Diode laser use in hysteroscopic surgery: current status and future perspectives

Recent advances in surgical technology and innovative techniques have revolutionized surgical gynecology, including transcervical hysteroscopic procedures. Surgical lasers (Nd-Yag, Argon, diode, and CO2 lasers) have been promoted to remove a variety of gynecological pathologies. For hysteroscopic surgery, the diode laser represents the most versatile and feasible innovation, with simultaneous cut and coagulate action, providing improved hemostasis compared with CO2 laser. The newest diode laser devices exhibit increased power and a dual wavelength, to work precisely with reduced thermal dispersion and minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Their efficacy and safety have been validated both in the hospitals as well as in the office setting. Updated evidence reports that several hysteroscopic procedures, including endometrial polypectomies, myomectomies and metroplasties can be successfully performed with a diode laser. Therefore, this review aimed to give a deeper understanding of the role of laser energy in gynecology and subsequently in hysteroscopy in order to safely incorporate this technology into clinical practice.

Unicornuate Uterus with a Non-Communicating Rudimentary Horn: Challenges and Management of a Rare Pregnancy

We present a unique case of pregnancy developed in a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn, emphasizing the importance of early identification, careful management, and counseling. Our patient, a 28-year-old woman, presented with abdominal pain and premature rupture of membranes at 37 weeks of gestation. She had a history of one previous normal vaginal delivery and no significant medical or genetic factors. An emergency cesarean section was performed, and a baby boy weighing 2900 grams was delivered without complications. The uterine anomaly was identified as a unicornuate uterus with a non-communicating rudimentary horn. This case report highlights the challenges and risks associated with unicornuate pregnancies, such as fetal growth restriction and preterm labor. Timely identification, meticulous monitoring, and comprehensive counseling are crucial for optimal outcomes in such cases. Further research and larger-scale studies are needed to enhance our understanding of these rare and complex pregnancies.

Diagnostic Performance of Two-Dimensional Ultrasound, Two-Dimensional Sonohysterography and Three-Dimensional Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Septate Uterus-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The septate uterus is the most common congenital uterine anomaly, and hysteroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosing it. The goal of this meta-analysis is to perform a pooled analysis of the diagnostic performance of two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography, two-dimensional transvaginal sonohysterography, three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound, and three-dimensional transvaginal sonohysterography for the diagnosis of the septate uterus.

METHODS

Studies published between 1990 and 2022 were searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. From 897 citations, we selected eighteen studies to include in this meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The mean prevalence of uterine septum in this meta-analysis was 27.8%. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 99% for two-dimensional transvaginal ultrasonography (ten studies), 94% and 100% for two-dimensional transvaginal sonohysterography (eight studies), and 98% and 100% for three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (seven articles), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of three-dimensional transvaginal sonohysterography was only described in two studies, and we did not calculate the pooled sensitivity and specificity for this method.

CONCLUSION

Three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound has the best performance capacity for the diagnosis of the septate uterus.

Vaginoscopic Incision of Vaginal Septum With Preservation of the Hymen in a Child With Obstructed Hemi-Vagina Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis (OHVIRA) Syndrome

Obstructed hemi-vagina ipsilateral renal agenesis (OHVIRA) syndrome, also known as Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome (HWWS) is a rare variant of Mullerian duct anomalies that usually presents after menarche. Although there is increasing awareness about OHVIRA syndrome, high suspicion is needed for the diagnosis. Awareness of the syndrome is crucial for the management and to prevent serious complications. Surgical techniques and age at the surgery are still debatable but, minimally invasive vaginoscopic resection of the vaginal septum should be considered when feasible as it not only allows division of septum with preservation of hymen, but it provides excellent visualization, is less traumatic, and has promising postoperative outcomes. Hymenal integrity is of great concern in specific populations with cultural values. In this report, we present the case of a 24-month-old girl diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome during a routine follow-up for renal agenesis and was managed with vaginoscopic incision of the vaginal septum using a pediatric cystoscope while maintaining the hymenal integrity.

A triplet's ectopic pregnancy in a non-communicating rudimentary horn and spontaneous rupture

Our aim is to feature the management of ectopic pregnancy in a non-communicating rudimentary horn. It has a remarkable life-threatening potential, being rare and difficult to be considered during differential diagnosis of acute abdomen or sudden maternal collapse in early pregnancy. Therefore, this is a report of mid-trimester triplet's ectopic pregnancy which presented with sudden repeated syncopal attacks and hemodynamic instability that necessitated emergency laparotomy to treat ruptured non-communicating rudimentary horn. The rarity of this clinical condition can lead to multiple challenges. When a diagnosis is confirmed, the intervention plans should be independently tailored based on the patient's age, obstetric history, fertility wishes, as well as, surgeon's experience. Moreover, most cases passed unnoticed till complications took place. Thus, early diagnosis of Mullerian anomalies preconceptionally or even during the initial antenatal visits is crucial step regarding the avoidance of such catastrophic maternal outcomes.

Obstetrical Outcomes in Adult Patients Born with Complex Anorectal Malformations and Cloacal Anomalies: A Literature Review

Patients born with complex anorectal malformations often have associated Müllerian anomalies, which might affect fertility and obstetrical outcomes. Other vertebral-anorectal-tracheoesophageal-renal-limb associations, such as renal or cardiac anomalies, could also affect pregnancy intention, fertility rates, and recommendations about mode of delivery or obstetrical outcomes. Associated conditions present at birth, like hydrocolpos, could also potentially affect fertility. Depending on the complexity of the anomaly, primary reconstruction might include vaginoplasty, vaginal interposition, perineal body reconstruction, and extensive pelvic dissection. After the initial reconstruction, patients might have multiple additional surgeries for stoma reversal, bladder augmentation, and creation of conduits, all with potential for pelvic adhesions. Pregnancy intention, fertility rates, mode of delivery, and obstetrical outcomes data are limited in this patient population, making it challenging to counsel patients and their families. We sought to evaluate all available literature in an attempt to better counsel families. A PubMed literature search was undertaken to review this topic. Search terms of "cloaca," "anorectal malformation," "pregnancy," "cloacal exstrophy," "vaginal delivery," and "cesarean section" were used and citation lists from all identified articles were checked to ensure that all possible articles were included in the review. We also outline comorbidities from the fetal period to adulthood that might affect reproductive health. Of the articles on anorectal and cloacal anomalies, 13 reports were identified that covered obstetrical outcomes. They were in patients with previous anorectal malformation, cloaca, and cloacal exstrophy repair. Twenty-four pregnancies were reported in 16 patients. Two ectopic pregnancies, 5 spontaneous miscarriages, 1 triplet pregnancy, and 16 singleton pregnancies were reported with a total of 19 live births. Regarding the method of conception, 15/18 pregnancies occurred spontaneously and 3/18 were via assisted reproductive technology with in vitro fertilization. There were 19 live births, of which at least 8 were preterm. Müllerian anatomy was reported in 8 of 13 articles. Only 2 patients underwent vaginal delivery (1 patient with repaired cloaca malformation had an operative vaginal delivery and 1 patient with repaired imperforate anus with rectovaginal fistula had a normal spontaneous vaginal delivery). The remaining patients all underwent a cesarean section. There were no reported cases of maternal mortality, and maternal morbidity was limited to recurrent urinary tract infections and worsening chronic kidney disease. There is a paucity of information regarding obstetrical outcomes in adult anorectal and cloaca patients. However, patients with previous cloacal repairs have achieved pregnancy spontaneously, as well as with in vitro fertilization. Patients with repaired cloacal malformations are at increased risk of preterm birth and cesarean delivery. Most patients with cloacal anomalies have an associated Müllerian anomaly and therefore have an increased risk of preterm labor. From our review we conclude that contraception should be offered to patients not desiring pregnancy, and cesarean section is likely the preferred mode of delivery. On the basis of this review, we recommend proactive data collection of all such patients to document outcomes and collaboration among providers and between centers devoted to this complex patient population.

Imaging diagnosis of accessory and cavitated uterine mass, a rare mullerian anomaly

Accessory and Cavitated Uterine Mass (ACUM) is a rare form of developmental Mullerian anomaly seen in young females, which presents as chronic recurrent pelvic pain and severe dysmenorrhea. It is an accessory cavity lying within an otherwise normal uterus. It is lined by functional endometrium and surrounded by myometrium-like smooth muscle cells; hence, it bears striking macroscopic and microscopic resemblance to the uterus. Hysterosalpingography (HSG), Ultrasonography (USG), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) form the mainstay of diagnostic imaging. The entity is often under diagnosed; therefore, a high index of suspicion combined with HSG and MRI imaging can help in making an accurate diagnosis.

Ruptured rudimentary horn at 22 weeks

Rudimentary horn is a developmental anomaly of the uterus. Pregnancy in a non-communicating rudimentary horn is very difficult to diagnose before it ruptures. A case of undiagnosed rudimentary horn pregnancy at 22 weeks presented to Nizwa regional referral hospital in shock with features of acute abdomen. Chances of rupture in first or second trimester are increased with catastrophic haemorrhage leading to increased maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Management of such cases is a challenge till today due to diagnostic dilemma. Expertise in ultrasonography and early resort to surgical management is life saving in such cases.

Hysteroscopic resection of the vaginal septum in uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina: a case report

Uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly. Excision of the obstructed vaginal septum is the treatment of choice for symptom relief and the preservation of reproductive capability. A 14-yr-old girl complained of persistent vaginal spotting following each menstruation. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging revealed a uterus didelphys with left hematocolpos and ipsilateral renal agenesis. Instead of conventional transvaginal excision of the vaginal septum, we used hysteroscopic excision under transabdominal ultrasonographic guidance to preserve the integrity of the hymen. The postoperative course was uneventful, and clinical symptoms were completely resolved after this intervention. Resectoscopic excision of the vaginal septum was found to be easy, safe, effective, and appropriate for young women as it preserved hymen integrity. We believe that this is the first Korean report on the use of a hysteroscopy for vaginal septum resection in a patient with uterus didelphys with obstructed hemivagina.

Effects of Mullerian anomalies on in vitro fertilization outcome

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of Mullerian anomalies on pregnancy rates in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF).

METHODS

The records of 37 patients with and 819 patients without Mullerian anomalies undergoing a first cycle of IVF between December 1995 and July 1998 were included in this retrospective study. Outcome variables included maximal estradiol level, number of days of stimulation, number of follicles, number of oocytes, fertilization rate, and ongoing/livebirth pregnancy rate.

RESULTS

Patients with Mullerian anomalies had a significantly lower ongoing pregnancy rate (8.3%) than did controls (24.8%). No patients with diethylstilbestrol (DES)-related anomalies had an ongoing pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

Among women with Mullerian anomalies, those with DES exposure in utero demonstrated the poorest outcome.