Ovarian function after incision of the ovary by scalpel, CO2 laser, and microelectrode

Transvaginal ovarian trauma, poor responders and improvement of success rates in IVF: anecdotal data and a hypothesis

In this report, we propose an intervention capable of improving IVF outcomes in subfertile women with poor ovarian response. This intervention derives from anecdotal data and observations in our daily practice, but most importantly from trials on experimental models and subfertile women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Our hypothesis suggests that transvaginal induction of trauma to the ovary in the cycle preceding IVF should benefit poor ovarian responders and their lowered pregnancy rates by increasing - at least - the number of retrieved oocytes during oocyte retrieval. Up-to-the minute data show that, via this means, there is a unique response of the ovarian surface epithelium and stroma to the induced trauma. The potential pathways of this beneficial response involve an improvement of the raised gonadotrophins to act either through the mechanical reduction of the size of the ovary or through alterations of the hormonal profile by lowering LH, inhibin and local androgen concentrations through hypothalamic-pituitary axis feedbacks, the induction of increased blood flow to the ovaries, a differentiated local immune reaction and a non-elucidated as yet role of reactive oxygen species. In this report, we also describe the technique and the associated possible negative points while we try to point out the needed research steps to ensure its efficiency before it enters daily clinical practice.

Home pregnancy test compared to standard-of-care ultrasound dating in the assessment of pregnancy duration

OBJECTIVE

To determine the level of agreement between the Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with Conception Indicator home pregnancy test and standard-of-care ultrasound in assessing pregnancy duration in a real-life, observational setting encompassing routine, clinical care.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational study of non-pregnant women seeking conception. Women collected daily urine samples from day 1 of their next menstrual cycle. If any volunteer became pregnant, daily urine samples continued to be collected for 43 days after the LH surge. Samples from day -7 to day +28 relative to the expected period (LH surge + 15 days) were tested using the home pregnancy test. This categorised any resulting pregnancies into one of three groups: 1-2 weeks, 2-3 weeks, and 3+ weeks since conception. Information from the standard UK ultrasound dating scan was also recorded by the midwife, including the expected delivery date according to ultrasound and the expected delivery date according to LMP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Full data were available from 52 pregnant women who had conceived naturally. During the study analysis, 4786 urine samples were cross-compared with 52 routine 12-week NHS ultrasound assessments and the level of agreement between home pregnancy testing and standard-of-care ultrasound in determining pregnancy duration was calculated.

RESULTS

The agreement between the gestational age as calculated by the home pregnancy test result and the exact midwife-recorded gestational age using ultrasound was 82.3%. However, when a ± 5-day range was applied to the ultrasound reading (as per routine UK clinical practice), the level of agreement was 98%.

CONCLUSIONS

The home pregnancy test provides a significantly high (98%) level of agreement with standard-of-care ultrasound when assessing pregnancy duration in a real-life, observational setting which closely mirrors daily clinical practice.

Surgically induced ovulation in the polycystic ovary syndrome: wedge resection revisited in the age of laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE

To provide an up-to-date comprehensive review of published data on laparoscopic methods of ovulation induction in the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Areas to be considered include the historical background of these procedures, their outcomes as reported in the literature, and their potential adverse effects. Through the careful review of these issues, some recommendations for clinical use and further study are offered.

DESIGN

Relevant studies were identified through a the search of a computerized bibliographic database of holdings in the National Library of Medicine as well as the manual scanning and cross-referencing of relevant medical journals.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine relevant studies were identified in the English language literature. These studies consist almost exclusively of uncontrolled case series. Pregnancies after laparoscopic ovulation induction procedures have been reported in an average of 55% of treated subjects (range 20% to 65%). Potential advantages of laparoscopic ovulation induction over gonadotropin therapy may include possible cost savings, serial repetitive ovulatory events resulting from a single treatment, no increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation or multiple gestation, and the prospect for a higher live birth rate owing to a seemingly lower incidence of miscarriage. Reported adverse effects include a high rate of intra-abdominal adhesion formation and a single case of iatrogenic premature menopause due to postoperative ovarian atrophy.

CONCLUSIONS

The available circumstantial evidence suggests that laparoscopic procedures designed to induce ovulation may be of value in the PCOS subject who, despite an exhaustive trial of clomiphene citrate therapy, remains anovulatory and is unable or unwilling to undergo gonadotropin therapy. However, because of the risks of postoperative ovarian adhesions, carefully constructed controlled trials must be performed before these procedures can be viewed as efficacious and safe.

Laparoscopy versus laparotomy for ovarian conservative surgery: a randomized trial in the rabbit model

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to compare postoperative adhesion formation and reproductive outcome after the same ovarian surgical procedure performed by laparoscopy or laparotomy by means of microsurgical techniques.

STUDY DESIGN

Twenty-eight New Zealand White female rabbits were randomly assigned to laparotomy or laparoscopy for the same standardized surgical procedure: both ovaries were grasped with atraumatic forceps and longitudinally incised on the antimesenteric side from the cortex to the hilum with a microelectrode delivering a tissue power density of 66,666 W/cm. The rabbits were then mated, and 2 weeks later a second-look laparotomy was performed by a blinded observer for the evaluation of postoperative adhesions, number of corpora lutea in each ovary, number of embryos in the ipsilateral uterine horn, and nidation index for each side.

RESULTS

At second look no statistically significant differences were found in postoperative adhesion formation, number of corpora lutea, number of embryos, and nidation index between the laparoscopy and the laparotomy groups.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopy or laparotomy for ovarian conservative surgery do not appear significantly different in postoperative adhesion formation and reproductive outcome in the rabbit model.

Efficacy of a resorbable hydrogel barrier, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and hyaluronic acid in the prevention of ovarian adhesions in a rabbit model

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy of a resorbable hydrogel material with oxidized regenerated cellulose and hyaluronic acid in an ovarian adhesion model.

DESIGN

Controlled, blinded, and randomized study involving female rabbits.

SETTING

Academic research environment.

INTERVENTIONS

A water-soluble hydrogen precursor was applied to the ovary as a liquid and converted to a hydrogel by exposure to long wavelength ultraviolet light, a 0.4% solution of hyaluronic acid was applied to the ovary, or an oxidized regenerated cellulose patch was applied to the ovary after wedge resectioning.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Extent and severity of adhesion formation.

RESULTS

Application of the hydrogel reduced adhesion formation by 88%. Neither oxidized regenerated cellulose nor hyaluronic acid reduced adhesion formation.

CONCLUSION

The photopolymerized, resorbable hydrogel material is highly effective for the reduction of periovarian adhesions in this model.