Strassman procedure for correction of a class II müllerian anomaly in an adolescent

Metroplasty to treat chronic pelvic pain resulting from outflow tract müllerian anomalies

Chronic pelvic pain can result from noncommunicating uterine cavities in patients with müllerian anomalies. Traditional management has been to resect the noncommunicating uterine horn. Two cases are described. One had a unicornuate uterus with noncommunicating left uterine horn (American Fertility Society [AFS] classification IIb) and the other had a normal external uterine contour with noncommunicating left uterine cavity that did not fit any category of the AFS classification of müllerian anomalies. Attempts at connecting the noncommunicating cavities hysteroscopically failed in both cases. Successful unification of the cavities was subsequently achieved in the first case using the classic Strassman metroplasty with the assistance of the robot. The unification of uterine cavities was achieved using a modified Strassman metroplasty in the second patient, as there was no uterine horn for landmark. Robot assistance was utilized in this case as well. Both patients are symptom free after surgery. We conclude that laparoscopic Strassman metroplasty, with or without robot assistance, is a viable alternative to resection of uterine horns in patients with hematometra, chronic pelvic pain, and noncommunicating uterine cavities.

The Presentation and Early Diagnosis of the Rudimentary Uterine Horn

OBJECTIVE

The key to successful management of the rudimentary uterine horn is early detection. This review of the literature seeks to illustrate important aspects of diagnosis and management of this anomaly.

DATA SOURCES

An English language MEDLINE search from 1966 to 2003 was performed, using the search terms "rudimentary uterine horn," "accessory horn," "uterus bicornis unicollis," "hematometra," "unicornuate or bicornuate uterus," and "mullerian anomaly." References from previously published sources were also obtained.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

One hundred thirty letters, case reports, case series, and review articles featuring rudimentary uterine horn were found. Reports before 1966 were excluded because outcomes before the advent of modern diagnostic techniques were not relevant to this study.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Three hundred sixty-six rudimentary horn presentations (210 gynecologic and 156 obstetric) were found. Noncommunicating horns accounted for 92% of cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 88-95%, P < .001), and renal anomaly was found in 36% (95% CI 29-44%). Contrary to the American Fertility Society classification of uterine anomalies, rudimentary horns may occur without a corresponding unicornuate uterus. The mean age of presentation was similar for gynecologic and obstetric presentations (23 and 26 years, 95% CIs 21.2-24.6 and 124.9-27.3 years, respectively). Presentation in the third decade of life or later occurred in 78% of patients (95% CI 70-84%, P < .001). Sensitivity of ultrasound examination for diagnosis was 26% (95% CI 18-36%). Diagnosis before clinical symptoms occurred in 14% (95% CI 7-23%).

CONCLUSION

Many functional noncommunicating horns present during or after the third decade of life with acute obstetric uterine rupture. Surgical removal before pregnancy is recommended. Rates of prerupture diagnosis remain disappointingly low.