Adnexal Torsion in Pregnancy Managed by Laparoscopy Is Associated with Favorable Obstetric Outcomes

Laparotomy versus laparoscopy for the treatment of adnexal torsion during pregnancy

BACKGROUND

Adnexal torsion (AT) is a rare emergency complication during pregnancy. Increasing evidence implies that operative laparoscopy for adnexal torsion performed during pregnancy could be safe and feasible. We procured and evaluated the surgical and obstetric outcomes between laparoscopy and laparotomy to determine the optimal approach for treating AT during pregnancy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective study involving telephone questionnaire on adnexal torsion during pregnancy that occurred between July 2012 and July 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The study cohort included 155 pregnant women who underwent laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. The clinical characteristics, surgical interventions, postoperative pathology and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 102 patients were treated by laparoscopy, and 53 patients were treated by laparotomy. Compared with the laparotomy group, the laparoscopy group had significantly less blood loss (17.5 ml vs. 20.0 ml, p = .004), a lower incidence of delayed incision healing (1.0% vs. 11.3%, p = .011), and a shorter hospital stay (5.0 days vs. 8.0 days, p < .001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of obstetric outcomes, including preterm delivery, miscarriage rate, birth weight, delivery gestation, cesarean delivery rate, or neonatal intensive care unit admission. All the pathological findings were benign except for one case of borderline mucinous cystadenoma. The most common pathological types were luteal cysts in the laparoscopy group and mature teratomas in the laparotomy group.

CONCLUSION

In this retrospective study, compared with laparotomy, laparoscopy yielded successful outcomes, with less surgical bleeding, less delayed wound healing, and shorter hospital stays. Laparoscopy could be a promising approach for diagnosing and treating AT during pregnancy.

Treatment effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy on heterotopic pregnancy after in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer

OBJECTIVE

To compare the treatment effects of laparoscopy versus laparotomy on heterotopic pregnancy (HP) after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET).

METHODS

The retrospective case-control study enrolled 109 patients diagnosed with HP after IVF-ET treatment in our hospital from January 2009 to March 2020. All patients received surgical treatment by either laparoscopy or laparotomy. Data for general characteristics, diagnostic features, surgical parameters, as well as perinatal and neonatal outcomes were collected.

RESULTS

Sixty-two patients received laparoscopy and 47 received laparotomy. Significantly lower percentage of large hemoperitoneum (P = 0.001), shorter surgery duration (P < 0.001), less intraoperative blood loss (P = 0.001), higher rates of general anesthesia (P < 0.001), and lower cesarean section rates for singletons (P = 0.003) were found in the laparoscopy group. The perinatal and neonatal outcomes were comparable between the two groups. When interstitial pregnancy was considered alone, the surgical blood loss was significantly reduced in the laparoscopy group (P = 0.021), but there was no significant difference in hemoperitoneum, surgery duration, or perinatal and neonatal outcomes in singletons.

CONCLUSION

Both laparoscopy and laparotomy are effective surgical treatments for HP after IVF-ET. Laparoscopy is minimally invasive but laparotomy can be an alternative in emergency situations.

Adverse Fetal Outcomes and Maternal Mortality Following Nonobstetric Abdominopelvic Surgery in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To quantify the absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes and maternal mortality following nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery in pregnancy.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Surgery is often necessary in pregnancy, but absolute measures of risk required to guide perioperative management are lacking.

METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and EvidenceBased Medicine Reviews from January 1, 2000, to December 9, 2020, for observational studies and randomized trials of pregnant patients undergoing nonobstetric abdominopelvic surgery. We determined the pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality using a generalized linear random/mixed effects model with a logit link.

RESULTS

We identified 114 observational studies (52 [46%] appendectomy, 34 [30%] adnexal, 8 [7%] cholecystectomy, 20 [17%] mixed types) reporting on 67,111 pregnant patients. Overall pooled proportions of fetal loss, preterm birth, and maternal mortality were 2.8% (95% CI 2.2-3.6), 9.7% (95% CI 8.3-11.4), and 0.04% (95% CI 0.02-0.09; 4/10,000), respectively. Rates of fetal loss and preterm birth were higher for pelvic inflammatory conditions (eg, appendectomy, adnexal torsion) than for abdominal or nonurgent conditions (eg, cholecystectomy, adnexal mass). Surgery in the second and third trimesters was associated with lower rates of fetal loss (0.1%) and higher rates of preterm birth (13.5%) than surgery in the first and second trimesters (fetal loss 2.9%, preterm birth 5.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Absolute risks of adverse fetal outcomes after nonobstetric abdom- inopelvic surgery vary with gestational age, indication, and acuity. Pooled estimates derived here identify high-risk clinical scenarios, and can inform implementation of mitigation strategies and improve preoperative counselling.

Pregnancy-Associated Ovarian Torsion - a Single-Center Case-Control Study

The etiology of OT is largely unknown. Any predisposition to rotation of the infundibulopelvic ligament and utero-ovarian ligament should be considered a possible etiology. Information with respect to ovarian torsion (OT) among pregnant is underreported and based on small studies. We aim to compare characteristics of confirmed OT to laparoscopies performed for the indication of suspected OT, in which no OT was found among pregnant women. This is a retrospective case-control study. We included pregnant women who underwent laparoscopy for a suspected OT between March 2011 and August 2020. Pregnant women with confirmed OT (torsion group) were compared to those without (no torsion group). There were 169 women with suspected OT. OT was confirmed in 140 (82.8%) women. There was higher proportion of assisted reproductive technology (ART) gestation in the torsion group [76 (54.3%) vs. 5 (17.2%), p < 0.001]. The rate of pregnant approaching evaluation within 8 h of symptoms onset was higher in the torsion group [57 (40.7%) vs. 2 (6.9%), p < 0.001]. The mean visual analogue score (VAS) was higher in the torsion group (8.5 vs. 7.1, p = 0.002). The mean pulse was lower in the torsion group (79 vs. 88 bpm, p < 0.001). From sonographic characteristics examined, the following was higher in the torsion group; mean maximal size of the ovary (70 mm in the torsion group vs. 54 mm in the no torsion group, p = 0.011). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, number of hours of symptoms was negatively associated with AT [aOR, 95% CI 0.95 (0.91-0.98)] and pulse was negatively associated with OT [aOR, 95% CI 0.78 (0.63-0.95)]. Among the 29 cases in which no OT was found during laparoscopy, the following findings were noted: 16 (55.2%) no abnormality at all, 5 (17.2%) functional ovarian cyst, 2 (6.9%) mature teratoma and 6 cases of peritoneal adhesions (20.7%). The time from pain onset to approaching evaluation and women's pulse should be considered and acknowledged in the evaluation of OT during pregnancy.

Adnexal masses during pregnancy: diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis

Adnexal masses are identified in pregnant patients at a rate of 2 to 20 in 1000, approximately 2 to 20 times more frequently than in the age-matched general population. The most common types of adnexal masses in pregnancy requiring surgical management are dermoid cysts (32%), endometriomas (15%), functional cysts (12%), serous cystadenomas (11%), and mucinous cystadenomas (8%). Approximately 2% of adnexal masses in pregnancy are malignant. Although most adnexal masses in pregnancy can be safely observed and approximately 70% spontaneously resolve, a minority of cases warrant surgical intervention because of symptoms, risk of torsion, or suspicion of malignancy. Ultrasound is the mainstay of evaluation of adnexal masses in pregnancy because of accuracy, safety, and availability. Several ultrasound mass scoring systems, including the Sassone, Lerner, International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Simple Rules, and International Ovarian Tumor Analysis Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa scoring systems have been validated specifically in pregnant populations. Decisions regarding expectant vs surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy must balance the risks of torsion or malignancy with the likelihood of spontaneous resolution and the risks of surgery. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred over open surgery when possible because of consistently demonstrated shorter hospital length of stay and less postoperative pain and some data demonstrating shorter operative time, lower blood loss, and lower risks of fetal loss, preterm birth, and low birthweight. The best practices for laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy include left lateral decubitus positioning after the first trimester of pregnancy, port placement with respect to uterine size and pathology location, insufflation pressure of less than 12 to 15 mm Hg, intraoperative maternal capnography, pre- and postoperative fetal heart rate and contraction monitoring, and appropriate mechanical and chemical thromboprophylaxes. Although planning surgery for the second trimester of pregnancy generally affords time for mass resolution while optimizing visualization with regards to uterine size and pathology location, necessary surgery should not be delayed because of gestational age. When performed at a facility with appropriate obstetrical, anesthetic, and neonatal support, adnexal surgery in pregnancy generally results in excellent outcomes for pregnant patients and fetuses.

Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery for adnexal disease during pregnancy: A single-center preliminary experience

Purpose

This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) in treating adnexal disease during pregnancy.

Methods

Medical records of included patients were retrospectively reviewed and follow-ups of all the patients were performed until the delivery of the fetus. The clinical characteristics, surgical interventions, postoperative complications, and pregnancy outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Six cases were included, with the gestational age ranging from 19 to 31 weeks 1 day. Procedures included salpingo-oophorectomy (n = 3), ovarian or paratubal cystectomy with detorsion (n = 2), and adnexal detorsion (n = 1). The median duration of surgery was 35 min (range, 20–60 min), and the estimated blood loss ranged from 5 to 50 ml. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were noted. The final pathologic results included high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma, ovarian borderline serous cystadenoma, ovarian simple cyst, endometrioma, and mesosalpinx cyst. Five patients had a spontaneous vaginal delivery at full-term, and one patient had a cesarean section preterm followed by comprehensive staging surgery of ovarian cancer.

Conclusion

Based on the data we included, LESS performed by experienced surgeons appeared to be a safe and feasible alternative to multiport laparoscopic surgery for the management of selected patients with adnexal disease during pregnancy. More studies with large sample sizes at multiple centers are warranted.

Effect of Two-Port Laparoscopic Surgery on Pregnancy Outcomes of Patients with Concurrent Adnexal Masses

Adnexal masses are common in pregnancy, with 2–10% of pregnancies presenting with an ovarian mass and approximately 1–6% of these masses being malignant. For suspected malignancy or masses with symptoms, surgery must be performed as early as possible. We retrospectively investigated the effect of two-port laparoscopic surgery on the outcomes of patients with concurrent adnexal masses between 2012 and 2019 (including large mucinous tumor, large teratoma, serous borderline tumor, and heterotopic pregnancy). Laparoscopic right partial oophorectomy was performed for a 27 cm ovarian mucinous tumor at a gestational age (GA) of 21 weeks, laparoscopic right oophorocystectomy for an 18 cm teratoma at a GA of 10 weeks, and laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy for a 7 cm serous borderline tumor at a GA of 7 weeks after ultrasonographic confirmation of an intrauterine gestational sac with a fetal heartbeat. Laparoscopic excision of a tubal pregnancy was performed in a heterotopic pregnancy at a GA of 12 weeks with massive internal bleeding. Laparoscopic surgery is easier and safe to perform during early pregnancy because a smaller uterus allows for superior visualization. All of these patients had optimal postoperative recovery and normal spontaneous delivery at term. We discussed several aspects of treatment and delivery, namely treatment option (expectant management or surgery), surgery timing (early or advanced pregnancy), surgery type (laparoscopy or laparotomy), and delivery route (normal spontaneous delivery or cesarean section), in patients with concurrent adnexal tumors and their effects on pregnancy outcomes.

Perioperative Outcomes in Pregnant Women Who Underwent Surgery for Adnexal Torsion

OBJECTIVE

 To evaluate clinical characteristics, maternal and fetal outcomes in pregnant women who underwent surgery for adnexal torsion (AT).

METHODS

 All patients, who underwent surgical operation due to AT during pregnancy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Ege University between 2005 and 2020 were retrospectively investigated. Main clinical and perioperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

 A total of 21 patients who underwent surgery due to AT during pregnancy were included. Of all patients, 61.9% underwent laparoscopy and the remaining 38.1% underwent laparotomy. The most common surgical procedure was adnexal detorsion in both groups (48%). Mean gestational age at the time of diagnosis, duration of surgery and hospitalization were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group, when compared with the laparotomy group (p = 0.006, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively.) One of the patients had an infection during the postoperative period. Spontaneous abortion was only observed in one case.

CONCLUSION

 It can be concluded that the surgical intervention implemented for the exact diagnosis and treatment of AT (laparotomy or laparoscopy) did not have an unfavorable effect on pregnancy outcomes such as abortion, preterm delivery, and fetal anomaly. However, laparoscopy may be superior to laparotomy in terms of advantages.

Surgically confirmed adnexal torsion during pregnancy: Does the trimester make a difference?

AIM

To investigate the clinical and the sonographic characteristics of adnexal torsion (AT) during pregnancy and to underline differences in AT manifestation between pregnancy trimesters.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. The study included all pregnant women with surgically confirmed AT between March 2011 and April 2020. The patients were divided into three groups according to pregnancy trimesters, and the clinical and sonographic characteristics were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 140 cases of AT. Ninety-nine (70.7%) of the cases occurred during the 1st trimester, and 31 (22.1%) and 10 (7.1%) occurred during the 2nd and the 3rd trimesters, respectively. Conception by assisted-reproductive technologies (ART), nausea, and finding of enlarged ovary on ultrasound scan were all more common among patients in the 1st trimester group as compared to the 3rd trimester group (p = 0.001, 0.015, and 0.024, respectively). The mean time from admission to surgery was significantly shorter in the 1st trimester group as compared to late pregnancy (p = 0.001). The majority of cases were right-sided. There was a significant difference in the organs involved in every trimester of pregnancy-ovary only, ovary and fallopian tube, and fallopian tube only (p = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS

Most AT cases during pregnancy occurred during the 1st trimester. Conception by ART and enlarged ovary on ultrasound scan were also more common in AT cases during early pregnancy. Time from admission to surgery was longer as pregnancy progressed and organs involved differed between trimesters. Understanding the difference in manifestation of AT in every trimester might improve the preoperative evaluation of AT in pregnancy.

Pregnancy outcomes following laparoscopy for suspected adnexal torsion during pregnancy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pregnancy outcomes of women with surgically confirmed adnexal torsion (AT) as compared to those in whom AT was ruled out.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary medical center. All pregnant women who underwent diagnostic laparoscopy due to suspected AT between 3/2011 and 4/2020 were included. We compared maternal, delivery and neonatal outcomes of both groups. We further compared women with confirmed AT to a control group of women who did not undergo laparoscopy during pregnancy.

RESULTS

During the study period, 112 women met the inclusion criteria. AT was confirmed in 93 cases (83.0%). Baseline characteristics did not differ between groups, excluding the rate of previous AT [5.4% in the torsion vs. 26.3% in the no-torsion group, odds ratio (OR) 0.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.04-0.62, p = .004], and nulliparity rate (57.0% in the torsion vs. 31.6% in the no-torsion group, OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.004-8.21, p = .043). Pregnancies conceived by assisted reproductive technology were more common in the AT group compared to the no-AT group (46.2% vs. 10.5%, OR 7.21, 95%CI 1.59-33.45, p = .002). Miscarriage and stillbirth rates, gestational age at delivery, delivery characteristics and neonatal outcomes were favorable and did not differ between groups. Outcomes of pregnancies with confirmed AT did not differ from a control group of women who did not undergo laparoscopy during pregnancy.

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy outcomes among women who underwent laparoscopy for a suspected AT during pregnancy were reassuring, irrespective of the surgical findings and gestational week. Outcomes did not differ when compared to pregnant women who did not undergo laparoscopy.

SYNOPSIS

Maternal, fetal and neonatal outcomes among women who underwent laparoscopy for suspected adnexal torsion during pregnancy are reassuring, irrespective of the surgical findings and gestational week.

Surgical Management of Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of adnexal masses in pregnancy is 1% to 6%. Although surgery is often indicated, there are no definitive management guidelines. We aimed to investigate the optimal approach to surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy on the basis of a meta-analysis of previous studies.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to July 17, 2020.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

There were no restrictions on study type, language, or publication date. Comparative and noncomparative retrospective studies that reviewed operative techniques used in surgery of adnexal masses in pregnancy were included. Meta-analyses were performed to assess outcomes. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019129709).

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Comparative studies were identified for laparoscopy vs laparotomy and elective vs emergent surgery (11 and 4, respectively). Elective surgery is defined as a scheduled antepartum procedure. For laparoscopy vs laparotomy, the mean maternal ages and gestational ages at time of surgery were similar (27.8 years vs 27.7 years, p = .85; 16.2 weeks in laparoscopy vs 15.4 weeks in laparotomy, p = .59). Mass size was larger in those undergoing laparotomy (mean 8.8 cm vs 7.8 cm, p = .03). The most common pathologic condition was dermoid cyst (36%), and the risk of discovering a malignant tumor was 1%. Laparoscopy was not associated with a statistically increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) or preterm delivery (PTD) (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67-3.52; p = .31 and OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.47-1.89; p = .88, respectively). The mean length of hospital stay was 2.5 days after laparoscopy vs 5.3 days after laparotomy (p <.001). The decrease in estimated blood loss in laparoscopy was not statistically significant (94.0 mL in laparotomy vs 54.0 mL in laparoscopy, p = .06). Operative times were similar in laparoscopy and laparotomy (80.0 minutes vs 72.5 minutes, p = .09). Elective surgery was associated with a decreased risk of PTD (OR 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04-0.48; p = .05). Noncomparative studies were identified for laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparotomy had more SABs and PTDs than laparoscopy (pooled proportion = 0.02 vs 0.07 and pooled proportion = 0.02 vs 0.14, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy for the surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy is associated with shorter length of hospital stay and similar risk of SAB or PTD. Elective surgery is associated with a decreased risk of PTD.

Maternal and perinatal outcomes following laparoscopy for suspected adnexal torsion during pregnancy: a multicenter cohort study

PURPOSE

To investigate the association of maternal and perinatal outcomes with the surgical diagnosis of adnexal torsion in a retrospective cohort of women operated for suspected torsion during pregnancy.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a multicenter retrospective study and telephone questionnaire of urgent laparoscopies that occurred during pregnancy for suspected torsion between 2004 and 2019 in three tertiary medical centers. Pregnancy outcomes of women with the surgical diagnosis were compared with those whose laparoscopy was negative for adnexal torsion. Multivariable regression modeling was applied to control for possible confounders ((adjusted odds ratios (aOR) ± 95% confidence intervals (CI)].

RESULTS

The study cohort included 186 women. Adnexal torsion was surgically found in 129/186 (69.4%) cases. The torsion group was characterized by higher rate of nulliparity, fertility treatments and multiple gestations as well as lower rates of previous cesarean delivery. Live birth was reported for 171 (91.9%) pregnancies, and the miscarriage rate was significantly higher in the non-torsion group. Women with torsion were more likely to be hospitalizes due to preterm labor; however, rates of preterm delivery were comparable between the groups (10.8% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.99). Logistic regression analysis had demonstrated that the performance of laparoscopy prior to 8 weeks of gestation was the only independent factor associated with miscarriage (8.23, 2.01-33.67).

CONCLUSION

Pregnancy outcomes following the diagnosis of adnexal torsion throughout gestation were overall favorable. Laparoscopic procedure during early stages of pregnancy was associated with higher rates of miscarriage, regardless of the surgical diagnosis of adnexal torsion.