Office Vaginoscopic Hysteroscopy in Infertile Women: Effects of Gynecologist Experience, Instrument Size, and Distention Medium on Patient Discomfort

Uterine cervical stenosis: from classification to advances in management. Overcoming the obstacles to access the uterine cavity

BACKGROUND

To date hysteroscopy is the gold standard technique for the evaluation and management of intrauterine pathologies. The cervical canal represents the access route to the uterine cavity. The presence of cervical stenosis often makes entry into the uterine cavity difficult and occasionally impossible. Cervical stenosis has a multifactorial etiology. It is the result of adhesion processes that can lead to the narrowing or total obliteration of the cervical canal.

PURPOSE

In this review, we summarize the scientific evidence about cervical stenosis, aiming to identify the best strategy to overcome this challenging condition.

METHODS

The literature review followed the scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles (SANRA). All articles describing the hysteroscopic management of cervical stenosis were considered eligible. Only original papers that reported data on the topic were included.

RESULTS

Various strategies have been proposed to address cervical stenosis, including surgical and non-surgical methods. Medical treatments such as the preprocedural use of cervical-ripening agents or osmotic dilators have been explored. Surgical options include the use of cervical dilators and hysteroscopic treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical stenosis can present challenges in achieving successful intrauterine procedures. Operative hysteroscopy has been shown to have the highest success rate, particularly in cases of severe cervical stenosis, and is currently considered the gold standard for managing this condition. Despite the availability of miniaturized instruments that have made the management of cervical stenosis more feasible, it remains a complex task, even for experienced hysteroscopists.

Outpatient hysteroscopy impact on subsequent assisted reproductive technology: a systematic review and meta-analysis in patients with normal transvaginal sonography or hysterosalpingography images

BACKGROUND

Standard management for intrauterine lesions typically involves initial imaging followed by operative hysteroscopy for suspicious findings. However, the efficacy of routine outpatient hysteroscopy in women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) remains uncertain due to a lack of decisive high-quality evidence. This study aimed to determine whether outpatient hysteroscopy is beneficial for infertile women who have unremarkable imaging results prior to undergoing ART.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines, incorporating data up to May 31, 2023, from databases such as PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. The primary outcome assessed was the live birth rate, with secondary outcomes including chemical pregnancy, clinical pregnancy rates, and miscarriage rates. Statistical analysis involved calculating risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals and assessing heterogeneity with the I2 statistic.

RESULTS

The analysis included ten randomized control trials. Receiving outpatient hysteroscopy before undergoing ART was associated with increased live birth (RR 1.22, 95% CI 1.03-1.45, I2 61%) and clinical pregnancy rate (RR 1.27 95% CI 1.10-1.47, I2 53%). Miscarriage rates did not differ significantly (RR 1.25, CI 0.90-1.76, I2 50%). Subgroup analyses did not show a significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates when comparing normal versus abnormal hysteroscopic findings (RR 1.01, CI 0.78-1.32, I2 38%). We analyzed data using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches, and our findings were consistent across both analytical methods.

CONCLUSIONS

Office hysteroscopy may enhance live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing ART, even when previous imaging studies show no apparent intrauterine lesions. Treating lesions not detected by imaging may improve ART outcomes. The most commonly missed lesions are endometrial polyps, submucosal fibroids and endometritis, which are all known to affect ART success rates. The findings suggested that hysteroscopy, given its diagnostic accuracy and patient tolerability, should be considered in the management of infertility.

DATABASE REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systemic Review database (CRD42023476403).

Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation: From Indications to Instrumentation and Techniques-A Call to Action

The development of minimally invasive techniques has led to the creation of innovative alternatives in cases where traditional methods are not applicable. In modern gynecology, hysteroscopy has become the gold standard for the evaluation and treatment of intrauterine pathology. Endometrial ablation (EA) is a procedure that uses different types of energy to destroy the endometrium and is currently used as an alternative technique in cases of heavy menstrual bleeding when medical treatment has failed and uterine preservation is desired. The aim of this review was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of hysteroscopic EA as an alternative in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. A detailed computerized search of the literature was performed in the main electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, PubMed, and Cochrane Library), from 1994 to June 2022, to evaluate the outcomes in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) undergoing EA using hysteroscopic and non-hysteroscopic techniques. Only scientific publications in English were included. Twelve articles on the current use of endometrial ablation were included. Data on patient symptoms, tools used for EA, primary outcomes, and adverse events were recorded. EA should be considered an effective and safe approach in the management of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding caused by benign pathology, in whom medical treatment has failed or is contraindicated. Due to the lack of evidence, it would be interesting to determine whether EA would also have a role in the treatment of women with premalignant lesions, avoiding invasive surgical procedures or medical treatment in those patients for whom hysterectomy or the use of hormonal treatment is contraindicated.

Quality of Life, Anxiety and Depression in Women Treated with Hysteroscopic Endometrial Resection or Ablation for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background and Objectives: Hysteroscopic endometrial resection (ER) or global endometrial ablation (GEA) are feasible methods to treat heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to assess patient's quality of life (QoL) in women treated with ER/GEA compared to hysterectomy. Materials and Methods: Electronic searches in MEDLINE Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, PROSPERO and Cochrane CENTRAL were conducted from their inception to July 2022. Inclusion criteria were RCTs of premenopausal women with HMB randomized to conservative surgical treatment (ER/GEA) or hysterectomy. The primary outcome was the evaluation of QoL using the SF-36 score. Results: Twelve RCTs (2773 women) were included in the analysis. Women treated with hysteroscopic ER/GEA showed significantly lower scores for the SF-36 general health perception (mean difference (MD) -8.56 [95% CI -11.75 to -5.36]; I2 = 0%), social function (MD -12.90 [95% CI -23.90 to -1.68]; I2 = 91%), emotional role limitation (MD -4.64 [95% CI -8.43 to -0.85]; I2 = 0%) and vitality (MD -8.01 [95% CI -14.73 to -1.30]; I2 = 74%) domains relative to hysterectomy. Anxiety, depression scores and complication rates were similar between treatments. Relative to uterine balloon therapy, amenorrhea was more common with EA/GER (relative risk 1.51 [95% CI 1.03 to 1.20] I2 = 28%), but posttreatment satisfaction was similar. Conclusions: Women's perception of QoL might be seen to be less improved after hysteroscopic ER/GEA rather than hysterectomy. However, such findings need to be confirmed by additional trials due to the high number of outdated studies and recent improvements in hysteroscopic instrumentation and techniques.

A New Methodology to Assess Fallopian Tubes Microbiota and Its Impact on Female Fertility

Tubal factor is an important contributor to female infertility, and the current diagnostic approaches cannot correctly identify many subtle causes of tubal dysfunction. While it is known that the most common cause of tubal factor infertility is pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), creating critical alterations of the tubal epithelium, little attention has been devoted to understanding the tubal modifications caused by the resident microbial population and their interaction with the surrounding tubal epithelium. Furthermore, most of these samples are obtained by traumatic procedures such as direct sampling during laparoscopy using a cytobrush. However, as in any other organ of the female genital tract, the microbiota environment of the fallopian tube plays an essential role in maintaining tubal functioning, counteracting the pathogenic effect of acquired microbes. Consequentially, to better analyze the tubal microbiota without causing anatomical and/or functional alteration of the fallopian tube and preserving fertility, the hysteroscopic approach might be the method of choice, guarantying maximal integrity of the uterine cavity and tubal lumen. Here we describe our plan for using atraumatic hysteroscopic sampling methods to investigate the correlation between tubal microbiota and female infertility.

Uterine distension media for outpatient hysteroscopy

BACKGROUND

Hysteroscopy done in an outpatient setting is the 'gold standard' method for evaluating the uterine cavity. Media used to distend the uterine cavity include gas as carbon dioxide and liquid as saline that can be used at room temperature or warmed to body temperature. Both media offer advantages as well as disadvantages.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to compare the effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of gas (carbon dioxide) and liquid (normal saline) used for uterine distension during outpatient hysteroscopy.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO on 28 April 2021. We checked references of relevant trials and contacted study authors and experts in the field to identify additional studies. CINAHL records and ongoing trials from the trial registries were included in the CENTRAL search.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing saline with carbon dioxide, as well as RCTs comparing saline at different temperatures, for uterine distension in outpatient hysteroscopy done for any indication.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures recommended by Cochrane. Primary review outcomes were patient tolerability and adverse events or complications related to the distending medium. Secondary outcomes were quality of the hysteroscopic view and duration of the procedure.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 12 RCTs (1946 women). The quality of evidence ranged from very low to high: the main limitations were risk of bias due to absence of blinding due to the nature of the procedure, imprecision, and inconsistency. Saline versus carbon dioxide Analysis ruled out a clinically relevant difference in pain scores during the procedure between saline and carbon dioxide, but the quality of evidence was low (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.07, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.17 to 0.02; 9 RCTs, N = 1705; I² = 86%). This translates to differences of 0.39 cm (lower) and 0.05 cm (higher) on a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Evidence was insufficient to show differences between groups in the proportion of procedures abandoned due to intense pain (Peto odds ratio (OR) 0.48, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.42; 1 RCT, N = 189; very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether saline decreases the need for analgesia compared to carbon dioxide (Peto OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.99; 1 RCT, N = 189; very low-quality evidence). Saline compared to carbon dioxide is probably associated with fewer vasovagal reaction events (Peto OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.86; 6 RCTs, N = 1076; I² = 0%; moderate-quality evidence) and fewer shoulder-tip pain events (Peto OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.54; 4 RCTs, N = 623; I² = 0%, moderate-quality evidence). Evidence suggests that if 10% of women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy experience a vasovagal reaction event with the use of carbon dioxide, this rate would be between 3% and 9% with the use of saline. Similarly, if the rate of shoulder-tip pain with carbon dioxide is 9%, it would be between 1% and 5% with saline. We are uncertain whether saline is similar to carbon dioxide in terms of endometrial bleeding (Peto OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.25 to 2.75; 2 RCTs, N = 349; I² = 0%; very low-quality evidence). Infection was not reported by any study in this comparison. Saline may result in fewer procedures with an unsatisfactory hysteroscopic view than carbon dioxide (Peto OR 0.51, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.82; 5 RCTs, N = 1082; I² = 67%; low-quality evidence). The duration of the procedure was shorter with saline in three of the four studies that reported this outcome, and duration was similar in both arms in the fourth study. Warm saline versus room temperature saline Use of warm saline for uterine distension during office hysteroscopy may reduce pain scores when compared with room temperature saline (mean difference (MD) -1.14, 95% CI -1.55 to -0.73; 3 RCTs, N = 241; I² = 77%; low-quality evidence). Evidence is insufficient to show differences between groups in either the proportion of procedures abandoned due to intense pain (Peto OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.06 to 15.87; 1 RCT, N = 77; very low-quality evidence) or the need for analgesia (Peto OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.14 to 7.32; 1 RCT, N = 100; very low-quality evidence). Analysis ruled out a clinically relevant difference in duration of the procedure between warm and room temperature saline, but the quality of evidence is low (MD 13.17 seconds, 95% CI -12.96 to 39.29; 2 RCTs, N = 141; I² = 21%). No cases of infection were reported in either group (1 RCT, N = 100). No other adverse events and no information on quality of the hysteroscopic view were reported by any study in this comparison.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Evidence was insufficient to show differences between different distension media used for uterine distension in outpatient hysteroscopy in terms of patient tolerability, operator satisfaction, or duration of the procedure. However, saline was superior to carbon dioxide in producing fewer adverse events (shoulder-tip pain and vasovagal reaction).

Pain and anxiety in office histeroscopy

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is almost always present before medical interventions and may play a role in pain perception. We aim to evaluate factors associated with pain intensity reported by patients submitted to Office Hysteroscopy (OH).

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study, with data from April to November 2015. It included patients attended at the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School (MEAC/UFC) with an indication of office hysteroscopy. Before the examination, the patients answered a validated questionnaire about anxiety (STAI). After the examination, women answered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 15.0, with Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analyses of variance.

RESULTS

252 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.7 years, of whom 29% were postmenopausal (mean pain 5.5) and 71% were in menacme (mean pain 5.1) (p = 0.258). The anxiety trait and state showed a significant influence on the pain scale (p <0.001 and p=0.001), but age or endometrial sample did not. 27% of the patients were nulliparous. Less pain was associated with the number (p=0.01) and vaginal (p=0.005) of deliveries. The main indication for the procedure was abnormal uterine bleeding (54.4%).

CONCLUSION

OH may be associated with moderate but tolerable discomfort. There was a significant correlation between higher scores on the pain scale and anxiety. There was evidence of reduced pain with parity and type of delivery, but not with reproductive age or endometrial biopsy.

A Systematic Review of the Effect of Type, Pressure, and Temperature of the Distension Medium on Pain During Office Hysteroscopy

OBJECTIVE

To identify the optimal distension medium type, pressure, and temperature to minimize pain during office hysteroscopy.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to January 29, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We included randomized controlled trials in which women undergoing office hysteroscopy were randomized to either a distension medium type, pressure, or temperature against a suitable control, where pain was an outcome. Data regarding feasibility, visualization, complications, and satisfaction were also collected.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The literature search returned 847 studies, of which 18 were included for systematic review and 17 for meta-analysis. There was no significant difference in intraprocedural pain when comparing the use of normal saline against carbon dioxide (standardized mean difference [SMD], -0.12; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.36 to 0.13). Subgroup analysis of high-quality studies revealed a statistically significant reduction in postprocedural pain with normal saline (SMD, -0.65; 95% CI, -1.14 to -0.16). Side effects were less frequent (Peto odds ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.20-0.40) and patient satisfaction was higher (SMD, 1.39; 95% CI, 0.51-2.28) with normal saline compared with carbon dioxide. Pressures of ≤40 mm Hg reduced intraprocedural pain (SMD, -0.67; 95% CI, -1.09 to -0.26) at the expense of a higher proportion of unsatisfactory views (81%-89% at ≤40 mm Hg vs 95%-99% at ≥50 mm Hg). Postprocedural pain was reduced with lower filling pressures. Warming saline did not reduce intraprocedural pain (SMD, 0.59; 95% CI, -0.14 to 1.33).

CONCLUSION

Normal saline, instilled at the lowest pressure to acquire a satisfactory view, should be used for uterine distension during office hysteroscopy to minimize pain.

Use of music in reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy: Prospective randomized trial

AIM

To evaluate the effect of music in reducing pain during outpatient hysteroscopy under no anesthesia.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial From June 2019 to December 2019 in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Hong Kong. A total of 107 patients were randomized to music group (n = 54) or non-music group (n = 53). Music was played during outpatient hysteroscopy in the music group. Patients in the non-music group had the procedure done in the same setting without music. Primary outcome was the level of pain measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) score before and during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were vital parameters that reflect the level of pain including blood pressure and heart rate.

RESULTS

Patients in the music group experienced significantly less pain during outpatient hysteroscopy (VAS score 4.54 ± 2.89 vs 5.88 ± 2.90; P = 0.02). The anticipated pain level was similar in both groups (VAS score 5.59 ± 2.27 vs 6.11 ± 2.43; P = 0.27). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in all the vital parameters.

CONCLUSION

Listening to music during outpatient hysteroscopy under no anesthesia significantly reduces pain in a well-matched Chinese population. Music is easy to provide with low-cost equipment and manpower. We recommend the routine use of music during outpatient hysteroscopy to improve patient care.

Office hysteroscopic myomectomy without myoma extraction: A multicenter prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of leaving the submucous myoma (SM) in the uterine cavity after office hysteroscopic enucleation.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective multicenter study including patients who had a single SM diagnosed by transvaginal ultrasounds with surgical indication. Office hysteroscopic enucleation of the SM was performed using a 5 mm continuous flow office hysteroscope with a 2.9 mm rod lens optical system and a 5 Fr operative channel. After the SM was released preserving the pseudo capsule using cold instruments, it was left into the uterine cavity. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients without evidence of the myoma at the transvaginal ultrasound performed after 90 days from surgery.

RESULTS

Between January 1st, 2018, and March 31st, 2020, a total of 204 patients were enrolled. Most patients were nulliparous and reported abnormal uterine bleeding as the leading symptom. 76.5 % of enucleated myomas had a diameter ranging between 1.5 and 2.5 cm, and 81.4 % of SMs were of G0 or G1. Hysteroscopic procedures had a mean duration of 23.2 ± 10.5 min. The operative time was associated with the SM grade and size. All hysteroscopic procedures were completed. A vasovagal reaction was observed in 3 women (1.5 %), and minimal post-operative bleeding was reported after 7 procedures (3.4 %). None reported pelvic pain or vaginal discharges/bleeding during follow-up. The average patient satisfaction from surgery was 4.59 (5-points Likert scale). The level of patient satisfaction was not associated with the grade and the size of the myoma. In 192 (94.12 %; 98 %CI: 89.03-96.93 %) out of 204 patients, the SM was absent at the transvaginal ultrasound performed at the follow-up end. A higher prevalence of G2 SMs and lower prevalence of G1 SMs were observed among patients with evidence of the myoma after 90 days from the surgery.

CONCLUSION

Office hysteroscopic myomectomy with SM enucleation without mass extraction appears safe, well-tolerated, and effective in at least 89 % of patients. G2 SMs may be the factor associated with the procedure's failure.

Extending cervicoplastic surgery: an alternative technique to overcome the limitation of office hysteroscopy

Our objective is to show a feasible approach to the hysteroscopic procedures when the cervical canal has a diameter smaller than the lesion. Our study is designed as a case series and illustration of the surgical hysteroscopic technique. A group of patients (n = 37) underwent office hysteroscopy in Regional Reference Center for Hysteroscopy Service at Palagi Hospital, Florence, Italy, to see and treat an endometrial polyp with unfavorable cervical conditions between January 2019 and December 2019. An office hysteroscopy in outpatient setting with vaginoscopic approach was performed in women with unfavorable cervical conditions. Fiber-based 3.5-mm hysteroscope, with 5F electrosurgery unit and 5F bipolar electrode, was used to perform the cervicoplasty in order to enlarge the cervical canal from internal to external os, following by the removal of the endometrial polyp with the excision of the base only without slicing. After 90 days, a follow-up hysteroscopy was performed. The procedure was performed successfully in 89.2% of patients.

The surgical technique of cervicoplastic allows to perform an operative procedure without analgesia/sedation or anesthesia or blind cervical dilation, reducing the risk of complications and costs. Furthermore, cervicoplasty allowed the removal en bloc of the endocavitary lesion in all cases. At the follow-up hysteroscopy, the cervical passage was straight and smooth, without lesions repaired in all patients. Cervicoplasty is a technique which allows to perfume an ease and comfortable hysteroscopic procedure even in patients with unfavorable cervical canal. Due to the widening of the diameter of the cervical canal, intracavitary lesions are removed intact resulting in an optimal pathological evaluation.

Prevalence and intensity of pain during diagnostic hysteroscopy in women attending an infertility clinic: analysis of 489 cases

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and intensity of pain perception during diagnostic hysteroscopy in women and potential related factors.

Methods

A total of 489 women were investigated at an infertility clinic. Fluid diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed without analgesia or anesthesia by gynecologists with different levels of experience in operative hysteroscopy, using a 2.9mm rigid scope. The Visual Analog Scale was used to score pain intensity after vaginal speculum insertion and after hysteroscopy. Data collected included age, ethnicity, body mass index, history of infertility and endometrial surgery (curettage and/or hysteroscopy), smoking habits, and hysteroscopy diagnosis. Only the state of anxiety was assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory given to each patient before the procedure.

Results

Hysteroscopy median (25^th to 75^th) Visual Analog Scale scored 3.3 (3 to 5), and 41.7% of the women referred Visual Analog Scale score ≥4. Median (25^th to 75^th) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 42 (38 to 45), and 58.3% of the women referred State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score >40. Hysteroscopy Visual Analog Scale score was significantly correlated to surgeon experience and to vaginal speculum insertion but not to State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, ethnicity or abnormal hysteroscopic findings.

Conclusion

Diagnostic hysteroscopy was mostly perceived as a mild discomfort procedure by most women. Nevertheless, in a considerable number of cases, women perceived hysteroscopy as painful. Pain perception was linked to individual pain threshold and surgeon experience, but not to pre-procedural anxiety state levels, ethnicity or abnormal hysteroscopic findings.

A Prospective Multicenter Registry of Patients Undergoing Hysteroscopic Morcellation of Uterine Polyps and Myomas

Background: Hysteroscopic morcellation removes uterine pathology under direct visualization with continuous real-time tissue fragment removal. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility of hysteroscopic morcellation across a diverse set of facilities, including both surgical and office-based settings. Design: This was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter registry development (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). Materials and Methods: Thirty-four U.S. obstetrics and gynecology facilities enrolled subjects into the registry. Inclusion criteria were women ages 18–65 with indications for hysteroscopic myomectomy and/or polypectomy who were treated with the MyoSure® Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal System (Hologic Inc., Marlborough, MA). Intrauterine lesion type/size and removal parameters, adverse events (AEs), and physician satisfaction ratings were recorded. Results: A total of 559 pathologies (187 fibroids; 372 polyps) were removed from 278 registered subjects (mean age: 43.9 ± 9.0 years), with 250 procedures (89.9%) performed in an ambulatory surgery center or hospital outpatient setting and 28 (10.1%) in a gynecologic office setting. Most patients (n = 206, 74.1%) were treated for abnormal uterine bleeding, and 42 (15.1%) were treated for infertility. Mean fibroid diameter was 2.2 ± 1.2 cm. Mean polyp diameter was 1.3 ± 1.0 cm. Overall mean percentage of pathology removed was 95.4% (polyps 99.3%, fibroids 86.8%). Five AEs included four incidents of blunt cervical trauma and a single postoperative case of pedal edema; all were considered mild and resolved spontaneously. Postprocedure surveys indicated that 95% of reporting physicians were “satisfied” or “highly satisfied” with device performance. Conclusions: Hysteroscopic morcellation of intrauterine pathology was accomplished safely with a high degree of physician satisfaction in 278 patients treated in diverse healthcare settings that are reflective of general community practice in the United States. (J GYNECOL SURG 32:318)

Adenomyosis: a systematic review of medical treatment

Adenomyosis is a heterogeneous gynaecologic condition with a range of clinical presentations, the most common being heavy menstrual bleeding and dysmenorrhoea; however, patients can also be asymptomatic. Several studies support the theory that adenomyosis results from invasion of the endometrium into the myometrium, causing alterations in the junctional zone. These changes are commonly seen on imaging studies, such as transvaginal ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging. The aim of this review is to discuss the medical approach to the management of adenomyosis symptoms, including pain and abnormal uterine bleeding. The standard treatment of adenomyosis is hysterectomy, but there is no medical therapy to treat the symptoms of adenomyosis while still allowing patients to conceive. Medical therapies using suppressive hormonal treatments, such as continuous use of oral contraceptive pills, high-dose progestins, selective oestrogen receptor modulators, selective progesterone receptor modulators, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device, aromatase inhibitors, danazol, and gonadotrophin receptor hormone agonists can temporarily induce regression of adenomyosis and improve the symptoms.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Gynecologic Procedures prior to and during the Utilization of Assisted Reproductive Technologies: A Systematic Review

The use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) has increased steadily. There has been a corresponding increase in the number of ART-related procedures such as hysterosalpingography (HSG), saline infusion sonography (SIS), hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, oocyte retrieval, and embryo transfer (ET). While performing these procedures, the abdomen, upper vagina, and endocervix are breached, leading to the possibility of seeding pelvic structures with microorganisms. Antibiotic prophylaxis is therefore important to prevent or treat any procedure-related infections. After careful review of the published literature, it is evident that routine antibiotic prophylaxis is generally not recommended for the majority of ART-related procedures. For transcervical procedures such as HSG, SIS, hysteroscopy, ET, and chromotubation, patients at risk for pelvic infections should be screened and treated prior to the procedure. Patients with a history of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or dilated fallopian tubes are at high risk for postprocedural infections and should be given antibiotic prophylaxis during procedures such as HSG, SIS, or chromotubation. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended prior to oocyte retrieval in patients with a history of endometriosis, PID, ruptured appendicitis, or multiple prior pelvic surgeries.

Hysteroscopy: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians

The objective of this study was to provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning hysteroscopy. Vaginoscopy should be the standard technique for diagnostic hysteroscopy (Grade A) using a miniature (≤3.5mm sheath) (Grade A) rigid hysteroscope (Grade C), using normal saline solution distension medium (Grade C), without any anaesthesia (conscious sedation should not be routinely used), without cervical preparation (Grade B), without vaginal disinfection and without antibiotic prophylaxy (Grade B). Misoprostol (Grade A), vaginal oestrogens (Grade C), or GnRH agonist routine administration is not recommended before operative hysteroscopy. Before performing hysteroscopy, it is important to purge the air out of the system (Grade A). The uterine cavity distention pressure should be maintained below the mean arterial pressure and below 120mm Hg. The maximum fluid deficit of 2000ml is suggested when using normal saline solution and 1000ml is suggested when using hypotonic solution. When uterine perforation is recognized during operative hysteroscopy using monopolar or bipolar loop, the procedure should be stopped and a laparoscopy should be performed in order to eliminate a bowel injury. Diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy is allowed when an endometrial cancer is suspected (Grade B). Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to hysteroscopy.

Pregnancy outcome after hysteroscopic myomectomy

The objective of this longitudinal retrospective study was to evaluate the influence of submucosal myomas on pregnancy outcome in infertile patients after resectoscopic myomectomy. One-hundred and four women with at least a 1-year-long history of infertility and the presence of submucosal myomas as the only cause of infertility were selected after surgical treatment. Pregnancy, delivery and abortion rates were investigated. Patients were divided into three groups according to the myoma classification (G0, G1 and G2). Gestational outcomes were analyzed in the three groups correlated by size, location and number of fibroids. The total pregnancy rate was 85.8% and no difference was shown regarding myoma classification (G0 82.05% versus G1 87.09% versus G2 88.2%; p = ns). Pregnancy and delivery rates were not significantly related to the number, localization or diameter of the fibroids. The abortion rate was not statistically influenced by myoma type, but it was significantly inter-related with myomas situated in the anterior uterine wall (p = 0.03). Pre-term delivery was significantly influenced by myomas localized in the fundic wall (p = 0.02). Caesarean section rates were not affected by the characteristics of the myomas. Our results support the idea that resectoscopic myomectomy should be offered to infertile women who wish to become pregnant independently of their localization and number.

Patient-related and ENT-related predictive factors based on the pain experienced during flexible nasendoscopy

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

The objective was to explore the role of specific patient-related and operator-related factors in pain perception during flexible laryngoscopy, which is one of the most common ENT procedures.

STUDY DESIGN

Monocentric, randomized, individual prospective study.

METHODS

A total of 532 patients (145 men and 387 women), without any relevant ENT diseases, underwent laryngoscopy performed by otolaryngologists with various degrees of experience. Patient discomfort was reported using visual analog scores, and willingness to repeat the experience was also recorded.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis showed that greater pain was significantly associated with female patients and female otolaryngologists, whereas the pain was less severe in the cases of experienced laryngologists and older patients. Pain plays an important role in determining the willingness to repeat the examination; in fact, patients who experienced lower levels of pain during laryngoscopy were more prone to repeat the experience.

CONCLUSION

This article explores the importance of the extrinsic factors that are related to the patient and the otolaryngologist in determining the level of pain associated with laryngoscopy. Our study indicated that laryngoscopy is generally a well-tolerated procedure, causing little overall discomfort, but that a subgroup of patients may experience more pain than others, which may affect the patient's perspective toward undergoing a similar future experience. Our analysis may be helpful for clinicians in understanding pain perception during a routine procedure, enabling them to focus more on that subgroup of patients who are more prone to pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1b.

[Prevention of the complications related to hysteroscopy: guidelines for clinical practice]

OBJECTIVE

To provide clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) from the French college of obstetrics and gynecology (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning the adverse events related to hysteroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Review of literature using following Keywords: hysteroscopy; vaginoscopy; infection; perforation; intrauterine adhesions

RESULTS

Vaginoscopy should be the standard technique for outpatient hysteroscopy (grade A) using a miniature (≤ 3.5mm sheath) (grade A) rigid hysteroscope (grade C), using normal saline solution distension medium (grade C), without any anesthesia (conscious sedation should not be routinely used), without cervical preparation (grade B), without vaginal disinfection and without antibiotic prophylaxy (grade B). Misoprostol (grade A), vaginal estrogens (grade C), or GnRH agonist routine administration is not recommended before operative hysteroscopy. Before performing hysteroscopy, it is important to purge the air out of the system (grade A). The uterine cavity distention pressure should be maintained below the mean arterial pressure and below 120 mmHg. The maximum fluid deficit of 2000 mL is suggested when using normal saline solution and 1000 mL is suggested when using hypotonic solution. When uterine perforation is recognized during operative hysteroscopy using monopolar or bipolar loop, the procedure should be stopped and a laparoscopy should be performed in order to eliminate a bowel injury. Diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy is allowed when an endometrial cancer is suspected (grade B).

CONCLUSION

Implementation of this guideline should decrease the prevalence of complications related to office and operative hysteroscopy.