RESUMO
Embryos have traditionally been thought to implant at the exact site they are transferred during assisted reproductive technology (ART). The introduction of 2D/3D ultrasound has allowed for mapping of the transfer site using air bubbles as a surrogate marker of embryo location. This study's aim was to compare the location of embryo transfer (ET) on ultrasound to that of embryo implantation. We present four cases of ectopic pregnancy at four sites: tubal, cervical, interstitial and ovarian. We compare the site of implantation on 2D/3D ultrasound at six weeks of pregnancy to that of transfer as assessed on 2D/3D ultrasound. In all four cases, the embryo flash was visualised in the centre of the uterine cavity on ultrasound at ET. At six weeks of pregnancy, the uterine cavity was empty and an ectopic pregnancy was identified. The tubal and ovarian ectopics were managed surgically whilst the cervical and interstitial pregnancies were treated with systemic methotrexate. These cases demonstrate embryo implantation distal to the ultrasound-confirmed site of transfer. These cases provide visually compelling evidence of embryo migration following ET and lend support to the theory that ectopic pregnancy may occur as a result of embryo migration, rather than poor ET technique.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of haemostatic sealant compared with bipolar coagulation on ovarian reserve after laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas. DESIGN: Patient-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING: University-affiliated tertiary hospital. POPULATION: Women aged 18-40 years with 3-8 cm unilateral or bilateral endometriomas. METHODS: Ninety-four patients were randomised to receive haemostasis by the application of haemostatic sealant (n = 47) or standard care (n = 47). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the effect on the antral follicular count 3 months after the operation as it captures the effect on the ovary subjected to treatment. Secondary outcomes included the change in anti-Mullerian hormone, follicular-stimulating hormone and peri-operative outcomes including haemostasis, complications, pain, and satisfaction scores. RESULTS: A total of 94 patients aged 32.36 ± 4.92 years underwent laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriomas. The average diameter of the endometrioma was 4.21 ± 1.38 cm. The increase in antral follicle count of the affected ovaries at 3 months in the intervention group (+2.36 ± 0.37) was significantly (P = 0.013) higher than that in the control group (+1.08 ± 0.36). Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed significant effect with time (P < 0.001) and of interaction of group × time (P = 0.029) for affected ovary antral follicle count. No significant difference was noted between the two groups with regard to follicular-stimulating hormone, anti-Mullerian hormone, and other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Applying haemostatic sealant after laparoscopic cystectomy of ovarian endometriomas produced a greater increase in antral follicle count 3 months after surgery compared with the control group. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: RCT: Haemostatic sealant in laparoscopic cystectomy of endometriomas increase in the antral follicle count after surgery.
