Robotic-assisted single-site abdominal cerclage in the bicornuate uterus patient with cervical insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical techniques for improving safety in robotic-assisted abdominal cerclage in patients with bicornuate uteri complicated by recurrent pregnancy loss and cervical insufficiency. DESIGN: Stepwise demonstration with narrated video footage. SETTING: An academic tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS: Our patient is a 22-year-old G2P0020 with a history of recurrent pregnancy loss. During her first pregnancy, she was asymptomatic until 19 weeks and delivered because of a preterm premature rupture of membranes. A transvaginal cerclage was performed for her second pregnancy at 14 weeks, which ended at 16 weeks because of preterm premature rupture of membranes. The final magnetic resonance imaging report noted a "bicorporeal uterus with duplication of the uterine body, resulting in two markedly divergent uterine horns that are fused at the isthmus... unlike a typical didelphic uterus, a single, non septated cervix is noted, which shows normal appearances, measuring 3.8 cm in length." Given her history of a uterine anomaly and recurrent pregnancy loss in the absence of other biochemical factors, her maternal-fetal medicine specialist referred her to us as the patient strongly desired future viable pregnancies. The patient was counseled on multiple alternatives, including different methods of performing the cerclage, and ultimately decided on the robotic-assisted (Da Vinci Xi) prophylactic abdominal cerclage. INTERVENTIONS: The bicornuate uterus is a rare class IV mullerian duct anomaly caused by the impaired fusion of the mullerian ducts in the uterus, classically appearing in imaging studies as a heart-shaped uterus. This patient demographic reports a high incidence of obstetric complications. Pregnancy in such a uterus causes complications like first- and second-trimester pregnancy loss, preterm labor, low-birthweight infants, and malpresentation at delivery.1 Researchers have postulated that there is an abnormal ratio of muscle fibers to connective tissue in a congenitally abnormal cervix. During pregnancy, an inadequate uterine volume may lead to increased intrauterine pressure and stress on the lower uterine segment, which can lead to cervical incompetence.2 To address cervical incompetence, cervical cerclages are a commonly utilized procedure, as recent studies demonstrate that the incidence of term pregnancies in the group with documented cervical incompetence treated with cerclage placement increased from 26% to 63%.3 One observational study noted improved obstetrical outcomes occurred with interval placement, a cerclage placed in between pregnancies in the nongravid uterus, compared with cerclage placement between 9 and 10 weeks gestation, with the mean gestational age for delivery at 32.9 weeks and 34.5 weeks when a cerclage was placed in gravid and nongravid women, respectively.4 In addition, another retrospective study was done, which demonstrated a lower incidence of neonatal death with prophylactic cerclages.5 Operating on a nonpregnant uterus offers several benefits, including its reduced size, fewer and smaller blood vessels, and simplified handling. Moreover, there are clearly no concerns regarding the fetus. In the decision to use a robotic-assisted platform vs. laparoscopic, a systematic review showed the rates of third-trimester delivery and live birth (LB) using laparoscopy during pregnancy were found to be 70% and 70%-100%, respectively. The same review demonstrated slightly improved outcomes via the robotic route regarding gestational age at delivery (median, 37 weeks), rates of LB (90%), and third-trimester delivery (90%).6 Additional factors contributing to the preference for robotics in surgical procedures include incorporating advanced tools, which can enhance the robotic system's advantages compared with traditional laparoscopy. An invaluable tool in this context is the simultaneous utilization of Firefly mode, which employs a near-infrared camera system, achieved through injecting indocyanine green dye or integrating other light sources concurrently. The intravenous administration of indocyanine green is acknowledged widely for its safety and efficacy as a contrast agent in the evaluation of microvascular circulation and organ vascularization. This property equips surgeons with heightened precision when guiding the needle, proving especially advantageous when faced with challenges in visualizing vascular anatomy. In our specific case, we harnessed the capabilities of Firefly mode in conjunction with hysteroscopic light, enabling us to vividly illustrate the contours of a bicornuate uterus from both external and internal perspectives. We demonstrate a simplified technique of the abdominal cerclage, one cerclage around the internal cervical os of the uterus, using a robotic-assisted platform in a nongravid patient. The surgery began with the eversion of the umbilicus, and a 15-mm skin incision was made in the umbilicus. A Gelpoint mini advanced access site laparoscopy device was inserted into the incision, and CO2 was allowed to insufflate the abdominal cavity with careful attention given to intraabdominal pressure. Once the DaVinci was docked, the surgeon began the creation of a bladder flap. The bladder was carefully dissected from the lower uterine segment and both uteri using monopolar scissors. The anatomical differences of a bicornuate uterus prompted the surgeon to dissect a wider circumference for safety reasons, where a wider dissection offers a better view of the uterine vessels and ease of introducing the Mersilene tape later on. Bilateral uterine vessels were further skeletonized and exposed anteriorly using blunt dissection and monopolar scissors. After further dissection and lateralization, the final result creates a landmark medial to the right uterine vessels at the level of the internal cervical os with which the needle of the Mersilene tape will be able to pass through. The Mersilene tape was guided from anterior to posterior via a previously straightened needle. Similarly, a landmark was created on the left, and the Mersilene tape was directed from anterior to posterior. The Mersilene tape was placed circumferentially around the internal cervical os of the bicornuate uterus, medial to the uterine vessels. Both ends of the Mersilene tape were then gently pulled, ensuring that the tape was lying flat on the anterior of the internal cervical os with no bowels or uterine vessels within it. The tape was then tied posteriorly at the 6 o'clock position with appropriate tension. A 2-0 silk was then sutured to the tails of the tape using the purse-string technique to ensure that it would remain securely tied and in the correct position. Hemostasis was assured. Both a hysteroscopy and a cystoscopy were done after the completion of the cerclage to ensure that no tape or sutures were seen within the cervical canal or the uterine cavity. None were observed. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: The success criteria for the surgery were identified as the patient's ability to attain a viable pregnancy after the cerclage placement, along with achieving LB. RESULTS: Subsequently, a spontaneous pregnancy was achieved. An infant weighing 3 pounds and 16 ounces was delivered by cesarean section at 36 weeks because of an oligohydramnios. The infant is currently healthy at 13 pounds. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted abdominal cerclage around the internal cervical os in a bicornuate uterus offers a possibly feasible and straightforward technique for surgeons seeking to reduce risks, although further research is needed.

Reproductive outcomes after uterine septum resection in patients with recurrent miscarriage or infertility: a retrospective study in Chinese women.

OBJECTIVE: Septate uterus is the most common structural uterine anomaly, which is related to the adverse pregnancy outcomes in women of childbearing age. This article provides a retrospective review of hysteroscopic uterine septum resection performed in our hospital during recent years, focusing on the patients with recurrent miscarriage and primary infertility, and also to identify which patients are more likely to benefit from the surgery. METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective study. Cases of women who underwent hysteroscopic septum resection at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2014 to December 2019, retrieved through the medical record system, were divided into three groups: Group A was the recurrent miscarriage group, Group B had a history of pregnancy with spontaneous abortion once at most, and Group C was the primary infertility group. Each patient was followed up by telephone about further pregnancy, miscarriage and live birth for at least 1 year. RESULTS: A total of 176 surgical patients were included in this study. Group A, B, and C include 42, 74, and 60 cases, respectively. The postoperative pregnancy rates of the three groups were 71.4, 82.4, and 75.0%; live births rates were 50.0, 74.3, and 71.7%; and spontaneous abortion rates were 21.4, 17.6, and 13.3%. 62 patients had a complete uterine septum and 114 had a partial uterine septum. For patients with complete septate uterus, the preoperative pregnancy rate was 54.84% and the pregnancy rate increased to 85.48% after surgery; and yet the preoperative and postoperative pregnancy rates in patients with partial septate uterus were close (from 71.9 to 72.8%). CONCLUSIONS: After uterine septum resection, the pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate in RSA patients were not significantly different from the other two groups, but the live birth rate was still significantly lower. Patients with complete uterine septum may benefit more from surgery. The surgical indications should be carefully and strictly evaluated.

Endoscopic transabdominal cervical cerclage replacement after recurrent late miscarriage.

Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) is a recognised treatment for recurrent spontaneous late miscarriage or preterm birth due to cervical weakness. This can be performed via an open procedure before and during pregnancy, or a laparoscopic technique preconception. Complications include cerclage failure and suture migration. We present a case highlighting these complications where laparoscopic removal of an open TAC and replacement led to two successful term deliveries. A woman in her thirties with a fibroid uterus, adenomyosis and a history of three spontaneous mid-trimester losses, had an open TAC at 13 weeks of gestation. Preterm premature rupture of the membranes occurred shortly after and at 18 weeks of gestation she underwent surgical evacuation of the uterus. Subsequent hysteroscopy confirmed migration of the cerclage through the cervical canal. We demonstrate the application of endoscopic gynaecological surgery to remove and replace the TAC with two successful term births by Caesarean section in the ensuing pregnancies.

Impact of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty on Reproductive Outcomes of Women with a Dysmorphic Uterus and Recurrent Miscarriages: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic literature review and meta-analysis is to assess the impact of hysteroscopic metroplasty for dysmorphic uteri on reproductive outcomes in women with recurrent miscarriages. Available studies were identified through a PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane search until June 2019. Live-birth rate, clinical pregnancy and miscarriage rate after hysteroscopic metroplasty was evaluated. DerSimonian and Laird's random-effect model was used for relative risks, Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine for pooled estimates and exact method to stabilize variances and CIs. Heterogeneity was quantified using I2-statistics. Six out of 164 published studies met the inclusion criteria. All (n = 221) women underwent metroplasty, using 5Fr-hysteroscope with bipolar electrodes or 26Fr/28Fr-resectoscope in outpatient or inpatient settings. After 6 to 60-month follow-up, reported live-birth rate was 50% (0.37-0.63 95% CI) from a clinical pregnancy rate of 73% (0.51-0.91 95% CI) and miscarriage rate was 23% (0.15-0.30 95% CI). Hysteroscopic metroplasty for dysmorphic uteri led half of the women who experienced recurrent miscarriages at least one live birth and is correlated to few surgical and obstetric complications. However, randomized clinical trials and case-control studies are unavailable due to ethical constrains; inhomogenity of follow-up durations and standardized protocols regarding preoperative diagnosis and post-surgical management resrict our conclusions.

The randomised uterine septum transsection trial (TRUST): design and protocol.

BACKGROUND: A septate uterus is a uterine anomaly that may affect reproductive outcome, and is associated with an increased risk for miscarriage, subfertility and preterm birth. Resection of the septum is subject of debate. There is no convincing evidence concerning its effectiveness and safety. This study aims to assess whether hysteroscopic septum resection improves reproductive outcome in women with a septate uterus. METHODS/DESIGN: A multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing hysteroscopic septum resection and expectant management in women with recurrent miscarriage or subfertility and diagnosed with a septate uterus. The primary outcome is live birth, defined as the birth of a living foetus beyond 24 weeks of gestational age. Secondary outcomes are ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage and complications following hysteroscopic septum resection. The analysis will be performed according to the intention to treat principle. Kaplan-Meier curves will be constructed, estimating the cumulative probability of conception leading to live birth rate over time. Based on retrospective studies, we anticipate an improvement of the live birth rate from 35% without surgery to 70% with surgery. To demonstrate this difference, 68 women need to be randomised. DISCUSSION: Hysteroscopic septum resection is worldwide considered as a standard procedure in women with a septate uterus. Solid evidence for this recommendation is lacking and data from randomised trials is urgently needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch trial registry ( NTR1676 , 18th of February 2009).

Metastasectomy for recurrent or metastatic biliary tract cancers: A single center experience.

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy or long-term result of metastasectomy for recurrent or metastatic biliary tract carcinoma (BTC), we conducted a retrospective review of the outcomes of metastasectomy for recurrent or metastatic BTCs, comprising intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma (IHCCC), proximal and distal common bile duct cancer (pCBDC and dCBDC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), and ampulla of Vater cancer (AoVC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinicopathological features and outcomes of BTC patients who underwent surgical resection for the primary and metastatic disease at the Gachon University Gil Medical Centre from 2003 to 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: We found 19 eligible patients. Primary sites were GBC (seven patients, 37%), IHCCC (five patients, 26%), dCBDC (three patients, 16%), pCBDC (two patients, 11%), and AoVC (two patients, 11%). Eight patients (42%) had synchronous metastasis whereas 11 (58%) had metachronous metastasis. The most common metastatic site was liver (nine patients, 47%), lymph node (nine patients, 47%), and peritoneum (three patients, 16%). Nine patients (47%) achieved R0 resection, whereas four (21%) and six (32%) patients had R1 and R2 resection, respectively. With a median follow-up period of 26.7 months, the estimated median overall survival (OS) was 18.2 months (95% confidence interval, 13.6-22.9 months). Lower Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (P = 0.023), metachronous metastasis (P = 0.04), absence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.009), lower numbers of metastatic organs (P < 0.001), normal postoperative CA19-9 level (P = 0.034), and time from diagnosis to metastasectomy more than 1 year (P = 0.019) were identified as prognostic factors for a longer OS after metastasectomy. CONCLUSIONS: For recurrent or metastatic BTCs, metastasectomy can be a viable option for selected patients.

Recurrent Abortion and Tethered Cord Syndrome Caused by Anterior Sacral Meningocele: A Report of a Rare Case with a Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Anterior sacral meningocele is a rare congenital anomaly. CASE DESCRIPTION: This rare anomaly is described in a young woman who presented with recurrent abortion and later with a huge palpable mass of pelvic origin, measuring 14 × 12 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The various radiologic features, associations such as presacral dermoid as a part of incomplete Currarino syndrome, and the management options available are also discussed.

[Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage in a patient with recurrent miscarriages abortions - case report]. / Laparoskopická abdominální cerkláz u pacientky s habituálním potrácením - kazuistika.

OBJECTIVE: The use of laparoscopic abdominal cerclage in a patient with habitual miscarriage. DESIGN: Case report and literature review. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University Olomouc, Department of Neonatology, University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University Olomouc, Institute of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Faculty of Medicine, Palacký University Olomouc. CASE REPORT: The patient is a 37 years old woman with a history of recurrent miscarriages. She had one labor at term and six pregnancies that were lost in the second trimester despite McDonald cerclages. Abdominal cerclages are necessary when the standard transvaginal cerclages fail or anatomical abnormalities preclude the vaginal placement. The disadvantage of the transabdominal approach is that it requires at least 2 laparotomies with significant morbidity and hospital stays. We discuss a case of abdominal cerclage performed laparoscopically. A 5 mm Mersilene tape was placed laparoscopically at the level of the internal os as an interval procedure. We feel it offers less morbidity and in the proper hands eliminates or significantly shortens hospital stays. Subsequent pregnancy was terminated at 28 weeks by caesarean section after premature rupture of membranes. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic abdominal cerclage seems to be relatively effective option for the prevention of habitual abortion patients, which fail conventional surgical procedures in dealing with cervical incompetence. The success of subsequent full term pregnancy is given as 70%.

The Rendez-vous technique for treatment of caesarean scar defects: a novel combined endoscopic approach.

BACKGROUND: A caesarean scar defect is a late complication of caesarean birth with a wide range of prevalence between 56 and 84% depending on which diagnostic tool and which definition is used. The referred symptoms which include postmenstrual spotting and infertility are fortunately rare. Moreover, severe complications such as caesarean scar pregnancy and uterine rupture in the following pregnancy may occur. Given the increasing incidence of caesarean births, the potential morbidity associated with caesarean scars is likely to become more important. Recently, a few repair techniques were described in the literature including the hysteroscopic resection of scarred tissue or the laparoscopic repair with or without robotic assistance. METHODS: Between June 2009 and February 2014, 21 women with caesarean scar defects were operated with the Rendez-vous technique, a minimally invasive surgery combining the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic approach. Data were retrospectively collected. The indications for this surgery included secondary infertility, previous caesarean scar pregnancy, recurrent miscarriage and postmenstrual spotting. Prior to operation, a transvaginal ultrasound was performed to examine the uterine wall defect. RESULTS: The patient characteristics are provided in Table 1. In all cases, the operation was successfully completed laparoscopically. The median operation time was 125 min. One case was complicated by recurrence of the scar defect 6 weeks after the operation. No other intra- or post-operative complications were observed, and the median in-patient stay was 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of the technique include the feasibility and safety of the procedure, the "Halloween sign" (Fig. 1) which indicates the exact extent and localization of the scar defect and the immediate assessment of repair through the hysteroscopy at the end of the surgery. However, before further studies evaluate the efficacy of this method, the routine repair of caesarean scar defects cannot be recommended. A video of the technique is presented.

Trachelorraphy in cases of recurrent second trimester loss and prior failed vaginal cerclage.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the obstetric results of trachelorraphy in the prevention of recurrent second trimester loss in cases of prior failed vaginal cerclage. STUDY DESIGN: Data were collected retrospectively and prospectively from medical records. The analysis examined data for 18 women who underwent trachelorraphy between 2004 and 2013 at a tertiary referral unit in France. All patients in this high-risk population had a history of two or more second trimester losses, or one second trimester loss and one preterm labour, and at least one prior failed transvaginal cerclage. The main outcome measures were: livebirth rate; rate of second trimester loss; and surgical complications. RESULTS: Twenty pregnancies were conceived in 16 patients following trachelorraphy. Three patients experienced two pregnancies. Among the 20 pregnancies, there was one case of fetal loss in the first trimester; this pregnancy was excluded from the analysis. Of the remaining 19 pregnancies, there were nine (47%) term deliveries (after 37 weeks of gestation), seven (32%) preterm deliveries and three (16%) second trimester losses. The overall fetal survival rate was 84%. Surgical outcomes were excellent, with no complications. CONCLUSION: Trachelorraphy is a safe, reproducible, easy-to-learn procedure for the prevention of recurrent second trimester loss in cases of prior failed vaginal cerclage. The procedure has encouraging and favourable perinatal outcomes in patients with a poor obstetric history.

Use of a hysteroscopic morcellator to resect miscarriage in a woman with recurrent Asherman's syndrome.

Uterine curettage may result in formation of intrauterine adhesions, which can predispose to recurrent miscarriage [1]. Herein is presented a video case report of a 24-year-old woman with recurrent miscarriages and recurrent intrauterine adhesions after treatment of non-progressive pregnancies. Targeted intrauterine pregnancy tissue removal using a hysteroscopic morcellator was performed to reduce the risk of adhesion recurrence. Successful removal of products of conception, without subsequent adhesion formation, and an ongoing viable pregnancy followed. Selective targeted removal of products of conception may offer some advantage to women with a predisposition to recurrent Asherman's syndrome.

[Hysteroscopic septoplasty: after miscarriages?]. / Faut-il attendre les accidents obstétricaux pour sectionner les cloisons utérines ?

OBJECTIVE: To assess reproductive outcome of women affected by septate uterus after surgical correction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It is a retrospective study. The setting is a French university hospital. Surgery was performed on 66 patients between 2000 and 2010. Hysteroscopic metroplasty was performed in every group once the diagnosis was made. There were two groups: 35 patients affected by septate uterus had past history of miscarriages, preterm and term deliveries. Thirty-six patients had never been pregnant. RESULTS: In the group of 35 patients with a previous obstetric history, the rate of miscarriages was 57.1% before surgery and 10% after surgery. There was a significant gain of live birth ratio of 55% among women being pregnant after surgery compared to women being pregnant before surgery. For patients with no pregnancy before surgery, obstetrical results are the following ones: miscarriages 25.9%, preterm deliveries 11% and term deliveries 59.3%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic septoplasty is an easy technique with few complications in our study. Hysteroscopic septoplasty is strongly recommended after recurrent miscarriages or premature deliveries. We use to propose surgery to every patient affected by septate uterus, even if they have never been pregnant.

Hysteroscopic metroplasty: reproductive outcome in relation to septum size.

PURPOSE: Our aim is to determine if the reproductive performance after hysteroscopic resection of partial uterine septum was related to septum size. METHODS: The retrospective and comparative cohort study was conducted in a University-affiliated Hospital. A cohort of 112 non-parous patients was treated for a partial uterine septum. The septum size was evaluated by hysteroscopy and transvaginal 3-dimensional ultrasound. The patients were stratified into two groups: group 1 (85 women) with small partial uterine septum (≤2.5 cm) and group 2 (27 women) with large partial uterine septum (>2.5 cm). They were also divided according to their obstetrics history: 39 infertile women and 73 aborters. All underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty with a resectoscope with an equatorial semicircular loop cutting 0° with monopolar energy. All septa were almost completely removed and no complications occurred. RESULTS: The two groups of patients with small (group 1) and large (group 2) partial uterine septum were compared in the terms of reproductive history and performance before and after surgery. In the overall population the reproductive performance after surgery is greatly improved. No significant differences in reproductive performance were evident between patients with small and large partial uterine septa. The reproductive performance was also similar in infertile patients and in aborters. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that hysteroscopic metroplasty in cases of partial uterine septum and infertility significantly improves the reproductive performance irrespectively of septum size and that reproductive performance is independent from previous obstetrics history.

Metroplasty for AFS Class V and VI septate uterus in patients with infertility or miscarriage: reproductive outcomes study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess reproductive outcomes in patients after surgical correction of septate uterus. DESIGN: Observational retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Two university hospitals. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-eight patients with primary infertility or recurrent miscarriage with partial (American Fertility Society [AFS] class Va), complete (AFS class Vb), or fundic (AFS class VI) septate uterus. Metroplasty is the current method of choice for surgically correcting septate uterus. The procedure and its indications are a matter of debate. INTERVENTIONS: Metroplasty via hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Outcomes including the numbers of pregnancies, first live births (FLBs), and miscarriages were determined. After metroplasty, 78 women (60.9%) became pregnant, and 70 live neonates were delivered. The FLB rate in infertile women was 53.1%. Of the 25 pregnancies, 13 (52%) resulted from assisted reproductive technology. In women who experienced recurrent miscarriage, the miscarriage rate was significantly improved. Outcomes (miscarriages and FLBs) differed significantly according to anatomical type of septum after surgery. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic septum resection is accompanied by safe improvement in reproductive performance in patients with symptoms of AFS class V/VI septate uterus.

Controversies in family planning: management of second-trimester losses in the setting of an abdominal cerclage.

For women who have a fetal demise with an abdominal cerclage in place, route of uterine evacuation is a clinical dilemma. We review a case of a second trimester loss in the setting of an abdominal cerclage in an HIV positive woman. We provide other clinician's experience and management strategies and provide a review of cases found in the literature.

Reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic metroplasty in patients with infertility and recurrent pregnancy loss.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with uterine malformations have decreased reproductive potential and an unfavourable reproductive outcome starting even from the first pregnancy. Patients with untreated uterine malformations have a term delivery rate of 40%-65%. Hysteroscopic metroplasty is a standard, safe and minimally invasive method for treatment of uterine malformations, which provides a normal uterine cavity in patients with hysteroscopically correctible types of uterine malformations. The aim of the study was to analyse the variables associated with reproductive outcome before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the variables determining reproductive outcome after 216 interventions with hysteroscopic metroplasty in 202 patients which were done at the University Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic in Skopje during a three-year period, from 01.01.2006 to 31.12.2008. Patients were divided into three groups: patients with recurrent pregnancy loss, patients with secondary infertility and foetal loss and patients with primary infertility. The follow-up period lasted for two years (24 months). Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test and p<0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: During the follow-up period of two years after hysteroscopic metroplasty there were a total of 113 pregnancies, of which 46 belonged to the group of primary infertility. Analysis of the reproductive outcome of those patients (compared before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty) showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease in the abortion rate from 89.6% to 12.4%, as well as an increase of term delivery rate from 1.4% to 74.4%. In the group of preterm deliveries there was a rise from 9% to 13.2%, which was not significant. The group of primary infertility had a pregnancy rate of 36%. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic metroplasty significantly improves the reproductive outcome in patients with surgically correctible uterine malformation.

Metroplasty in a large population of women with septate uterus.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic metroplasty in women with septate uterus. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative single-center study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Two hundred forty-six patients with septate uterus undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty between January 1998 and December 2007. The diagnosis was based on hysteroscopy and 3-dimensional ultrasonography. In the most cases laparoscopy was also available. The subjects were divided into 2 age-matched groups. Group 1 consisted of 108 women with unexplained infertility, and group 2 consisted of 138 women suffering from recurrent abortion. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty by use of resectoscopy with an equatorial semicircular loop cutting at 0 degree with monopolar energy. All septa were completely removed without complications of bleeding, infection, risk of perforation, visceral injury, or uterine dehiscence during pregnancy. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: The 2 groups were compared in terms of reproductive performance in mean ± SD follow-up of 37 ± 18 months. In group 1, 61 (56.5%) patients achieved pregnancy. Seventy-one pregnancies ensued, including 1 twin gestation. Fourteen of the 71 pregnancies (19.7%) ended in miscarriage. In group 2, 90 (65.3%) patients achieved pregnancy. One hundred twenty-nine pregnancies ensued, including 2 twin gestations. Forty-four of the 129 pregnancies (34.1%) ended in miscarriage. The 2 groups have no significant differences in terms of reproductive outcome after surgery, except for the number of abortions, which was higher in group 2 (p <.05). CONCLUSION: This study confirms that hysteroscopic metroplasty is a simple, safe, and rapid surgical procedure with no complications for achieving normal uterine architecture, which is peculiar to a good reproductive outcome. The use of an equatorial semicircular loop may give satisfactory and similar results to those obtained with Collin's loop.