A Prospective Matched Case-Control Study of Laparoendoscopic Single-Site vs Conventional Laparoscopic Myomectomy

The safety and efficacy of myomectomy in the treatment of recurrent uterine fibroids after HIFU

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of myomectomy for recurrent uterine fibroids (UFs) after high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study. Patients who underwent abdominal myomectomy (AM) and laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) from January 2018 to December 2021 at the Three Gorges Hospital of Chongqing University were included. Among them, 73 had undergone prior HIFU ablation (Group 1), while 120 had not undergone HIFU (Group 2). Outcome measures included operating time, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, postoperative activity times (PAT), duration of hospital stay (DOHS), and complications.

RESULTS

The operating time was 90.0 min (70.5, 115.0) for Group 1 and 110.0 min (81.5, 130.0) for Group 2 (P < 0.05). During all AM pathways, there were no significant differences observed between the two groups in EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications; however, operating time was shorter in Group 1. The operating time, EBL, blood transfusion, PAT, DOHS, and complications were similar in both groups during LM pathway. During the follow-up 40 (range: 24-53) months, the rate of relief, recurrence, and reintervention in Groups 1 and 2 was 78.1% versus 74.1%, 14.6% versus 16.4%, and 3.7% versus 2.6%, respectively (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Myomectomy is a safe and effective surgical method for treating recurrent UFs after HIFU. Myomectomy for treating recurrent UFs resulted in a shorter operative and hospital stay, reduced blood loss, faster postoperative recovery, and fewer complications, better symptom relief rates, and lower risk of recurrence or reintervention. These findings indicate that previous HIFU ablation does not worsen the outcomes of the subsequent myomectomy.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound is a Better Choice for Women with Fertility Desire: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of the Comparison between High-intensity Focused Ultrasound and Laparoscopic Treatment of Uterine Fibroids

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is commonly used to treat uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, but there is no evidence using metadata to compare fertility outcomes between conventional laparoscopic procedures and HIFU. The purpose of this study analysis is that evidence-based fertility outcomes may provide better treatment options for clinicians and patients considering fertility. The literature on fertility data for HIFU surgery versus laparoscopic myomectomy was searched in seven English language databases from January 1, 2010, to November 23, 2022. A total of 1375 articles were received in the literature, 14 of which were selected. We found that women who underwent HIFU surgery had higher rates of spontaneous pregnancy, higher rates of spontaneous delivery, and higher rates of full-term delivery but may have higher rates of miscarriage or postpartum complications than women who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Looking forward to future studies, it is hoped that the literature will examine endometrial differences in women who undergo HIFU and laparoscopic myomectomy to demonstrate the ability of endometrial repair. The location of fibroids in the sample should also be counted to allow for attribution statistics on the cause of miscarriage.

The Impact of Laparoscopic Myomectomy on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review

STUDY OBJECTIVE

The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the impact of laparoscopic myomectomy techniques on pregnancy outcomes, with a specific focus on the correlation between the type of suture used during the procedure and the incidence of uterine rupture. Additionally, the study aims to examine how the localization and size of myomas, key factors in laparoscopic myomectomy, may influence fertility outcomes.

DATA SOURCES

extensive searches were conducted using MDPI, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from 2008 to November 2023.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

The study involved women of reproductive age diagnosed with fibroids who underwent surgical removal of fibroids using either laparotomy or laparoscopy. The evaluation of pregnancy outcomes focused on indicators such as live birth rates, miscarriage rates, stillbirth rates, premature delivery rates, and cases of uterine rupture. Quality assessment was systematically performed by employing the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools, with the subsequent formulation of clinical recommendations that were meticulously graded in accordance with the robustness of the underlying evidence.

RESULTS

The pregnancy outcomes post-myoma treatment, as reflected in one of the presented tables, show a promising number of pregnancies and live births, but also indicate the potential risks of miscarriages and preterm births. The diversity in outcomes observed among various studies underscores the imperative for tailored patient care, as well as the necessity for additional research aimed at optimizing fertility and pregnancy outcomes following myoma treatment.

CONCLUSION

This study offers insights into the criteria for patient selection and intraoperative methodologies specifically related to laparoscopic myomectomy. To enhance our understanding of the associations between fibroid characteristics (location, size) and reproductive outcomes, additional research is warranted, particularly through well-designed clinical trials.

Comparison of operative and fertility outcomes of single-incision robotic myomectomy: a retrospective single-center analysis of 286 cases

To assess the short-term operative and fertility outcomes of single-incision robotic myomectomy. We performed this retrospective cohort study of 286 women who underwent robotic single-site myomectomy using the da Vinci® Xi surgical system (RSSM group, n = 70) or robotic single-port myomectomy using the da Vinci® SP surgical system (RSPM group, n = 216). Data were collected through chart reviews and telephone interviews. Except operating time (94.6 ± 30.1 min in RSSM vs. 81.7 ± 20.1 min in RSPM) and location of the removed fibroids, there were no significant differences in the operative outcomes or characteristics of the removed fibroids between both groups. The proportion of fibroids in the lateral wall in RSPM (13.4%) was approximately twice that in RSSM (6.3%). There was no conversion to laparotomy or multiport access, and none of the women required readmission in either group. No significant difference in the complication rate was noted between groups, and all complications were resolved with conservative treatment. During the approximately 20-month follow-up period, in the RSSM and RSPM groups, the pregnancy rates were 54.5% and 67.4%, respectively, and the abortion rates were 33.3% and 22.6%, respectively. In terms of operative and fertility outcomes, single-site robotic myomectomy appears to be feasible and safe in women with symptomatic fibroids. The da Vinci® SP system is thought to be helpful in reducing operation time and surgically difficult myomectomy.

Comparison of efficacy of single-port versus conventional laparoscopic treatment for uterine leiomyoma: a latest meta-analysis

Objective

Single-port laparoscopy has been proposed as an ideal surgical method for the treatment of uterine leiomyoma. It can effectively remove the lesion, reduce the loss of hemoglobin, and has superior cosmetic effects. Therefore, we searched relevant studies and conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of single-port laparoscopy on myoma resection, hemoglobin loss, and scar beauty compared to conventional laparoscopy.

Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, scope, Cochrane, CNKI, and other databases to find randomized controlled studies on the efficacy of single-port laparoscopy and traditional laparoscopy for meta-analysis. The main outcomes of our study were the duration of surgery, the reduction of hemoglobin, and the cosmetic effect of the postoperative scar. The effect model was selected according to heterogeneity (random effect model or fixed effect model), and the relevant sensitivity analysis and publication bias test were performed.

Results

We searched a total of 501 related literature articles and finally included 19 studies involving 21 researchers. Comparison of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy with traditional surgery: Operation time had no significant difference (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD]: 0.13, 95% Confidence interval (CI), -0.04 to 0.30; I²=74%; P = 0.14); The reduction of hemoglobin is lower ([SMD]: -0.04; 95% CI, -0.23 to 0.14; I²=71%; P = 0.65), and the cosmetic effect of postoperative scar is more satisfactory ([SMD]: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.83; I²=72%, P= 0.04). There was no significant difference in conversion rate, postoperative pain, blood loss, postoperative gastrointestinal recovery time, or length of hospital stay.

Conclusion

Compared with traditional laparoscopy, the operation time of the treatment of uterine leiomyoma by single-port laparoscopy is not extended, the reduction of hemoglobin is less, and the cosmetic effect of the scar is better. Therefore, single-port laparoscopy is superior to traditional surgery in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

Systematic review registration

https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2023-3-0071/, identifier INPLASY202330071.

Robotic single-port myomectomy using the da Vinci SP surgical system: A pilot study

AIM

To report our initial experience with robotic single-port myomectomy (RSPM) using the da Vinci SP surgical system and to evaluate the feasibility of the procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This prospective observational study was performed at a university teaching hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. Sixty-one women with symptomatic fibroids received RSPM.

RESULTS

Based on seven resected fibroids and a maximal diameter of resected fibroids <10 cm, the women were arbitrarily divided into two groups. The mean number and maximal diameter of the removed fibroids were 3.7 ± 3.8 (2.3 ± 1.8 in Group 1 vs. 7.2 ± 5.3 in Group 2) and 7.6 ± 2.9 cm (6.8 ± 1.6 in Group 1 vs. 9.5 ± 4.3 in Group 2), respectively. The mean operation time, hemoglobin change, and hospital stay were 149.9 ± 72.9 min (123.8 ± 43.8 in Group 1 vs. 217.6 ± 89.4 in Group 2), 2.3 ± 1.0 g/dL (2.1 ± 0.9 in Group 1 vs. 2.7 ± 1.2 in Group 2), and 4.5 ± 0.8 days (4.4 ± 0.8 in Group 1 vs. 4.7 ± 0.9 in Group 2). There was no conversion to multi-port laparoscopy or laparotomy nor were there any major complications.

CONCLUSIONS

RSPM using the da Vinci SP surgical system is feasible surgical modality for women with symptomatic fibroid and is expected to increase indications of single-port myomectomy by solving many of the ergonomics problems inevitably accompanying single-port laparoscopic myomectomy.

Operative and Obstetric Outcomes after Single-port Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Retrospective Single-center Analysis of 504 Cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To analyze the obstetric and operative outcomes of 504 cases of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SPLM).

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study.

SETTING

A tertiary university hospital.

PATIENTS

A total of 502 patients (504 SPLM procedures) who underwent SPLM for symptom relief or growing myomas between October 2009 and April 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Data on patient demographics, operative variables (estimated blood loss, hemoglobin decrease, operation time, perioperative complications, and postoperative hospital stay), and obstetric outcomes (the surgery-to-pregnancy interval and birth-related outcomes) were obtained from medical records and analyzed.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 40.6 ± 6.6 years. The patients had had an average of 2.3 ± 2.2 myomas removed; the largest myoma size was 6.8 ± 2.4 cm. The mean operation time, postoperative hemoglobin decrease, and postoperative hospital stay duration were 112.9 ± 45.3 minutes, 1.7 ± 1.1 g/dL, and 2.2 ± 1.4 days, respectively. The overall rate of postoperative complications was 7.7% (39/504), and the common complications were transfusions (16/504, 3.1%) or wound problems (15/504, 3.0%). Conversion to multiport or open myomectomy was required in 0.8% of the cases (4/504). A total of 376 women were of child-bearing age, and 56 attempted to become pregnant after surgery. The mean interval from surgery to pregnancy was 15.6 ± 12.2 months. The obstetric outcomes were pregnancy (42/56, 75.0%), live birth (39/56, 69.6%), and miscarriage (2/56, 3.6%). One pregnant woman was lost to follow-up. The 39 live births predominantly involved full-term delivery (36/39, 92.3%), mostly through cesarean section (36/39, 92.3%). No postpartum complications were reported. The 2 most common obstetric complications were preterm labor (7.6%) and gestational diabetes (5.1%).

CONCLUSION

SPLM seems to be an effective procedure with good operative and postoperative obstetric outcomes for women with myomas who require surgery and may wish to subsequently become pregnant.

Non-hysteroscopic Myomectomy and Fertility Outcomes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the literature to identify best practices for nonhysteroscopic myomectomy for women with myomas who desire future fertility. The focus areas included factors associated with conception and pregnancy outcomes after myomectomy, impact of surgical route (laparotomic, laparoscopic, and the incorporation of robot assistance), and preoperative findings and surgical techniques that have an impact on reproduction.

DATA SOURCES

Librarian-led electronic searches of the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were performed from inception to February 2020. A targeted reference review was performed to update the original searches.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

The participants were women of reproductive age with myomas who underwent myoma removal surgery through laparotomic or laparoscopic approaches. The fertility outcomes included markers for ovarian reserve, clinical pregnancy rates, and pregnancy outcomes. We performed quality assessment using National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools and developed clinical recommendations graded according to the strength of the evidence.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The initial search identified 2163 studies, of which 51 met the inclusion criteria. These consisted of 11 studies that focused on the factors associated with conception or pregnancy outcomes after myomectomy, 10 studies that examined the route of nonhysteroscopic myomectomy, and 30 that were related to intraoperative techniques and findings. Overall, younger age, lower myoma number, and distortion of the endometrial cavity were associated with improved reproductive outcomes after myomectomy. The route of nonhysteroscopic myomectomy and intraoperative uterine artery occlusion did not significantly affect pregnancy rates or outcomes. Adhesion barriers present a possible target for further research.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into patient selection and intraoperative techniques for nonhysteroscopic myomectomy. Further research with well-designed clinical trials is needed to highlight the relationships between myoma characteristics (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics type, location, and size) and reproductive outcomes.

Successful management of preoperatively diagnosed torsion of a subserosal uterine fibroid by pneumoperitoneum laparoscopic single-port surgery

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative diagnosis and successful management of acute torsion of a subserosal fibroid by using appropriate imaging modalities and single-port laparoscopic surgery.

CASE REPORT

A 44-year-old nulliparous woman presented with lower abdominal pain. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging with contrast enhancement revealed a tumor in the pouch of Douglas with a low contrast at the center and thin-rim enhancement. Torsion of a uterine subserosal fibroid was diagnosed preoperatively. Laparoscopic single-port surgery by pneumoperitoneum was performed. Torsion of the pedicle attached to the uterine wall was excised by bipolar coagulation and cut with scissors. The extirpated fibroid was extracted from the umbilical wound. The pneumoperitoneum single-port laparoscopic surgery was completed as a gynecologic emergency operation.

CONCLUSION

Torsional uterine fibroids are difficult to diagnose preoperatively as symptoms are nonspecific and need emergent surgical management as an acute abdomen. Preoperative diagnosis using appropriate imaging modalities is important to perform single-port laparoscopic surgery.

Advantages of Single-Port Laparoscopic Myomectomy Compared with Conventional Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare operative outcomes of single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SP-LM) vs conventional laparoscopic myomectomy (CLM), including subjective and objective cosmetic aspects.

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I).

SETTING

University hospital.

PATIENTS

Women with uterine myoma scheduled for laparoscopic myomectomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Sixty-six women were assigned at random to either the SP-LM or CLM group. Surgical outcomes, including patient and observer scar assessments, were evaluated between the groups according to the intention-to-treat principle.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics and properties of myomectomy between the groups. There also were no differences in surgical outcomes, such as operation time, estimated blood loss, and complications, between the 2 groups. The mean total score of the Observer Scar Assessment Scale was lower in the SP-LM group at 1 week (13.0 ± 3.2 vs 18.3 ± 4.8; p < .001) and 8 weeks (9.9 ± 3.2 vs 14.3 ± 3.8; p < .001) after discharge. Similar results were obtained for the Patient Scar Assessment Scale at 1 week (11.6 ± 7.2 vs 18.5 ± 12.8; p = .024) and 8 weeks (9.5 ± 6.0 vs 18.8 ± 9.1; p < .001) after discharge. Postoperative pain and analgesic consumption did not differ between the groups, except in patient-controlled analgesia consumption at 6 hours after operation, which was lower in the SP-LM group (12.7 ± 6.3 mL vs 16.4 ± 6.2 mL; p = .039). Operative outcomes were similar in the 2 groups.

CONCLUSION

SP-LM is associated with more favorable cosmetic outcomes and better patient satisfaction compared with CLM. There were no differences in operative outcomes and complications between the 2 modalities.

Transumbilical extraction of 151-300-g myomas without morcellator versus conventional laparoscopic myomectomy with power morcellator

Study objective:

The aim of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes, particularly the specimen retrieval time, between two methods of laparoscopic myomectomy: transumbilical retrieval of the myoma without a morcellator and conventional retrieval of the myoma using a power morcellator via the left lower quadrant.

Design:

Retrospective study.

Setting:

Public hospital.

Patients:

Seventy-four women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.

Interventions:

Laparoscopic myomectomy followed by myoma retrieval via transumbilical extraction or electric motorized morcellator extraction.

Measurements and main results:

Seventy-four patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy followed by myoma retrieval via transumbilical extraction or electric motorized morcellator extraction were studied. Significant differences were observed in the average weight of the retrieved myomas between the transumbilical and morcellator groups (141.0 vs. 262.8 g, respectively; p < 0.001). Therefore, we chose 27 patients whose total specimen weight was 151–300 g; 13 patients were in the transumbilical extraction group and 14 were in the electric motorized morcellator group. No significant differences were observed in patient characteristics between the two groups. The operative time, blood loss volume, and myoma retrieval time were similar between the two groups.

Conclusion:

Laparoscopic myomectomy with transumbilical extraction for myoma retrieval is a feasible method for specimens weighing up to 300 g.

A Comparison of Single-, Two- and Three-Port Laparoscopic Myomectomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

A recent FDA safety communication has discouraged the use of a power morcellator for myoma extraction and has called for a change in surgical techniques for myomectomy. The objective of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of laparoscopic single-, two-, and conventional three-port myomectomy and to evaluate the feasibility of contained manual morcellation for uterine myoma.

METHODS

This retrospective study was a review and analysis of data from 191 consecutive women who underwent single-, two-, or three-port myomectomy for the management of uterine myoma from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014.

RESULTS

The 3 study groups did not differ demographically. Apart from operative time, the single- and two-port groups showed operative outcomes comparable to those of the multiport group. The single-port group had significantly longer operative times (P = .0053) than the two- and three-port groups. However, in the latter half of the single-port cases, the operative time was similar to those in the three-port group. The two-port surgery group showed a consistent operative time without a learning period.

CONCLUSION

Single- or two-port myomectomy with transumbilical myoma morcellation is feasible and safe, with outcomes comparable to those of three-port myomectomy. These results suggest the potential for minimally invasive management of symptomatic uterine myoma, without the use of a power morcellator.

Learning Curve Analysis and Surgical Outcomes of Single-port Laparoscopic Myomectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To identify learning curves for single-port laparoscopic myomectomy (SPLM) and evaluate surgical outcomes according to the sequence of operation.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTING

A university-based hospital (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

PATIENTS

The medical records from 205 patients who had undergone SPLM from October 2009 to May 2013 were reviewed. Because the myomectomy time was significantly affected by the size and number of myomas removed by SPLM, cases in which 2 or more of the myomas removed were >7 cm in diameter were excluded. Furthermore, cases involving additional operations performed simultaneously (e.g., ovarian or hysteroscopic surgery) were also excluded. A total of 161 cases of SPLM were included.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

We assessed the SPLM learning curve via a graph based on operation time versus sequence of cases. Patients were chronologically arranged according to their surgery dates and were then placed into 1 of 4 groups according to their operation sequence. SPLM was completed successfully in 160 of 161 cases (99.4%). One case was converted to multiport surgery. Basal characteristics of the patients between the 4 groups did not differ. The median operation times for the 4 groups were 112.0, 92.8, 83.7, and 90.0 minutes, respectively. Operation time decreased significantly in the second, third, and fourth groups compared with that in the first group (p < .001). Proficiency, which is the point at which the slope of the learning curve became less steep, was evident after about 45 operations.

CONCLUSION

Results from the current study suggested that proficiency for SPLM was achieved after about 45 operations. Additionally, operation time decreased with experience without an increase in complication rate.

Fertility and Pregnancy Outcome after Myoma Enucleation by Minilaparotomy under Microsurgical Conditions in Pronounced Uterus Myomatosus

Introduction: Besides the typical complaints and symptoms, myomas can cause sterility, infertility and complications during pregnancy. Laparoscopic interventions reach their limits with regard to organ preservation and the simultaneous desire to have children in the removal of multiple and larger intramural myoma nodes. The aim of this study is to examine fertility status and pregnancy outcome after myoma removal by minilaparotomy (skin incision maximal 8 cm) in women with pronounced uterus myomatosus. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study makes use of the data from 160 patients with an average age of 34.6 years. Factors analysed include number, size and localisation of the myomas, complaints due to the myoma, pre- and postoperative gravidity, mode of delivery, and complications of birth. Results: Indications for organ-sparing myoma enucleation were the desire to have children (72.5 %), bleeding disorders (60 %) and pressure discomfort (36.5 %). On average 4.95 (SD ± 0.41), maximally 46 myomas were removed. The largest myoma had a diameter of 6.64 cm (SD ± 2.74). 82.5 % of the patients had transmural myomas, in 17.5 % the uterine cavity was inadvertently opened. On average the operating time was 163 minutes (SD ± 45.47), the blood loss 1.59 g/dL (SD ± 0.955). 60.3 % of the patients with the desire to have children became pregnant postoperatively. 75.3 % of the pregnancies were on average carried through to the 38th week (28.4 % vaginal deliveries, 71.6 % Caesarean sections). In the postoperative period there was one case of uterine rupture in the vicinity of a previous scar. Discussion: By means of the microsurgical "mini-laparotomy" even extensive myomatous uterine changes can, in the majority of cases, be operated in an organ-sparing manner with retention of the ability to conceive and to carry a pregnancy through to maturity of the infant. The risk for a postoperative uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy and during delivery is minimal.