Urinary matrix metalloproteinases as a potential screening test for gynecologic malignancies.

Objective: This was a pilot study to determine the feasibility of using urinary matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a screening test for gynecologic malignancies.

Methods: Urine samples from ovarian (n = 29), cervical (n = 31), endometrial (n = 31), and vulvar (n = 5) cancer patients and 19 controls were collected. Substrate gel electrophoresis (zymography) was used to determine the presence of MMP-2 (72 kDa), MMP-9 (92 kDa) and two high-molecular-weight forms (130 and 220 kDa) of MMPs.

Postoperative ileus on a gynecologic oncology service--do abdominal X-rays have a role?

Objective: The objective was to estimate the role of abdominal radiographs in the management of the patient with gastrointestinal dysfunction in the early postoperative period following intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery.

Methods: Hospital records were reviewed for 84 patients from the gynecologic oncology service having a clinical diagnosis of either ileus or bowel obstruction immediately after intra-abdominal gynecologic surgery. Patient history, clinical signs and symptoms, findings of plain radiographs, and clinical course were studied to determine whether plain abdominal radiographs were useful in the management of these patients.