Sclerotherapy with 5% tetracycline is a simple alternative to potentially complex surgical treatment of ovarian endometriomas before in vitro fertilization

The Cellular Respiration of Endometrial Biopsies from Patients with Various Forms of Endometriosis

Endometriosis is one of the leading pathologies of the reproductive system of women of fertile age, which shows changes in cell metabolism in the lesions. We conducted a study of the cellular respiration according to the polarography and the mRNA content of the main metabolic proteins using qRT-PCR of intraoperative endometrial biopsies from patients in the control group and with different localizations of endometriosis (adenomyosis, endometrioma, pelvic peritoneum). In biopsy samples of patients with endometriomas and pelvic peritoneum endometriotic lesions, the rate of oxygen absorption was significantly reduced, and, moreover, in the extragenital case, there was a shift to succinate utilization. The mRNA content of the cytochrome c, cytochrome c oxidase, and ATP synthase was also reduced, but hexokinase HK2 as well as pyruvate kinase were significantly higher than in the control. These oxidative phosphorylation and gene expression profiles suggest the Warburg effect and a shift in metabolism toward glycolysis. For adenomyosis, on the contrary, cellular respiration was significantly higher than in the control group due to the terminal region of the respiratory chain, ATP synthase, and its mRNA was increased as well. These data allow us to suggest that the therapeutic strategies of endometriosis based on modulation energy metabolism should take lesion localization into account.

The Efficacy and Safety of Transvaginal Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Treatment of Endometrial Cysts-A Systematic Review

Endometriosis, as a chronic disorder that is a source of severe pain ailments and infertility, requires a comprehensive therapeutic approach. Sclerotherapy, consisting of the administration of sclerosing agents into the cyst, is a constantly evolving minimally invasive treatment method for this disease. Hence, the main objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of its most often used variant, transvaginal ethanol sclerotherapy, on endometriosis-related symptoms, endometrial cyst recurrence rate, ovarian reserve, assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcomes, and pregnancy outcomes, as well as to assess potential complications resulting from this treatment. This systematic review was undertaken using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases on 24 November 2023. The risk of bias in included studies was assessed with the use of the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and the revised Cochrane risk of bias 2.0 tool for randomized controlled trials. From the 1141 records obtained from all databases, 16 studies have been included in this review. The use of ethanol sclerotherapy was characterized by a low rate of post-procedural complications. The recurrence rate of endometrial cysts after the procedure depended on the ethanol instillation time within the cyst. Although ethanol sclerotherapy had negligible influence on ovarian reserves when compared to laparoscopic cystectomy, the effects of both these methods on pregnancy outcomes were comparable. This review identifies that sclerotherapy is safe, provides significant relief of symptoms, and does not impair the reproductive potential of the patients.

Clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided interventional therapy in patients with benign ovarian cysts: a meta-analysis

This study aimed to explore the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided interventional therapy in patients with benign ovarian cysts through meta-analysis. A literature search was performed on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI, and WanFang databases to obtain clinical randomized controlled trials on ultrasound-guided interventional therapy for benign ovarian cysts published between 2010 and 2022. A total of 1395 studies were initially retrieved, and finally 12 studies were included for meta-analysis. The results showed that the observation group (ultrasound-guided interventional therapy) had higher treatment effective rate than the control group (conventional laparotomy or laparoscopic cyst resection), but the incidence of adverse reactions was markedly lower. Additionally, the length of hospital stay, intraoperative blood loss, and operation time showed significant lower levels in the observation group. In terms of ovarian function, postoperative luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the observation group were lower than the control group, while oestradiol levels were higher. In conclusion, compared with conventional surgical treatment, ultrasound-guided interventional therapy can significantly improve the clinical effective rate, shorten the hospital stay and reduce intraoperative blood loss. Such therapy can protect ovarian reserve, with high value of clinical promotion.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Main surgical methods for ovarian cysts consist of laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery, and interventional therapy.What the results of this study add? With the advancement of surgical techniques and instruments, many minimally invasive surgeries have been applied to treat ovarian cysts with good clinical results. However, there is no exact evidence to prove its clinical efficacy. Given the lack in this field, we conducted a meta-analysis of all clinical studies of ultrasound-guided interventional therapy for ovarian cysts to evaluate its efficacy and safety.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Compared with conventional laparotomic or laparoscopic cyst resection, ultrasound-guided interventional therapy for ovarian cysts significantly improves the treatment effectiveness, shortens the hospital stay and reduces intraoperative blood loss. This therapy with good clinical efficacy also has advantages of small wound, rapid recovery and less adverse reactions, and can protect ovarian reserve. This safe and effective surgical method for ovarian cysts is worth promoting clinically.

The Efficiency of Sclerotherapy for the Management of Endometrioma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical and Fertility Outcomes

Background and Objectives: The most common sites of implantation of endometriotic tissue are the ovaries. Endometriomas are present in most cases of endometriosis (up to 45%). Although laparoscopic cystectomy is the standard of care in endometrioma, new strategies have been set up to minimize iatrogenic injuries to ovarian tissue. Sclerotherapy consists of injecting alcohol into the endometrioma to denature the amino acidic components of its pseudocapsule. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare clinical and pregnancy outcomes in surgery and sclerotherapy. Materials and Methods: Following the recommendations in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, we systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, Clinical-trials.gov, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases in January 2023, adopting the string "Endometriosis and sclerotherapy". We made no limitations on the country and year of publication. We included the studies containing Success Rate (SR), Recurrence Rate (RR), Pregnancy Rate (PR) before and after the procedure. We used comparative studies for meta-analysis. Results: A total of 29 studies fulfilled inclusion criteria, 7 retrospective observational studies and 22 prospective studies. Eight comparative studies were enrolled in meta-analysis. Patients were analyzed concerning the number of recurrences and pregnancies in surgery, and compared with sclerotherapy. Four studies showed SR > 80.0%, and only two had SR < 80.0%, of which one consisted of tetracycline instillation. Only 1 study had 100% PR, the other 14 reported PR > 30.0%, whereas six had PR < 30.0%, of which one showed 0.0% PR with ethanol injection at two-thirds of the cyst fluid volume. Meta-analysis highlighted a non-significant lower incidence of recurrence in the surgery group compared to the sclerotherapy group (p = 0.87). In parallel, the surgery group showed a non-significant better PR than the sclerotherapy group (p = 0.08). Conclusions: Despite sclerotherapy having a minor incidence of postoperative complications compared to surgery, the latter is associated with a lower RR and better PR. However, those data assert the importance of a targeted therapy according to preoperative conditions and reproductive potential.

Exploring the Impact of Endometrioma Aspiration and Dienogest Combination Therapy on Cyst Size, Inflammatory Cytokines in Follicular Fluid and Fertility Outcomes

Endometriomas (chocolate cysts) are cystic lesions that can develop on ovaries, and are characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue or similar tissue. Such lesions can cause a decline in the number and quality of oocytes, and lead to implantation failure. In this study, we retrospectively assessed the efficacy of repeated endometrioma aspiration and dienogest combination therapy in patients suffering endometriosis-associated infertility with endometriomas. A comparison was made between a treated group that underwent combination therapy followed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) (n = 30) and a control group that did not undergo treatment (n = 40), at the IVF Osaka Clinic from September 2019 to September 2021. There were no differences in patient background between the two groups. A reduction in endometrioma size continued for 12 months after treatment. The numbers of follicles that developed to 15 mm or greater in size following COH and mature oocytes were significantly lower in the treated group compared to those in the control group. The levels of inflammatory cytokines in the follicular fluid significantly decreased in the treated group (p < 0.05). In patients in the treated group who underwent a second ova retrieval, the results were compared between those in the first ova retrieval (immediately after the end of treatment) and those in the second ova retrieval (four months after the first retrieval). The numbers of follicles following COH, retrieved, mature and fertilized ova were significantly increased in the second ova retrieval.

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for the treatment of ovarian endometrioma: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided sclerotherapy for the treatment of ovarian endometrioma through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for studies reporting outcomes in patients with endometrioma who were treated with US-guided sclerotherapy. Meta-analyses of recurrence, pain resolution, pregnancy, technical success, and complication rates were analyzed. Subgroup analyses were conducted regarding the indwelling time of sclerotherapy (≤ 10 min vs > 10 min).

RESULTS

Twenty-eight studies (1301 patients) were included. The pooled technical efficacy was 98.3%. The pooled estimates of recurrence, pain resolution, and pregnancy rate were 13.8%, 85.9%, and 37.6%, respectively. The pooled major complication rate was 1.7%. A sclerotherapy time > 10 min had a lower pooled recurrence rate than a time ≤ 10 min (11.2% vs 20.9%; p = 0.106). Direct comparisons showed that the recurrence rate was significantly lower with sclerotherapy > 10 min than with sclerotherapy ≤ 10 min (OR, 0.2; p = 0.015). Regarding pregnancy rates, sclerotherapy of > 10 min showed no significant difference compared with sclerotherapy of ≤ 10 min (35.9% vs 38.8%; p = 0.664). Direct comparisons with surgery showed that sclerotherapy increased the pregnancy rate compared with surgery (OR, 2.0; p = 0.042). There was no significant difference in AMH level before and after sclerotherapy (p = 0.951). There was no significant difference in major complication rates between sclerotherapy > 10 min and ≤ 10 min (p = 0.837).

CONCLUSION

US-guided sclerotherapy seems to be an effective and safe therapeutic option regarding recurrence, pain resolution, and pregnancy for patients with ovarian endometrioma.

KEY POINTS

• US-guided sclerotherapy seems to be an effective and safe therapeutic option regarding recurrence, pain resolution, and pregnancy for patients with ovarian endometrioma. • Sclerotherapy of more than 10 min had a lower recurrence rate than sclerotherapy less than or equal to 10 min. There was no significant difference in major complication rates between sclerotherapy of > 10 min and ≤ 10 min. • Future randomized controlled trials are warranted to compare the outcomes of US-guided sclerotherapy with surgery.

Recurrence Rate and Morbidity after Ultrasound-guided Transvaginal Aspiration of Ultrasound Benign-appearing Adnexal Cystic Masses with and without Sclerotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pooled recurrence rate of benign adnexal masses/cysts (namely simple cyst, endometrioma, hydrosalpinx, peritoneal cyst) after transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration, with or without sclerotherapy.

DATA SOURCES

Search of studies published in PubMed and Web of Science databases between January 1990 and December 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

A systematic search strategy was done using Medical Subject Heading terms. Only randomized trials and prospective studies published in English language were included.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

A total of 395 articles were screened. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were included in this review comprising data from 1386 patients with a mean follow-up of 11.4 months (range 0.5-26.5 months). The overall pooled rate of recurrence of adnexal masses was 27%, (95% confidence interval [CI], 18%-39%). Recurrence rate was significantly higher after only aspiration than after sclerotherapy (53%; 95% CI, 46%-60% vs 14%; 95% CI, 8%-22%; p <.001). However, a high heterogeneity across the studies was found. A total of 10 major complications were recorded in the different publications.

CONCLUSION

In a selected population, aspiration with sclerotherapy had a lower recurrence rate than aspiration without sclerotherapy. However, these results should be interpreted with caution given the heterogeneity of the studies and the paucity of randomized controlled trials. Regarding the adoption of this procedure in routine clinical practice, we believe that aspiration should be considered an experimental procedure as there are few studies addressing long-term recurrence rate, and data comparing this technique with surgical cystectomy are lacking.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound evaluation of a refractory ovarian endometrial cyst and ultrasound-guided aspiration sclerotherapy using urokinase and lauromacrogol

Endometriosis is one of the most common diseases that happen in reproductive women. The main symptoms include ovarian endometrial cyst, pelvic pain, and so on. We report a case of a 23-year-old woman with a refractory long-course ovarian endometrial cyst (OEC). The patient was previously identified to have a hypoechoic mass sized 9.7 cm in diameter on ultrasound (US) in the right ovary and was tentatively diagnosed as OEC in another tertiary hospital, who was then subjected to US-guided cyst sclerotherapy while the procedure was failed since only a very small amount of viscous and sticky fluid can be aspirated. The patient was then referred to our hospital for further treatment. Pretreat contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) showed non-enhancement of the mass with a thin cyst wall and a cyst-in-cyst pattern was observed. The possibility of ovarian malignancy was ruled out and the initial diagnosis of OEC was confirmed. The patient was then subjected to US-guided cyst sclerotherapy with lauromacrogol. The interventional procedure was eventful that no fluid was aspirated as what happened in the previous hospital. Thus urokinase was used to dissolve the old, viscious and sticky blood and finally, all the fluid was aspirated. The total consumption of urokinase was 60,000 U. Then lauromacrogol as a sclerosant was injected into the cyst cavity and the cyst wall was flushed repeatedly with lauromacrogol until the aspirated fluid became light red. Finally, 20 mL lauromacrogol was reserved in the cyst and the interventional procedure cost 2 hours The post-procedure course was uneventful without any discomfort, and the volume reduction rate of the cyst was 54%at 3-month follow-up. The visual analogue scale for the pain decreased from 4 before treatment to 1 after treatment, indicating a successful and effective outcome for the refractory long-course OEC.

Long-term outcomes of transvaginal ultrasound-guided aspiration versus traditional conservative surgery as treatment for endometriomas: A retrospective study of cohorts

AIM

To evaluate if the long-term results (on fertility, need of hysterectomy and persistence of endometriosis) after a minimally invasive intervention (transvaginal ultrasound-guided puncture-aspiration [TUGPA]) for endometriomas are significantly different from performing the traditional conservative surgery (CS) by laparoscopy or laparotomy.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of cohorts on patients undergoing surgery for ovarian endometriomas between January 1998 and April 2015. Cohort 1 consisted of 75 women whose first intervention for endometriomas had been TUGPA. For the cohort 2, we selected a randomized paired case in which the first operation for endometriomas had been CS by laparoscopic or laparotomy (another set of 75 patients).

RESULTS

There were significantly more recurrences and the time to recurrence and repetition of operations were also significantly shorter in patients with TUGPA. However, there were no significant differences in overall pregnancy/delivery outcomes, in hysterectomy performances, or in endometriosis persistence at the last follow-up visit. There were no significant differences related to the symptoms or to analytical presurgical values but the application of multivariate analysis with binary logistic regression to each dependent variable adjusted for age, symptoms, and presurgical analyses showed a significant risk of recurrence and reoperation of TUGPA versus CS.

CONCLUSIONS

Those patients with endometriomas who underwent TUGPA (with or without associated medications) had a significant increase in recurrence and the need for reoperation. However, in the long-term there were no significant differences in the results of pregnancy/childbirth, need for hysterectomy, or in the clinical or doubtful persistence of endometriosis.

Ethanol Sclerotherapy versus Laparoscopic Surgery for Endometrioma Treatment: A Prospective, Multicenter, Cohort Pilot Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the cost-effectiveness of ultrasound (US)-guided aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy versus laparoscopic surgery for benign-appearing ovarian endometrioma.

DESIGN

Prospective, cohort pilot study.

SETTING

Multiple centers, Spain.

PATIENTS

Forty patients with suspected ovarian endometrioma identified by US, with a maximum diameter of 35 to 100 mm, of whom 33 met inclusion criteria.

INTERVENTIONS

The study group (n = 17) underwent US-guided aspiration plus sclerotherapy with ethanol, and the control group (n = 14) underwent laparoscopic cystectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Recurrence, complications, and direct costs were compared. One of 17 sclerotherapy patients recurred (5.9%) compared with 4 of 14 laparoscopic surgery patients (28.6%) (odds ratio 0.18, 0.01-1.53). No serious adverse effects (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III) were observed in the sclerotherapy group; 1 patient in the surgery group had a Clavien-Dindo IIIb complication. Median hospital direct costs were significantly lower in the sclerotherapy group than those in the surgery group-266 euros versus 2189 euros.

CONCLUSION

Ethanol sclerotherapy seems to be cost-effective for endometrioma and also appears to reduce complications. In this pilot study, recurrence was not higher than with conventional surgery.

The success of various endometrioma treatments in infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies

BACKGROUND

Endometriosis is seen in 0.5%-5% of fertile and 25%-40% of infertile women. To investigate this conflict between gynecologists that ovarian endometriomas should be removed or not before making any decision about pregnancy among infertile women, the authors decided to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the effect of various available therapeutic methods and notice the impact of these options on women's pregnancy rate.

METHODS

This review is based on PRISMA recommendations with an electronic search using the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar, etc, from 2000 to 2018, in the English language. The studies compare pregnancy rate based on four different treatment types of OMAs between infertile women: (surgery + ART, surgery + spontaneous pregnancy, aspiration ± sclerotherapy + ART, and ART alone).

MAIN FINDINGS

At least eight prospective studies were included, in which 553 infertile women were compared in terms of treatment methods of OMAs before trying to become pregnant.

CONCLUSION

Treatments are usually based on the patient's clinical condition and must be individual, with the purpose of relieving pain, improving fertility, or both. The authors do not have not any significant difference between our four groups of study; however, the success of surgical procedure compared to other methods was higher and the success of ART alone was the least.

Investigation of treatment efficacy of 10% povidone–iodine sclerotherapy on ovarian cyst diameter: an experimental study

Background/aim

The purpose of this study was toinvestigate the effects of 10% povidone–iodine (PI) sclerotherapyon ovarian cyst diameter through an experimental study.

Materials and methods

To be able to create ovarian cysts, right unilateral salpingectomy was performed on 20 Wistar albino rats. One month after the operation, the abdomens of all rats were reopened. Sixteen rats with macroscopic ovarian cysts were divided randomly into 2 groups consisting of 8 rats. Group 1 (G1): the cyst content was only aspirated. Group 2 (G2): the ovarian cyst was aspirated and then the cystic cavity was irrigated with PI. Abdomens of all rats were closed and 1 month later they were reopened. Tissues of the right ovaries of the rats were embedded in paraffin blocks for histopathological examination. Follicle count, fibrosis, and congestion were evaluated under a light microscope.

Results

For G1, there was no difference in cyst diameters before and after aspiration. In G2, a decrease was observed in cyst diameter. There was no difference in ovarian reserve between the 2 groups. When compared with G1, an increase in fibrosis and congestion was determined in G2.

Conclusion

Sclerotherapyinto the ovarian cyst for a 5-min period using 10% PI reduces cyst diameter without any change in ovarian reserve.

Doxycycline reduces MMP-2 activity and inhibits invasion of 12Z epithelial endometriotic cells as well as MMP-2 and -9 activity in primary endometriotic stromal cells in vitro

BACKGROUND

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of endometriosis by enabling invasion. Doxycycline is a well-tolerated antibiotic and a potent MMP-inhibitor in subantimicrobial doses.

METHODS

Gelatin zymography and activity assays were used to detect latent and active MMP-2 and -9 in cell culture supernatants of immortalized epithelial (12Z) and two isolates of primary endometriotic stromal cells treated with doxycycline. The invasiveness of 12Z endometriotic cells treated with doxycycline was assessed in matrigel-coated invasion chambers. The effect on latent and active MMP-2 expression of the combination of progesterone and doxycycline was tested in 12Z.

RESULTS

Doxycycline significantly reduced the MMP-2 activity and pro-MMP-2 expression in 12Z and the MMP-2 and -9 activity as well as expression of pro-MMP-2 and -9 in primary endometriotic stromal cells. The percentage of 12Z cells invading through a matrigel-coated membrane was reduced to 65 and 22% of the control after treatment with doxycycline at doses of 1 μg/ml and 10 μg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, a combination of progesterone and doxycycline showed an additive effect in low doses on the reduction of MMP-2 activity and pro-MMP2 expression in 12Z endometriotic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the MMP-inhibiting features of subantimicrobial-dose doxycycline may be further evaluated as a well-tolerable additional therapeutic approach, e.g. in combination with progestins such as dienogest, in patients with infiltrative endometriosis with insufficient response to current medical treatment options.

The effects of sclerotherapy with 5% trichloroacetic acid on the cyst diameter and ovarian tissue in the rat ovarian cyst model

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of only aspiration with aspiration and 5% trichloroacetic acid (TCA) application on ovarian cyst size and ovarian reserve. The ovarian cysts of 14 rats that were divided into two groups randomly were investigated after total salpingectomy procedure. G1 was the group of saline application after cyst aspiration, while in G2, after aspiration 5% TCA at half amount of aspiration volume was injected into the cyst and re-aspirated after five minutes. The abdomens of the rats were closed and re-explored after 1 month. The cyst diameters of the rats in each group were measured. Ovaries were removed for histopathological examination. There was no significant difference in cyst diameter in G1 before and after aspiration. In G2, there was a significant decrease in cyst size after TCA application. Ovarian follicle counts were not significantly different between the two groups. In conclusion, application of 5% TCA to the ovarian cysts for five minutes significantly reduces the cyst size. Impact Statement What is already known on this subject: Minimally invasive therapies come into prominence to avoid surgical complications and diminished fertility in the treatment of ovarian cysts. USG-guided aspiration and sclerosis has been reported as cost-efficient and effective treatment methods for localised benign cysts in other organs such as the thyroid, parathyroid, liver, kidney and spleen. It has been shown that sclerotherapy applied to infertile women with ovarian cysts reduces pelvic pain without affecting the number of follicles, term pregnancy and abortion rates, extracted oocytes, embryo quality or hormonal levels when compared to non-ovarian cystic infertile women. TCA is a chemical agent that is topically applied, not systemically absorptive, which causes denaturation of proteins and structural cell death, resulting in coagulation necrosis after chemical cauterisation. For this reason, we used 5% TCA to treat simple ovarian cysts on a rat model. What the results of this study add: In this experimental study, we showed that the application of 5% TCA into the cyst for five minutes - then aspirated - significantly reduced the size of the ovarian cysts. Five percent TCA application did not affect the ovarian reserve. What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: Our study is original because of the fact that to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study about the use of 5% TCA in treatment of ovarian cysts in the literature.

Management of ovarian cysts with percutaneous aspiration and methotrexate injection

Background:

To evaluate ultrasonographic-guided cyst aspiration and methotrexate injection in the management of simple and endometriotic ovarian cysts in selected patients.

Subjects and Methods:

This prospective study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, from November 2007 to October 2009. It included 132 female patients (age range, 15–72 years; mean, 38.7 years) with simple or endometriotic ovarian cysts (3.0–10.6 cm) at ultrasonic examinations. We performed puncture and aspiration followed by methotrexate injection into the cyst. All patients were followed for 12 months. None was lost to follow-up.

Results:

At follow-up ultrasonography, cysts had disappeared in 120 patients (90.90%) and persisted in 12 patients (9%). No major complications were observed in our study population during or after the procedure. Only 10 patients reported mild pelvic pain, and four others reported dizziness or nausea during or after the procedure. Malignant cells were not found in any of the cases at cytologic examination. We did not observe any cases of infection after the procedure.

Conclusion:

Ultrasonography-guided transabdominal aspiration of cyst fluid and subsequent methotrexate injection appears to be an alternative treatment for both simple and endometriotic ovarian cysts in selected cases.

Ultrasound-Guided Aspiration With and Without Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Simple Adnexal Cysts: A Single-Center Experience

STUDY OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of ultrasound-guided aspiration versus aspiration with ethanol sclerotherapy in the management of simple adnexal cysts measuring 3 to 10 cm, and to explore the risk factors for recurrence associated with each approach.

DESIGN

A prospective follow-up of patients after cyst aspiration with and without ethanol sclerotherapy in simple adnexal cysts in a single-center trial (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Bellvitge Teaching Hospital, Barcelona, Spain.

PATIENTS

Cyst aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy were performed in 66 and 75 patients, respectively, between 2002 and 2014. Women enrolled before March 2009 underwent simple aspiration (group 1), and those enrolled after March 2009 underwent ethanol sclerotherapy (group 2).

INTERVENTIONS

Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration with and without ethanol sclerotherapy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Potential risk factors for recurrence-age, menopausal status, symptoms, cyst diameter, laterality, aspirated volume, simple US-guided aspiration or alcohol sclerotherapy, and complications-were analyzed by logistic regression. The recurrence rates were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier and Mantel-Haenszel methods. The overall recurrence rates were 72.7% (48 of 66) in group 1 and 22.7% (17 of 75) in group 2 (p < .0001). Risk factors significantly associated with recurrence were simple aspiration without ethanol sclerotherapy (odds ratio [OR], 19.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.756-57.714), postmenopausal status (OR, 9.3; 95% CI, 1.720-50.956), and cyst size (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.005-1.093).

CONCLUSION

Based on the lower recurrence rate, ethanol sclerotherapy was more efficacious than simple aspiration in the management of simple adnexal cysts measuring <10 cm.

Minimally Invasive Management of Ovarian Cysts During Pregnancy Using Ethanol Sclerosis

Traditionally, the management of symptomatic ovarian cysts in pregnancy has been limited to laparoscopy or laparotomy with the associated morbidity. However, in select patients requiring intervention, the risks of surgery may be minimized with sclerotherapy. We present the first case report, to our knowledge, of ethanol sclerosis of an ovarian cyst during pregnancy. A description of the surgical technique to complete such a procedure is provided as well as a brief review of the current literature with respect to the use of sclerotherapy for the management of ovarian cysts.

Ecto-nucleotidases activities in the contents of ovarian endometriomas: potential biomarkers of endometriosis

Endometriosis, defined as the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, is a common gynecologic condition affecting millions of women worldwide. It is an inflammatory, estrogen-dependent complex disorder, with broad symptomatic variability, pelvic pain, and infertility being the main characteristics. Ovarian endometriomas are frequently developed in women with endometriosis. Late diagnosis is one of the main problems of endometriosis; thus, it is important to identify biomarkers for early diagnosis. The aim of the present work is to evaluate the ecto-nucleotidases activities in the contents of endometriomas. These enzymes, through the regulation of extracellular ATP and adenosine levels, are key enzymes in inflammatory processes, and their expression has been previously characterized in human endometrium. To achieve our objective, the echo-guided aspirated fluids of endometriomas were analyzed by evaluating the ecto-nucleotidases activities and compared with simple cysts. Our results show that enzyme activities are quantifiable in the ovarian cysts aspirates and that endometriomas show significantly higher ecto-nucleotidases activities than simple cysts (5.5-fold increase for ATPase and 20-fold for ADPase), thus being possible candidates for new endometriosis biomarkers. Moreover, we demonstrate the presence of ecto-nucleotidases bearing exosomes in these fluids. These results add up to the knowledge of the physiopathologic mechanisms underlying endometriosis and, open up a promising new field of study.

Comparative study on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer between long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist combined with transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration and long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist alone

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively analyze the effects of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) combined with transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration on the pregnancy outcomes of in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in the infertile patients with ovarian endometriosis.

METHODS

The 134 patients with ovarian endometriosis who underwent GnRH-a combined with transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration and IVF-ET were served as experimental group. The 102 patients with ovarian endometriosis who underwent GnRH-a and IVF-ET were served as control group. After treatment, the cyst size, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), number of ovum pick-up, fertility rate, cleavage rate, high-quality embryo rate, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and abortion rate were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

In the 134 patients of experimental group, 138 cysts disappeared after GnRH-a combined with three times of transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration. In the 102 patients of control group, of the 114 cysts, 34 disappeared after GnRH-a, 67 were decreased and 13 were unchanged. The abortion rate was significantly lower in experimental group than in control group. The level of serum E2 on HCG day, the number of ovarian follicles with 14 mm or more, the number of retrieved oocytes, high-quality embryo rate, implantation rate and clinical pregnancy rate were higher in experimental group than in control group (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

GnRH-a combined with transvaginal ultrasound-guided cyst aspiration can obtain better therapeutic effects and pregnancy outcomes in infertile patients with ovarian endometriosis who underwent IVF-ET.

Aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy to treat recurrent ovarian endometriomas prior to in vitro fertilization – a pilot study

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the evolution of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in women with recurrent ovarian endometriomas treated with sclerotherapy. Methods: Twenty-one patients with a laparoscopic diagnosis of stage III or IV endometriosis who had an endometrioma larger than 3 cm before ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization were included in the study. After using a GnRH agonist analog for at least 20 days, the cysts were punctured using ultrasound guidance and subsequent ethanol sclerotherapy was performed. Then, the patients were stimulated with 100 or 200 U/day of recombinant follicle stimulating hormone, varying the dose according to the patient's age or history of a previous unilateral oophorectomy. Results: The ovarian cysts had an average diameter of 4.7 ± 1.4 cm and did not recur after aspiration during the ovulation induction. Oocyte extraction occurred after 11 days of hyperstimulation, with 3.95 ± 3.30 oocytes obtained per cycle, on average. Embryo transfer occurred in 71.4% (15/21) of patients, and the pregnancy rate after transfer was 20% (3/15). Conclusion: Aspiration followed by ethanol sclerotherapy prior to in vitro fertilization can be an option for patients who desire a pregnancy and have recurrent endometriomas.

Comparison of success rates of 'transvaginal aspiration and tetracycline sclerotherapy' versus 'only aspiration' in the management of non-neoplastic ovarian cysts

AIM

To investigate the value of tetracycline sclerotherapy for management of recurrent or persisting non-neoplastic ovarian cysts in comparison to the aspiration without sclerotherapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety-six patients with proven non-neoplastic ovarian cysts were randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients underwent cyst aspiration together with tetracycline sclerotherapy (n=48). Group 2 patients underwent only cyst aspiration without tetracycline sclerotherapy (n=48). Then, all patients were followed up monthly with ultrasonography for 12months. The procedure was considered to have failed if the recurring cyst, detected by ultrasound, was 4cm in size or greater.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups regarding demographic data, initial cyst volume and tumor markers. Recurrence rates within 12months were 14.6% in group 1 and 50% in group 2 (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Based on the recurrence rates, we suggest transvaginal aspiration together with tetracycline sclerotherapy rather than only simple transvaginal aspiration in the management of non-neoplastic ovarian cysts.

Ethanol sclerotherapy: a treatment option for ovarian endometriomas before ovarian stimulation

Several surgical treatment modalities have been described in cases of isolated or multiple ovarian endometriotic cysts. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate and test the efficacy of ethanol sclerotherapy (EST) for recurrent endometriotic cysts, before ovarian stimulation in infertile patients with an adequate ovarian status. In the setting of a prospective comparative study, EST was proposed to 31 infertile patients with recurrence of ovarian endometriomas before inclusion in assisted reproduction cycles. Reproductive outcome was compared with that of patients who had previous laparoscopic cystectomy for recurrent endometriomas. The mean size of endometriomas treated with sclerotherapy was 38.6 +/- 11.2 mm in diameter. Ovarian cysts recurred in 12.9% of cases; at a mean time of 10 months after EST. Ovarian reserve and ovarian response to stimulation were better in the EST group than in the control group. Consequently, clinical and cumulative pregnancy rates of the study group were higher than those of the control group (48.3% versus 19.2%, P = 0.04; and 55.2% versus 26.9%, P = 0.03, respectively). Ethanol sclerotherapy may be a good alternative to surgical management of recurrent endometriotic cysts before assisted reproductive treatment. It could be advised for selected infertile patients.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided aspiration and sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol for treatment of recurrent ovarian endometriomas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal ultrasound aspiration and ethanol sclerotherapy in patients with recurrent ovarian endometriomas.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

Teaching hospital affiliated with Chang Gung University, Taipei.

PATIENT(S)

Patients (n = 108) with recurrent ovarian endometriomas >or=3 cm.

INTERVENTION(S)

Preoperative evaluation of previous pathology, midcycle serum CA-125 level, and color Doppler ultrasonography to exclude possibility of malignancies. After aspiration, sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol irrigation of the cystic cavity was performed (group 1, n = 78, 0-10 minutes of retention; group 2, n = 30, ethanol left in situ [retention]).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Ultrasonography was performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to determine persistence and size of cysts and the number of antral follicles. Pelvic pain score was also determined at those time points.

RESULT(S)

The 1-year recurrence rate for group 2 patients was significantly lower than for group 1 patients (13.3% vs. 32.1%). Antral follicle count was increased and pain score was decreased in both groups to a similar level. No significant change in CA-125 was observed.

CONCLUSION(S)

Ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol is an effective therapy for ovarian endometriomas. Retention of ethanol is more effective than irrigation only.

Conservative surgical management of endometriosis in women with pelvic pain

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain in women. This article addresses the conservative surgical treatment of endometriosis for this indication.

In situ methotrexate injection for treatment of recurrent endometriotic cysts

OBJECTIVE

Ovarian endometrioma recurrence is frequent. Conventional treatment of ovarian endometrioma is by surgical cystectomy. We proposed an alternative medical treatment for recurrent ovarian endometrioma: cyst aspiration followed by in situ methotrexate injection.

STUDY DESIGN

From January 2002 to May 2003, 14 patients with recurrent homolateral ovarian endometrioma underwent transvaginal ultrasound guided cyst puncture and aspiration followed by methotrexate injection, whilst under general anasthesia. Recurrence rate during follow up was evaluated.

RESULTS

No complication was reported. After a mean follow up of 20+/-5 month (min: 13, max: 29), four recurrences were diagnosed (28.6%). Two asymptomatic recurrences were not treated and two painful recurrences underwent a second cyst drainage with methotrexate injection.

CONCLUSIONS

In situ methotrexate injection is a simple, effective and an interesting alternative to surgical treatment in women with recurrent homolateral ovarian endometrioma.

Management of ovarian endometrioma

The optimal conservative treatment for endometriotic cysts is unclear, particularly when treated laparoscopically. We performed a systematic analysis of the published literature on ovarian endometrioma especially focused on comparing laparoscopic cystectomy with laparoscopic drainage and coagulation of the cyst with regard to evaluating advantage and disadvantage of each method. We observed that cystectomy was superior in terms of risk of recurrent symptoms, cyst, reoperation, pregnancy: this was true in both prospective and retrospective studies previously published. Given the evidence available, excision of cyst wall in endometrioma is strongly recommended especially in infertile patients.

Diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities of ultrasound in the management of pelvic pain

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review discusses the current diagnostic and therapeutic role of ultrasound in the management of pelvic pain.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent advances in ultrasound technology and expertise have facilitated the accurate diagnosis of common gynaecological and nongynaecological pathologies. Peritoneal and deep infiltrating endometriosis can now be diagnosed using hard and soft ultrasound-based markers. The combination of ultrasound-guided aspiration and instillation of a sclerosant is an alternative to surgery in the management of adnexal masses.

SUMMARY

Experience is a key factor in the ability of transvaginal ultrasound to characterize common gynaecological disorders with accuracy. Therapeutic ultrasound provides an alternative to surgery.

The role and applications of ultrasound in ambulatory gynaecology

Ultrasound has changed gynaecological practice and continues to do so. One of the earliest applications of abdominal scanning in gynaecology was for monitoring follicular development during fertility treatment with clomiphene citrate or gonadotrophins in the 1960s and 1970s. Subsequently, it was natural that with the introduction of in vitro fertilization, abdominal and transvaginal ultrasound played a key role in the development of oocyte retrieval techniques. These were truly the first interventional ultrasound-guided ambulatory procedures in gynaecology. In this chapter, the reader will be introduced to the roles that the various ultrasound modalities play in our current daily practice, and how they have changed the management of numerous gynaecological conditions in both diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. We will also outline the recent developments and the 'hot' research topics in this field.

Treatment of endometriosis with transvaginal ultrasound-guided drainage under GnRH analogues and recombinant interleukin-2 left in the cysts

BACKGROUND

To analyze the therapeutic results of one dose of 3 million IU of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) left intracyst (group I) versus two doses with a 1-month interval (group II) after transvaginal ultrasound (US)-guided drainage of endometriomas under the effect of GnRH analogues.

METHODS

Prospective and randomized clinical trial (helped by a random number table) at a University Hospital. Twenty-four consecutive patients with endometriomas initially sent to us for laparotomy and conservative surgery for endometriosis were included.

INTERVENTIONS

Treatment with GnRH analogues every 28 days, 3 doses. Under their effect, one or two transvaginal US-guided punctures were performed in order to aspirate the endometriomas, and 3 million IU of rIL-2 were left in the aspirated cysts each time.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

CLINICAL RESULTS

two menstruations after GnRH analogues. Other secondary outcome measures were: the time until recurrence of cysts, symptoms and CA-125 >35 U/ml, and the need for further medical or surgical treatment.

RESULTS

They were moderate or good in >50% of cases with one drainage and one dose of 3 million IU of rIL-2 intracyst, but were better with a second drainage and two doses of rIL-2 (25 vs. 58.3% 'good results'). There were fewer recurrences and the interval before recurrence was longer after two doses but differences were not significant. Six patients from group I (50%) and 3 from group II (25%) needed laparotomy and conservative surgery at 17.5 +/- 8.7 months (total time of follow-up = 33 +/- 8.8 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of endometriomas with transvaginal US-guided drainage and rIL-2 left in the cysts under endometrial suppressive therapy with GnRH analogues has beneficial effects, improving clinical manifestations and avoiding some surgical therapies. The use of a higher dose of rIL-2 does not produce better results, whereas drainage + rIL-2 twice does.

Should endometriomas be treated before IVF–ICSI cycles?

The laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas appears to increase the chances of spontaneous conception, but the value of this treatment in women selected for IVF-ICSI cycles is debated. Studies recruiting women with unilateral disease and comparing ovarian responsiveness in the affected and contralateral intact gonads indicate that excision of endometriomas is associated with a quantitative damage to ovarian reserve. There are no randomized trials comparing laparoscopic excision to expectant management before IVF-ICSI cycles. The idea that surgery increases IVF pregnancy rates is not supported by the available evidence. However, the chance of conception is not the only issue that has to be considered. Some potential drawbacks are associated with both therapeutical strategies. Specifically, costs and hazard of surgical complications support expectant management whereas oocyte retrieval risks, the possibility of missing occult malignancy and endometriosis progression due to ovarian stimulation would favour surgical treatment. Alternative therapeutical options include medical treatment and ultrasound-guided aspiration. Whereas prolonged GnRH agonist down-regulation may be beneficial, data on ultrasound aspiration are more controversial.

Endométriome ovarien associé à une infertilité : quelle est la place de l'abstention thérapeutique?

Ovarian endometrioma is not infrequently encountered in infertile patients. Its etiopathogeny, its relations with attributed symptoms and the recommanded treatment to apply, are still debated. Various therapeutic tools are available, such as abstention, ultrasonographically guided aspiration and drainage, and surgery. Each option carries specific advantages and disadvantages. Ultrasonographically guided aspiration bears infectious risks. Among various proposed surgical procedures, cystectomy appears to offer the best performances. Results of IVF are slightly or not altered, neither by an ovarian endometrioma, nor by previous surgery, except in case of iterative surgery or if operated lesions were very severe. Laparoscopic surgery is still the first line treatment in many cases. Abstention can be applied in particular circumstances. Ultrasonographically guided aspiration needs to be further evaluated.