Pressure-Induced Fibroid Ischemia: First-In-Human Experience with a Novel Device for Laparoscopic Treatment of Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids.

The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of use of a novel uterine fibroid treatment device hypothesized to cause fibroid infarction by increasing intra-tumoral pressure. Between August 2019 and January 2020, 21 uterine fibroids were treated in 16 symptomatic pre-menopausal black women. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was performed before the procedure, a day after the procedure and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The subjects were also followed for clinical outcomes and quality of life up to 12 months at a single investigational site. At 3 months, the mean reduction in the fibroid volume was 36.3% (P = .002). Incremental reduction in volume peaked at the end of the follow-up, at the 12-month mark (60.4%; P = .008). There were no procedures in which the users failed to perform laparoscopic pressure suturing of fibroids with the pressure-induced fibroid ischemia device. Improvement in the quality of life was evident in the Health-Related Quality of Life total, Energy/Mood, Control, and Sexual Function domains of the Uterine Fibroid Symptom and Quality of Life questionnaire at 3 months post-procedure. Unanticipated risks were not identified. Serious adverse events were not identified. The initial clinical assessment of the pressure-induced fibroid ischemia device supports feasibility of the approach and does not reveal serious safety concerns. Trial is currently being registered retrospectively (This was a feasibility study and therefore registration was not mandatory).

The effect of subcutaneous and intraperitoneal anesthesia on post laparoscopic pain: a randomized controlled trial.

A few modes of perioperative local analgesia have been studied in order to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopy, including preemptive local anesthetics in the trocar sites and intraperitoneal anesthetics administration at the end of the surgery. However, the evidence regarding their efficacy are conflicting. In addition, the combination of both aforementioned methods has been rarely studied. Our aim was to evaluate whether subcutaneous trocar site and/or intraperitoneal analgesia reduce pain after gynecologic operative laparoscopy. This was a single-centered, randomized, controlled, double-blinded trial. The patients were randomly assigned to one of four equally sized groups: group 1-subcutaneous and intraperitoneal analgesia; group 2-subcutaneous analgesia and intraperitoneal placebo; group 3-subcutaneous placebo and intraperitoneal analgesia; Group 4-subcutaneous and intraperitoneal placebo. The patients, the surgeons, and the pain evaluators were all blinded to the patient's allocation. Included were patients who underwent elective operative laparoscopy. Exclusion criteria were: active infection, pregnancy, known sensitivity to Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride, chronic pelvic pain, surgeries with additional vaginal procedures, conversion to laparotomy, and malignancy. A total of 9 ml of Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride (Marcaine) 0.5%, or Sodium-Chloride 0.9%, as a placebo, were injected subcutaneously to the trocar sites (3 ml to each trocar site), prior to skin incision. In addition, 10 ml of Bupivacaine-Hydrochloride 0.5%, diluted with 40 ml of Sodium-Chloride 0.9% (a total of 50 ml solution), or 50 ml of Sodium-Chloride 0.9%, as a placebo, were injected intraperitoneally at the end of the surgery. By utilizing the 10 cm Visual-analogue-scale (VAS) we assessed post-operative pain at rest at 3, 8, and 24 h, and during ambulation at 8 and 24 h. The study was approved by the local Institutional Review Board and has been registered at clinicaltrials.gov. We conformed to the CONSORT recommendations. Between December 2016 and July 2019, a total of 119 patients were included in the study. Demographic and interventional characteristics were similar among the groups. The level of postoperative pain, either at rest or with change of position, was not significantly different between the groups, at all-time points. Application of subcutaneous and/or intraperitoneal analgesia is not effective in reducing pain after gynecologic operative laparoscopy.Clinical trial identification number: NCT02976571. Date of trial registration 11/29/2016. URL of the registration site: https://clinicaltrials.gov .

Comparison of Emergent and Elective Surgeries of Endometriomas: Is Adnexal Torsion a Concern?

BACKGROUND: When a woman with an endometrioma presents with acute abdominal pain, it is unclear whether ovarian torsion should be suspected. OBJECTIVES: To compare patient characteristics, imaging results, and surgical management of endometriomas in elective versus emergent surgeries. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women treated at our institution during the period 1990-2015 who presented with histologically verified endometrioma and who underwent either planned surgery or emergent surgery due to suspected adnexal torsion. RESULTS: Of 225 surgeries performed, 174 were elective and 51 emergent. Patients in the emergent group were significantly younger (33.9 ± 11.1 vs. 39.01 ± 10.9 years, P = 0.004). Abdominal pain was the main complaint of all the emergent surgery patients and the leading complaint in 21% of the elective surgery patients (P < 0.001), with right-sided predominance in both groups. Sonographic parameters were similar in both groups. Bilateral ovarian cysts were noted in 11.7% and 11.0% of emergent and elective patients, respectively (P = 0.87). Laboratory evaluation was notable for a higher white blood cell count and CA125 levels among emergent patients. All patients in the emergent group and 93% of patients in the elective group were managed laparoscopically. No cases of torsion were noted. The rate of intra-pelvic adhesions was similar in both groups (56.8% vs. 66.6%, P = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: Endometrioma may present with acute abdominal pain. However, adnexal torsion in these patients is rare. These cases can be managed using a minimally invasive approach, assuming an optimal surgical setting.

Hysterscopic Resection of Premalignant and Malignant Endometrial Polyps: Is it a Safe Alternative to Hysterectomy?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The standard treatment of endometrial cancer (EC) and complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) is hysterectomy with or without adnexectomy. In the last decade several centers have attempted to perform hysteroscopic resection of malignant and premalignant polyps as an alternative to hysterectomy. In the present study we evaluated the safety of this procedure in regard to residual uterine pathology. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Women (n = 1766) who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy during the years 1998 to 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with CAH and endometrioid type EC in the removed polyps who underwent hysterectomy were included in the study. Patients with nonendometrioid pathology were excluded. The operative and pathologic reports of the hysteroscopy and hysterectomy procedures were revised. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Forty-three women (2.4%) were diagnosed with premalignant and malignant polyps: 21 with EC and 22 with CAH. Thirty-four women (79.0%) underwent hysterectomy and were included in the study group. The median age was 62 years (range, 35-83). Most women (79.4%) presented with postmenopausal bleeding or menorrhagia. In 13 patients (38.2%) more than 1 polyp was removed. The median size of the polyps was 2 cm (range, 1-4). In 27 women there were no other visible endometrial findings during the hysteroscopy except for the removed polyp. However, in 24 women (88.9%) residual CAH or EC was present in the hysterectomy specimen, mostly (55.6%) as multifocal lesions. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity and polyp resection are not enough for the eradication of premalignant and malignant endometrial lesions. This alternative should be reserved for well-selected cases such as for fertility preservation and for patient with surgical risk factors that after the hysteroscopic polypectomy will receive further medical treatment.

Ovarian reserve following cesarean section with salpingectomy vs tubal ligation: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial ovarian cancer is assumed to derive from the fallopian tube. Salpingectomy has been previously demonstrated to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer, and may be used as a means of sterilization. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare short-term ovarian reserve and operative complications in cases of salpingectomy and tubal ligation during cesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: Study patients who underwent elective cesarean section at our institution and requested sterilization were randomized to bilateral salpingectomy or tubal ligation. Prior to surgery, blood samples were obtained for antimüllerian hormone. Surgical course was noted, including overall time, complications, and postoperative hemoglobin. Repeat antimüllerian hormone samples were obtained from patients 6-8 weeks following surgery. RESULTS: In all, 46 patients were recruited for participation, of whom 33 completed a follow-up visit, and for whom repeat antimüllerian hormone levels were available. Patients in the salpingectomy group were slightly older (37.0 ± 3.9 vs 34.3 ± 4.1 years, P = .02). No differences were noted in patient parity, body mass index, or gestational age between the groups. Pregnancy and postdelivery antimüllerian hormone levels were not significantly different between the groups, with an average increase of 0.58 ± 0.98 vs 0.39 ± 0.41 ng/mL in the salpingectomy and tubal ligation groups, respectively (P = .45). Surgeries including salpingectomy were longer by an average 13 minutes (66.0 ± 20.5 vs 52.3 ± 15.8 minutes, P = .01). No difference was demonstrated between the groups regarding surgical complications and postoperative hemoglobin decrease. CONCLUSION: Sterilization by salpingectomy appears to be as safe as tubal ligation regarding operative complications and subsequent ovarian reserve. As salpingectomy offers the advantage of cancer risk reduction, it may be offered in the settings of elective preplanned surgeries.

Different routes of misoprostol for cervical priming in first trimester surgical abortions: a randomized blind trial.

PURPOSE: To compare effectiveness and patient satisfaction of different routes of misoprostol for short-term (same day) cervical priming in first trimester surgical abortions. METHODS: In a blind randomized trial, patients undergoing surgical abortion at a gestational age of 6 + 0-14 + 6 were administered oral, vaginal, or sub-lingual 400 mcg misoprostol, 1.5 to 4 h prior to procedure. Surgeons blinded to patient allocation evaluated cervical priming. The primary outcome was initial cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes were cervical consistency, ease of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. RESULTS: From July 2015 through May 2016, 120 patients were randomized as follows: 40 to oral, 40 to vaginal, and 40 to sublingual misoprostol administration. No differences were noted in patient age, gestational age, curettage indication (termination/delayed miscarriage), past vaginal delivery, and administration to procedure interval. Initial cervical dilatation was similar between the groups, as were cervical consistency and ease of dilation. Patients noted the greatest discomfort and side effects with sublingual administration. The followings were found to be independently associated with cervical dilatation in a linear regression analysis: sublingual administration, gestational age, missed abortion, and previous vaginal delivery. Side effects and administration to procedure interval were found non-significant. CONCLUSION: The same day cervical priming for first trimester surgical abortion is similarly achieved with all routes of misoprostol administration. In cases of termination of pregnancy with no prior vaginal delivery, sublingual administration may be considered, but entails a higher rate of side effects and patient discomfort.

Different Routes of Misoprostol for Same-Day Cervical Priming Prior to Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Blinded Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of and patient satisfaction with different routes of misoprostol administration for short-term cervical priming before operative hysteroscopy. DESIGN: Randomized blinded trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred and twenty patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly assigned to receive 400 µg of misoprostol administered orally (n = 40), vaginally (n = 40), or sublingually (n = 40) for cervical priming at 1.5 to 4 hours before undergoing operative hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilatation. Secondary outcomes included cervical consistency, ease of dilation and time of dilation, patient discomfort, and side effects. No differences were noted among the 3 groups in terms of patient age, parity, previous vaginal delivery, menopausal status, and time interval from preparation to procedure. Patients in the 3 groups reported similar discomfort and side effects. Initial mean cervical dilatation was 6.1 ± 2.0 mm in the oral group, 6.4 ± 2.1 in the vaginal group, and 6.4 ± 1.8 mm in the sublingual group (p = .75). Cervical consistency and ease of dilation were similar among the groups. The mean time of dilation was 37.2 ± 30.6 seconds in the oral group, 31.7 ± 29.0 seconds in the vaginal group, and 31.5 ± 21.7 seconds in the sublingual group (p = .59). Additional subanalyses according to menopausal status and parity did not demonstrate any differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: Same-day cervical priming for operative hysteroscopy is achieved equally with all routes of misoprostol administration, with similar patient satisfaction and side effects.

Surgical treatment of mature cystic teratomas: A comparison of emergent and elective surgeries.

AIM: To compare patient characteristics, imaging and surgical management of mature cystic teratomas (MCTs) according to surgery type - elective versus emergent. METHODS: The study included surgeries performed between 1990 and 2016, during which histologically verified ovarian MCT material was obtained. The elective management group included surgeries performed at a pre-set date or incidental finding of MCT as part of a different surgery. Emergent surgeries were considered as such if performed as a result of suspected adnexal torsion. RESULTS: One hundred ninety two operations in which MCT was confirmed by histology were included: 136 elective, 56 emergent. The majority (88.5%) of study patients were of reproductive age. Patients in the emergent surgery group were significantly younger (27.5 ± 10.2 vs 36 ± 13.8 years, P < 0.001). Sensitivity for dermoid diagnosis was significantly increased among elective surgery patients (65.2% vs. 47.1%, P = 0.02). Laparoscopy was the preferred surgical mode in both study groups. Adnexal torsion was confirmed in 67.8% of emergent surgeries. Conservative surgery, including cystectomy with or without detorsion, was more commonly performed in emergent surgeries (91% vs. 72.7%, P = 0.006). Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without total abdominal hysterectomy was more commonly performed in elective surgery patients (22% vs. 3.5%, P = 0.001). Patient parity, mass size and white blood cell count were independently associated with adnexal torsion. CONCLUSIONS: Adnexal torsion is common among symptomatic patients with MCT and is related to mass size, patient age, past parity and white blood cell count. Most patients with MCT are of reproductive age and thus are treated with a minimally invasive approach.

Clinical characteristics of adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical characteristics of adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients as compared to postmenarchal ones. METHODS: A retrospective 22-year cohort of all cases of surgically verified adnexal torsion in premenarchal and postmenarchal patients (excluding postmenopausal and pregnant patients). Data collected included symptoms, signs and imaging at presentation, surgical mode, and procedure and histology. RESULTS: 16 cases of adnexal torsion among premenarchal patients were compared to 302 cases among postmenarchal ones. Clinical presentation was similar, notable only for more nausea and vomiting among the premenarchal group. Ovarian cysts were more commonly demonstrated among postmenarchal patients (82.4 and 30.8%, p < 0.001), as opposed to a normal adnexal appearance on ultrasound, which was more common in premenarchal patients (69.3 vs. 17.2%, p < 0.001). Absent Doppler flow, when preformed, did not differ statistically between the groups. Laparoscopic detorsion only was more commonly performed in premenarchal patients (56.2 vs. 19.8%, p = 0.001), with a trend for detorsion and cystectomy/fenestration, which were more common in postmenarchal surgeries (25 vs. 50.6%, p = 0.06). Histology was similar among both groups, with no cases of malignancy in premenarchal patients. CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion in premenarchal patients is rare, presents similarly to older patients, but involves a normal adnexa in 69% of cases, therefore requiring a high index of suspicion in any premenarchal patient with acute onset abdominal pain.

Laparoscopic surgery performed in advanced pregnancy compared to early pregnancy.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to assess the clinical and obstetric outcomes of laparoscopic surgeries performed during advanced pregnancy compared to those performed in early pregnancy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all cases of patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery during pregnancy in our institution between 1996 and 2013. RESULTS: We reviewed cases of 117 pregnant women who underwent laparoscopic surgery during the study period. There were no conversions to laparotomy. 71 surgeries were performed in the first trimester (group 1, mean gestational age 7.7 ± 1.9 weeks) and 46 were performed in the second and third trimesters (group 2, mean gestational age 18.1 ± 4.3 weeks). More patients in group 1 underwent surgery for suspected adnexal torsion (p < 0.001), while more patients in group 2 underwent surgery for presumptive cholecystitis (p = 0.014) and persistent ovarian mass (p = 0.011). The interval between admission and surgery differed significantly between the groups and was longer in group 2 compared to group 1 (18.2 ± 24.0 vs. 6.8 ± 10.6 h, p = 0.001). No difference was found between the two groups regarding surgical complications, histopathological findings and pregnancy outcomes. CONCLUSION: In our experience, laparoscopic surgery in advanced pregnancy was found to be feasible and safe as in early pregnancy, without any adverse effects on pregnancy outcome.

Clinical characteristics and the risk for malignancy in postmenopausal women with adnexal torsion.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics and management of adnexal torsion in postmenopausal patients as compared to premenopausal ones. METHODS: A retrospective 22 year cohort of all cases of surgically verified adnexal torsion in postmenopausal and premenopausal patients, comparing presentation, imaging, surgical procedure and histology. RESULTS: Thirty five cases of adnexal torsion among postmenopausal patients were compared to 302 cases among premenopausal ones. Complex ovarian masses and larger ovarian diameter were more common among postmenopausal patients (7.8 vs. 6.8 cm, p=0.003). The admission to surgical interval differed substantially between the groups (75.5h in postmenopausal patients vs. 24.4 in the premenopausal ones, p<0.001). The main surgical indication for postmenopausal patients was pelvic mass investigation (54.3% vs 11.6%, p<0.001), and more premenopausal patients underwent surgery with a clinical suspicion of adnexal torsion (77.1% vs. 40%, p<0.001). Extensive surgery including bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with or without total abdominal hysterectomy was more commonly performed in postmenopausal patients, as opposed to conservative surgery, including detorsion and cystectomy/fenestration or detorsion only, in premenopausal surgeries. Cancer was diagnosed in 3% of postmenopausal patients with adnexal torsion. CONCLUSION: Adnexal torsion in postmenopausal women is rare, but presents similarly, results in more delayed and extensive surgery and involves malignancy in 3%.

Laminaria vs. vaginal misoprostol for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of vaginal misoprostol and laminaria for cervical preparation before second-trimester surgical abortion. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a prospective, randomized trial comparing midnight administration of misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally to midnight placement of laminaria, before surgical abortions among women at 13-20 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was preoperative cervical dilation. Secondary outcomes were the need for further dilation, procedure duration and difficulty, immediate complications and side effects. RESULTS: Eighty-four women were randomized, with a median gestational age of 16.5 weeks. The mean time interval between misoprostol and laminaria placement and dilatation and evacuation initiation was 11.0±2.9 and 11.2±2.0h, respectively (p=.17). Cervical dilation was not greater in the laminaria group as compared to the misoprostol group (12.8 vs. 12.4mm, respectively; p=.32). No difference was demonstrated regarding the need for additional dilation or the difficulty of the procedure. Procedures performed after laminaria insertion were 1 min longer (median 11 vs. 10 min, p=.04). Participants found laminaria placement more uncomfortable than vaginal misoprostol placement. Other than pain, additional side effects occurred only in the misoprostol group, primarily nausea and vomiting. One participant in the misoprostol group experienced fetal expulsion during the night before the intended procedure. CONCLUSION: Either vaginal misoprostol or laminaria provides adequate dilation for second-trimester surgical abortion. Laminaria causes more pain at insertion and misoprostol causes more side effects. IMPLICATIONS STATEMENT: We found that cervical preparation in an inpatient setting for approximately 11h with misoprostol 600 mcg vaginally is comparable to 11h of laminaria. However, given the potential for spontaneous expulsion and more side effects with misoprostol, laminaria is likely a better general option in such a setting.

Ovarian Pregnancy Following in Vitro Fertilization in a Woman After Bilateral Salpingectomy: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

We present a rare case of ovarian pregnancy that occurred in a woman who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) after bilateral salpingectomy. The patient presented with abdominal pain and a positive pregnancy test. Ovarian pregnancy was diagnosed owing to a suspicious mass detected on ultrasound. She underwent laparoscopy to confirm the diagnosis, which was subsequently verified by histopathological examination. The question that comes in mind is: How did the pregnancy get there? After a review of the literature, we have found a few possible explanations for the mechanism of this rare event. This case emphasizes the need for vigilance in suspecting ectopic pregnancy even in women who have undergone salpingectomy.

Intraoperative rupture of benign mucinous cystadenoma does not increase its recurrence rate.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopy has become the standard of care in the management of ovarian benign mucinous cystadenomas. One concern of the operative approach is the risk of recurrence. A previous study has found intraoperative cyst rupture and cystectomy to be the risk factors for recurrence. Our objective was to assess the incidence and risk factors for recurrence of benign mucinous cystadenomas after surgical removal. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all cases of patients who underwent removal of benign mucinous cystadenomas by either cystectomy or adnexectomy in our institution between December 2006 and June 2013. RESULTS: 722 women underwent surgical treatment for benign ovarian cysts in that time period, out of which 38 women (5.2%) had benign mucinous cystadenomas confirmed by pathologic examination. Most of the patients underwent laparoscopy (94.7%). Half of the patients underwent cystectomy, and the other half underwent adnexectomy. One patient underwent re-operation due to cyst recurrence. This patient initially underwent laparoscopic cystectomy, during which intraoperative cyst rupture did not occur. CONCLUSION: Recurrence of benign mucinous cystadenomas was uncommon and was not associated with intraoperative cyst rupture.

Interstitial pregnancy management and subsequent pregnancy outcome.

We report on management and subsequent fertility outcome of interstitial pregnancy in a retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3) at a university affiliated teaching hospital. Of 706 women with extrauterine pregnancy, 14 consecutive women with interstitial pregnancy were treated by methotrexate, laparotomy or laparoscopy between 1997 and 2007. The first four women, with significant hemoperitoneum, were treated by laparotomy. Of the next 10 women, four were selected for medical treatment with methotrexate. Only one case was treated successfully. The other six women had laparoscopic treatment. Of nine laparoscopies, one was converted to laparotomy due to excessive blood loss during the procedure. Of nine women desiring a child, three were infertile, whereas six conceived with an intrauterine pregnancy. A change from diagnosis later in pregnancy and laparotomy to more conservative treatment, mainly by laparoscopy, suggests a possibly better subsequent pregnancy rate.

Differences between adnexal torsion in pregnant and nonpregnant women.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical manifestation, management, and outcome of adnexal torsion in pregnant and nonpregnant women. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: Sixty-four pregnant women and 198 nonpregnant women with episodes of adnexal torsion. INTERVENTIONS: Surgery to treat proved adnexal torsion. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean (SD) gestational age in the pregnant group was 11.5 (7.7) weeks. Thirty six episodes of adnexal torsion in the pregnant group (56%) developed after treatment for infertility, compared with only 14 such episodes (7%) in the nonpregnant group (p < .001). A repeated episode of torsion occurred more frequently in the pregnant group (14% vs 4%; p = .03). Sonographic demonstration of multicystic ovaries was more common in pregnant women with recurrent torsion than in women with a single episode of torsion (86% vs 31%; p = .009). Tissue preservation was achieved more frequently in pregnant than in nonpregnant patients (95% vs 77%; p < .001), and the duration of surgery was 15 minutes shorter in the pregnant women (p < .001). CONCLUSION: Pregnancy after treatment for infertility is a risk factor for adnexal torsion. Recurrence of ovarian torsion occurs more frequently in pregnant patients, and in particular in enlarged multicystic ovaries.

The optimal cutoff serum level of human chorionic gonadotropin for efficacy of methotrexate treatment in women with extrauterine pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of methotrexate treatment for extrauterine pregnancy and define criteria for prediction of success. METHODS: Of 829 patients with an ectopic pregnancy admitted to E. Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel, from January 1997 through December 2009, 238 had asymptomatic tubal pregnancies and increasing serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ßhCG) levels. These patients were treated with a single intramuscular injection of 50mg of methotrexate (MTX) per square meter of body surface. Success was defined as undetectable ßhCG levels without the need for a surgical intervention. RESULTS: The groups of patients successfully treated (n=167 [70%]) and unsuccessfully treated (n=71 [30%]) were compared. They were similar regarding age and gravidity. The initial serum ßhCG level was significantly higher in the latter group than in the former (3798 mIU/mL vs. 1601 mIU/mL, P<0.01). The success rate was 88% when initial ßhCG levels were less than 1000 mIU/mL, 71% when they were between 1000 and 2000 mIU/mL, and only 59% when they were between 2000 and 3000 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate treatment is a safe and effective alternative to surgery. However, patients with initial ßhCG levels higher than 2000 mIU/mL should only be offered the surgical approach.

Operative hysteroscopy to remove retained products of conception: novel treatment of an old problem.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and reproductive outcome of hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred fifty-nine patients were consecutively admitted to our department from July 2001 through August 2007 with a diagnosis of retained products of conception after medical abortion, dilation and evacuation, or delivery. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception without the use of electrical energy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Complete evacuation of the uterus was achieved in all patients. Trophoblastic tissue was histologically confirmed in 88%. All of the women regained normal menstrual bleeding. Complications occurred in 3 patients during or immediately after the procedure: pulmonary edema, sepsis and diffuse intravascular coagulopathy, and excessive bleeding, respectively. Of the 28 women who expressed a desire to become pregnant, 23 conceived. The conception rate was 82% (23 of 28), with a live-birth rate of 75% (21 of 28). Second-look hysteroscopy performed in 21 patients revealed no adhesions. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic removal of retained products of conception is a simple and safe, and most probably the preferred procedure. It should be considered an alternative to conventional blind evacuation by curettage. It seems that this procedure preserves the integrity of the uterine cavity while averting additional trauma, and retains reproductive capacity. Further studies, including randomized controlled trials, may be necessary to confirm these results.

Endometrial polyps: symptomatology, menopausal status and malignancy.

AIMS: To assess the frequency of premalignant and malignant endometrial polyps in symptomatic and asymptomatic women. METHODS: Retrospective registration of 1,124 patients who underwent hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps. Patient characteristics included age, menopausal status, presence or absence of symptoms, and use of hormonal medication. Histological diagnoses and complications were also analyzed. RESULTS: 641 (57%) of 1,124 women with endometrial polyps were postmenopausal and 483 (43%) premenopausal. Abnormal uterine bleeding was reported by 548 women: 226 (49%) postmenopausal and 322 (51%) premenopausal. 576 (51%) women were asymptomatic. There were 16 patients with malignancy or premalignant conditions among the symptomatic patients (2.7%) compared to 7 such patients among the asymptomatic patients (1.3%; p = 0.17). Pathologic evaluation disclosed 7 cases of malignancy and 4 cases of atypical hyperplasia among bleeding postmenopausal women (11/263, 4%) and 2 malignancies and 3 cases of hyperplasia with atypia among asymptomatic postmenopausal women (5/378, 1.3%). CONCLUSION: We found premalignancy and malignancy in each patient group - pre- and postmenopausal, as well as symptomatic and asymptomatic. We recommend removal of any verified endometrial polyp.

The effect of the readthrough acetylcholinesterase variant (AChE-R) on uterine muscle and leiomyomas.

Acetylcholine signaling and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) function(s) are pivotal elements in muscle development. The effects of the stimulus-dependent readthrough AChE variant, AChE-R, on leiomyomas and normal myometrium proliferation were assessed in vivo and in vitro. Histological preparations and cell cultures therefrom were obtained during hysterectomies or myomectomies and included both the leiomyoma sample and the adjacent normal uterine muscle as control. In situ hybridization procedures were performed using AChE cRNA probes complementary to the human AChE-R transcript. Antibodies against the AChE-R variant served for immunohistochemical staining. To determine the biological function of AChE-R on the uterine muscle cell cultures, we used a synthetic peptide representing the potentially cleavable morphogenically active C-terminus of AChE-R (ARP). Cell proliferation was assessed using the incorporation of 5'-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrDU). Leiomyomas expressed an excess of AChE-R mRNA and the AChE-R protein compared with the normal myometrium. Cell cultures originating from leiomyomas proliferated significantly faster than cultures from the adjacent myometrium (P = 0.027 at BrDU incorporation). Addition of ARP (2-200 nM) caused a dose-dependent decrease in the proliferation of cell cultures from both leiomyomas and the myometrium. The effect on the myometrium reached statistical significance (at 20 and 200 nM, P = 0.02), whereas the variability of the rapidly proliferating primary cultures was high and precluded statistical significance in the leiomyoma cultures. AChE-R is involved in the proliferation of the myometrium. The inhibitory effect of ARP on the myometrium may suggest a future therapeutic role of ARP.