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Deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) is a severe form of the disease. The median time interval from the onset of symptoms to diagnosis of endometriosis is around 8 years. In this prospective study patients were divided into two groups: cases (34 DIE patients) and control (20 tubal ligation patients). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of CA-125 measurement in the menstrual and midcycle phases of the cycle, as well as the difference in its levels between the two phases, for the early diagnosis of DIE. Area Under the Curve (AUC) of CA-125 in menstrual phase and of the difference between menstrual and midcycle phases had the best performance (both with AUC = 0.96), followed by CA-125 in the midcycle (AUC = 0.89). The ratio between menstrual and midcycle phases had the worst performance. CA-125 may be useful for the diagnosis of deep endometriosis, especially when both are collected during menstruation and in midcycle. These may help to decrease the long interval until the definitive diagnosis of DIE. Multicentric studies with larger samples should be performed to better evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measuring CA-125 in two different phases of the menstrual cycle.

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Objective: To evaluate the use of social media platforms by medical students, surgical trainees, and practicing surgeons for surgical education during the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: An online, 15-question survey was developed and posted on Facebook and WhatsApp closed surgeon groups.Results: The online survey was completed by 219 participants from South America (87%), North America (7%), Europe (5%), Central America, and Asia. Respondents included medical students (6.4%), surgical residents/fellows (24.2%), and practicing surgeons (69.4%). The most common age group was 35-44 years. When asked which social media platforms they preferred, the video sharing site YouTube (33.3%), the messaging app WhatsApp (21%), and "other" (including videoconferencing sites) (22.3%) were most popular. Respondents reported using social media for surgical education either daily (38.4%) or weekly (45.2%), for an average of 1-5 hours/week. Most (85%) opined that surgical conferences that were cancelled during the pandemic should be made available online, with live discussions. Conclusion:Social media use for surgical education during Covid-19 appears to be increasing and evolving.

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Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of hypertonic glucose (10%), alone or in combination with the corticoid dexamethasone, to prevent peritoneal adhesion following hysterectomy in rats. Methods Forty-two adult rats underwent hysterectomy with peritoneal lavage: G1 – glucose (10%); G2 – glucose (10%) and dexamethasone 3 mg·kg –1 ; and G3 – physiological saline (PS) 0.9%. Results In the macroscopic analysis after 14 days, G1 had a median score of 1, G2 of 1, and G3 of 2.5 (p < 0.0001), G3 compared to G1 and G2. There was no difference between groups after 28 days. In the microscopic analysis, the median vascular proliferation after 14 days was 2 for G1, 1 for G2, and 3 for G3 (p = 0.0037, G3 vs. G1 and G2). After 28 days, G1 showed a median vascular proliferation score of 2, G2 of 2.5, and G3 of 3 (p < 0.0001, G3 vs. G1 and G2). Regarding the inflammatory reaction after 14 days, G1 had a median score of 2, G2 of 1, and G3 of 3 (p = 0.7916). After 28 days, G1 had a median score of 0.5 (0–1.75), G2 of 1.5, and G3 of 2.5 (p < 0.0001, G3 vs. the others and G2 vs. G1). In the evaluation of fibrosis after 14 days, G1 had a median score of 1, G2 of 1, and G3 of 2.5 (p < 0.0001, G3 vs. G1and G2). After 28 days, G1 had a median fibrosis score of 1, G2: 2, and G3: 2.5 (p < 0.0001), G3 vs. the others andG2 vs. G1). Conclusions The use of hypertonic glucose (10%) solution seems to reduce macroscopic and microscopic pelvic adhesions.