The Green Journal
Audio Summaries

Association Between Opioid Use Disorder and Hysterectomy Outcomes

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the impact of opioid use disorder (OUD) on complications, length of hospital stay, and costs associated with hysterectomy procedures. Their findings indicate that patients with OUD experience higher complication rates, longer hospital stays, and increased hospital charges compared to those without OUD, suggesting a need for enhanced preoperative care for this population.

Integrative Medicine Approaches for Menopause

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aim to evaluate evidence-based integrative medicine approaches for managing menopause symptoms, particularly for women who cannot or prefer not to use hormone therapy. They review various nonhormonal strategies, including lifestyle changes, mind-body therapies, and botanical treatments, highlighting the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy and clinical hypnosis for vasomotor symptoms while noting the inconsistent evidence for phytoestrogens. The review emphasizes the need for individualized care plans and further research to better understand the efficacy and safety of these integrative approaches.

Menopause Management in Patients With Cancer

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aim to establish a practical framework for managing menopause symptoms in cancer patients, emphasizing the importance of risk stratification and collaboration with oncology. They synthesize current evidence and guidelines to recommend nonhormonal therapies as first-line treatments, while also addressing the careful use of vaginal estrogen and systemic hormone therapy in select cases. This approach seeks to balance symptom relief with oncologic safety, ultimately improving the quality of life for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Trends in Pregnancy-Related Mortality in the United States: Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System, 2005-2024

Aug 6, 2026

The authors aimed to analyze trends in pregnancy-related mortality and the underlying causes of these deaths in the United States from 2005 to 2024, utilizing data from the Pregnancy Mortality Surveillance System. They found significant fluctuations in the overall mortality ratio, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cardiovascular conditions and infections being the leading causes of death. The study highlights the need for ongoing surveillance to inform public health strategies addressing pregnancy-related mortality.

Evaluating Routine Opioid Compared With Nonopioid Prescribing After Laparoscopic Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Jul 31, 2026

The authors aimed to determine whether a nonopioid postoperative pain regimen is noninferior to routine opioid prescribing in terms of pain scores and patient satisfaction after laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign conditions. The study found that pain scores were similar between the nonopioid and opioid groups, and satisfaction with pain control was high in both, indicating that nonopioid management is a viable alternative that also significantly reduces opioid consumption.

Single-Port Perforated Intrauterine Device Removal With a Transabdominal Hysteroscope

Jul 30, 2026

The authors explore the feasibility and effectiveness of a single-port technique using a transabdominal hysteroscope for the removal of perforated intrauterine devices (IUDs), aiming to provide a minimally invasive alternative to traditional multi-port laparoscopic methods. They demonstrate that this approach can be suitable for patients without complications, offering a potentially less painful and quicker recovery option. The study suggests that this technique should be considered as a first-line option for most cases of perforated IUDs.

Pregnancy-Associated Drug Overdose Mortality in the United States, 2018-2023

Jul 30, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate changes in pregnancy-associated drug overdose mortality in the United States from 2018 to 2023 and compare these trends with nonpregnant reproductive-aged females. They found that pregnancy-associated overdose mortality increased significantly, with a 62.2% rise, primarily driven by fentanyl and psychostimulants, and noted that the rates were highest in the South. This increase in mortality among pregnant individuals was nearly double that of their nonpregnant counterparts.

Carrier Screening Insights From a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Practice

Jul 28, 2026

The authors investigate the timing and practices of carrier screening for genetic conditions in a high-volume maternal-fetal medicine center, aiming to identify patterns that lead to delays and inequities in screening. They find that carrier screening is often conducted later than optimal, which complicates decision-making and increases patient distress, and they advocate for prioritizing prepregnancy screening or early pregnancy screening with concurrent partner testing. The study emphasizes the need for better counseling on screening options to enhance patient autonomy and reduce the risk of misinterpretation.

Fetal Gastroschisis

Jul 28, 2026

The authors investigate the complex etiology of fetal gastroschisis, a congenital defect characterized by the herniation of abdominal organs through a defect in the abdominal wall. They aim to elucidate the interplay of embryonic development, vascular issues, and environmental factors that contribute to this condition, while also providing insights into its diagnosis, management, and potential interventions. This comprehensive overview serves to enhance understanding and treatment strategies for gastroschisis.

Repeat Diagnostic and Therapeutic Procedures After Excisional Procedures for High-Grade Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia

Jul 23, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the long-term rates of repeat diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) treated with cold knife conization (CKC) versus loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). Their findings revealed that while LEEP was associated with higher rates of repeat diagnostic evaluations and excisional procedures, CKC resulted in higher rates of hysterectomy and cervical cancer diagnoses. Overall, the study highlights significant differences in post-treatment outcomes between the two procedures.