Laparoscopic myomectomy - The importance of surgical techniques

Tailoring the Diagnostic Pathway for Medical and Surgical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids: A Narrative Review

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign uterine tumors in women and are often asymptomatic, with clinical manifestation occurring in 20-25% of cases. The diagnostic pathway begins with clinical suspicion and includes an ultrasound examination, diagnostic hysteroscopy, and, when deemed necessary, magnetic resonance imaging. The decision-making process should consider the impairment of quality of life due to symptoms, reproductive desire, suspicion of malignancy, and, of course, the woman's preferences. Despite the absence of a definitive cure, the management of fibroid-related symptoms can benefit from various medical therapies, ranging from symptomatic treatments to the latest hormonal drugs aimed at reducing the clinical impact of fibroids on women's well-being. When medical therapy is not a definitive solution for a patient, it can be used as a bridge to prepare the patient for surgery. Surgical approaches continue to play a crucial role in the treatment of fibroids, as the gynecologist has the opportunity to choose from various surgical options and tailor the intervention to the patient's needs. This review aims to summarize the clinical pathway necessary for the diagnostic assessment of a patient with uterine fibromatosis, presenting all available treatment options to address the needs of different types of women.

Risk assessment and prediction of occult uterine sarcoma in patients with presumed uterine fibroids before high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment

OBJECTIVE

To develop a diagnostic model for predicting occult uterine sarcoma in patients with presumed uterine fibroids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 41631 patients with presumed uterine fibroids who presented for HIFU treatment in 13 hospitals between November 2008 and October 2023. Of these patients, 27 with occult uterine sarcoma and 54 with uterine fibroids were enrolled. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistics regression analysis were used to determine the independent risk factors for the diagnosis of occult uterine sarcoma. A prediction model was constructed based on the coefficients of the risk factors.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis revealed abnormal vaginal bleeding, ill-defined boundary of tumor, hyperintensity on T2WI, and central unenhanced areas as independent risk factors. A scoring system was created to assess for occult uterine sarcoma risk. The score for abnormal vaginal bleeding was 56. The score for ill-defined lesion boundary was 90. The scores for lesions with hypointensity, isointensity signal/heterogeneous signal intensity, and hyperintensity on T2WI were 0, 42, and 93, respectively. The scores for lesions without enhancement on the mass margin, uniform enhancement of tumor, and no enhancement in the center of tumor were 0, 20, and 100, respectively. Patients with a higher total score implied a higher likelihood of a diagnosis of occult uterine sarcoma than that of patients with a lower score. The established model showed good predictive efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the diagnostic prediction model can be used to evaluate the risk of uterine sarcoma in patients with presumed uterine fibroids.

The great debate: Surgical outcomes of laparoscopic versus laparotomic myomectomy. A meta-analysis to critically evaluate current evidence and look over the horizon

Myomectomy is one of the most common surgical procedure in the field of gynecology. However, the role of laparoscopic myomectomy is still debated for many factors, including surgical considerations, safety and fertility concerns, long-term outcomes, and cost-related issues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical peri- and post-operative outcomes of laparoscopic and abdominal myomectomy. A systematic search for studies was performed up to June 2023 through MEDLINE, Pubmed, Embase. Studies reporting the comparison of surgical and obstetrical outcomes in laparoscopic versus laparotomic myomectomy were included for the following outcomes: time of surgery, estimated blood loss, decrease of postoperative hemoglobin, hospital stay, intra-operative complication rates, postoperative complications rates, postoperative analgesic use, postoperative pain at 24 h and pregnancy rate. The meta-analysis was performed using the Cochrane Review software. Fifty-six relevant articles were retrieved through the process of evidence acquisition. Eleven articles met inclusion criteria, for a total of 2,133 patients undergoing laparoscopic or laparotomic myomectomy. The estimated blood loss [standard mean differences (SMD) 0.72, IC 95 % 0.22 to 1.22], the hospital stays [SMD 3.12, IC 95 % 0.57 to 4.28], were significantly lower in laparoscopic than in open group. No statistically significant difference in intra-operative and post-operative complication rates, in pregnancy rate and others obstetrical outcomes between two surgical approaches were found. The findings of present metanalysis suggest that laparoscopic myomectomy offers multiple benefits, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and less postoperative analgesic need, without a significant increase in complication rates and similar results in obstetrical outcomes when compared to abdominal myomectomy. However, the presence of few randomized studies on selected population may limit the generalizability of the findings to the entire population. Therefore, more well-designed studies or large population programdata to draw definitive conclusions are therefore warranted.

Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Gynaecology: An Evolving Assistive Technology

Laparoscopic surgery is extensively utilized to treat a range of gynaecological conditions and pathologies. The advantages of laparoscopic surgery include the minimalization of blood loss and scarring, improved recovery times, and shorter hospital admissions. However, robotic technologies have had an increasing presence within gynaecological laparoscopic surgery in recent decades. This literature review therefore aims to discuss laparoscopy from 3 perspectives. First, the evolution of laparoscopy is reviewed with a focus on its origins, its transition from a diagnostic to an operative tool, and its role in present-day gynaecology. Second, interventions for benign gynaecological conditions (including excision of benign ovarian tumours, total laparoscopic hysterectomy, and laparoscopic myomectomy) are reviewed. The laparoscopic management of malignant gynaecology (including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer) is also discussed. Finally, whilst robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery is experiencing rapid technological advancement, it is pertinent to consider the extent of its benefits when compared to open or conventional laparoscopic approaches in gynaecological surgery.

Currently Available Treatment Modalities for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas and myomas) are the most common benign gynecological condition in patients presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic masses causing pressure or pain, infertility and obstetric complications. Almost a third of women with fibroids need treatment due to symptoms.

OBJECTIVES

In this review we present all currently available treatment modalities for uterine fibroids.

METHODS

An extensive search for the available data regarding surgical, medical and other treatment options for uterine fibroids was conducted.

REVIEW

Nowadays, treatment for fibroids is intended to control symptoms while preserving future fertility. The choice of treatment depends on the patient's age and fertility and the number, size and location of the fibroids. Current management strategies mainly involve surgical interventions (hysterectomy and myomectomy hysteroscopy, laparoscopy or laparotomy). Other surgical and non-surgical minimally invasive techniques include interventions performed under radiologic or ultrasound guidance (uterine artery embolization and occlusion, myolysis, magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery, radiofrequency ablation of fibroids and endometrial ablation). Medical treatment options for fibroids are still restricted and available medications (progestogens, combined oral contraceptives andgonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists and antagonists) are generally used for short-term treatment of fibroid-induced bleeding. Recently, it was shown that SPRMs could be administered intermittently long-term with good results on bleeding and fibroid size reduction. Novel medical treatments are still under investigation but with promising results.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of fibroids must be individualized based on the presence and severity of symptoms and the patient's desire for definitive treatment or fertility preservation.

Optimizing nicardipine dosage for effective control of pituitrin-induced hypertension in laparoscopic myomectomy undergoing total intravenous anesthesia

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to determine the median effective dose (ED50) and 95% effective dose (ED95) of nicardipine for treating pituitrin-induced hypertension during laparoscopic myomectomy, providing guidance for the management of intraoperative blood pressure in such patients.

METHODS

Among the initial 40 participants assessed, 24 underwent elective laparoscopic myomectomy. A sequential up-and-down method was employed to ascertain the ED50 of nicardipine based on its antihypertensive efficacy. Nicardipine was initially administered at 6 µg/kg following the diagnosis of pituitrin-induced hypertension in the first patient. Dosing adjustments were made to achieve the desired antihypertensive effect, restoring systolic blood pressure and heart rate to within ± 20% of baseline within 120 s. The dosing increment or reduction was set at 0.5 µg/kg for effective or ineffective responses, respectively. The ED50 and ED95 of nicardipine were calculated using Probit regression by Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) to establish dose-response curves and confidence intervals.

RESULTS

24 patients were included for analysis finally. The ED50 and ED95 of nicardipine for blood pressure control after pituitrin injection were determined. The study found that the ED50 of nicardipine for treating pituitrin-induced hypertension was 4.839 µg/kg (95% CI: 4.569-5.099 µg/kg), and the ED95 was estimated at 5.308 µg/kg (95% CI: 5.065-6.496 µg/kg). Nicardipine effectively mitigated the hypertensive response caused by pituitrin without inducing significant tachycardia or hypotension.

CONCLUSIONS

Nicardipine effectively controlled blood pressure after pituitrin injection during laparoscopic myomectomy, with ED50 and ED95 values established. This research highlights the potential utility of nicardipine in addressing hypertensive responses induced by pituitrin, particularly in clinical settings where pituitrin is routinely administered.

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.

Surgical impact of bilateral transient occlusion of uterine and utero-ovarian arteries during laparoscopic myomectomy

The objective of this article is to compare the amount of intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy when performing bilateral transient clamping of the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries versus no intervention. It´s a randomized controlled prospective study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ramón y Cajal University Hospital and HM Montepríncipe-Sanchinarro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, in women with fibroid uterus undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Eighty women diagnosed with symptomatic fibroid uterus were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopic myomectomy without additional intervention (Group A) or temporary clamping of bilateral uterine and utero-ovarian arteries prior to laparoscopic myomectomy (Group B). Estimated blood loss, operating time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative hemoglobin values were compared in both groups. The number of fibroids removed was similar in both groups (p = 0.77). Estimated blood loss was lower in the group of patients with prior occlusion of uterine arteries (p = 0.025) without increasing operating time (p = 0.17) nor length of stay (p = 0.17). No patient had either intra or postoperative complications. Only two patients (2.5%) required blood transfusion after surgery. We conclude that temporary clamping of bilateral uterine arteries prior to laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe intervention that reduces blood loss without increasing operative time.

Exploring Surgical Strategies for Uterine Fibroid Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Literature on Open and Minimally Invasive Approaches

Background and Objectives: Uterine myomas represent one of the most prevalent pathologies affecting the female population. These benign neoplasms originate from the smooth muscular cells of the uterus, and they can be either single or multiple. Often associated with debilitating symptoms such as pelvic heaviness, pain, constipation, and urinary dysfunctions, the surgical management of myomectomy exhibits considerable variability. This diversity in approaches is influenced by factors such as the number and size of myomas, the patient's age, and overall clinical conditions. This study aims to elucidate and compare the advantages and disadvantages of different surgical approaches, specifically endoscopic procedures versus open surgery, providing valuable insights for clinical decision making. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive bibliographic search spanning from 2013 to 2023 was systematically conducted across databases including Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and ClinicalTrials.gov. The search utilized keywords such as "myomectomy laparoscopic and open", "myomectomy open and minimally invasive", "myomectomy open and laparoscopic", and "myomectomy open vs. laparoscopic." The research methodology, along with predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria, was established prior to the search, ensuring a systematic and rigorous approach. Subsequently, data analysis was carried out. Results: Following the study selection process, 25 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion in this analysis. The average numbers of myomas were 3.7 (ranging from 1 to 13.7) and 5.4 (ranging from 1 to 13.5) for the minimally invasive surgery and open surgery groups, respectively. In terms of myoma size, the total averages across studies were 7 cm (ranging from 4.8 to 14) for the minimally invasive group and 8 cm (ranging from 3.9 to 11.2) for the open surgery group. The average pregnancy and delivery rates were 29.7% (ranging from 1.8 to 100) for the minimally invasive group and 28.5% (ranging from 1.8 to 100) for the open surgery group. Regarding complications, the average rate was 14.2% (ranging from 0 to 50) for the endoscopic group and 22.3% (ranging from 0 to 60.3) for the laparotomic group. Conclusions: In conclusion, a critical factor influencing the choice of surgical approach is primarily the size and quantity of fibroids. The mini-laparotomic approach emerges as a viable alternative to endoscopy, demonstrating favorable surgical outcomes and aesthetic results. Interestingly, the type of surgical procedure appears to have no significant impact on the pregnancy rate.

Anti-infective therapy durations predict psychological stress and laparoscopic surgery quality in pelvic abscess patients

BACKGROUND

The degree of psychological stress and the difficulty and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery differ in patients with pelvic abscesses after different durations of anti-infection treatment.

AIM

To compare and analyse the effects of different durations of anti-infective therapy on patients’ preoperative psychological stress level and the clinical efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in patients with pelvic abscesses to offer a reference for the selection of therapy plans.

METHODS

A total of 100 patients with pelvic abscesses who were admitted to the Department of Gynecology of Suzhou Ninth Hospital affiliated to Soochow University (Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital) from January 2018 to December 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the different durations of anti-infective therapy, they were divided into Group S (50 patients, received anti-infective therapy for 24-48 h) and Group L (50 patients, received anti-infective therapy for 48-96 h). Baseline data, state-trait anxiety score at admission and before surgery, self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) + self-rating depression scale (SDS) score, surgery time, adhesion grading score, intraoperative blood loss, presence or absence of intraoperative intestinal injury, ureteral injury or bladder injury, postoperative body temperature, length of hospital stay, and presence or absence of recurrence within 3 mo after surgery, chronic pelvic pain, incision infection, dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorder or intestinal obstruction were compared between the S group and the L group.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in the background data between the S group and the L group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the state-trait anxiety score or SAS + SDS score between the S group and the L group on admission (P < 0.05). The state-trait anxiety score and SAS + SDS score of the S group were lower than those of Group L after receiving different durations of anti-infective therapy (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of intestinal, ureteral or bladder injury between the S group and the L group (P < 0.05). The surgery time of Group S was shorter than that of Group L, and the adhesion score and intraoperative blood loss volume were lower than those of Group L (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of incision infection, dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorder or intestinal obstruction between the S group and the L group (P < 0.05). The postoperative body temperature of Group S was lower than that of Group L (P < 0.05), and the hospital stay was shorter than that of Group L (P < 0.05). The incidences of recurrence and chronic pelvic pain within 3 mo after surgery were lower than that of Group L (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Twenty-four to forty-eight hours of anti-infective therapy is better than 48-96 h of anti-infective therapy for patients with pelvic abscesses because the degree of psychological stress is lower, which is more conducive to achieving better outcomes after laparoscopic surgery.