Laparoscopic transfundal approach to cervical dilation: a novel treatment for cervical stenosis and cervical factor infertility.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a novel technique used to restore cervical patency in a patient with severe iatrogenic cervical stenosis. DESIGN: Surgical video case report. SETTING: A single academic institution. PATIENT(S): We highlight the case of a 35-year-old nulliparous woman with a history of primary infertility. Her past medical history was significant for focal, invasive, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, for which she underwent a loop electrosurgical excision procedure. During her infertility assessment, she was found to have an extremely stenotic cervix that was refractory to conventional treatment options. INTERVENTIONS: This video highlights our innovative laparoscopic transfundal technique used to restore her cervical patency. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: None, as this is a descriptive case report. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the patient had continued cervical patency for >1 year with successful fertility treatment resulting in pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a laparoscopic transfundal approach used to reestablish cervical patency. This approach may be considered for patients with cervical stenosis who have not responded to standard conservative therapies.

Uterine cervical stenosis: from classification to advances in management. Overcoming the obstacles to access the uterine cavity.

BACKGROUND: To date hysteroscopy is the gold standard technique for the evaluation and management of intrauterine pathologies. The cervical canal represents the access route to the uterine cavity. The presence of cervical stenosis often makes entry into the uterine cavity difficult and occasionally impossible. Cervical stenosis has a multifactorial etiology. It is the result of adhesion processes that can lead to the narrowing or total obliteration of the cervical canal. PURPOSE: In this review, we summarize the scientific evidence about cervical stenosis, aiming to identify the best strategy to overcome this challenging condition. METHODS: The literature review followed the scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles (SANRA). All articles describing the hysteroscopic management of cervical stenosis were considered eligible. Only original papers that reported data on the topic were included. RESULTS: Various strategies have been proposed to address cervical stenosis, including surgical and non-surgical methods. Medical treatments such as the preprocedural use of cervical-ripening agents or osmotic dilators have been explored. Surgical options include the use of cervical dilators and hysteroscopic treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical stenosis can present challenges in achieving successful intrauterine procedures. Operative hysteroscopy has been shown to have the highest success rate, particularly in cases of severe cervical stenosis, and is currently considered the gold standard for managing this condition. Despite the availability of miniaturized instruments that have made the management of cervical stenosis more feasible, it remains a complex task, even for experienced hysteroscopists.

Cervical Pessary for Prevention of Preterm Birth in Individuals With a Short Cervix: The TOPS Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: A short cervix as assessed by transvaginal ultrasound is an established risk factor for preterm birth. Study findings for a cervical pessary to prevent preterm delivery in singleton pregnancies with transvaginal ultrasound evidence of a short cervix have been conflicting. Objective: To determine if cervical pessary placement decreases the risk of preterm birth or fetal death prior to 37 weeks among individuals with a short cervix. Design, Setting, and Participants: We performed a multicenter, randomized, unmasked trial comparing a cervical pessary vs usual care from February 2017 through November 5, 2021, at 12 centers in the US. Study participants were nonlaboring individuals with a singleton pregnancy and a transvaginal ultrasound cervical length of 20 mm or less at gestations of 16 weeks 0 days through 23 weeks 6 days. Individuals with a prior spontaneous preterm birth were excluded. Interventions: Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive either a cervical pessary placed by a trained clinician (n = 280) or usual care (n = 264). Use of vaginal progesterone was at the discretion of treating clinicians. Main Outcome and Measures: The primary outcome was delivery or fetal death prior to 37 weeks. Results: A total of 544 participants (64%) of a planned sample size of 850 were enrolled in the study (mean age, 29.5 years [SD, 6 years]). Following the third interim analysis, study recruitment was stopped due to concern for fetal or neonatal/infant death as well as for futility. Baseline characteristics were balanced between participants randomized to pessary and those randomized to usual care; 98.9% received vaginal progesterone. In an as-randomized analysis, the primary outcome occurred in 127 participants (45.5%) randomized to pessary and 127 (45.6%) randomized to usual care (relative risk, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.83-1.20). Fetal or neonatal/infant death occurred in 13.3% of those randomized to receive a pessary and in 6.8% of those randomized to receive usual care (relative risk, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.13-3.32). Conclusions and Relevance: Cervical pessary in nonlaboring individuals with a singleton gestation and with a cervical length of 20 mm or less did not decrease the risk of preterm birth and was associated with a higher rate of fetal or neonatal/infant mortality. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02901626.

Step-by-Step Hysteroscopic Treatment of Complete Uterine Septum Associated or Not with Cervical Anomalies.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate our hysteroscopic technique using the mini-resectoscope for the treatment of complete uterine septum with or without cervical anomalies. DESIGN: A step-by-step video demonstration of the technique with the use of an educational video. SETTINGS: We present 3 patients diagnosed as having complete uterine septum (U2b according to the ESHRE/ESGE classification) with or without cervical anomalies (C0, normal cervix; C1, septate cervix; C2, double "normal" cervix"), 2 of them with a longitudinal vaginal septum (V1). The first case is a 33-year-old woman with history of primary infertility diagnosed as having a complete uterine septum with normal cervix (class U2bC0V0 according to the ESHRE/ESGE classification). Case 2 is a 34-year-old woman with infertility and abnormal uterine bleeding, diagnosed as having complete uterine and cervical septum and a partial nonobstructive vaginal septum (class U2bC1V1). Case 3 is a 28-year-old woman with infertility and dyspareunia, diagnosed as having a complete uterine septum, double "normal" cervix, and nonobstructive longitudinal vaginal septum (class U2bC2V1) Still 3. The procedures were performed in a tertiary care university hospital. INTERVENTION: The 3 procedures were performed in the operative room using a 15 Fr continuous flow mini-resectoscope and bipolar energy with the patient under general anesthesia Still 1 and Still 2. No complications were encountered in any of the 3 cases. After all procedures, a gel based on hyaluronic acid was applied to minimize postoperative adhesion formation. Patients were discharged home the same day of the procedure after a short period of observation. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic treatment of patients with uterine septa associated or not with cervical anomalies using miniaturized instruments is a feasible and effective option for the management of patients with these complex müllerian anomalies.

Long-Term Follow-Up after Laparoscopic Uterovestibular Anastomosis in Patients with Cervical Atresia and Complete Absence of the Vagina.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of girls with cervical atresia and complete absence of the vagina remains a problem because of the rarity of cases and the controversial study results. OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique and long-term results of laparoscopically assisted uterovestibular anastomosis in patients with cervical atresia and complete absence of the vagina STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen consecutive patients with cervical atresia and complete absence of the vagina were conservatively treated with laparoscopically assisted uterovestibular anastomosis in 2 tertiary care referral centers. The follow-up assessments included clinical examination, determination of the presence and quality of sexual intercourse, and vaginoscopy. RESULTS: All patients underwent laparoscopically assisted uterovestibular anastomosis. No perioperative complications occurred. The mean follow-up period was 8 ± 3.2 years. In all patients, the length of the neovagina was greater than 4 cm at 1 year after the surgery and approximately 6 cm after 2 years. After the start of sexual intercourse, the neovagina exceeded 7 cm in length in 2 of the 11 sexually active patients. At 12 months after the surgery, iodine-positive epithelium was present in all patients and was maintained over time. The continuity of the neovagina, neocervix, and uterine body was maintained without further interventions in 15 of the 16 patients. During the follow-up, 11 patients were sexually active, 5 were married, 4 were seeking conception, and 2 had spontaneous pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopically assisted uterovestibular anastomosis seems to be a safe and effective treatment for patients with cervical atresia and complete absence of the vagina, at least in terms of the recovery of menstrual function and sexual activity.

Laparoscopic removal of bilateral uterine remnants for symptomatic unilateral leiomyomas in a patient with Müllerian agenesis.

OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, we present the first video demonstration of the laparoscopic removal of bilateral uterine remnants for symptomatic unilateral leiomyomas in a patient with Müllerian agenesis. DESIGN: A video case report. SETTING: An academic medical center. PATIENT: A 44-year-old woman, gravida 0, with a history of Müllerian agenesis with presumed single uterine remnant who presented with worsening lower abdominal fullness and discomfort in the setting of known leiomyomas. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis revealed a single rudimentary uterine remnant with 3 dominant leiomyomas, with the largest measuring 5.8 × 5.3 × 5.2 cm. After extensive counseling, she opted for definitive surgical management. She provided written consent for video recording and publication of this surgical case. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic removal of bilateral uterine remnants, bilateral salpingectomy, and cystoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Laparoscopic removal of bilateral uterine remnants with multiple unilateral leiomyomas, leading to resolution of lower abdominal bulk symptoms. RESULT(S): Diagnostic laparoscopy revealed a right 12-cm pelvic mass consisting of a uterine remnant with 3 dominant leiomyomas, left 2-cm rudimentary uterine remnant, bilateral atrophic fallopian tubes, bilateral normal ovaries, and absent cervix and upper vagina. Procedure was uncomplicated with an estimated blood loss of 25 mL. Patient was discharged on the same day of surgery after meeting required milestones. Pathologic examination of the specimens was consistent with intraoperative findings. CONCLUSION(S): Müllerian agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly of the female reproductive tract in which uterine remnants may be found. Leiomyoma formation in uterine remnants is rare but possible. Magnetic resonance imaging is the most sensitive imaging modality for uterine remnants but not always accurate. When leiomyomas become symptomatic, surgery is the only definitive management option with laparoscopy as the standard of care when possible. Minor changes to the minimally invasive approach may be necessary to accommodate for anatomical differences.

Conservative surgical repair in cervical atresia associated with partial or complete absence of the vagina.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical technique of laparoscopically assisted uterovaginal/vestibular anastomosis in patients with cervical atresia associated with partial or complete absence of the vagina. DESIGN: Surgical video article. Local institutional review board approval and written permission from the patients were obtained. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENT(S): The surgical video presents surgical correction in 3 different patients with cervical agenesis. The first patient, aged 14 years, had a normoconformed uterus and total absence of the vagina. The second patient, aged 12 years, demonstrated a left unicornuate uterus and partial absence of the vagina. The third patient, aged 13 years, displayed a right unicornuate uterus and total absence of the vagina. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic time and perineal time. During laparoscopy, the entire abdominopelvic cavity was assessed to evaluate the uterine morphology and size to exclude anomalies such as hematometra. The adnexa and adhesions were evaluated and any endometrial flare-ups were treated appropriately. A laparoscopic ultrasound probe was used to evaluate the size and location of the endometrial cavity. In cases with total absence of vaginas, an H-shaped incision in the hymenal dimple allowed a larger area of available tissue for the anastomosis. A tunnel was then created by blunt finger dissection between the bladder and rectum. Simultaneously, the uterus was pushed caudally by an assistant while the operator grasped it from below using an internal probe. A circular myometrial incision at the uterine caudal body allowed to reach the endometrial cavity and open it. The edges of the uterine cavity were then anastomized with the edges of the hymenal incision. In cases with partial absence of vaginas, the creation of the tunnel between the vagina and rectum was not necessary and the open uterus was anastomosed with the margins of the vaginal dome, engraved on the guide of a metal dilator. All patients received broad-spectrum antibiotics (i.e., cephalosporins of the last available generation) on the day before surgery and on the day of surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Intraoperative anatomic and ultrasound data, neovaginal length, and recovery of menstrual function 180 days after surgery. RESULT(S): The surgical procedure was successful in all cases. No major complications were recorded, and in particular, no bladder or rectal injuries occurred. No stenosis of the neocervix was recorded. The main hospital stay of the patients was 3.5 ± 1.5 days. In each case, the neovagina developed gradually over time after surgery because of the upward traction action exerted by the uterus through its natural ligament apparatus (cardinal ligaments and ovarian vessels). This fact eliminated the requirement for the use of a mold after surgery. At the 15-week follow-up, vaginoscopy was performed, with mucus observed at the site of uterovaginal anastomosis in all cases. None of the patients developed infection after surgery because of the avoidance of molds or pessaries and the natural mucus production. Six months after surgery, the length of the neovagina was >4 cm in all 3 cases. CONCLUSION(S): Laparoscopic-assisted uterovaginal/vestibular anastomosis may be considered the treatment of choice for patients with cervical atresia associated with partial or complete absence of the vagina.

Interventions to prevent preterm delivery in women with short cervix before fetoscopic laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Preoperative short cervical length (CL) remains a major risk factor for preterm birth after laser surgery for twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS), but the optimal intervention to prolong pregnancy remains elusive. The objective of this study was to compare secondary methods for the prevention of preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS undergoing fetoscopic laser photocoagulation (FLP), in the setting of a short cervix at the time of FLP, in five North American Fetal Treatment Network (NAFTNet) centers. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data collected prospectively at five NAFTNet centers, conducted from January 2013 to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were a monochorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS, undergoing FLP, with preoperative CL < 30 mm. Management options for a short cervix included expectant management, vaginal progesterone, pessary (Arabin, incontinence or Bioteque cup), cervical cerclage or a combination of two or more treatments. Patients were not included if the intervention was initiated solely on the basis of having a twin gestation rather than at the diagnosis of a short cervix. Demographics, ultrasound characteristics, operative data and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was FLP-to-delivery interval. Propensity-score matching was performed, with each treatment group matched (1:1) to the expectant-management group for CL, in order to estimate the effect of each treatment on the FLP-to-delivery interval. RESULTS: A total of 255 women with a twin pregnancy complicated by TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP were included in the study. Of these, 151 (59%) were managed expectantly, 32 (13%) had vaginal progesterone only, 21 (8%) had pessary only, 21 (8%) had cervical cerclage only and 30 (12%) had a combination of treatments. A greater proportion of patients in the combined-treatment group had had a prior preterm birth compared with those in the expectant-management group (33% vs 9%; P = 0.01). Mean preoperative CL was shorter in the pessary, cervical-cerclage and combined-treatment groups (14-16 mm) than in the expectant-management and vaginal-progesterone groups (22 mm for both) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in FLP-to-delivery interval between the groups, nor in gestational age at delivery or the rate of live birth or neonatal survival. Vaginal progesterone was associated with a decrease in the risk of delivery before 28 weeks' gestation compared with cervical cerclage and combined treatment (P = 0.03). Using propensity-score matching for CL, cervical cerclage was associated with a reduction in FLP-to-delivery interval of 13 days, as compared with expectant management. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of pregnancies with TTTS and a short maternal cervix undergoing FLP were managed expectantly for a short cervix, establishing a high (62%) risk of delivery before 32 weeks in this condition. No treatment that significantly improved outcome was identified; however, there were significant differences in potential confounders and there were also likely to be unmeasured confounders. Cervical cerclage should not be offered as a secondary prevention for preterm birth in twin pregnancies with TTTS and a short cervix undergoing FLP. A large randomized controlled trial is urgently needed to determine the effects of treatments for the prevention of preterm birth in these pregnancies. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Uterine Isthmus Agenesis with Inverted Uterine Body and Malrotated Kidney.

A 21-year-old with a history of cyclic abdominal pain beginning at age 13 years and a previous diagnosis of a complex müllerian anomaly presented with abdominal pain and a finding of a right distended hemiuterus, left hematosalpinx, and cervix separate from the uterine body. After laparoscopic decompression for symptomatic relief at that time, she presented to our center for definitive management. After a diagnostic vaginoscopy and laparoscopy confirmed the diagnosis of uterine isthmus agenesis, an abdominal approach to uterocervical anastomosis was planned and undertaken. At the postsurgical clinical follow-up, the patient reported normal menses and resolution of pain, and imaging confirmed maintenance of anastomotic patency. The diagnosis and classification system of müllerian anomalies are complex, and few reports detail the management of rare müllerian anomalies. In this case report, the successful anastomosis of the uterus and the cervix is reviewed as an approach that can restore normal menses successfully and safely and potentially allow for future fertility in patients with uterine isthmus agenesis.

The Invisible External Cervical Os. Tips and Tricks to Overcome this Challenge during In-Office Hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard technique for the diagnosis and management of intrauterine pathology allowing to "see and treat" patients in 1 session if desired [1-3]. Pain and the inability to enter the uterine cavity are the most common limitations of hysteroscopy, especially when performed in an office setting [4-7]. Cervical stenosis is a common hysteroscopic finding frequently encountered in postmenopausal women, especially in patients with a history of cervical procedures such as cone biopsy [8]. It represents a challenge even for the most expert hysteroscopist. Overcoming the stenosis of the external cervical os is technically more demanding than facing the obliteration of the internal os. The aim of this video article is to illustrate the use of simple techniques that allow the hysteroscopist to safely identify the location of the external cervical os and to overcome the difficulties in entering the uterine cavity during in-office hysteroscopy in patients with severe cervical stenosis including those with complete obliteration of the external cervical os. These techniques are easy to adopt and can be used in different clinical situations in which the hysteroscopic evaluation of the uterine cavity is needed in women with severe cervical stenosis. DESIGN: A series of videos of challenging cases with severe cervical stenosis with complete obliteration of the external cervical os are presented that demonstrate maneuvers to properly identify and enter the cervical canal, unfolding key aspects of the procedure. Tips and tricks to facilitate the adoption of these useful maneuvers into clinical practice are highlighted. SETTING: In-office diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed using a 5-mm rigid continuous flow operative hysteroscope. Patients were placed in a dorsal lithotomy position. The vaginoscopy "no touch" technique was used [9]. No anesthesia or sedation was administered to any of the patients. Normal saline was used as distention media. INTERVENTIONS: Taking advantage of the magnification provided by the hysteroscope, the location of the external cervical os was determined. In cases in which the external cervical os was not clearly recognized, the cervix was gently probed with the use of the uterine palpator, grasper, or scissors (Fig. 1). Recognition of the landmarks of the cervical canal provides reassurance of the adequate identification of the external cervical os and facilitates the use of the correct plane of dissection that leads into the uterine cavity (Fig. 2). Additional maneuvers that are useful to navigate the endocervical canal to overcome stenosis of the internal cervical os are also illustrated. CONCLUSION: The combination of a delicate technique and operator experience aids in overcoming the challenge of cervical stenosis in an office setting. Adopting the presented tips and tricks to enter the uterine cavity in the presence of severe cervical stenosis will reduce the rate of failed hysteroscopic procedures, decreasing the need to take patients to the operating room and the use of general anesthesia.

A large nabothian cyst causing chronic urinary retention: A case report.

RATIONALE: Nabothian cysts are mucus-filled cervical cysts that are usually asymptomatic unless they become very large. Chronic urinary retention is the persistent inability to empty the bladder despite maintaining an ability to urinate. Chronic urinary retention caused by a large, deep nabothian cyst has not been reported previously. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 46-year-old woman presented with chronic urinary retention and a cervical cyst that gradually increased in size. DIAGNOSIS: Based on histopathological evidence, our patient was diagnosed with a nabothian cyst. INTERVENTIONS: A hysterectomy was performed. OUTCOMES: The urinary symptoms of the patient resolved after she performed clean, intermittent self-catheterizations for 5 days after the operation. She was discharged on postoperative day 6. LESSONS: Large nabothian cysts are rare but may account for some unusual symptoms including unexplained urinary difficulties in women. We recommend treating symptomatic nabothian cysts with local cystectomies or hysterectomies.

Risk factors for spontaneous miscarriage above 12 weeks or premature delivery in patients undergoing cervical polypectomy during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: It currently remains unknown whether the resection of cervical polyps during pregnancy leads to miscarriage and/or preterm birth. This study evaluated the risk of spontaneous PTB below 34 or 37 weeks and miscarriage above 12 weeks in patients undergoing cervical polypectomy during pregnancy. METHODS: This was a retrospective monocentric cohort study of patients undergoing cervical polypectomy for clinical indication. Seventy-three pregnant women who underwent polypectomy were selected, and risk factors associated with miscarriage above 12 weeks or premature delivery below 34 or 37 weeks were investigated. A multivariable regression looking for predictors of spontaneous miscarriage > 12 weeks and PTB < 34 or 37 weeks were performed. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (21.9%, 16/73) had spontaneous delivery at < 34 weeks or miscarriage above 12 weeks. A univariate analysis showed that bleeding before polypectomy [odds ratio (OR) 7.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-37.3, p = 0.004], polyp width ≥ 12 mm (OR 4.0, 95% CI 1.2-13.1, p = 0.005), the proportion of decidual polyps (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.00-65.9, p = 0.024), and polypectomy at ≤10 weeks (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.3-20.3, p = 0.01) were significantly higher in delivery at < 34 weeks than at ≥34 weeks. A logistic regression analysis identified polyp width ≥ 12 mm (OR 11.8, 95% CI 2.8-77.5, p = 0.001), genital bleeding before polypectomy (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.2-55.7, p = 0.025), and polypectomy at ≤10 weeks (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.2-45.0, p = 0.028) as independent risk factors for predicting delivery at < 34 weeks. Polyp width ≥ 12 mm and bleeding before polypectomy are risk factors for PTB < 37 wks. CONCLUSIONS: Our cohort of patients undergoing polypectomy in pregnancy have high risks of miscarriage or spontaneous premature delivery. It is unclear whether these risks are given by the underlying disease, by surgical treatment or both. This study establishes clinically relevant predictors of PTB are polyp size> 12 mm, bleeding and first trimester polypectomy. PTB risks should be exposed to patients and extensively discussed with balancing against the benefits of intervention in pregnancy.

McDonald versus modified Shirodkar rescue cerclage in women with prolapsed fetal membranes.

Purpose: We compared the efficacy of modified Shirodkar and McDonald rescue cerclage techniques in women with singleton pregnancies.Methods: The study sample included 47 women who presented at two tertiary hospitals in Turkey from 2008 to 2017 and underwent rescue cerclage due to cervical incompetence and cervical dilatation with fetal membranes prolapsed into the vagina. The outcomes were compared by cerclage technique used, Shirodkar or McDonald.Results: The McDonald cerclage was applied in 27 cases, and modified Shirodkar cerclage in 20 cases. A longer cerclage-to-birth interval (83.8 ± 37.6 vs. 63.7 ± 38.9 days) and later gestational age at delivery (33 vs. 31 weeks) were observed with the Shirodkar cerclage, although these differences were not statistically significant (p = .08 and .63, respectively). Both groups had similar delivery rates after 28, 32, and 37 weeks (p = .20, .15, and .25, respectively), whereas the modified Shirodkar technique resulted in a higher rate of live births although these differences were not statistically significant (85% vs. 63%, p = .09).Conclusion: The effects of the McDonald and modified Shirodkar cerclage procedures on prolonging pregnancy and improving the live birth rate were similar. Therefore, either technique can be applied to prevent neonatal loss due to advanced prematurity.

Overcoming the Challenging Cervix: Identification and Techniques to Access the Uterine Cavity.

IMPORTANCE: Cervical stenosis is a challenging clinical entity that requires prompt identification and management in order to avoid iatrogenic injury at the time of endocervical canal cannulation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify cervical stenosis and discuss associated etiologies, risk factors, and review medical and surgical approaches for overcoming cervical stenosis. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Computerized searches of MEDLINE and PubMed were conducted using the key words "cervix", "cervical stenosis," "embryo transfer," "hysteroscopy complications," "misoprostol," and "ultrasound." References from identified sources were manually searched to allow for a thorough review. Data from relevant sources were compiled to create this review. RESULTS: Transcervical access to the uterine cavity is frequently required for procedures such as hysteroscopy, dilation and curettage, endometrial biopsy, sonohysterogram, hysterosalpingogram, intrauterine insemination, embryo transfer in those undergoing in vitro fertilization, and insertion of intrauterine devices. These procedures can become complicated when difficult cannulation of the endocervical canal is encountered. Management strategies include preprocedural use of cervical-ripening agents or osmotic dilators, ultrasound guidance, no-touch vaginoscopy, manual dilatation, and hysteroscopic resection of the obstructed endocervical canal. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cervical stenosis is associated with iatrogenic complications that can result in significant patient morbidity. In patients undergoing in vitro fertilization, difficult embryo transfer is associated with lower pregnancy rates. The clinician should carefully consider the patient's menopausal status, risk factors, and symptoms in order to anticipate difficult navigation of the endocervical canal. Various medical and surgical management strategies, including hysteroscopic resection, can be used to overcome the stenotic cervix.

Factor X heterozygous mutation in a patient with potential risk of bleeding: A case report.

RATIONALE: Factor X (FX) deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive bleeding disorder. The majority of patients carry a missense mutation in F10, and patients with bleeding disorders are either homozygous or compound heterozygous for F10. Nonsense mutations are exceptionally rare, and a heterozygous nonsense mutation is not considered to cause bleeding disorders. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 35-year-old Japanese female with an incidental hemorrhage after gynecologic polypectomy was referred to our hospital. DIAGNOSES: Following differential diagnostic workup, including cross-mixing test, congenital FX deficiency was strongly suspected. INTERVENTION: Coagulation tests and mutation analyses were conducted for the patient and her parents. OUTCOMES: Mutation analysis revealed that she carried a heterozygous nonsense mutation in F10. Pedigree analysis revealed that the mutation was inherited from her mother although there was no familial history of bleeding or hemostatic disturbance. LESSONS: Hemostatic disturbance may occur even in a patient with heterozygous F10. Because heterozygous nonsense mutation in F10 is expected to be hidden in an apparently healthy population, as observed in our patient, unexpected hemostatic disturbance may occur, particularly during the use of direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC)-targeting factor Xa for thrombotic diseases. FX activity should be evaluated before prescribing DOACs to patients.

Laparoscopic Uterovaginal Anastomosis for Cervical Agenesis: A Case Report.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Isolated cervical agenesis occurs in 1 in 80 000 to 100 000 births. According to the American Fertility Society, cervical agenesis should be classified as a type Ib müllerian anomaly. According to ESHRE/ESGE classification, it is classified in class C4 category. Here we demonstrate the possibility of an innovative surgery for the management of cervical agenesis. DESIGN: Stepwise description of laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Video. PATIENT: A 13-year-old girl. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis was performed. Informed consent was taken from the patient for use of video and images. Institutional review board has ruled that approval was not required for this study. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: This video demonstrates the management of a case of a 13-year-old girl with primary amenorrhea and cyclical lower abdominal pain for 5 months. After complete examination and investigation, a diagnosis of isolated cervical agenesis with hematomata and blind-ending vagina was made. An innovative technique was used to perform laparoscopic uterovaginal anastomosis. Later, a hysteroscopy was done that revealed patency of anastomoses. As a result, the patient is experiencing spontaneous regular menstruation for 48 months. The main steps of the procedure were as follows: A follow-up hysteroscopy was performed at 9 weeks after surgery. It showed patent anastomosis and normal uterine cavity. After 48 months, a repeat hysteroscopy was done and a partial fibrotic septum noted. It was resected using electric energy. CONCLUSION: Uterovaginal anastomosis for isolated cervical agenesis is possible by a minimally invasive approach. It can be offered as a first-line management for such cases over hysterectomy and cervical canalization, which have high complication rates. The surgery should only be performed by a specialized team with required expertise in minimally invasive surgery.

Angiomatosis of the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes: a rare and benign cause of intractable, heavy menstrual bleeding.

Angiomatosis of the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes is a rare and benign entity that has not been reported in the literature previously. We present a case of a 27-year-old patient with severe and intractable heavy menstrual bleeding unresponsive to all conservative and conventional forms of treatment. Following a laparoscopic hysterectomy, the histopathological finding of angiomatosis, a vascular abnormality in the uterus, cervix and fallopian tubes, provided a plausible explanation in this situation.