Ectopic pregnancy and laparoscopy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare the success of surgical procedures performed by laparoscopy and laparotomy in the treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this prospective study, there were 57 women who were operated due to tubal ectopic pregnancy. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 36 women (study group). Conventional abdominal surgical treatment was performed in 21 women (control group).

RESULTS

Among 36 women from study group, a laparoscopic linear salpingotomy was performed in 69.44% cases, salpingectomy in 13.88% cases, and milking of tube in 16.66% cases. In the control group, linear salpingotomy was performed in 57.14% cases, salpingectomy in 28.57% cases, and milking of tube in 14.28% cases. Patent ipsilateral fallopian tube at three months after surgery was 66.66% in the study group and 52.38% in the control group. The intrauterine pregnancy rate was 19.44% in the study group and 19.05% in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The percentage of tubal patency and intrauterine pregnancies after laparoscopical surgical treatment was not higher than after conventional surgical treatment by laparotomy.

Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization: an evidence-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization is a minimally invasive alternative to laparoscopic tubal ligation for women who want permanent contraception. The procedures involves non-surgical placement of permanent microinserts into both fallopian tubes. Patients must use alternative contraception for at least 3 months postprocedure until tubal occlusion is confirmed. Compared to tubal ligation, potential advantages of the hysteroscopic procedure are that it can be performed in 10 minutes in an office setting without the use of general or even local anesthesia.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this analysis was to determine the effectiveness and safety of hysteroscopic tubal sterilization compared with tubal ligation for permanent female sterilization.

DATA SOURCES

A standard systematic literature search was conducted for studies published from January 1, 2008, until December 11, 2012.

REVIEW METHODS

Observational studies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews and meta-analyses with 1 month or more of follow-up were examined. Outcomes included failure/pregnancy rates, adverse events, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

No RCTs were identified. Two systematic reviews covered 22 observational studies of hysteroscopic sterilization. Only 1 (N = 93) of these 22 studies compared hysteroscopic sterilization to laparoscopic tubal ligation. Two other noncomparative case series not included in the systematic reviews were also identified. In the absence of comparative studies, data on tubal ligation were derived for this analysis from the CREST study, a large, multicentre, prospective, noncomparative observational study in the United States (GRADE low). Overall, hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with lower pregnancy rates and lower complication rates compared to tubal ligation. No deaths have been reported for hysteroscopic sterilization.

LIMITATIONS

A lack of long-term follow-up for hysteroscopic sterilization and a paucity of studies that directly compare the two procedures limit this assessment. In addition, optimal placement of the microinsert at the time of hysteroscopy varied among studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopic sterilization is associated with: lower pregnancy rates compared to tubal ligation (GRADE very low); lower complication rates compared to tubal ligation (GRADE very low); no significant improvement in patient satisfaction compared to tubal ligation (GRADE very low).

PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Hysteroscopic tubal sterilization is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional tubal ligation for women who want a permanent method of contraception. Both approaches involve closing off the fallopian tubes, preventing the egg from moving down the tube and the sperm from reaching the egg. Tubal ligation is a surgical procedure to tie or seal the fallopian tubes, and it usually requires general anesthesia. In contrast, hysteroscopic tubal sterilization can be performed in 10 minutes in an office setting without general or even local anesthesia. A tiny device called a microinsert is inserted into each fallopian tube through the vagina, cervix, and uterus without surgery. An instrument called a hysteroscope allows the doctor to see inside the body for the procedure. Once the microinserts are in place, scar tissue forms around them and blocks the fallopian tubes. Health Quality Ontario conducted a review of the effectiveness and safety of hysteroscopic tubal sterilization compared to tubal ligation. This review indicates that hysteroscopic tubal sterilization is associated with: lower pregnancy rates compared to tubal ligation; lower complication rates compared to tubal ligation; no significant improvement in patient satisfaction compared to tubal ligation. However, we found a number of limitations to the studies available on hysteroscopic tubal sterilization. Among other concerns, most studies did not include long-term follow-up and only 1 study directly compared hysteroscopic tubal sterilization to tubal ligation.

Do women with deep infiltrating endometriosis have more tubal alterations? Objective evaluation of 473 patients

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is associated with tubal alterations.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a retrospective study. Our study included 335 women with ovarian endometriosis (Group A), 66 women with DIE (Group B), and 72 women presenting with both conditions (Group C). We evaluated tubal morphology and patency during laparoscopic excision of endometriosis. Tubal patency was assessed by tubal dye test. Tubal morphology was determined using the tubal morphology score (TMS), obtained by a total grade of 4 parameters: tubal caliber, course, surface and fimbrial morphology.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the 3 groups regarding the presence of tubal occlusion (p = 0.23). Total TMS was not significantly different in the 3 groups (p = 0.13). A history of surgical treatment for endometriosis was associated with higher rate of tubal occlusion (p < 0.0005) and more severe morphological alterations (p < 0.0005). There was a positive correlation between number of previous surgical interventions and worse TMS (rho = 0.197, p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

Alterations in tubal patency and morphology were not significantly different in patients with DIE as compared to women with ovarian endometriosis. History of surgical interventions for endometriosis was related with the presence of tubal alterations.

Laparoscopic detorsion of isolated idiopathic fallopian tube torsion: conservative treatment in a 13-year-old girl

Isolated fallopian tube torsion (IFTT) is a rare entity in adolescent girls. Invasive surgery, salpingectomy, was used during the initial surgery or at the time of recurrent torsion in 87% of previously reported cases. Herein, the authors present an adolescent premenarcheal girl with idiopathic IFTT, which was treated by laparoscopic detorsion, to emphasize that tubal torsion should be included in the list of differential diagnoses of abdominal pain in adolescent girls. Minimally invasive, organ-saving surgery should be done, and the child should be followed up for recurrent torsion.

Unfavorable lipid profile and higher frequency of hot flashes during perimenopausal years after fallopian tube ligation

AIM

We sought to study the effect of tubal ligation on lipid profile, ovarian reserve and hot flashes during perimenopausal years.

METHODS

A total of 210 perimenopausal women complaining of abnormal vaginal bleeding were enrolled for the study. Subjects' menstrual, reproductive and medical histories were recorded. Serum FSH, LH and estradiol levels were screened in all women to determine menopausal status. In order to rule out any gynecologic pathology, all subjects underwent transvaginal sonography. Women were divided into two groups according to presence (study group, n = 68) or absence (control group, n = 142) of tubal ligation history. Lipid profiles and ovarian reserve tests were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Mean age, parity, serum hemoglobin (Hb), high density lipoprotein (HDL-C), triglyceride, estradiol levels, endometrial thickness and frequency of hot flashes were significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). Mean age was 42.8 ± 1.9 years in women with tubal ligation and 45.9 ± 3.5 years in control group. Mean serum estradiol level was lower in group with tubal ligation (41.4 versus 92.5 pg/ml). Mean endometrial thickness was higher in control group (10.2 versus 7.5 mm). Age-adjusted serum Hb, HDL-C, triglyceride, estradiol, FSH level, endometrial thickness and frequency of hot flashes remained significantly different between groups (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Tubal ligation is associated with unfavorable lipid profile and higher frequency of hot flashes during perimenopausal years.

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy with concomitant bilateral salpingectomy--why not?

AIM

The aim of this investigation was to analyze the feasibility and postoperative outcome of laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LASH) with and without bilateral salpingectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between February and October 2012, a total of 25 patients were prospectively enrolled to undergo LASH with bilateral salpingectomy. A retrospective cohort of 25 matched patients who underwent LASH without bilateral salpingectomy at our Institution, performed by the same surgeon, served as the control collective.

RESULTS

Comparing both collectives, there were no statistically significant differences concerning overall hospital stay, duration of surgery and blood loss.

CONCLUSION

LASH with bilateral salpingectomy is a fast and safe procedure.

Influence of various tubal surgeries to serum antimullerian hormone level and outcome of the subsequent IVF-ET treatment

OBJECTIVE

To compare the influence of various tubal surgeries to ovarian reserve via serum level of antimullerian hormone (AMH) and the subsequent in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation (IVF-ET) outcome in patients with simple tubal infertility.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study was conducted on 134 IVF cycles undegone by 26 and 34 cases with bilateral and unilateral salpingectomy, respectively, 23 cases with bilateral oviducts interrupted in the proximal and 51 cases with bilateral oviducts obstruction without intervention as controls.

RESULTS

Serum AMH displayed its great superiority to traditional markers of ovarian reserve in correspondence with antral follicles count and decisive effect for the number of oocytes retrieved after stimulation in each group. No significant differences on ovarian reserve and responsiveness or IVF-ET outcome existed among four groups comparable on essential characteristics, except for numerically higher clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate after various tubal surgeries versus no intervention for bilateral oviducts obstruction. Especially, bilateral salpingectomy precursed the statistically highest implantation rate (51.0% versus 28.0%, 39.1%, 30.4%) and numerically best IVF outcome.

CONCLUSION

Tubal surgical procedures have some beneficial effect for improving IVF outcome without significant impact on ovarian reserve or responsiveness. Bilateral salpingectomy appears to be an appropriate procedure before IVF treatment for bilateral salpingitis, especially hydrosalpinx.

[A case of bilateral tubal pregnancy after IVF - ET]

The authors describe a rare case of bilateral tubal pregnancy after IVF. The patient is with secondary infertility. The preceding diagnostic laparoscopy excluded the presence of tubal factor. The results of the spermogram show average to severe form of Oligoasthenozoospermia. Short protocol with GnRH-antagonist was performed and two embryos were transferred on the third day. On the 36th day after the embryo transfer the patient was hospitalized with abdominal pain in the right hypogastric region, clinical and ultrasound indications for hemoperitoneum. Urgent laparotomy was performed followed by salpingectomy dextra due to hemoperitoneum caused by tubal abortion. The examination of the left adnexa reveals uruptured tubal pregnancy in the isthmic part of the tube and the decision for salpingectomy sinistra was taken. Histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy in both tubes. The frequency of some rare forms and localizations of ectopic as well as heterotopic pregnancies increase after ART.

[Laparoscopic hysterectomy -- indications, technic, complications]

In recent decades, interest in laparoscopic gynecological practice increase. This technic applied first as a diagnostic tool in women with infertility. Subsequently starts to be used to perform surgery in small region of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, being increasingly developed and today, it is considered that any gynecological operation can be performed laparoscopically.

En bloc laparoscopic sigmoidectomy, left adnexectomy, small bowel loop and piece of urinary bladder resection for advanced sigmoid tumor

The laparoscopic surgery of colon increasingly replaces the conventional surgery of colon on a global and regional scale. Many randomized studies demonstrate the advantages with regard to the shorter postoperative hospital stay, faster recovery, and identical results of the indexes of survival and frequency of relapses. The en bloc resection in cases of locally advanced colon cancer is the most secure method for achieving of R0 resection . The growth of the tumoral mass towards the adjacent structures manifests with histological tumor invasion in approximately 50% of the cases. The cases of laparoscopic en bloc resection for the treatment of colorectal cancer, which are described in the literature, increase. In this report we present a clinical case of substenotic sigmoid colon cancer and perioperative finding of infiltration towards a small intestinal loop and part of the urinary bladder, as well as towards the left uterine tube and the left adnex. In the case of this patient laparoscopic en bloc resection of the tumor formation was performed according to the so called "laparoscopic no touch technique". Approximately 15-20% of the cases of colorectal cancer are still in T4 stage, with involvement of the adjacent organs (1), despite the advance of the examination methods.

CLINICAL CASE

A 67 year old female was admitted to the hospital for a substenotic sigmoid colon lesion, syndrome of anemia, resulted adenocarcinoma at colonoscopy. Endoscopy showed an endoluminal tumor at 25 cm from the anal margin and preoperative work-up did not evidence any secondary lesions or invasion of other organs.

METHODS

Four abdominal trocars were placed. The laparoscopic exploration of the abdominal cavity showed the presence of a colic mass with suspected invasion of a small bowel loop and part of the urinary bladder, the left uterine tube, and the left ovary. The tumor formation was dissected en bloc with resection of the left uterine tube and ovary, the urinary bladder, and a small bowel loop. Colorectal anastomosis with laparoscopic manual technique was performed. The anastomosis was tested for leak-tightness. The specimen was removed by enlargenemt of the 5 mm. suprapubic trocar.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 285 minutes with blood loss of 300 ml. Patient was discharged on Postoperative Day 5. The histological result verified tumoral invasion towards the urinary bladder, the small bowel, and the ovary. The final staging according to the TNM classification is pT4N0Mx.

CONCLUSION

The en bloc laparoscopic resection for the treatment of sigmoid colon cancer, engaging the adjacent organs, is indicated and feasible, with surgical results, comparable with a conventional surgical intervention at the same volume.

Looking different, feeling different: women's reactions to risk-reducing breast and ovarian surgery

Most studies of quality of life following risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) and mastectomy (RRM) for inherited breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility were conducted before counseling protocols were established and included women at varying times since surgery. This study aimed to overcome these deficiencies and to provide current data on outcomes for this growing group of women. Semi-structured interviews were used to explore the experiences of an Australian cohort of 40 high-risk women 3 years after they underwent RRM and/or RRSO. Data were analyzed using the method of constant comparison. 19/40 women underwent RRSO, 8/40 RRM and 13/40 both procedures. Two themes-looking different and feeling different-captured the psychosocial impact of surgery upon interviewees. All regarded RR surgery as a positive experience and were relieved at having their risks of cancer substantially reduced; however, reducing risk by removing these body parts is not without costs. In addition to relief interviewees also reported experiencing a range of negative emotions and a range of unexpected bodily sensations following surgery and reflected upon both positive and negative changes in their appearance. Women said they had been unprepared for the lack of sensation in reconstructed breasts and/or the severity of menopausal symptoms, which often had a negative impact upon sexuality. At-risk women regard RR surgery as a positive way to manage cancer risk. However, although women who currently undergo RR surgery are informed about its sequelae, few are entirely prepared for the reality of undergoing this procedure. We recommend that women who undergo these procedures should be provided with information supported by psychosocial input before and after RR surgery.

[Related factors associated with pelvic adhesion and its influence on fallopian tube recanalization in infertile patients]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate factors with pelvic adhesions and the effect of different degrees pelvic adhesions on fallopian tube recanalization in infertile patients.

METHODS

Total of 527 infertile patients undergoing hysteroscopy and laparoscopic surgery in Affiliated Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces Logistics College were studied retrospectively. According to the extent of pelvic adhesions, tubal umbrella adhesions and atresia, 377 cases were classified into adhesion groups, including 73 cases in grade I, 221 cases in grade II, 75 cases in grade III and 8 cases in grade IV based on adhesion score. The 150 cases with no obvious pelvic adhesion were matched as control group. Among 8 cases with grade IV ahesion were exluded from ahesion group the relationship between pelvic adhesions and related history, abdominal lesions, tubal patency and the prognosis were studied.

RESULTS

(1) Related factors: the frequency of pelvic adhesion and more than 7 years of infertility of 23.9% (88/369) in adhesion group were significantly higher than 12.0% (18/150) in control groups. (2) HISTORY: compared with the control group (12.7%, 19/150; 28.7%, 43/150; 11.3%, 17/150; 12.0%, 18/150; 17.3%, 26/150), patients with pelvic adhesions present more incidence abortion (23.6%, 87/369), uterine cavity operation (38.2%, 141/369), ectopic pregnancy (20.9%, 77/369), pelvic inflammatory disease (25.5%, 94/369) and abdominopelvic surgery (31.4%, 116/369). (3) Endoscopy exploration: the incidence of hydrosalpinx (24.7%, 91/369), tube distorted (15.7%, 58/369) and salpingostomy (72.9%, 269/369) in adhesion group were higher than those in control group (2.0%, 3/150; 4.0%, 6/150; 12.0%, 18/150), but relatively lower incidence of pelvic endometriosis lesions (5.7%, 21/369) and mesosalpinx cysts (16.3%, 60/369) than those in control group (16.0%, 24/150; 30.0%, 45/150). The rate of proximal tubal recanalization (59.5%, 91/153) in adhesion group was lower than 75.4% (52/69) in control group. However, the rate of distant tubal recanalization of 84.4%, (281/333) in adhesion group and; 13/15 in control group didn't show statistical difference. (4) PROGNOSIS: the rate of ectopic pregnancy of 9.7% (29/299) in adhesion group was significantly higher than 3.1% (4/128) in control group. Among cases with grade III adhesion exhibited the highest rate of ectopic pregnancy (13.0%, 7/54; OR = 4.62, 95%CI: 1.29 - 16.50). (5) Multivariate analysis: it was found that more than two drug abortions (OR = 3.29, 95%CI: 1.34 - 8.07), pelvic and(or) abdominal surgery history (OR = 2.20, 95%CI: 1.35 - 3.57) and pelvic inflammatory disease history (OR = 1.54, 95%CI: 1.21 - 1.97) were risk factors with pelvic adhesions.

CONCLUSION

More than or equal to two drug abortion history, pelvic inflammatory disease and pelvic and abdominal surgery damage were important factors for pelvic adhesions of infertility patients, which may decrease the possibility of proximal tubal recanalization and increase ectopic pregnancy risk.

Breast Cancer Incidence After Risk-Reducing Salpingo-Oophorectomy in BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutation Carriers

Premenopausal risk-reducing salpingo-oophorectomy (RRSO) in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers effectively reduces ovarian cancer risk, but also reduces breast cancer risk. Breast cancer risk reductions up to 50% have been reported for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers, but recent prospective studies were not able to reproduce this finding for BRCA1 mutation carriers. Breast cancer incidence after RRSO was assessed in a consecutive series of 104 BRCA1 and 58 BRCA2 mutation carriers. On the basis of data from our own centre, and assuming a 50% risk reduction through RRSO at premenopausal age, we expected to find 8 breast cancers (range 6-10) in this population for the reported screening period (532 women-years). In 162 carriers with a median age of 41 years at RRSO, 13 incident breast cancers were diagnosed. In BRCA1 mutation carriers, 12 incident breast cancers were found compared with 5 (range 3-6) expected and in BRCA2 mutation carriers 1 breast cancer was found compared with 3 (range 2-5) expected. Breast cancer incidence after premenopausal RRSO is still high, especially in BRCA1 mutation carriers. Previously reported breast cancer risk reductions up to 50% were not confirmed. As a consequence, continued intensive screening for breast cancer is warranted in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers after RRSO.

[Clinical application of tubal reconstruction after laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of the tubal reconstruction after laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation by comparing with simple laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation.

METHODS

Between May 2007 and May 2010, 63 patients with tubal pregnancy underwent laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation and tubal reconstruction in 30 cases (trial group) or simple laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation in 33 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in age, pregnancy time, and position between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The tube patency test and hysterosalpingography (HSG) were carried out to evaluate the efficacy.

RESULTS

The operation was successfully completed in 29 cases of trial group; 1 case had too severe adhesion to receive re-anastomosis and was excluded. The tube patency test showed that the tube was patency in 26 cases of trial group and in 2 cases of control group during operation, showing significant difference (Z = 5.86, P = 0.00); it was patency in 25 cases of trial group and in 26 cases of control group at 1 month after operation, showing no significant difference (Z = 0.48, P = 0.63). HSG examination showed tube was patency in 25 cases of trial group and in 2 cases of control group at 2 months after operation, showing significant difference (Z = 5.35, P = 0.00). After 24 months, intrauterine pregnancy of trial group (n = 25, 86.20%) was significantly higher than that of control group (n = 19, 57.58%) (chi2 = 7.72, P = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The reconstruction after laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation can significantly increase the intrauterine pregnancy rate, and it is better than simple laparoscopic tubal pregnancy operation.

[Optical introscopy is a new diagnostic technique in reproductive medicine]

The WHO classification's concept "infertility of unclear genesis" is due to a number of circumstances. On the one hand, this is a preponderance of the subtle forms of diseases, which are a cause of female infertility, including the subclinical forms of small pelvic inflammatory diseases (SPID). On the other hand, this is an imperfection of existing diagnostic methods. Laparoscopy considered to be the gold standard demonstrates a not very high efficiency in diagnosing SPID because of its low sensitivity. In practice, laparoscopic diagnosis of SPID is combined with ultrasound study, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance tomography. This paper proposes to use optical coherent tomography (OCT) in addition to laparoscopy. OCT makes it possible to noninvasively in real time obtain information on the internal structure of biological tissues with a resolution of 10-15 pm at a depth of at least 2 mm. Removable endoscopic probes make OCT compatible with standard endoscopic studies. The use of OCT during laparoscopy yielded optical images of the internal structure of the fallopian tube wall in different conditions: unaltered fallopian tubes; an acute inflammatory process with pronounced changes; minimal manifestations of fallopian tube inflammatory changes. Based on the comparative analysis of OCT data and histological findings, the authors elaborated OCT criteria for health and disease. A blind test indicated the high diagnostic efficacy of the technique. The additional processing of images makes it possible to objectify the data and to automate the optical introscopic technique proposed by the authors.

The role of the fallopian tube in ovarian cancer

High-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) is the most common and lethal subtype of ovarian cancer. Research over the past decade has strongly suggested that "ovarian" HGSC arises in the epithelium of the distal fallopian tube, with serous tubal intraepithelial carcinomas (STICs) being detected in 5-10% of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers undergoing risk-reducing surgery and up to 60% of unselected women with pelvic HGSC. The natural history, clinical significance, and prevalence of STICs in the general population (ie, women without cancer and not at an increased genetic risk) are incompletely understood, but anecdotal evidence suggests that these lesions have the ability to shed cells with metastatic potential into the peritoneal cavity very early on. Removal of the fallopian tube (salpingectomy) in both the average and high-risk populations could therefore prevent HGSC, by eliminating the site of initiation and interrupting spread of potentially cancerous cells to the ovarian/peritoneal surfaces. Salpingectomy may also reduce the incidence of the 2 next most common subtypes, endometrioid and clear cell carcinoma, by blocking the passageway linking the lower genital tract to the peritoneal cavity that enables ascension of endometrium and factors that induce local inflammation. The implementation of salpingectomy therefore promises to significantly impact ovarian cancer incidence and outcomes.

Contemporary management of endometrial cancer

The treatment of endometrial cancer has changed substantially in the past decade with the introduction of a new staging system and surgical approaches accompanied by novel adjuvant therapies. Primary surgical treatment is the mainstay of therapy but the effectiveness and extent of lymphadenectomy has been challenged, and its acceptance as a routine procedure varies by country. The role of radiation has evolved and chemotherapy has been incorporated, either alone or combined with radiation, to treat the many patients in whom cancer recurs because of a tumour outside the originally radiated pelvic and lower abdominal area. Use of traditional adjuvant chemotherapeutics has been challenged in clinical trials of new agents with improved side-effect profiles. Novel agents and targeted therapies are being investigated. Research into genetic susceptibility to endometrial cancer and the potential genetic aberrations that might translate into therapeutic interventions continues to increase. Substantial global variability in the treatment of endometrial cancer has led to examination of long-accepted norms, which has resulted in rapidly changing standards. International cooperation in clinical trials will hasten progress in treatment of this ubiquitous cancer.

Benign metastasising leiomyoma after hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy

Benign metastasising leiomyomatosis is a rare condition affecting women in the reproductive age-group with a history of uterine fibroids, who have undergone treatment by myomectomy or hysterectomy. It is characterised by development of multiple, indolent, smooth muscle tumours outside the uterus, most commonly in the lungs, and manifests several years after the uterine surgery. We describe the case of a young woman, who had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy for multiple fibroids and a right ovarian cyst. After 5 years of being on oestrogen replacement therapy, she was detected to have benign metastasising leiomyoma, for which an additional laparotomy was performed. At laparotomy, removal of the pelvic mass was associated with several complications. The metastatic lesions in the lung responded well to progestogens (megestrol acetate) alone as evidenced by regression of the lesions detected at follow-up after 6 months and 1 year.

Long-term outcomes of radical and conservative surgery for late diagnosed tubal pregnancies

OBJECTIVE

To investigate long-term postoperative outcomes of conservative and radical surgery in ectopic tubal pregnancies, and evaluate the results of these techniques.

METHODS

A total of 145 patients that operated for tubal pregnancy between January 2006 and January 2009 were reviewed. Data on patient age, reproductive and surgical history history of ectopic pregnancies, serum hCG levels at the time of diagnosis and intraoperative observation were retrospectively obtained from hospital records. Telephone interviews were used to obtain information about exact postoperative time interval in which the patients were trying to get pregnant, and the time when they spontaneously became pregnant.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in cumulative spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy rate for a 2-year of conception period subsequent to conservative (64.3%) and radical (58.3%) surgery (p = 0.636). During the same time interval, the rates of development of ectopic pregnancy for the conservative and radical surgery groups were 17.9% and 4.2%, respectively (p = 0.093). The patients who developed ectopic pregnancy after conservative surgery had significantly higher levels of serum hCG levels (7413 +/- 3155 IU/L) compared with those of patients who not-developed ectopic pregnancy (3436 +/- 2668 IU/L) (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

In late-diagnosed cases with higher serum hCG levels, conservative treatment should not be the first choice. Indeed, our results suggested that the cumulative pregnancy rates are not significantly higher and the risk of ectopic pregnancy recurrence may be increased with conservative surgery in late tubal pregnancies.

[Isolated fallopian tube torsion in a teenager--a case report]

Adnexal torsion belongs to the group of urgent cases in gynecology Early diagnosis and management can prevent the loss of an ovary and the Fallopian tube. The case of the 14.5-year-old girl was described by the authors. The symptoms were moderate and caused diagnostics problems. During clinical assessment current literature knowledge, differentiation and treatment of the adnexa were taken into account.

[Ultrasound and epidemiological features of ectopic pregnancy in a suburb of Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire)]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to describe current ultrasound and epidemiological features of ectopic pregnancy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was carried out over a 24-month period (February 2006 to January 2008) at Nanglé Medical Clinic, i.e., a private clinic located in Abidjan's Yopougon suburb.

RESULTS

A total of 32 cases of ectopic pregnancy were discovered by suprapubic and/or endovaginal ultrasound scan. The estimated frequency of ectopic pregnancy was 1.7%. Mean patient age was 26.2 years. The main risk factors were prior history of abortion (32%) and adnexal infection (20%). Most patients (52.5%) were nulliparous. The most frequent indication for ultrasound scan was metrorrhagia. Diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy was made at the ruptured stage in 65.6% of cases and nonruptured stage in 34.4%. The presenting lesions was hematosalpinx in 40.6% of cases and embryonate ectopic gestational sac in 31.3%. Salpingectomy and salpingorrhaphy were successful in 65.6% and 34.4% of cases respectivlely.

CONCLUSION

In Abidjan, ectopic pregnancy involves young nulliparous women with a prior history of abortion and adnexal infection. Ultrasound allowed early diagnosis and, consequently, tube preservation in 34.4% of cases.

[Is there a real place for robotics in proximal tubal surgery?]

Tubal surgery requires a fine gesture. Its complexity, the difficulty of learning, the low recognition at the time of T2A and the success of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) could have announced the obituary of this surgery. However, in well-trained hands, tubal surgery avoids unnecessary ARTs and even allows pregnancies when medical technology fails. In this context, it is legitimate to ask whether the contribution of new technologies in the operating theatre, such as robotic surgery, can lead to an easy realization of microsurgery on a particularly complex portion of Fallopian tubes: the proximal segment.

Renaissance of surgical recanalization for proximal fallopian tubal occlusion: falloposcopic tuboplasty as a promising therapeutic option in tubal infertility

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical effectiveness of falloposcopic tuboplasty in tubal infertility.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3).

SETTING

Infertility clinic.

PATIENTS

Three hundred forty-five infertile patients (≥2y) with a diagnosis of proximal tubal occlusion, either bilateral or unilateral, between January 2005 and January 2011.

INTERVENTION

Falloposcopic tuboplasty.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Medical records for 345 patients with a diagnosis of proximal tubal occlusion were reviewed. Of the 345 patients, 304 underwent falloposcopic tuboplasty, with successful recanalization achieved in 248 patients (81.6%). Ninety-one of the 304 patients (29.9%) became pregnant. Of these, 18 patients (19.8%) miscarried, and 4 (4.4%) had ectopic pregnancies in the recanalized tube. At 1-, 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-up, the cumulative probability of conception was 23.1%, 50.6%, 73.6%, and 82.4%, respectively. Related complications included postsurgical infection (0.3%), perforation of the fallopian tube (1.3%), and accidental breakage of the catheter (4.9%) or the falloposcope (1.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Falloposcopic tuboplasty is safe and effective for treatment of tubal infertility. The pregnancy rate after falloposcopic tuboplasty is comparable to that after in vitro fertilization, which suggests that it can be an alternative to in vitro fertilization in women with tubal infertility.

Factors associated with altered long-term well-being after prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy among women at increased hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (PBSO) might alter several components of well-being, such as sexual functioning and endocrine symptoms, in women at high risk for hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer, compared with the general population. We searched for factors associated with altered long-term well-being in this population (lower quality of life [QOL], altered sexual functioning, greater anxiety, more endocrine symptoms).

METHODS

All high-risk women who had undergone PBSO during the past 15 years in a single cancer center were contacted by mail. Upon acceptance, they were sent five questionnaires: (a) general social questions, (b) the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire C30, (c) Sexual Activity Questionnaire, (d) Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy - Endocrine Symptom, and (5) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Logistic analyses were used to identify factors associated with altered results. Because of multiple testing, only p-values ≤ .01 were considered significant.

RESULTS

One hundred twelve of 175 women (64%) returned the completed questionnaires at a mean duration (standard deviation) of 6.0 (5.1) years after PBSO. QOL was positively influenced by two baseline factors: a high educational level and occupying an executive position. However, younger age at PBSO was associated with lower social functioning and greater anxiety. At the time of the study, practicing a sport and the avoidance of weight gain (≥10%) were highly related to QOL, sexual pleasure, endocrine symptoms, and anxiety in the univariate analysis and predictive of better QOL and lower anxiety in the multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Younger women and women with a low educational level and no occupation appear to be at higher risk for altered long-term well-being. After surgery, practicing a sport and stable weight may help maintain overall well-being.

Intrauterine pregnancy after laparoscopic tubal sterilization with bipolar electrocoagulation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Although ectopic pregnancies, nonviable missed abortions or blighted ova may occur subsequent to female sterilization, intrauterine pregnancy has not been reported. The sterilization failure risk persists for years after the procedure and varies by operator technique, method of tubal occlusion and female age.

CASE

A viable, 8-week intrauterine pregnancy developed in a 36-year-old woman, gravidity 3, parity 2, five years after laparoscopic tubal sterilization.

CONCLUSION

The possible mechanisms for a pregnancy after tubal sterilization may be spontaneous reanastomosis or fistula formation or a viable endosalpinx caused by the failure of electrocoagulation. Operator failure may occur when the occluding device is placed on the round ligaments. In this case study, the pregnancy was most likely related to a possible fistula formation which could have developed over the years following surgery.

Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as fertility-sparing surgery for borderline ovarian tumors

BACKGROUND

To investigate recurrence rates and fertility outcomes of patients with borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) treated with fertility-sparing surgery.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. All women with BOTs from 2000 to 2006 were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were compared among groups that underwent radical, unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or ovarian cystectomy. The effects of clinical characteristics on recurrence were analyzed by independent t test, chi-square test, and Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTS

After a mean follow-up period of 56.5 months, all 61 patients were alive. Seven (11.5%) had developed disease recurrence, and all were in the fertility-sparing group. Of these, five were in the cystectomy-only group and two in the unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy group. There was significant difference in tumor recurrence rates between the two groups (hazard ratio: 0.26, 95% confidence interval: 0.11-0.61). Nine pregnancies were achieved in six women, resulting in five deliveries

CONCLUSION

Fertility-sparing surgery is an acceptable and safe option for women with BOTs who wish to preserve fertility. Unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy must be considered as the first choice.

Clinical experience with contrast infusion sonography as an Essure confirmation test

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical experience, including the feasibility, safety, compliance, and efficacy, of contrast infusion sonography as an Essure (Conceptus Inc, Mountain View, CA) confirmation test.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review and telephone survey were conducted at an academic multispecialty group. The study participants were women with Essure intervention who underwent contrast infusion sonography, transvaginal sonography, and hysterosalpingography as Essure confirmation tests. The main outcome measures included the feasibility, safety, compliance, and efficacy of contrast infusion sonography as a first-line Essure confirmation test.

RESULTS

A total of 118 women had successful bilateral Essure placement. Of the 63 who consented to contrast infusion sonography, 53 (84.1%) had proper bilateral placement and tubal occlusion and were encouraged to rely on Essure. Four were suspected of having unilateral tubal patency; hysterosalpingography in 2 confirmed bilateral tubal occlusion, and 2 were noncompliant with second-line hysterosalpingography. Three patients suspected of having unsatisfactory or uncertain placement on initial transvaginal sonography were encouraged to undergo hysterosalpingography in lieu of contrast infusion sonography, which confirmed unsatisfactory placement in 2 and proper placement and occlusion in 1. Three contrast infusion sonographic procedures could not be completed because of technical issues; therefore, contrast infusion sonography was feasible in 95.2% of the patients (60 of 63). No notable adverse events occurred. Only 17 patients were noncompliant with any confirmation test, yielding an overall compliance rate of 86% (101 of 118). No pregnancies occurred during 669 woman-months of follow-up. The average reimbursement for contrast infusion sonography was US$251.78.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary clinical data suggest that contrast infusion sonography is a feasible, safe, and accurate Essure confirmation test, which is well accepted by patients.

Isloated tubal torsion in a fourteen year old girl

Isolated torsion of fallopian tube is a rare event and often difficult to diagnose. This report describes such a condition in a patient who presented with pain lower abdomen and underwent laproscopy primarily by surgeons with the suspicion of appendicitis but eventually ended up in right salpingectomy because of isolated right tubal torsion. The issue of future fertility was obviously considered but unfortunately the tube could not be preserved because of necrosis and haemorrhage inside it. Tubal torsion should however be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of lower abdominal pain in women of all ages.

Choice of management of southern Chinese BRCA mutation carriers

BACKGROUND

Mutations in the BRCA genes confer greater risk of developing breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. Families carrying the mutation can have intensive surveillance and take preventative measures. This is the first report on the uptake of such interventions in Chinese mutation carriers residing in Asia.

METHODS

Breast and ovarian cancer index patients and family members referred for genetic counselling and testing who are found to carry the BRCA mutations were included in this multicenter study.

RESULTS

A total of 31 patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer were found to carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations. Forty-one tested family members also carried the mutations. Of the females, 85.7% of the index patients opted for breast surveillance and 23.8% for prophylactic mastectomy. Of the family members, 82.4% chose breast surveillance and 17.7% had prophylactic mastectomy. The majority of index patients and family members preferred ovarian surveillance (84 and 82.4%). Amongst the index patients, 32% decided for prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy; 17.6% of the family members who did not have history of ovarian cancer decided to have prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy. All male index patients agreed to breast and prostate surveillance, including breast clinical examination and PSA monitoring. For those male family members found to be BRCA mutation carriers, 56.3% agreed to have breast surveillance and 66.7% agreed to have prostate surveillance. No index patient or family member agreed to any form of chemoprevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese BRCA mutation carriers have a higher uptake of cancer surveillance than prophylactic surgery and have a lack of interest in the use of chemoprevention drugs.

Tubal torsion during pregnancy--case report

Tubal torsion is a very rare event, especially in pregnancy. We present a case of a patient of 20 weeks gestation that was admitted to our clinic with acute abdomen. Radiological and biochemical investigations did not reveal the cause of abdominal pain which resulted in laparatomic exploration. During the operation, the paratubal cystic mass, previously explored by ultrasonographic examination, and the left fallopian tube were found twisted among themselves. Salpingectomy was performed due to the necrotic appearance of the fallopian tube.

Paclitaxel and cisplatin chemotherapy for ovarian cancer during pregnancy: case report and review of the literature

The safety of chemotherapy during pregnancy is debatable. We present a case of advanced ovarian cancer, diagnosed at week 28 of gestational age, treated with 2 cycles of paclitaxel/cisplatin (TC) chemotherapy during pregnancy, with no serious toxicity. At week 34, the patient underwent a caesarean section and delivered a healthy girl. Four additional cycles of TC were administered. Three months after completing chemotherapy, the patient developed abdominal progression and subsequently a huge metastatic cystic mass in the brain. Despite subsequent therapies, the patient died of progressive disease 35 months after the diagnosis. The infant had normal growth and development by 73 months of her age. This is another reported case of ovarian cancer diagnosed during the second trimester of the pregnancy treated with TC chemotherapy without apparent teratogenic effect.

Laparoscopic total fallopian tube removal at the time of bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in BRCA2 positive women

About 10% of all serous ovarian cancer has BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations. Recent data showed that following the SEE FIM protocol it is possible to evidence more fimbriae cancers. Due to those studies, fallopian tube cancer in recent years has become the predominant site of cancer in BRCA1 and/or 2 mutation carriers. The pathological study of the fallopian tube is not complete during salpingo-oophorectomy because a small part (intramural site) is situated inside the uterus. In this case report we demonstrate how it is possible to remove the tubes entirely for pathological analysis without hysterectomy by laparoscopic surgery.

[Prevention of the invasion of malignant cells of gynecologic tumors during surgery]

OBJECTIVE

In experiments performed on Vistar rats with Walker tumors, F. Luksch observed transfer of malignant cells during different manipulations into the blood circulation of the animals. During gynecologic surgery of a choriocarcinoma and of an ovarian carcinoma Luksch and Cernoch prooved trace of malignant cells within the blood circulation related to the manipulation of tumors during surgery. Therefore, as prevention of the metastazing of tumor cells, they proposed to ligate ampular portions of oviducts and hypogastric vessels as the first step of the radical surgeries.

METHODS

Our observation is based on radical surgeries of 42 patients with cervical uterine carcinomas at the stage II.a (T2, N0, M0). In the first group 13 cases the ligature of oviducts and hypogastric vessels was performed at the start of the surgery. In the second group of 29 patients were operated without ligatures.

RESULTS

After five years in the group of 13 ligated patients 10 patients (77%) survived. In the group of 29 unligated patients only 7 (24%) were alive. The results proove substantial differences.

CONCLUSION

Although the members are small, there is doubt, that the ligation of oviducts and hypogastric vessels prior radical surgeries in patients affected by malignant gynecologic tumors substantially reduces metastazing of malignant cells nad improve the five years survival of surgically treated patients with gynecologic malignant tumors.

Suture management technique for tubotubo anastomosis of the fallopian tube

The modified suspension technique for reanastomosis of the fallopian tube enables safer and more accurate placement of sutures at the anastomotic site. For all of the primary sutures, this technique enables careful inspection of the tissue layers prior to final approximation of the two tubal segments, thereby significantly reducing the possibilities of technical errors, such as posterior wall inclusion. This approach does not require the use of approximating clamps, and is an organized, well-staged approach.