Surgical treatment: Myomectomy and hysterectomy; Endoscopy: A major advancement.

Uterine fibroids affect 25% of women worldwide. Symptomatic women can be treated by either medical or surgical treatment. Development of endoscopic surgery has widely changed the management of myoma. Currently, although laparoscopic or laparoscopic robot-assisted myomectomies or hysterectomies are common, there has been no consensual guideline concerning the surgical techniques, operative route, and usefulness of preoperative treatment. Hysteroscopy management is a major advancement avoiding invasive surgery. This study deals with a literature review concerning surgical management of fibroids.

Ovarian endometrioma: severe pelvic pain is associated with deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate the significance of severe preoperative pain for patients presenting with ovarian endometrioma (OMA). METHODS: Three hundred consecutive patients with histologically proven OMA were enrolled at a single university tertiary referral centre between January 2004 and May 2010. Complete surgical excision of all recognizable endometriotic lesions was performed for each patient. Pain intensity was assessed with a 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS). Pain was considered as severe when VAS was ≥ 7. Prospective preoperative assessment of type and severity of pain symptoms (VAS) was compared with the peroperative findings (surgical removal and histological analysis) of endometriomas and associated deeply infiltrating endometriosis. Correlations were sought with univariate analysis and a multiple regression logistic model. RESULTS: After multiple logistic regression analysis, uterosacral ligaments involvement was related with a high severity of chronic pelvic pain [odds ratios (OR) = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-4.3] and deep dyspareunia (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.1-3.5); vaginal involvement was related with a higher intensity of lower urinary symptoms (OR = 13.4; 95% CI: 3.2-55.8); intestinal involvement was related with an increased severity of dysmenorrhoea (OR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.7-10.3) and gastro-intestinal symptoms (OR = 7.1; 95% CI: 3.3-15.3). CONCLUSIONS: In case of OMA, severe pelvic pain is significantly associated with deeply infiltrating lesions. In this situation, the practitioner should perform an appropriate preoperative imaging work-up in order to evaluate the existence of associated deep nodules and inform the patient in order to plan the surgical intervention strategy.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign uterine pathologies: obesity does not increase the risk of complications.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate the intra-operative characteristics and the risk of intra- and post-operative complications in cases of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) in overweight, obese and non-obese patients. METHODS: This cohort study includes all patients undergoing TLH for benign pathologies between January 1993 and June 2007 in Cochin university hospital (Paris). Demographic and surgical data were analysed. A comparison between overweight and obese patients versus non-obese patients and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 1460 patients undergoing TLH, 101 patients (6.9%) had a BMI of 30 or higher and 338 (23.2%) were overweight. After adjustment with respect to the patients' characteristics and past history (age, parity, past history of laparotomies, previous Cesarean section, menopausal status), no significant difference was found whether in terms of intra-operative (haemorrhage, transfusion, thrombosis, ureter, bladder or bowel injuries) or post-operative complications (hyperthermia, infections, fistula). Concerning the intra- and post-operative characteristics of these patients, only a significantly longer operating time was noted in the case of obesity (RR = 1.80; CI 95%: 1.16-2.81). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, provided that the operating technique is meticulous, the intra- and post-operative complications are not increased in the case of obesity, although the operating time is longer.

Incidence and risk factors of bladder injuries during laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies: a 14.5 years experience in a continuous series of 1501 procedures.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic hysterectomy is indicated as an alternative to laparotomy when the vaginal route is potentially difficult because of an immobile uterus and a poor vaginal accessibility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate, the risk factors for bladder injuries in a series of 1501 laparoscopic hysterectomies indicated for benign uterine pathologies. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively from January 1993 to 2000 and prospectively from 2001 to July 2007.The indications, patients' characteristics and complications were recorded. The overall rate of bladder injuries, the comparison of means (t test) and percentages (exact chi(2) test) between the cases and the population with no injury, the odd ratios (OR) and multivariate analysis were performed using the statistical package for the social sciences software. RESULTS: The rate of bladder injuries was 1% (15 patients). Risks factors were previous Caesarian section [OR: 4.33, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.53-12.30] and previous laparotomy (OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.59-13.8). The rate of injury decreases with the surgeons' experience and reaches a plateau of 0.4% after 100 hysterectomies performed. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of bladder injury during total laparoscopic hysterectomy is low and decreases with the surgeon's experience. Bladder injury is not linked to an increase of post-operative morbidity when recognized and repaired during the same laparoscopic procedure. The comparison with other routes of hysterectomies should take into account these risk factors.

Associated ovarian endometrioma is a marker for greater severity of deeply infiltrating endometriosis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether an associated ovarian endometrioma is a marker for severity of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN: Observational study between June 1992 and December 2005. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): Five hundred patients with histologically assessed DIE. INTERVENTION(S): Complete surgical exeresis of deep endometriotic lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Severity of the disease was quantified according to the mean number of DIE lesions and the type of main lesion. RESULT(S): In patients with associated ovarian endometrioma, the number of single isolated DIE lesions was statistically significantly lower (41.9% vs. 61.1%). The mean number of DIE lesions was statistically significantly higher in patients presenting with an associated ovarian endometrioma (2.51 +/- 1.72 vs. 1.64 +/- 1.0). For patients with associated ovarian endometrioma DIE lesions were more severe with an increased rate of vaginal, intestinal, and ureteral lesions. CONCLUSION(S): Associated ovarian endometrioma is a marker for the severity of the DIE. In a clinical context suggestive of DIE, when there is an ovarian endometrioma, the practitioner should investigate the extent of the disease to check for severe and multifocal DIE lesions.

Surgical management of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVE: Rates higher than 50% of positive margin after surgical treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) have been reported in HIV-infected women. We evaluated the efficacy of two excisional procedures, loop excision of the transformation zone (LLETZ) and electrosurgical conisation, in obtaining complete excision of CIN in HIV-infected patients. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty HIV-infected women with CIN or suspicion of cervical cancer underwent 86 surgical excisions. The indication of surgical modalities depended on both the size and location of the lesion and on the length of the cervix. Univariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with positive surgical margins. RESULTS: Preoperative colposcopy failed to visualize the entire transformation zone in 39% of cases, and showed that 93% of the lesions had endocervical extension. LLETZ was performed in 30 cases and electrosurgical conisation in 56 cases. Resection was complete, with negative margins, in 77% of cases (95% confidence interval, CI: 62-92%) after LLETZ and in 71% of case (95% CI: 60-83%) after electrosurgical resection. Residual disease was mostly located in the endocervical portion of histological specimen. During follow-up late complications such as cervical stenosis or unsatisfactory colposcopy were not observed. CONCLUSION: Endocervical extension of CIN being frequent among HIV-infected women, LLETZ should not be the preferred procedure. Appropriate surgical management leading in reducing the rate of positive margins may help decreasing the risk of persistence or recurrence of lesions.

Ureteral complications from laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies: a 13-year experience in a continuous series of 1300 patients.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of ureteral injuries and to discuss how to avoid their occurence after laparoscopic hysterectomy indicated for benign uterine pathologies. METHODS: This observational study covers the period from January 1993 to December 2005 (retrospective study from 1993 to 2000 and prospective from 2001). We reviewed incidence, methods of diagnosis and management of ureteral injuries. RESULTS: The rate of ureteral injuries was 0.3% (four patients). Three patients presented a ureteral fistula diagnosed secondarily some time after the operation. The fourth patient presented a ureteral injury that was diagnosed peroperatively. Three out of four of the lesions were observed on the right side. In every case, there were preoperative risk factors connected with a past history of surgery, or the lateral location of uterine myomas. All four patients needed ureterovesical reimplantation. The outcome was good in all four cases. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of ureter complications after laparoscopic hysterectomy is low and comparable to that observed after hysterectomy by laparotomy. The risk should not prevent laparoscopic hysterectomy being used more widely. Prevention depends on training in the technique and the surgeon's experience.

Relation between severity of dysmenorrhea and endometrioma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the relationship between the severity of dysmenorrhea and endometrioma. METHODS: Descriptive study with prospective design. Two hundred and thirty-nine women with histologically proved endometriomas. The severity of dysmenorrhea was assessed prospectively with a 10-cm visual analog scale. Various indicators concerning the endometrioma and the extent of deep infiltrating endometriosis were recorded during surgery in 239 patients. Correlations were sought with a multiple regression logistic model. RESULTS: According to univariate analysis, the following variables were related to more severe dysmenorrhea: subperitoneal infiltration (uterosacral ligament and rectal infiltration) and R-AFS score of implants. None of the specific characteristics of endometriomas were associated with severe dysmenorrhea. After multiple regression analysis, rectal infiltration and R-AFS score of implants were the only factors that remained related to dysmenorrhea severity. CONCLUSIONS: When there is an endometrioma, severe dysmenorrhea is not directly related with the characteristics specific to these ovarian cysts. The associated deep infiltrating endometriotic lesions and in particular rectal infiltration could explain these symptoms.

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis: pathogenetic implications of the anatomical distribution.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether knowledge of the anatomical distribution of histologically proven deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) lesions contributes to understanding the pathogenesis. METHODS: Observational study between June 1992 and December 2004 (retrospective study between 1992 and 2000; prospective study between 2001 and 2004). Continuous series of 426 patients suffering from pelvic pain who underwent complete surgical exeresis of DIE. DIE lesions were classified according to four different possibilities: (i) Firstly, DIE lesions were classified as located in the anterior or posterior pelvic compartment. (ii) Secondly, DIE were classified as left, median and right. (iii) Thirdly, DIE lesions were classified as pelvic or abdominal. (iv) Fourthly, DIE lesions that could present in a right and/or left location were classified as unilateral or bilateral. RESULTS: These 426 patients presented 759 histologically proven DIE lesions: bladder (48 lesions; 6.3%); uterosacral (USL) (400 lesions; 52.7%); vagina (123 lesions; 16.2%); ureter (16 lesions; 2.1%) and intestine (172, 22.7%). DIE lesions are significantly more often located in the pelvis (n=730 lesions) than in the abdomen (n=29 lesions) (P<0.0001). Pelvic DIE lesions are significantly more often located in the posterior compartment of the pelvis [682 DIE lesions (93.4%) versus 48 DIE lesions (6.6%); P<0.0001]. Pelvic DIE lesions are significantly more frequently located on the left side. For patients with unilateral pelvic DIE lesions, the anatomical distribution is significantly different in the three groups: left (172 lesions; 32.0%), median (284 lesions; 52.8%) and right (82 lesions; 15.2%) (P<0.0001). For patients with lateral lesions, left DIE lesions (172 lesions; 67.8%) were found significantly more frequently than right DIE lesions (82 lesions; 32.2%) (P<0.0001). A similar predisposition was observed when we included patients with bilateral pelvic DIE lesions (P=0.0031). The same significantly asymmetric distribution is observed for total (pelvic and abdominal) DIE lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that distribution of DIE lesions is asymmetric. It is possible that this is related to the anatomical difference between the left and right hemipelvis and to the flow of peritoneal fluid. These findings support the hypothesis that retrograde menstruation of regurgitated endometrial cells is implicated in the pathogenesis of DIE.

Mobile uterine retroversion is associated with dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea in an unselected population of women.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if isolated retroversion is a cause of pelvic pain symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and eleven premenopausal women consulting for routine examination in the gynecology department of two hospitals and two gynecologic private practices were evaluated for chronic pelvic pain symptoms with a self-administered questionnaire. Uterine position and mobility was assessed by pelvic examination. Women with fixed uterus were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-seven women (24.3%) had a retroverted uterus, and 84 (75.7%) had an anteverted or intermediate uterus. Uterine retroversion was associated with a higher prevalence of dyspareunia (66.7% versus 42.1%, p=0.03), a higher visual analogue scale score for dyspareunia (2.7+/-2.6 versus 1.6+/-2.4, p=0.04) and a higher prevalence of severe dysmenorrhea (66.7% versus 42.9% p=0.03). There was no association between uterine retroversion and noncyclic pain, ovulation pain, or premenstrual pain. CONCLUSION: Mobile uterine retroversion is associated with dyspareunia and dysmenorrhea in a population of unselected women.

Total laparoscopic hysterectomy: preoperative risk factors for conversion to laparotomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To identify the preoperative factors affecting the risk of conversion to laparotomy during total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) indicated for benign conditions (surgery performed in cases of genital prolapse and/or urinary stress incontinence was excluded). DESIGN: Retrospective comparative study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University tertiary referral center for gynecologic endoscopic surgery. PATIENTS: Four hundred sixteen consecutive patients who underwent TLH during the first 5 years of our experience performing TLH. INTERVENTION: Total laparoscopic hysterectomy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The rate of conversion to laparotomy was 7% (29 patients). Factors that were found to be independently related to the risk of conversion to laparotomy are the following: body mass index (adjusted OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01-1.18); uterine width on transvaginal ultrasonography (US) between 8 and 10 cm (adjusted OR 4.01; 95% CI 1.54-10.45); uterine width on US greater than 10 cm (adjusted OR 9.17; 95% CI 2.74-30.63); lateral myoma measuring greater than 5 cm on US (adjusted OR 3.57; 95% CI 0.97-13.17); history of adhesion-causing abdominopelvic surgery (adjusted OR 2.92; 95% CI 1.23-6.94). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal US evaluation is essential before performing TLH. Awareness of the risk factors for conversion to laparotomy is essential for proper patient information and better selection of patients.

High rate of recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia after surgery in HIV-positive women.

OBJECTIVE: Our study investigated the rate of recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in HIV-positive women after surgery in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). METHODS: One hundred twenty-one HIV-positive women were followed-up with cytology, colposcopy, and histology after surgery for CIN. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses to determine the relation between recurrence of CIN and risk factors using Cox proportional hazard models with left truncation. RESULTS: The rate of recurrence of any CIN was 22.3 per 100 patient-years and the rate of high-grade CIN was 8.6 per 100 patient-years during 166 and 279 patient-years of follow-up, respectively. In multivariate analysis, a positive margin was associated with a risk of recurrence of any CIN (relative risk [RR] = 3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-9.8) and a risk of recurrence of high-grade CIN (RR = 9.0, 95% CI: 2.2-36.5). CD4 counts <200 cells/mm were associated with a risk of recurrence of any CIN (RR = 9.4, 95% CI: 2.7-32.7) but not with a risk of recurrence of high-grade CIN. HAART exhibited a protective effect on the recurrence of any CIN (RR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7) and of high-grade CIN (RR = 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1-0.7). CONCLUSION: CD4 cell counts <200/mm(3) and a positive margin were predictors of recurrence, whereas HAART had a strong protective effect. Although surgery is highly effective in immunocompetent patients, it seems to be effective only in preventing progression to cancer in HIV-infected women.

Operative management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis: results on pelvic pain symptoms according to a surgical classification.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the results of complete surgical excision for patients with painful functional symptoms in a context of histologically proven deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-two patients with pelvic pain symptoms and histologically proved DIE. The DIE lesions were classified according to surgical classification: uterosacral ligaments (USL), vagina, bladder, or intestine. INTERVENTION: Complete surgical excision of DIE lesions. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A retrospective analysis was made of medical, operative, and pathologic reports as well as of questionnaires mailed to patients. Efficiency of surgical excision was assessed according to two methods: objective evaluation (numerical rating scale) and subjective evaluation (patients were asked to classify the improvement after surgery with one of the following: excellent, satisfactory, slight, or no improvement). For each symptom, the mean scores according to the numerical rating scale were significantly lower postoperatively. The difference between the preoperative and postoperative scores was 5.2 points +/- 3.6 for dysmenorrhea, 4.6 points +/- 3.1 for deep dyspareunia, 4.4 points +/- 3.7 for painful defecation during menstruation, 4.9 +/- 3.2 for lower urinary tract symptoms during menses, and 4.6 points +/- 3.4 for noncyclic chronic pelvic pain. Comparable results were observed for patients in each group according to the surgical classification of their DIE lesions: USL (n = 78 patients); vagina (n = 25 patients); bladder (n = 13 patients); and intestine (n = 16 patients). Subjective evaluation showed that the improvement was considered to be excellent in 40.2% of women (53 patients), satisfactory in 42.4% (56 patients), slight in 14.4% (19 patients), and nonexistent in 3.0% (4 patients). The patients' characteristics (i.e., age, gravidity, parity, body mass index, preoperative medical treatment, follow-up after surgery, number and location of DIE lesions, revised American Fertility Society stage, associated endometrioma) did not differ significantly according to whether the improvement was considered to be excellent (Group A: 53 patients) or not (Group B: 79 patients). Among the infertile patients (n = 78; 59.1%), there was no difference in pain improvement if the patient was pregnant or not in the 42 women who achieved pregnancy after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Complete surgical excision of DIE lesions results in a statistically significant reduction in painful functional symptoms. These results are observed whatever the main location of DIE lesions. The patients' preoperative characteristics have no significant influence on the result.

Surgical management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis: an update.

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) manifests itself mainly in the form of pain, predominantly deep dyspareunia, and painful functional symptoms that are aggravated monthly during menstruation, with the semiology being directly correlated with the location of the lesions (bladder, rectum). A workup to assess the extent of the disease is necessary to establish an accurate map of the DIE lesions, which is the essential condition to perform complete exeresis. The treatment of first intention is surgical, because medical treatments are only palliative in the majority of cases. Successful treatment depends on achieving radical surgical exeresis. Analysis of the anatomical distribution of the DIE lesions allows a "surgical classification" to be proposed to standardize the modalities of surgical treatment. Further studies are needed to specify the place and modalities of medical treatments preoperatively and postoperatively.