A multicenter randomized, controlled study comparing laparoscopic versus minilaparotomic myomectomy: reproductive outcomes

Minimally invasive surgical techniques versus open myomectomy for uterine fibroids

BACKGROUND

Fibroids are common benign tumours arising in the uterus. Myomectomy is the surgical treatment of choice for women with symptomatic fibroids who prefer or want uterine conservation. Myomectomy can be performed by conventional laparotomy, by mini-laparotomy or by minimal access techniques such as hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the benefits and harms of laparoscopic or hysteroscopic myomectomy compared with open myomectomy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (inception to July 2014), the Menstrual Disorders and Subfertility Group (MDSG) Specialised Register of Controlled Trials (inception to July 2014), MEDLINE(R) (inception to July 2014), EMBASE (inception to July 2014), PsycINFO (inception to July 2014) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (inception to July 2014) to identify relevant randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We also searched trial registers and references from selected relevant trials and review articles. We applied no language restriction in these searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

All published and unpublished randomised controlled trials comparing myomectomy via laparotomy, mini-laparotomy or laparoscopically assisted mini-laparotomy versus laparoscopy or hysteroscopy in premenopausal women with uterine fibroids diagnosed by clinical and ultrasound examination were included in the meta-analysis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We conducted study selection and extracted data in duplicate. Primary outcomes were postoperative pain, reported in six studies, and in-hospital adverse events, reported in eight studies. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay, reported in four studies, operating time, reported in eight studies and recurrence of fibroids, reported in three studies. Each of the other secondary outcomes-improvement in menstrual symptoms, change in quality of life, repeat myomectomy and hysterectomy at a later date-was reported in a single study. Odds ratios (ORs), mean differences (MDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and data combined using the fixed-effect model. The quality of evidence was assessed using Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methods.

MAIN RESULTS

We found 23 potentially relevant trials, of which nine were eligible for inclusion in this review. The nine trials included in our meta-analysis had a total of 808 women. The overall risk of bias of included studies was low, as most studies properly reported their methods.Postoperative pain: Postoperative pain was measured on a visual analogue scale (VAS), with zero meaning 'no pain at all' and 10 signifying 'pain as bad as it could be.' Postoperative pain was significantly less, as determined by subjectively assessed pain score at six hours (MD -2.40, 95% CI -2.88 to -1.92, one study, 148 women, moderate-quality evidence) and 48 hours postoperatively (MD -1.90, 95% CI -2.80 to -1.00, two studies, 80 women, I² = 0%, moderate-quality evidence) in the laparoscopic myomectomy group compared with the open myomectomy group. This means that among women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy, mean pain score at six hours and 48 hours would be likely to range from about three points lower to one point lower on a VAS zero-to-10 scale. No significant difference in postoperative pain score was noted between the laparoscopic and open myomectomy groups at 24 hours (MD -0.29, 95% CI -0.7 to 0.12, four studies, 232 women, I² = 43%, moderate-quality evidence). The overall quality of these findings is moderate; therefore further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.In-hospital adverse events: No evidence suggested a difference in unscheduled return to theatre (OR 3.04, 95% CI 0.12 to 75.86, two studies, 188 women, I² = 0%, low-quality evidence) and laparoconversion (OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.44 to 2.83, eight studies, 756 women, I² = 53%, moderate-quality evidence) when open myomectomy was compared with laparoscopic myomectomy. Only one study including 148 women reported injury to pelvic organs (no events were described in other studies), and no significant difference was noted between laparoscopic myomectomy and laparoscopically assisted mini-laparotomy myomectomy (OR 3.04, 95% CI 0.12 to 75.86). Significantly lower risk of postoperative fever was observed in the laparoscopic myomectomy group compared with groups treated with all types of open myomectomy (OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.77, I² = 0%, six studies, 635 women). This indicates that among women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy, the risk of postoperative fever is 50% lower than among those treated with open surgery. No studies reported immediate hysterectomy, uterine rupture, thromboembolism or mortality. Six studies including 549 women reported haemoglobin drop, but these studies were not pooled because of extreme heterogeneity (I² = 97%) and therefore could not be included in the analysis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic myomectomy is a procedure associated with less subjectively reported postoperative pain, lower postoperative fever and shorter hospital stay compared with all types of open myomectomy. No evidence suggested a difference in recurrence risk between laparoscopic and open myomectomy. More studies are needed to assess rates of uterine rupture, occurrence of thromboembolism, need for repeat myomectomy and hysterectomy at a later stage.

Patients' age, myoma size, myoma location, and interval between myomectomy and pregnancy may influence the pregnancy rate and live birth rate after myomectomy

OBJECTIVE

To investigate which clinical characteristics will influence the pregnancy rate and live birth rate after myomectomy.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Data of clinical characteristics and reproductive outcome from 471 patients who wished to conceive and who underwent abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2008 to June 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Average age in the pregnancy group (30.0±3.7 years) and the nonpregnancy group (31.2±4.1 years) was statistically different (P=.000). The diameter of the biggest myoma had a positive relationship with the pregnancy rate when it was <10 cm (rs=0.095, P=.039). Abortions before myomectomy, operation type, number, location, and classification of myomas, uterine cavity penetration, and uterine volume seemed not to influence the pregnancy rate (P>.05). The location of the myoma may influence the live birth rate after myomectomy (rs=0.198, P=.002). Anterior and posterior myomas were associated with higher live birth rates than other locations (P=.001). The average interval between myomectomy and pregnancy was 16.0±8.7 months, and there was no difference between the abdominal (17.2±8.6 months) and laparoscopic (15.2±8.8 months) groups (P=.102). The interval in the live birth group was 15.0±8.4 months, and that in the non-live birth group was 18.9±9.3 months; the difference was significant (P=.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients' age, myoma size and location, and interval between myomectomy and pregnancy may influence the pregnancy rate and live birth rate after myomectomy.

Obstetric outcomes after uterine myomectomy: Laparoscopic versus laparotomic approach

OBJECTIVE

To compare the pregnancy-related complications after laparoscopic and laparotomic uterine myomectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 415 women who received laparoscopic (n = 340) or laparotomic (n = 75) resection of uterine leiomyomas in one center. The mean follow-up period was 26.5 months in laparoscopic group and 23.9 months in laparotomic group.

RESULTS

Fifty-four and 12 pregnancies occurred in laparoscopic and laparotomic myomectomy group, respectively. The major obstetric outcomes were similar between two groups. There was no ectopic pregnancy or preterm birth. There were two cases of obstetric complication in laparoscopic group only; one experienced neonatal death and postpartum hemorrhage due to placental abruption and the other underwent subtotal hysterectomy due to uterine dehiscence identified during Cesarean section.

CONCLUSION

Uterine rupture or dehiscence after laparoscopic myomectomy occurred in 3.7% (2/54) which lead to unfavorable outcome. Appropriate selection of patients and secure suture techniques appears to be important for laparotomic myomectomy in reproductive-aged women.

[Myomectomy]

Myomas induce menorrhagia and pelvic pain, and increase the risk of infertility and obstetrical complications. Symptomatic sub-mucosal myomas are classically treated by hysteroscopic resection. Symptomatic interstitial and sub-serosal myomas may be treated by myomectomy, either by laparotomy or laparoscopy according to their number and size. Prophylactic myomectomy is not recommended to prevent from obstetrical complications or the risk of leiomyosarcoma. Although all myomas have a negative effect on fertility, the removal of sub-mucosal myomas is the sole recommendation to improve spontaneous fertility or assisted reproduction technology.

Pregnancy outcomes following robot-assisted myomectomy

STUDY QUESTION

What are the characteristics of the pregnancy outcomes in women undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy (RALM) for symptomatic leiomyomata uteri?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Despite a high prevalence of women with advanced maternal age, obesity and multiple pregnancy in our cohort, the outcomes are comparable with those reported in the literature for laparoscopic myomectomy.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Reproductive outcomes after traditional laparoscopic myomectomy are well documented. However, reproductive outcomes following robotic myomectomy are not well studied. This paper describes the pregnancy outcomes for a large cohort of women after robotic myomectomy.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

This is a retrospective cohort of women who became pregnant after robot-assisted myomectomy at three centers. Of the 872 women who underwent robotic myomectomy during the period October 2005-November 2010, 107 subsequently conceived resulting in 127 pregnancies and 92 deliveries through 2011.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIAL, SETTING, METHODS

Women of reproductive age with fibroids who wanted a minimally invasive treatment option and desired uterine preservation were recruited. We conducted a multicentre study with three centers, two in a private practice and one in an academic setting. Pregnancy outcomes and their relationship to myoma characteristics were analyzed.

MAIN RESULTS AND ROLE OF CHANCE

Mean ± SD age at myomectomy was 34.8 ± 4.5 years and 57.4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 48.0, 66.3] of women were overweight or obese. The mean number of myomas removed was 3.9 ± 3.2 with a mean size of 7.5 ± 3.0 cm and mean weight of 191.7 ± 144.8 g. Entry of the myoma into the endometrial cavity occurred in 20.6% (95% CI 15.0, 27.7) of patients. The mean time to conception was 12.9 ± 11.5 months. Assisted reproduction techniques were employed in 39.4% (95% CI 32.6, 46.7) of these women. Seven twin pregnancies and two triplet pregnancies occurred, for a multiple pregnancy birth rate of 9.8% (95% CI 5.0, 17.8). Spontaneous abortions occurred in 18.9% (95% CI 13.0, 26.6). Preterm delivery prior to 35 weeks of gestational age occurred in 17.4% (95% CI 10.9, 26.5). One uterine rupture (1.1%; 95% CI 0.3, 4.7) was documented. Pelvic adhesions were discovered in 11.4% (95% CI 7.0, 18.0) of patients delivered by Cesarean section. Higher preterm delivery rates were significantly associated with a greater number of myomas removed and anterior location of the largest incision (compared with all other sites) in logistic regression analyses (P = 0.01). None of the myoma characteristics were related to spontaneous abortion.

BIAS, CONFOUNDING AND OTHER REASONS FOR CAUTION

Given the retrospective nature of the data collection, some pregnancies may not have been captured. In addition, owing to the high prevalence of infertility patients in this cohort, the data cannot be used to counsel women who are undergoing RALM about fertility rates after surgery.

GENERALIZABILITY TO OTHER POPULATIONS

Prospective studies are needed to determine if the results shown in our cohort are generalizable to all women seeking a minimally invasive option for the conservative treatment of symptomatic fibroids with pregnancy as a desired outcome.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

There was no funding source for this study.

Reproduction after myomectomy: comparison of patients with and without second-look laparoscopy

Myomectomy is associated with a high risk of de-novo adhesion formation that may decrease fertility. The purpose of this study was to compare the reproductive outcome of patients after laparoscopic or open myomectomy who underwent second-look (SL) hysteroscopy and laparoscopy including adhesiolysis with patients with no SL intervention. A total of 170 patients underwent open or laparoscopic myomectomy at one centre. All patients were recommended SL. Reproductive results were analyzed in 12 and 24 months intervals following myomectomy. Out of 170 post-myomectomy patients 96 signed informed consent with SL (group A) and 74 withheld (group B). The cumulative pregnancy rate in the 24-months follow-up was: 61.4% and 66.7% (p = 0.535) in group A and group B respectively. Adhesions of adnexa were observed and lysed in the overall of 34.0% of patients at the time of SL. Intrauterine synechiae were present in 1.56% of patients at the SL hysteroscopy. No case of uterine rupture during pregnancy or delivery was recorded. Our results show that the pregnancy rate of patients after myomectomy who underwent SL hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is similar to that of patients with no SL procedure. Adhesiolysis performed during SL does not seem to improve the reproductive outcome of post-myomectomy patients.

A comprehensive approach to the treatment of uterine leiomyomata

Leiomyomas (fibroids) are the most common tumors in women, with a prevalence between 30% and 50%. They affect women primarily during their reproductive years, spontaneously regressing after menopause in most women. They may cause significant symptoms of pain, dysmenorrhea, abnormal uterine bleeding, and infertility. Because leiomyomas are so common, treatment should be reserved for those patients with symptoms. Treatment options have recently expanded beyond hysterectomy. Medical therapies, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and progesterone modulators, have become more widely used. Less invasive options such as uterine fibroid embolization, magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound, and radiofrequency ablation are being used to avoid more invasive surgery. Because of limited and negative information regarding these alternatives to surgery, they are not recommended for women desiring future fertility. If surgery is desired or required, often less invasive approaches via hysteroscopy for intracavitary lesions or robot-assisted laparoscopy for patients with a small number of myomas have become preferred options. Treatment should be tailored to the patient.

Abdominal myomectomy--a safe procedure in an ambulatory setting

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of minilaparotomy myomectomy in an ambulatory setting.

DESIGN

Retrospective, nonrandomized study.

SETTING

Center for Assisted Reproduction, Bedford, Texas.

PATIENT(S)

One hundred eighty-nine women desiring fertility with symptomatic uterine leiomyomata.

INTERVENTION(S)

Minilaparotomy myomectomy in an ambulatory setting.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Operative time, blood loss, recovery time, postoperative analgesia, and complications.

RESULT(S)

The mean diameter of the largest leiomyoma was 4.4 cm (range, 1-14 cm). The mean number and weight of the leiomyomata was 4.9 (range, 1-35) and 109.8 gm (range, 1-1,165 g), respectively. The mean operative time was 73 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 96 mL. On average, patients required 3.5 hours of recovery time. In the recovery room, patients received a mean of 12 mg of morphine/37 mg of meperidine for pain control postoperatively before discharge home. Only one major complication, pulmonary edema related to extubation, occurred.

CONCLUSION(S)

This study demonstrates that minilaparotomy myomectomy, when performed using a systematic operative technique, can be accomplished in an outpatient setting with minimal blood loss, fast recovery time, and a low complication rate. Postoperatively, patients require minimal analgesia, which permits them to be discharged home the same day. Minilaparotomy myomectomy is a safe, cost-effective treatment of most symptomatic uterine leiomyomata in an ambulatory setting.

Randomized controlled study comparing the Gynecare Morcellex and Rotocut G1 tissue morcellators

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of the Gynecare Morcellex tissue morcellator (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) in laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and myomectomy.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial (Evidence I).

SETTING

University department of obstetrics and gynecology.

PATIENTS

Seventy-four patients with symptomatic uterine myomas scheduled for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or myomectomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy and myomectomy followed by tissue morcellation using the Gynecare Morcellex (experimental group) or the Rotocut G1 morcellator (Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, Tuttlingen, Germany) (control group).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Patient characteristics and surgical data were noted for both groups. No difference was detected between groups in any parameters assessed, whereas a significant difference (p <.05) in handling score was detected in the experimental group compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

The Gynecare Morcellex is an effective instrument with excellent safety and handling.

Comparing uterine fibroids treated by myomectomy through traditional laparotomy and 2 modified approaches: ultraminilaparotomy and laparoscopically assisted ultraminilaparotomy

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare myomectomy performed by laparotomy (LT), and 2 other modified approaches: ultraminilaparotomy (UMLT) and laparoscopically assisted UMLT for uterine fibroids with a size <8 cm and the number <5.

STUDY DESIGN

A cohort study, including 79 (35.3%) women in the LT group, 71 (31.7%) in the UMLT group, and 74 (33.0%) in the laparoscopically assisted UMLT group, was conducted. The outcome was measured by comparing surgical parameters, immediate postoperative recovery, and therapeutic outcomes.

RESULTS

The median follow-up was 52 months with similar recurrence rates in the 3 groups. The modified approaches had advantages not only in the surgical parameters, but also in postoperative recovery, compared to LT (all P < .05).

CONCLUSION

UMLT and laparoscopically assisted UMLT can be used successfully in place of LT in the management of uterine fibroids.

New tool (Laparotenser) for gasless laparoscopic myomectomy: a multicenter-controlled study

OBJECTIVE

To assess feasibility and safety of a new surgical instrument-Laparotenser-in the procedure of gasless laparoscopic myomectomy.

DESIGN

Multicenter controlled study.

SETTING

Academic departments of obstetrics and gynecology, Italy.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty patients scheduled for gasless laparoscopic myomectomy (experimental group) and another group of 30 patients from our historical records that have undergone traditional laparoscopic myomectomy, matched with the cases for number of fibroids and for size of the main fibroid (control group).

INTERVENTION(S)

Gasless laparoscopic myomectomy using Laparotenser.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Surgical data.

RESULT(S)

No significant differences in total operative time, postoperative ileus, hospitalization, time to return to full activity/work, and complication rates were observed between groups. Intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin level, and surgical difficulty were significantly higher in the experimental than in the control group. Postoperative pain and number of analgesic vials used were significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group.

CONCLUSION(S)

Although performed during the learning curve period, the use of the Laparotenser instrument in gasless laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe procedure.