Accurate identification and surgical correction of type IIb uterine malformation using synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an effective approach for accurate identification and treatment of type IIb uterine malformation using synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

DESIGN

Step-by-step video explanation of the surgical procedure with still pictures and surgical video clips to demonstrate the detailed technique. The patient provided written informed consent for video and data collection for research purposes. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S)

A 32-year-old young woman diagnosed with a right unicornuate uterus with a left rudimentary horn, with a 2-year history of dysmenorrhea.

INTERVENTION(S)

First, the patient was diagnosed with a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging before the surgery. During surgery, synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy coupled with a light test was performed to make a definite identification of the type IIb uterine malformation. During treatment of the type IIb uterine malformation, there were two key steps: resected the rudimentary horn and reserved more myometrial tissue to reduce the risk of uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy; and corrected the uterus to prevent future uterine prolapse. For the suture technique, suturing during resection was performed instead of suturing after complete resection to reduce the intraoperative bleeding as much as possible. Furthermore, tubal catheterization and hydrotubation under hysteroscopy monitoring were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Value and feasibility of synchronized hysteroscopic and laparoscopic identification and treatment of the type IIb uterine malformation.

RESULT(S)

The total operation time was 89 minutes. The postoperative pathological findings revealed that the endometrium was found in the rudimentary horn. No dysmenorrhea was found during follow-up. At 26 months after the operation, the patient became pregnant naturally. Cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks + 2 days owing to premature rupture of the membranes.

CONCLUSION(S)

For the accurate identification and management of a type IIb uterine malformation, synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is an effective and feasible method.

Association between Endometrial Polyps and Chronic Endometritis: Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift in the Pathophysiology of Endometrial Polyps in Pre-Menopausal Women? Results of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic endometritis (CE) and endometrial polyps (EPs) are common conditions in reproductive age women. CE is an infectious disorder of the endometrium characterized by signs of chronic inflammation at hysteroscopic and histological analyses. EPs are abnormal endometrial growths containing glands, stroma and blood vessels projecting from the lining of the uterus. During the last years, different authors have investigated the correlation between CE and EPs, with controversial results. The aim of this study was to summarize available evidence on the potential correlation between CE and EPs.

DESIGN

Systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

Observational-studies were identified by searching electronic databases from their inception to September 2021. Only studies on pre-menopausal women were included. Statistical analysis was performed using MedCalc 16.4.3 (Ostend, Belgium) and Review Manager version 5.3 (Nordic Cochrane Centre, Cochrane Collaboration). The summary measures were reported as pooled proportion or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome was to evaluate the prevalence of CE in women with EPs. The secondary outcome was to determine the prevalence of CD-138-positive EPs among EPs. Tertiary outcomes were to compare the prevalence of CE in women with EPs versus women with a non-polypoid endometrium and to compare the prevalence of CE in women with a single EP versus women with multiple EPs.

RESULTS

Eight observational studies (n = 3225 patients) were included in quantitative synthesis. Pooled prevalence of CE among women with EPs was 51.35% (95% CI, 27.24-75.13%). Pooled proportion of CD-138-positive EPs among EPs was 70.73% (95% CI, 55.73-83.68%). Women with EPs showed higher prevalence of CE compared to women without EPs (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.59-5.95). Women with ≥3 EPs had higher prevalence of CE then women with a single EP (OR 3.43, 95% CI 1.83-6.46).

CONCLUSIONS

In pre-menopausal women, CE and EPs may have a dependent relationship and may represent two consequent steps of a common pathological process.

Endometrial osseous metaplasia complicated by secondary infertility: a case report

Endometrial osseous metaplasia is a rare condition in which there is abnormal presence of bone in the endometrium. There is paucity of reported cases of this pathological condition in Africa and it is usually overlooked as a cause of infertility. Pathogenesis is not well understood but mostly occurs following pregnancy. Pathology may be suspected on ultrasound scan where a linear echogenic substance is seen in the endometrium but diagnosis is confirmed by and treated with hysteroscopy. We present a case of a 43-year-old woman with 2 previous miscarriages who presented with secondary infertility. She had an ultrasound scan done which revealed features suggestive of an intra-uterine copper device. She subsequently had hysteroscopy and a bone-like foreign body was found in the endometrium which was removed with the aid of a grasper and later sent for histopathological evaluation for which a subsequent diagnosis of endometrial osseous metaplasia was made. Indeed, endometrial intraosseous metaplasia should be considered an important differential cause of secondary infertility especially in patients with history of previous miscarriage. Confirmatory diagnosis can be made through hysteroscopy and/or histopathologically although the former is now used.

Comparative effectiveness of laparoscopic versus hysteroscopic approach in patients with previous cesarean scar defect: a retrospective cohort study

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and obstetric outcomes of laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery in patients with previous cesarean scar defect (PCSD).

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis was performed on women who underwent laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery for PCSD from 2016 to 2019 at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Among these participants, 13 underwent laparoscopic surgery and 33 received hysteroscopic surgery.

Results

Significant differences were displayed in the operative times (156.9±42.3 vs. 40.7±38.9 min, P<0.05), intra-operative blood loss (80.0±61.0 vs. 17.9±51.2 mL, P<0.05), hospital stay (7.1±1.6 vs. 4.1±2.1 days, P<0.05), postoperative hospital stay (4.3±0.8 vs. 1.5±1.1 days, P<0.05), and hospitalization expenses (22,240.3±249.9 vs. 9,547.1±4,747.2 yuan, P<0.05) between the laparoscopic surgery and hysteroscopic group. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of clinical efficacy between the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery group. A total of 2 of the 4 patients in the laparoscopic surgery group, and 9 of 11 patients in the hysteroscopic surgery group delivered successfully. All 2 participants in the laparoscopic surgery group and 2 participants in the hysteroscopic surgery group were diagnosed with placenta previa. No uterine rupture was reported in our study.

Conclusions

Both laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgery are safe and effective treatments for PCSD patients, and hysteroscopic surgery is more efficient for PCSD patients.

Hysteroscopic management of retained products of conception: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The management of retained products of conception (RPOC) is not well standardised due to a lack of evidence-based guidelines. Hysteroscopic resection has been proven to be safe and is hypothesised to have lower risk than dilation and curettage, but data comparing the two directly are limited.

AIM

The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes for hysteroscopic resection for the management of RPOC in comparison to current standard management techniques.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted in September 2019 using MEDLINE, Scopus, The Cochrane Library and Web of Science. The key search terms were 'hysteroscopy'/'hysteroscopic resection' and 'retained products of conception'/'RPOC'. Both prospective and retrospective studies were included. A total of 19 studies were included (n = 2314). Due to a critical risk of bias in all studies with a comparison arm, a meta-analysis was not performed. Meta-analysis techniques were still used to provide summary estimates for primary and secondary outcomes, including conception rate, time to conception, live birth rate, intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), surgical complications and future pregnancy complications.

RESULTS

The overall conception rate for hysteroscopic resection was 81.1% (live birth rate 87.3%) compared to 65.4% for non-hysteroscopic management (live birth rate 93.8%). After hysteroscopic resection the overall complication rate was 1.9% and the IUA rate was 6.8%.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the poor quality and overall scarcity of comparative data, the question whether hysteroscopic resection is superior to traditional curettage for the management of RPOC remains unanswered. This review provides summary data, which will enable the design of adequately powered future studies.

The Oncology Safety of Diagnostic Hysteroscopy in Early-Stage Endometrial Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Hysteroscopy is becoming a common method for the diagnosis of uterine disorders in developed countries. However, hysteroscopy might worsen the prognosis of endometrial cancer because it could cause cancer dissemination into the peritoneal cavity through the fallopian tubes. Objective: The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the oncological safety of hysteroscopy for early-stage endometrial cancer.

Search Strategy

Eligible studies were obtained from PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library up to September 22, 2020.

Selection Criteria

Studies which compared the oncological safety of hysteroscopy with other methods were included.

Data Collection and Analysis

A total of 3980 patients were included in this study, of whom1357 patients had undergone hysteroscopy and2623 had not.

Main Results

There was no significant association between hysteroscopy and worse prognosis in early-stage endometrial cancer [disease-free survival: log risk ratio(logRR) -0.22; 95% confidence interval (CI), -0.54 to 0.1; p=0.97; overall survival: logRR 0.03; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.11; p=0.02; disease-specific survival: logRR 0.03; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.10; p=0.00].

Conclusion

This study suggests that hysteroscopy is a safe diagnostic and treatment method, and has no significant effect on the prognosis of early-stage endometrial cancer.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020193696.

OHVIRA syndrome pre-operatively diagnosed using vaginoscopy and hysteroscopy: A case report

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare Mullerian duct anomaly. Cases with pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis have been reported, which may influence fertility or the quality of life of patients; therefore, an accurate and early diagnosis is essential. The present study reports the case of patient (25-year-old female, gravida 0 para 0) with OHVIRA syndrome. Magnetic resonance imaging and a computed tomography scan revealed uterus didelphys and right renal agenesis. An opening was found on the vaginal septum during the menstrual period. Upon diagnostic vaginoscopy and hysteroscopy through the opening, the right vaginal cavity was enclosed, and the right uterine cervix and cavity were normal. The patient was diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome. Her vaginal septum was surgically removed under direct visualization and the pathological findings of the resected septum revealed a benign squamous epithelium. The post-operative course was uneventful and restenosis of the vagina was not observed. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the technique, diagnostic vaginoscopy and hysteroscopy, is minimally invasive and is sufficient for the diagnosis of incomplete vaginal obstruction-type OHVIRA syndrome.

Hysteroscopic findings after laparoscopic and open myomectomy with or without uterine cavity breach: historical cohort study

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate hysteroscopic findings after laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy with a focus on the presence of postoperative intrauterine adhesions in groups of patients with and without perioperative uterine cavity breach (UCB).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a historical cohort study. Our database was searched to identify patients with UCB during myomectomy and matched the same number of patients after myomectomy without UCB to create a control group. All relevant data were retrieved from our medical records. In both groups, the results of follow-up hysteroscopy were analyzed.

RESULTS

Low prevalence of intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy was observed in only 3.5% of the 170 patients in our samples. No significant difference in the occurrence of synechiae between the patients with and without UCB was found (2 vs. 4, RR 0.5, 95% CI 0.1-2.7, p = .341), nor was the difference in other hysteroscopic findings. Follow-up hysteroscopy was performed with slender optics and expandable casing system without need of any anesthesia in 87.1% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our findings, the prevalence of post-myomectomy intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy is low. Our study did not demonstrate that UCB during myomectomy is a risk factor for the formation of intrauterine synechiae.

Fertility-Sparing Treatment of Patients with Endometrial Cancer: A Review of the Literature

Endometrial cancer (EC) is currently the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in developed countries. Although it is more common in postmenopausal women, it may affect up to 25% in the premenopausal age and 3–5% under the age of 40 years. Furthermore, in the last decades a significant shift to pregnancy at older maternal ages, particularly in resource-rich countries, has been observed. Therefore, in this scenario fertility-sparing alternatives should be discussed with patients affected by EC. This study summarizes available literature on fertility-sparing management of patients affected by EC, focusing on the oncologic and reproductive outcomes. A systematic computerized search of the literature was performed in two electronic databases (PubMed and MEDLINE) in order to identify relevant articles to be included for the purpose of this systematic review. On the basis of available evidence, fertility-sparing alternatives are oral progestins alone or in combination with other drugs, levonorgestrel intrauterine system and hysteroscopic resection in association with progestin therapies. These strategies seem feasible and safe for young patients with G1 endometrioid EC limited to the endometrium. However, there is a lack of high-quality evidence on the efficacy and safety of fertility-sparing treatments and future well-designed studies are required.

Efficacy and safety of remimazolam tosylate in hysteroscopy: A randomized, single-blind, parallel controlled trial

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE

To compare the effectiveness and safety of remimazolam tosylate and propofol for hysteroscopy.

METHODS

From November 2020 to June 2021, a total of 90 patients who underwent hysteroscopy were prospectively enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups: propofol group (group A), low-dose remimazolam tosylate group (group B), and high-dose remimazolam tosylate group (group C), with 30 cases in each group. All cases received intravenous sufentanil 0.1ug/kg for analgesic preconditioning. Patients in group A were given 2 mg/kg propofol intravenously, and maintained at a rate of 5 mg/kg/h. Patients in groups B and C were given intravenous remimazolam tosylate 0.25 mg/kg. Group B was maintained with remimazolam tosylate at a rate of 0.48 mg/kg/h, while group C was at a rate of 0.6 mg/kg/h. The changes of heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) were recorded after admission (T0), 1 min after anaesthesia (T1), dilation of the uterine cavity (T2), and the end of hysteroscopy (T3). In addition, Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation Scale (OAA/S) at 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min after hysteroscopy, the incidence of adverse events, and the time from the end of the hysteroscopy to reach the discharge standard, were recorded.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The success rate of sedation in each group was 100%. After administration, the adverse event incidence in group A was significantly higher than that in groups B and C (p < 0.05, respectively). Compared with propofol, remimazolam tosylate did not cause injection pain, had less impact on haemodynamics and caused less respiratory depression.

WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION

Remimazolam tosylate and propofol have similar success rates for painless hysteroscopy, and both can provide safe and effective sedation. The safety of remimazolam tosylate for hysteroscopy appears to be better than that of propofol.

Hysteroscopy as a Primary Tool in Exploration and Treatment of Infertility: Single Center Experience in Western Romania

(1) Background: Infertility is a disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Intrauterine lesions are common in infertile women, hysteroscopy being considered the gold standard for assessing them, even if in routine clinical practice indirect imaging techniques are the first-line investigative tools. The aim of the study was to evaluate hysteroscopic findings among women with unexplained infertility and to analyze fertility outcomes after operative hysteroscopy; (2) Methods: a retrospective cohort study was conducted among 198 women with infertility that had undergone hysteroscopy as the first step of their infertility workup. (3) Results: The median age of the participants was 34 years, 67.7% of them being diagnosed with primary infertility. The most common abnormalities were endometrial polyps, uterine synechiae and uterine fibroids. In addition, pregnancy rates were 23.1% after hysteroscopic polypectomy, 11.1% after hysteroscopic myomectomy and 23.8% after uterine synechiae resection; (4) Conclusions: Endometrial polyps were the most common uterine abnormality found in women with infertility. Hysteroscopic interventions appeared to increase pregnancy rates and outcomes among these women.

"What you see is what you get" abnormal endometrial sonographic findings are sufficient for direct surgical hysteroscopy: Retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the possibility of referring women with uterine polyps larger than 1.5 cm directly to surgical hysteroscopy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all women referred to a university-affiliated tertiary medical center for hysteroscopy, with the diagnosis of endometrial polyp, from 01/2013 to 05/2016. Women were referred for surgical hysteroscopy based on TVUS findings. PPV of TVUS for detecting intrauterine polyps was evaluated relating to pathology as gold standard, with sub-group analysis relating to polyp size and other parameters.

RESULTS

We selected 1.5 cm as a cutoff size for subgroup analysis of endometrial polyps. PPV of TVUS for the entire cohort of 295 cases eligible for analysis, was 79.3%. TVUS describing polyps ≥1.5 cm had PPV of 92.1%, higher than the PPV for smaller polyps. Among post-menopausal women in this group, PPV was as high as 96.2%. Use of doppler or saline was found to improve PPV in the entire cohort. Indication for performing TVUS did not affect the PPV.

CONCLUSION

TVUS describing polyps ≥1.5 cm may suffice for direct referral of women to surgical hysteroscopy. A personalized approach based on the initial diagnosis may avoid unnecessary invasive procedures for patients.

Endometrial polyps with increased plasma cells are associated with chronic endometritis in infertility patients: Hysteroscopic findings and post-polypectomy pregnancy rates

PURPOSE

The relationship between endometrial polyps (EPs), chronic endometritis (CE), hysteroscopic findings, and antimicrobial in infertility patients was determined.

METHODS

We retrospectively enrolled 115 infertility patients with suspected EPs who underwent office hysteroscopy. Patients were divided into 3 groups: 38 with increased plasma cells in EPs (group 1); 31 without increased plasma cells in EPs (group 2); and 46 without EPs (group 3). The 3 groups underwent hysteroscopy with or without polypectomies, and immediately thereafter, an endometrial aspiration biopsy (EAB) was performed. CE was diagnosed based on plasma cell infiltration in the non-polypoid endometrium obtained by EAB.

RESULTS

The percentage of CE was 68.4%, 32.2%, and 28.3% in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CE was more frequent in group 1 than group 2 or 3 (P = .01 and P = .002, respectively). The number of polyps was higher in group 1 than group 2. After adjustment for age and assisted reproductive technology, antibiotic therapy was not associated with pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.05-3.57) in patients with EPs and CE.

CONCLUSIONS

Group 1 was associated with CE, and hysteroscopic findings were different from group 2. Antibiotic therapy after polypectomy for EPs with CE may not always be necessary.

Uterine adhesion: Is luteal phase prior to follicular phase in uterine adhesiolysis?

To compare the patients' outcomes of Asherman syndrome who underwent uterine adhesiolysis in luteal phase or follicular phase.A retrospective cohort study.A tertiary hospital in China.Four hundred sixty-four women suffered intrauterine adhesion who underwent monopolar adhesiolysis from March 2014 to March 2017 were analyzed. One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent operations in follicular phase (OFP) and 286 underwent operations in luteal phase (OLP).Hormone therapy was accompanied with an intrauterine device and a second-look hysteroscopy was performed postoperatively.Endometrial thickness in women was analyzed by a transvaginal 3-dimensional ultrasound examination. Re-adhesion was confirmed by a second-look hysteroscopy 3 months after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Pregnancy rate was acquired by questionnaires 3 months after a second-look hysteroscopy.OLP has advantages with thicker luteal endometrium (P = .001), higher pregnancy rates (P < .001), and lower re-adhesion rates (P = 0015) compared to these values of OFP.For Asherman syndrome, our study showed that OLP is more feasible than OFP in intrauterine adhesiolysis.

The clinical importance of polyp size measurement through two-dimensional saline infusion sonohysterography prior to hysteroscopic resection in predicting premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical importance of endometrial polyp size measured using saline infusion sonohysterography (SIS) before performing a hysteroscopic resection in predicting premalignant/malignant lesions.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study analysis was conducted of 365 patients, who underwent SIS, in a reference hospital. The longest plane of the polyp size was taken as base. Polyps were classified as benign, premalignant, or malignant.

RESULTS

The rates of premalignant and malignant lesions were 7.4% and 0.9%, respectively. The mean polyp size was 17.7 ± 0.5 mm in benign patients and 23.7 ± 1.8 mm in premalignant/malignant individuals (P < 0.001). In the group of polyps that were 0-10, 10-20, 20-30, and >30 mm, premalignancy/malignancy rates were 0.0%, 4.8%, 13.3%, and 18.8%, respectively. The cut-off value for polyp size to be able to predict lesions was calculated as 22.5 mm (sensitivity: 63%, specificity: 80%) on receiver operating characteristics curve analysis (P = 0.001, area under the curve 0.732). The power of the study was calculated as 90.86%.

CONCLUSION

During the female reproductive years, endometrial polyps smaller than 10 mm, as measured in SIS, can be followed. However, when the polyp size is 22.5 mm or more, especially in postmenopausal women, treatment should be planned.

Prevention of de novo adhesion formation in patients with Asherman's syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To summarize recent data and knowledge of secondary prevention of the recurrence of intrauterine adhesions in patients with Ashermans syndrome.

METHODS

Analysis of literature evidence and clinical experience of the authors.

RESULTS

Ashermans syndrome is iatrogenic disease with problematic therapy. One of the basic issues is a need for repeated surgical interventions since the recurrence of adhesions is very frequent. Secondary prevention is a crucial factor for successful therapy in these patients. The methods applied include second--look hysteroscopy, hormonal treatment and different types of barriers. To compare their efficacy is difficult and the results of meta-analysis are contradictory.

CONCLUSION

There are many different possibilities of secondary prevention of the recurrence of intrauterine adhesions; unfortunately, none of them is perfect. The usage of solid or semi-solid barriers in combination with the support of endometrium regeneration with hormonal therapy seems most reasonable.

Analysis of the Clinical Efficacy of Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy in the Treatment of Tubal-Factor Infertility

Objective: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy of laparoscopy and hysteroscopy in the treatment of tubal-factor infertility (TFI) to provide a basis for predicting postoperative pregnancy rates.

Methods: The clinical data of 336 patients who underwent laparoscopy and hysteroscopy for TFI between February 2018 and December 2018 in the Department of Reproductive Gynecology at the First People's Hospital of Yunnan were retrospectively analyzed. After implementing the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 278 patients were included in the study. The patients were grouped according to pelvic adhesions, hydrosalpinx, twisted fallopian tubes, and fimbriae structure. The impact of the extent of fallopian tube diseases on postoperative pregnancy outcomes was analyzed.

Results: Of the 278 patients, 129 got pregnant (pregnancy rate = 46.4%). Pelvic adhesions, hydrosalpinx, twisted/folded fallopian tubes, and damage to the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes were found to affect the natural pregnancy rate after surgery, and it decreased significantly with the aggravation of the disease (P < 0.001). Of the 129 patients who had natural pregnancies, 29 had ectopic pregnancies (ectopic pregnancy rate = 22.48%). Twisted/folded fallopian tubes and damage to the fimbriae structure significantly increased the incidence of postoperative ectopic pregnancy (P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are effective treatments for TFI. Pelvic adhesions, twisted/folded fallopian tubes, hydrosalpinx, and damage to the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes can affect postoperative pregnancy outcomes and lead to failure of a natural pregnancy after the operation. The incidence of ectopic pregnancy increases with the degree of fallopian tube twisting/folding and the degree of damage to the fimbriae of the fallopian tubes.

A novel method for office aspiration curettage in cases of retained products of conception: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Missed abortion can be treated with medication or aspiration curettage. A Karman aspiration cannula is another option. We evaluated its success in evacuating retained products of conception (RPOC) based on symptoms, endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity, and blood flow seen on Doppler ultrasound (indicative of placenta).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective, randomized, nonblinded trial was conducted in a university-affiliated medical center. It included 40 women diagnosed with missed abortion and two failed courses of 600 µg buccal misoprostol, one  week apart, randomly assigned to treatment or controls. One week after the second misoprostol course, immediately after evaluating endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity using Doppler ultrasound, and with blood flow indicative of RPOC, women in the aspiration group underwent endometrial suction with a Karman aspiration cannula. The 5-6 mm cannula attached to a 60 mL syringe was inserted into the uterus under ultrasound guidance. The contents were aspirated until the uterus was empty. Control group patients did not receive additional treatment. All were scheduled for ambulatory, operative hysteroscopy under anesthesia 1 month later (departmental protocol). On that day, all women with RPOC on Doppler ultrasound underwent hysteroscopy. Bleeding days, days with pain, pain according to visual analog scale, length of hospitalization, and infection rate were recorded. NIH clinical trial registration number NCT02917785.

RESULTS

In the study group, 90% did not need hysteroscopy, compared with 50% of controls (p = 0.014). No complications were noted. At all visits, we used Doppler ultrasound to exclude or confirm RPOC. Pathology revealed RPOC in all women who underwent aspiration. Average visual analog scale score for office aspiration (n = 20) was 4.9 ± 3.6. vs. 6.3 ± 3.4 for the first (p = 0.157) and 4.7 ± 3.3 for the second (p = 0.836) misoprostol treatment cycle. The treatment group experienced 6.1 days of bleeding and the control group experienced 1.4 days (p = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our criteria of diagnosing RPOC according to symptoms, endometrial thickness, endometrial irregularity, and blood flow indicative of placental tissue seen on Doppler ultrasound and histo-pathological confirmation, aspiration using Karman cannula can be an effective therapeutic approach. It may be a safe alternative for women with RPOC after misoprostol failure.

Asymptomatic postmenopausal women: what are the risk factors for endometrial malignancies? A multicentric retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

METHODS

Multicentric retrospective analytical study in two Brazilian Reference Centers. All women without postmenopausal bleeding who were submitted to hysteroscopy with biopsy were included (1665). Excluded women without anatomopathological results (625) and whose medical records were incomplete (37). The variables analyzed were age; parity; body mass index; duration of menopausal status; systemic arterial hypertension; diabetes mellitus; use of hormone replacement therapy; use of tamoxifen; duration of use of tamoxifen; endometrial thickness and biopsy results.

RESULTS

The frequency of endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women was 2.39%. Endometrial thickness ≥8 mm increased the chance of endometrial malignancies, even more, with an endometrial thickness ≥12.55 mm the chance of endometrial malignancies increased by 4.68 times (p < .001 and 95% CI: 1.99-11.03).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of endometrial malignancies was low and the only risk factor for endometrial malignancies in asymptomatic postmenopausal women was endometrial thickness.

Cystic endometrium on ultrasound scan: Sonographic-hysteroscopic-pathologic correlation

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between ultrasound findings of cystic endometrium and hysteroscopic and histopathologic findings.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed across two London hospital sites between January and December 2020.

RESULTS

The percentage chance of having either endometrial hyperplasia or cancer was lower in our cohort of women with postmenopausal bleeding and ultrasound findings of cystic endometrium, compared with population estimates for women with postmenopausal bleeding alone (4.1% vs 10%-15% for endometrial cancer and 1.4% vs 5%-10% for endometrial hyperplasia). Conversely, a higher proportion of women in our cohort were diagnosed with endometrial polyps compared with population estimates for postmenopausal bleeding (68% vs 2%-12%). The rate of endometrial hyperplasia was significantly higher in our cohort of premenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding and cystic endometrium compared with population estimates for premenopausal patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (15.4% vs 1.4%).

CONCLUSION

Cystic endometrium appears to be a powerful predictor of endometrial pathology. The high rate of endometrial hyperplasia in premenopausal women with cystic endometrium would advocate the need to obtain histologic diagnoses. Further studies are required to confirm whether cystic endometrium in women with postmenopausal bleeding confers a lower risk of endometrial hyperplasia and cancer.

Hysterolaparoscopy: A Gold Standard for Diagnosing and Treating Infertility and Benign Uterine Pathology

Background: Combined hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is a valuable method for diagnosing and treating infertility and benign uterine pathology. Both procedures are minimally invasive, reliable, and safe, with a low complication rate. Aim: In this review, we expose the efficiency and safety of hysterolaparoscopy in the management of infertility and other benign uterine pathologies. Method: We performed a systematic literature review on several databases: PubMed^®/MEDLINE, PMC, Crossref.org, and Web of Science in the last 10 years. Inclusion criteria: Women of reproductive age with primary or secondary infertility and/or benign uterine pathology. Exclusion criteria: pre-puberty, menopause, couple with male infertility. Conclusion: Hysterolaparoscopy is a useful tool to assess infertility and simultaneously diagnose and treat pelvic and uterine lesions.

A Histopathologic Approach to Uterine Niche: What to Expect and to Report in Hysteroscopy-Resected Isthmocele Specimens

As one of the emerging complications of caesarean sections (CSs), pathologists will have an important role in handling samples of uterine niches. An isthmocele is a defect at the site of a previous CS scar resulting in a variety of symptoms and niche-related subfertility. There is a deficiency in the literature of the histopathologic features of hysteroscopy-resected isthmocele ridges. Our aim is to fill this gap to highlight what to expect to see and what important findings to report to guide gynecologists to the results of hysteroscopic isthmoplasty in relation to symptoms improvement, fertility restoration, and potential complications. We found 22 cases of hysteroscopy-resected isthmoceles by performing a retrospective review study. The majority of the women were symptomatic with secondary infertility. The resected isthmocele edges were lined by endocervical, endometrial, and isthmic mucosa either combined or isolated depending on each case. Isthmoceles could be classified depending on the predominant lining mucosa into endocervical-isthmoendocervical (low) and endometrial-isthmic (high-intermediate) niches. This could be correlated with certain symptoms. The edges showed variably thickened fibrous and fibromuscular stromal tissue with characteristic thick-walled blood vessels. Some cases showed miscellaneous findings such as hemosiderin pigments with foreign body giant cell reaction and placental implantation site tissue reflecting a previous history of surgical repair and scar pregnancy. Cauterization artifacts may impose interpretation challenges for pathologists. Utility of certain special stains helps delineate the nature of badly cauterized tissues. It is important to report certain histologic findings in isthmocele samples to correlate with clinical findings and guide gynecologists.

Uterine Fibroids and Infertility

Infertility is a disease of the reproductive system defined by the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumor in women, and their prevalence is high in patients with infertility. Fibroids may be the sole cause of infertility in 2–3% of women. Depending on their location in the uterus, fibroids have been implicated in recurrent pregnancy loss as well as infertility. Pregnancy and live birth rates appear to be low in women with submucosal fibroids; their resection has been shown to improve pregnancy rates. In contrast, subserosal fibroids do not affect fertility outcomes and their removal does not confer any benefit. Intramural fibroids appear to reduce fertility, but recommendations concerning their treatment remain unclear. Myomectomy should be discussed individually with the patient; other potential symptoms such as dysmenorrhea or bleeding disorders should be included in the indication for surgery.

Endometrial polyps: diagnosis and treatment options - a review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Endometrial polyps (EPs) are a common gynecologic condition, associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), infertility, and premalignant and malignant conditions. Technologies for diagnosis and treatment of EPs are constantly evolving. We aim to provide an updated review on diagnosis and management options for patients with EPs.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted an electronic search in databases including MEDLINE, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register and others. We included 68 publications regarding EPs, their clinical burden, diagnostic modalities, treatment options and new technologies.

RESULTS

Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is the common modality for EP detection and color doppler increases its diagnostic accuracy. Dilation and curettage (D&C) should be avoided for diagnosis and treatment of EPs. Hysteroscopy shows high diagnostic value in EPs and allows for both histological diagnosis and effective treatment. Office hysteroscopy and see and treat hysteroscopy without anesthesia is feasible and safe for EP diagnosis and treatment, gaining more trained surgeons globally. Effective and safe technological tools for EP resection include Laser, resectoscopes, morcellators, MyoSure, Truclear and scissors\graspers.

CONCLUSIONS

EPs are safely and effectively diagnosed and treated with the hysteroscopic tools reviewed in this article. More research is needed to define the best treatment modality.