Endometriosis is one of the most common gynaecologic diseases in women of reproductive age. It is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The women affected suffer from pelvic pain and infertility. The complex etiology is still unclear and it is based on three main theories: retrograde menstruation, coelomic metaplasia, and induction theory. Genetics and epigenetics also play a role in the development of endometriosis. Recent studies have put the attention on the role of oxidative stress, defined as an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidants, which may be implicated in the pathophysiology of endometriosis causing a general inflammatory response in the peritoneal cavity. Reactive oxygen species are intermediaries produced by normal oxygen metabolism and are inflammatory mediators known to modulate cell proliferation and to have deleterious effects. A systematic review was performed in order to clarify the different roles of oxidative stress and its role in the development of endometriosis. Several issues have been investigated: iron metabolism, oxidative stress markers (in the serum, peritoneal fluid, follicular fluid, peritoneal environment, ovarian cortex, and eutopic and ectopic endometrial tissue), genes involved in oxidative stress, endometriosis‐associated infertility, and cancer development.

Objective The aim of the present study was to perform a comprehensive review of the literature to provide a complete and clear picture of isthmocele—a hypoechoic area within the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar of a previous cesarean section—by exploring in depth every aspect of this condition. Methods A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to identify the most relevant studies about this topic. Results Every aspect of isthmocele has been studied and described: pathophysiology, clinical symptoms, classification, and diagnosis. Its treatment, both medical and surgical, has also been reported according to the actual literature data. Conclusion Cesarean section is the most common surgical procedure performed worldwide, and one of the consequences of this technique is isthmocele. A single and systematic classification of isthmocele is needed to improve its diagnosis and management. Further studies should be performed to better understand its pathogenesis.

Objectives. To deepen the knowledge in obstetrics on a very rare pregnancy complication: umbilical cord hematoma. Methods. A review of the case reports described in the last ten years in the literature was conducted in order to evaluate epidemiology, predisposing factors, potential outcomes, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management. Results. Spontaneous umbilical cord hematoma is a rare complication of pregnancy which represents a serious cause of fetal morbidity and mortality. There are many risk factors such as morphologic anomalies, infections, vessel wall abnormalities, iatrogenic causes, and traction or torsion of the cord, but the exact etiology is still unknown. Conclusions. Due to the rarity of this condition, every new case of umbilical cord hematoma should be reported in order to improve the knowledge of predisposing factors, prenatal diagnosis, and clinical management.

Transverse vaginal septum is a rare female genital tract anomaly, and little is described about its surgical treatment. We report the case of a patient who wished to preserve hymenal integrity due to social and cultural beliefs. We performed a vaginoscopic resection of the septum under laparoscopic view, followed by the introduction of a Foley catheter in the vagina, thus preserving the hymen. After 12 months of follow-up, no septal closure was present, and the menstrual flow was effective. Vaginoscopic hysteroscopy is an effective method of vaginal septum resection, even in cases in which hymenal integrity must be preserved due to social and cultural beliefs.

Fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is an obstetrical challenge. It is defined as a passage of fetal blood into the maternal circulation or vice versa, which might complicate pregnancy or delivery. Most cases of acute and chronic FMH are idiopathic in origin and involve uncomplicated near-term pregnancies. Yet, due to the lack of universal screening, heterogeneous clinical presentation and insufficient clinicians awareness, in some cases FMH may present as immediate fetal compromise or even stillbirth as the most devastating consequence. We made a review of the literature of the FMH clinical cases of fetal/neonatal death in order to focus on the available diagnostic tools and their limitations. Cardiotocography, biophysical profile, middle cerebral artery peak systolic volume and current laboratory tests were studied and evaluated as diagnostic tools for FMH. International guidelines are needed to help clinicians make a prompt identification of FMH. Moreover, a standardized management protocol is essential in order to improve fetal-neonatal outcomes.