography. Computer tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis revealed abnormal changes in both ovaries. A small amount of free fluid was found in the pelvic cavity along with thickened pelvic peritoneum. Suspecting acute peritonitis and bilateral tubo-ovarian abscesses, surgical treatment was performed. Lower midline laparotomy with bilateral adnexectomy and abdominal lavage with 4000 ml normal saline were done. The outcome of peritonitis was evaluated using the Mannheim peritonitis index (MPI=17 – low risk of morbidity and mortality). The histopathological examination revealed the diagnosis of bilateral endometriotic cysts complicated with acute inflammation, with associated acute inflammation of both fallopian tubes. Microbiological cultures from the purulent fluid were negative.Conclusions. Although the occurrence of abscesses within an ovarian endometrioma is an extremely rare finding in clinical practice, it has to be considered by gynaecologists because it might result in a surgical emergency that can be life-threatening. Being aware of the risk factors of abscesses within an endometrioma can lead to an early diagnosis of this rare condition and help to avoid serious complications.

Background. Mother’s attachment to her unborn child has a strong impact on a pregnant woman’s attitude towards her health, postnatal attachment, and the child’s physical and emotional growth. The purpose of our study was to identify the factors that impact the maternal-foetal relationship. Materials and methods. The study was conducted at the Centre of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the tertiary-level Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos in Vilnius, Lithuania. An original questionnaire of nine parts was developed that the questionnaire included information on demographical data, gynaecological and obstetrical history, a relationship assessment scale, the index of happiness, an antenatal depression risk questionnaire, and the Maternal-Antenatal Attachment Scale. Results. The study included 388 pregnant women. It was found that the level of education, obstetrical issues during pregnancy, and the risk of postnatal depression negatively impacted the maternal-foetal relationship (p < 0.05). Mothers who were elder in family birth order, also those whose pregnancy was of a longer duration, who had a better-quality romantic relationship with partner, and whose socioeconomic fulfilment was higher were all found to have a better quality of maternal-foetal bonding (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The early recognition of low attachment and right application of various means of psychologic intervention might improve the quality of pregnancy, maternity, and childhood.

Background. The aim of this article is to present a rare clinical case of vasa praevia as well as to assess the relevance of the problem by reviewing the latest literature sources.Materials and methods. In this report we present a case of a 33-yearold woman diagnosed with vasa praevia at 33 weeks of pregnancy, after hospitalisation with preterm rupture of membranes following the delivery of a live healthy baby through a lower segment Caesarean section during 33rd week of gestation at Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Clinics. We investigated all the documentation of the patient before and after delivery.Results and conclusions. Vasa praevia is a rather rare pathology which is likely to occur during pregnancy, may result in heavy bleeding and be particularly threatening to the fetus life. A timely diagnosis for these women is essential. The gold standard for vasa praevia diagnosis is the fetal ultrasound scan. Vasa praevia pathology is found during the routine second trimester ultrasound check-up. The selection of proper tactics applied during pregnancy care is essential. At the gestational age of 28-32, it is advisable to mature fetal lungs as well as the fetus condition should be investigated by a perinatologist. The mode of delivery is the C-section which tends to reduce the frequency of possible complications.

Introduction: Pregnancy, delivery and postpartum periods are associated with fast changes leading to decreased self-confidence, anxiety, stress or even maternal depression impairing their quality of life (QOL). Although considered important, QOL of women during pregnancy is poorly understood. The aim of our study was to assess factors influencing QOL during first trimester of pregnancy. The secondary goal of our study was to evaluate whether QOL during first trimester of pregnancy is associated with newborn weight. Materials and methods: A prospective cohort study was performed including pregnant women during the first trimester visit. Our questionnaire consisted of the SF-36 QOL questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence scale, and other additional information. The SF-36 questionnaire mental (MCS) and physical (PCS) health scores were used in order to evaluate QOL of women during first trimester of pregnancy. Two multiple logistic regression models were created in order to determine independent variables that influence the QOL. Results: 440 pregnant women were included in the study. The two main domains that were used in the study were MCS and PCS, their medians were 50.0 (25.0; 50.0) and 50.1 (39.4; 59.0) points respectively. From the two logistic regression models we determined several independent factors that influence QOL of women during the first trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, we determined that women who reported worse QOL tended to give birth to newborns large for their gestational age. Conclusions: We found several significant variables that influence QOL of women during the first trimester of pregnancy. We also found that that lower MCS and PCS scores during the first trimester are associated with newborns large for gestational age.

Hemorrhoids and anal fissures occur in about 40% of pregnant women and women during postpartum period. Usually they occur during the third trimester of pregnancy and 1–2 days after giving birth. Constipation during pregnancy, perianal diseases during previous pregnancy and childbirth, instrumental delivery, straining duration of more than 20 min, and weight of the newborn more than 3,800 g are associated with hemorrhoids. Perianal diseases reduce the quality of life of both pregnant and postpartum women. In the absence of acute conditions, surgical treatment of hemorrhoids is delayed after pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation. Thrombosed internal hemorrhoids and perianal thrombosis are to be treated conservatively in most instances by prescribing adequate pain relief, oral, and topical flavonoid preparations.