Lin's Self-Retaining Abdominal Ultrasound Probe Method for Hands-Free Ultrasound-Guided Hysteroscopic Procedures: A Single-Operator Study.

Objectives: Conventionally, an assistant would be required to hold the ultrasound probe during therapeutic hysteroscopy. To manage without a skilled assistant, Lin developed a self-retaining hands-free probe method that can be used to hold an abdominal ultrasound probe. One can now perform ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic procedures single-handedly. The purpose of this study is to report the successful development of a method to keep an abdominal ultrasound probe self-retained without an assistant's help. Materials and Methods: A technique derived from improvisation with available equipment. Results: The hands-free ultrasound probe was used successfully in 2680 cases needing therapeutic hysteroscopy management for various endometrial pathologies. We only encountered one case of latex allergy, which serves as a reminder to ask about latex allergy before the procedure. Upon notification, the handle can be improvised to a latex-free solution. Compression indentation marks were of negligible concern as they resolved spontaneously within 1-2 h postsurgery. We have used this method successfully and to good effect, particularly in guiding us to avoid uterine perforations during dilation of the cervix as well as during the therapeutic hysteroscopy surgery itself. This device facilitates efficient and safe therapeutic hysteroscopic surgeries. In addition, this method encourages the reuse and recycling of plastic water bottles. Conclusion: The usage of Lin's self-retaining ultrasound probe method is practical, cheap, and not dependent on an assistant's participation during procedures.

The Association between Placenta Implantation at Prior Myomectomy Locations and Perinatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women Who Previously Underwent One-Step Hysteroscopic Myomectomy.

OBJECTIVES: There are no data describing the correlation between placenta implantation at prior myomectomy locations and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women after transcervical resection myomectomy (TCR-M). The aim of the study is to investigate the correlations between placenta implantation at prior myomectomy locations and perinatal outcomes in pregnant women who had previously undergone TCR-M. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study. We reviewed the records of 34 pregnant women who had previously undergone TCR-M for submucosal myoma and perinatal care in our hospital between January 2012 and January 2019. We examined surgical and pregnancy outcomes and evaluated correlations between placenta implantation at prior myomectomy locations and perinatal outcomes in women who delivered after 22 gestational weeks (n = 24). RESULTS: Median maternal age at conception was 38 years (range, 28-44) and median duration between TCR-M and conception was 1.4 years (range, 0.3-5.8). There were 24 deliveries after 22 gestational weeks and 10 pregnancy losses. Among these 24 deliveries, the median gestational age at delivery was 39 weeks (range, 34-41); median birthweight, 3025 g (range, 2092-4012); and median blood loss at delivery, 573 g (range, 100-3000). There were no cases of placenta accreta and uterine rupture. Placenta implantation at a prior myomectomy location was detected in 14/24 women using transabdominal ultrasonography. Median blood loss was significantly higher in the implantation than in the nonimplantation group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our one-step TCR-M is useful for women with submucosal myoma. However, we suggest that clinicians should review and check the association between prior myomectomy locations and placenta implantation.

Twelve-year experience of office-setting removal of lost intrauterine devices in place for more than 10 years.

Objective: We investigated the effectiveness of removing lost intrauterine devices (IUDs) that had been in place for over 10 years, using Lin's biopsy grasper in an office setting. Methods:This single-centre, retrospective study conducted between March 2006 and June 2018 included 49 women who had had an IUD in place for contraception for more than 10 years and who underwent removal of the lost IUD using Lin's biopsy grasper under transabdominal sonography without use of a tenaculum, anaesthesia and analgesia, after dilation of the cervical os and hysteroscopy. Results: The women's median age was 52 years (range 34-80 years) and the median duration of insertion was 17 years (range 10-43 years). Forty-eight (98%) women had their lost IUD removed using Lin's biopsy grasper. Among the removed IUDs, there were eight FD-1 IUDs with a string, 13 FD-1 IUDs without a string, 13 Chinese IUDs, seven Ota ring IUDs, three KS ring IUDs, two Saf-T-Coil IUDs, two Lippe loop IUDs and one Wing IUD. All women tolerated the procedure and there were no major operative complications. Conclusions: Lin's biopsy grasper was effective in removing IUDs that had been in place for a long time.

Clinical application of Lin's biopsy grasper for intrauterine targeted biopsy and polypectomy during office hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Hysteroscopy has widely been used for diagnosis of the uterine cavity; however, target biopsy has often been difficult in part to the inherent limitations of ancillary instruments. Lin's biopsy grasper was specifically designed to work in conjunction with a flexible hysteroscope to obtain intrauterine biopsy under transabdominal sonography. Herein, we share our clinical experience in the management of endometrial abnormalities with the use of Lin's biopsy grasper during office-based hysteroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2006 to November 2016, the use of Lin's biopsy grasper for tissue biopsy was attempted on 126 cases. We retrospectively recorded and analyzed the patients' preoperative characteristics and biopsy outcomes to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of Lin's biopsy grasper. RESULTS: Out of the one hundred and twenty-six enrolled patients, satisfactory targeted biopsies were achieved; including high diagnostic rate (92.1%, with 116 cases confirmed histologically) and adequate tissue retrieval (77.8%, with 98 cases obtaining optimal specimen volume). All patients tolerated the procedure without analgesics or anesthesia. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic flexible hysteroscopy combined with the use of Lin's biopsy grasper has proven to be an effective tool for intrauterine evaluation and obtaining tissue sample.

Hysteroscopic Transcervical Resection for Atypical Polypoid Adenomyoma of the Uterus: A Valid, Fertility-Preserving Option.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate hysteroscopic transcervical resection (TCR) for atypical polypoid adenomyoma of the uterus (APA). DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Single tertiary hospital. PATIENTS: Women who underwent TCR for APA at Kawasaki Municipal Hospital between 2003 and 2015. INTERVENTIONS: Clinical records were obtained. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Thirty-five patients with APA were evaluated. The median patient age was 35 years (range, 23-43 years), and the median tumor diameter was 22 mm (range, 9-51 mm). The median duration of observation after the first TCR was 34.0 months (range, 4.2-133.7 months). In 19 patients, the tumor recurred after the first TCR. A second TCR was performed in 13 patients, 11 of whom experienced recurrence. A third TCR was performed in 7 patients, all 7 of whom experienced recurrence. A fourth TCR was performed in 4 patients, 3 of whom experienced recurrence. The recurrence rate after the second TCR was higher than that after the first TCR (71.4%-84.6% vs 54.3%; p < .01, t test). The median disease-free interval was 12.4 months after the first TCR, 15.3 months after the second TCR, 10.5 months after the third TCR, and 10.9 months after the fourth TCR. Seven patients progressed to endometrial cancer; however, there was no mortality. Six of the 35 patients conceived, and 4 had a normal spontaneous delivery. CONCLUSION: Owing to disease-free intervals that follow treatment, TCR is a promising treatment modality as a fertility-preserving option for patients with APA under careful observation. Twenty percent of patients with APA develop cancer; however, the present study showed no mortality.

Hysteroscopic Curettage Using the Lin Snare and Y Adaptor: A Review of 300 Cases.

STUDY: To present a de novo technique of endometrial sampling - hysteroscopic curettage. OBJECTIVE: Aim to describe this new procedure and study its effectiveness and accuracy. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated public hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred and ninety-three consecutive patients who attended outpatient gynaecological endoscopic centre. INTERVENTION: A total of 300 hysteroscopic curettage was carried out using flexible hysteroscope and Lin snare system. MAIN RESULTS: The procedure failure rate is 2.67%. Out of 292 successful hysteroscopic curettages, hysteroscopy alone has a sensitivity of 99% and negative predictive value of 97.7%. The accuracy was further improved to near perfection with curettage histology. The negative predictive value is 99%. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic curettage is easy to perform, highly effective and accurate. It offers an excellent outpatient alternative for patients who require endometrial sampling and/or an evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Two cases of postmyomectomy pseudoaneurysm treated by transarterial embolization.

Pseudoaneurysm resulting from hysteroscopic myomectomy is a rare clinical situation, and interventional radiologists are not traditionally involved in the management. To our knowledge, endovascular treatment of a pseudoaneurysm resulting from hysteroscopic myomectomy has not yet been reported in the English-language literature. Here, two such cases are reported, including one of a woman who later became pregnant. The case is unique because little is known about the influence of unilateral coil embolization of the uterine artery on fertility.

Modified sonohysterography immediately after hysteroscopy in the diagnosis of submucous myoma.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To report a new, convenient, inexpensive, office-based examination to evaluate submucous myomas before hysteroscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred seventy-nine consecutive women. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic flexible hysteroscopy and transvaginal ultrasonography. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Transvaginal ultrasonography was performed immediately after hysteroscopy. The size and depth of invasion of submucous myomas were clearly identified by retained fluid after hysteroscopy. Locations of myomas were as follows: anterior wall, 37 (20.7%); posterior wall, 52 (29.1%); lateral wall, 40 (22.3%); and fundus, 31 (17.3%); and multiple myomas, 19 (10.6%). Myomas with stalk were found in 101 patients (56.4%) and without stalk in 78 (43.6%). The mean myoma diameter was 2.95 +/- 2.12 cm and mean weight was 30.2 +/- 33.6 g. CONCLUSION: It is important to obtain details as to size and depth of invasion of submucous myomas before hysteroscopic myomectomy. Sonohysterography immediately after hysteroscopy is superior to traditional diagnostic methods.