Prevalence of adenomyosis in endometrial cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Several studies have assessed the histological co-existence of endometrial carcinoma (EC) and adenomyosis. However, the significance of this association is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of adenomyosis in women with EC for a better understanding of the association between the two diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed by searching electronics databases from their inception to March 2020, for all studies that allowed extraction of data about prevalence of adenomyosis in EC patients. Adenomyosis prevalence was calculated for each included study and as pooled estimate, with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Eight retrospective cohort studies assessing 5573 EC patients were included in our analysis. Of total, 1322 were patients with adenomyosis, and 4251 were patients without adenomyosis. Pooled prevalence of adenomyosis in EC patients was 22.6% (95% CI 12.7-37.1%). CONCLUSION: Adenomyosis prevalence in EC patients was not different from that reported for other gynecological conditions. The supposed association between the two diseases appears unsupported.

Impact of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy ovarian drilling on ovarian stromal blood flow and ovarian volume in clomiphene citrate-resistant PCOS patients: a case-control study.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in gynecology. In PCOS patients vascularization parameters are altered. Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) is a mini-invasive approach for ovarian drilling in PCOS patients. In this study, we assessed the effect of ovarian drilling using THL on ovarian volume (OV) and vascularization index (VI) using 3D power Doppler ultrasonography in CC-resistant PCOS patients. A case-control study on 123 CC-resistant PCOS women who underwent THL ovarian drilling was performed. Patients underwent 3D ultrasound and power Doppler to measure VI, flow index (FI), vascularization flow index (VFI) and to evaluate OV before and after the procedure, at six months, and on the early follicular phase of the menstrual cycle. After THL ovarian drilling, OV and power Doppler flow indices were significantly reduced compared to pre-operative values (OV: 7.85 versus 11.72 cm3, p < 0.01; VI: 2.50 versus 4.81, p < 0.01; VFI: 1.10 versus 2.16, p < 0.01; FI: 32.05 versus 35.37, p < 0.01). In conclusion, THL ovarian drilling seems to reduce OV and 3D power Doppler indices, and could therefore be a viable alternative to LOD in PCOS patients resistant to medical therapy.

In-office transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy: a step-by-step, intraoperative pain evaluation.

PURPOSE: Transvaginal hydrolaparoscopy (THL) is a mini-invasive technique, which allows exploration of the posterior pelvis. THL can be carried out as an office procedure and may replace hysterosalpingography and laparoscopy for the diagnosis of infertility. The aim of this study was to assess pain level during each step of THL. METHODS: Forty infertile women underwent office THL with local anesthesia and had to score pain on a Likert scale (0-no pain, 5-maximum pain) during five stages of THL: stage 1, introduction of the intrauterine catheter; stage 2, introduction of the Veress needle in the Douglas pouch; stage 3, introduction of the trocar in the pelvis; stage 4, exploration of pelvic organs; stage 5, chromosalpingoscopy. At the end of the study, patients scored their overall satisfaction on a VAS scale (0-not satisfied at all; 10-completely satisfied). RESULTS: Stage 5 was associated with the highest pain score in comparison with stages 1-4 (p < 0.001), while pain score during stage 4 was significantly higher in comparison with stages 1-3 (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Office THL seems to be well tolerated by patients. Chromosalpingoscopy was the least tolerated stage but it does not adversely impact on the procedure, which can be adequately accomplished by performing proper counseling.

Evaluation of ovarian adhesion formation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling by second-look minilaparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence, site, and grade of ovarian adhesion formation after laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) and analyze the association between the number of punctures made and the incidence and grade of adhesions, and evaluate the lateral distribution of the adhesions. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. SETTING: University hospital endocrine and infertility center. PATIENT(S): Ninety-six anovulatory infertile women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) treated with LOD. INTERVENTION(S): Women were randomized into two study groups of 48 women each, one treated with 6 punctures on the left ovary and 12 on the right, and the other treated with 6 punctures on the right ovary and 12 on the left. A short-term second-look minilaparoscopy was performed to evaluate postsurgical adhesion formation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): [1] Evaluation of the incidence and grade (thin, dense, cohesive) of ovarian adhesions; [2] comparative analysis of the incidence and grade of ovarian adhesions between ovaries treated with 6 and 12 punctures; and [3] comparative analysis of the incidence and grade of ovarian adhesions between the two sides. RESULT(S): Adhesion formation was detected in 54 of the 90 women (60%) and in 83 of the 180 ovaries treated (46%). Dense adhesions were more likely to develop on the left ovaries to a statistically significant extent, and independently of the number of ovarian punctures performed (odds ratio [OR] = 4.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.72-10.94). Logistic regression analysis showed that the incidence of ovarian adhesions was independent of both number of punctures (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.58-1.88) and side (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 0.76-2.46). CONCLUSION(S): The incidence of ovarian adhesion formation after LOD was high, and their extent and severity was not influenced by the number of ovarian punctures; however, the left ovary appeared more prone to develop severe adhesions than the contralateral one.

Reproductive outcome after autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid gel application in infertile patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy.

Autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid gel is useful for preventing postsurgical adhesion formation in infertile patients who have undergone laparoscopic myomectomy, and it increases the pregnancy rate more than laparoscopic myomectomy alone. Moreover, pregnancy rate is significantly higher with the use of subserous sutures.

Effects of two types of hormonal contraception--oral versus intravaginal--on the sexual life of women and their partners.

BACKGROUND: Data relating to the influence of hormonal contraception on sexual life are conflicting and mostly they refer to oral contraceptives. In this randomized, controlled, prospective study we compared the effect of an intravaginal hormonal contraceptive with the effect of a combined oral contraceptive on sexual function. METHODS: Fifty-one healthy women with a permanent partner and an active sexual life were randomly divided in two groups according to a computer-generated randomization list: 26 women (group A) used an intravaginal contraceptive releasing 120 microg/day of etonogestrel and 15 microg/day of ethinylestradiol (EE) and 25 women (group B) used an oral contraceptive containing 20 microg di EE and 150 microg of desogestrel. Twenty-five women participated in the study as control group (group C). A specific questionnaire was completed by the patients and their partners at the start of the study and after cycles 3 and 6 of contraceptive use. RESULTS: Within 3 months of contraceptive use, women from both groups A and B reported a global improvement in sexual function. A statistically significant increase in sexual fantasy was reported only by patients of group A. Whereas partners of the women in both groups A and B reported an improvement in sexual function after 3 months of contraceptive intake, only patients' partners of group A reported a significant increase in sexual interest, complicity and sexual fantasy. CONCLUSIONS: Both hormonal contraceptives tested were seen to have a positive effect on some aspects of sexual function. The intravaginal contraceptive ring seems to exert a further positive effect on the psychological aspect of both women and their partners, which is evident from an improved complicity and sexual satisfaction.

Bupivacaine plus epinephrine for laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine before laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: Sixty premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomata were enrolled in a randomized controlled design and intraoperatively treated with injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine (group A) or saline solution (group B) during laparoscopic myomectomy. Uterine size and volume, number of leiomyomata, hematological parameters, total operative time, enucleation time of each myoma, suturing time of the myomectomy, blood loss, degree of surgical difficulty, and postoperative pain were evaluated. Just before and after the injection of vasoconstrictive or saline solution, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded in each subject. RESULTS: Blood loss, total operative and enucleation time, and degree of surgical difficulty was significantly (P <.05) lower in group A than in group B. No difference was observed between groups in suturing time of the myomectomy. The number of vials of pain medication used postoperatively was significantly (P <.05) lower in group A than in group B. No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure or heart rate was recorded between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine during laparoscopic myomectomy is effective in reducing blood loss, total operative and enucleation time, degree of surgical difficulty, and postoperative pain.

Long-term effectiveness of presacral neurectomy for the treatment of severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term effectiveness of presacral neurectomy (PSN) in women with severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis treated with conservative laparoscopic surgical intervention. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING: University-affiliated department of obstetrics and gynecology. PATIENTS: One hundred forty-one sexually active women of reproductive age. INTERVENTION: Conservative laparoscopic surgery without (group A) or with (group B) PSN. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At entry and 24-months after surgical procedures, cure rates; frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain; and quality of life were evaluated. At follow-up visit, the cure rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group B (83.3%) than in group A (53.3%). The frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain were significantly (P<0.05) lower in both groups compared with baseline values, and only severity was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group B. A significant (P<0.05) improvement in quality of life was observed after surgery in both groups and was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group B compared with group A. CONCLUSION: PSN improves long-term cure rates and quality of life in women treated with conservative laparoscopic surgery for severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis.

Effectiveness of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed to assess the efficacy of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel to prevent the development of de-novo intrauterine adhesions following hysteroscopic surgery. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a single surgically remediable intrauterine lesion (myomas, polyps and uterine septa, subgroups I-III) completed the study. Patients were randomized to two different groups: group A underwent hysteroscopic surgery plus intrauterine application of ACP gel (10 ml) while group B underwent hysteroscopic surgery alone (control group). The rate of adhesion formation and the adhesion score was calculated for each group and subgroup 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Group A showed a significant reduction in the development of de-novo intrauterine adhesions at 3 months follow-up in comparison with the control group. Furthermore, the staging of adhesions showed a significant decrease in adhesion severity in patients treated with ACP gel. CONCLUSIONS: ACP gel significantly reduces the incidence and severity of de-novo formation of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery.

Effectiveness of autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid gel after laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of autocrosslinked hyaluronic gel in postsurgical adhesion prevention after laparoscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: University of Naples "Federico II".Thirty-six infertile women with symptomatic myomas were randomly divided into two groups of 18 patients each. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic myomectomy with subserous sutures or interrupted figure 8 sutures, with (group A) or without (group B) application of autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Rate of postsurgical adhesions at 60-90 days of follow-up. The rate of subjects who developed postoperative adhesions was significantly lower in group A in comparison with group B (27.8% vs. 77.8%). In both groups, the rate of adhesions was significantly higher in patients treated with interrupted figure 8 sutures than with subserous sutures. CONCLUSION(S): Autocrosslinked HA gel is a promising resorbable agent barrier for the reduction of postoperative adhesions after laparoscopic myomectomy. Moreover, the type of suture is a factor influencing the postsurgical adhesion formation.

Effectiveness of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed to assess the efficacy of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel in preventing the development of intrauterine adhesions following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. METHODS: Ninety-two patients with irregular menses and intrauterine adhesions referred to the Hysteroscopic Unit of the University of Naples "Federico II". Patients were randomized to two different groups. Group A were randomized to hysteroscopic adhesiolysis plus intrauterine application of ACP gel (10 ml) and group B were randomized to operative hysteroscopy alone (control group). Baseline adhesion scores were calculated for each patient and at 3 months after surgery. RESULTS: Group A showed a significant decrease in intrauterine adhesions at 3 months follow-up in comparison with the control group. Staging of adhesions showed a significant decrease in adhesion severity in patients treated with ACP gel. CONCLUSIONS: ACP gel significantly reduces the development of intrauterine adhesions postoperatively and its use is likely to be associated with a reduction of severe adhesions.

Effects of bilateral ovariectomy and postoperative hormonal replacement therapy with 17beta-estradiol or raloxifene on serum leptin levels.

OBJECTIVE: To verify the effects of hypoestrogenism and replacement therapy on body mass index (BMI) and leptin in ovariectomized women. DESIGN: We conducted a longitudinal study on 56 women undergoing abdominal bilateral ovariectomy divided into three groups: 19 untreated controls, 18 scheduled to receive 17beta-estradiol, and 19 on raloxifene starting 15 days after surgery. Height, weight, and BMI were recorded on the day of surgery, 5 and 15 days later, and then after 6 months. Leptin and estradiol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay on the day of surgery, days 1, 5, and 15, and 6 months after. RESULTS: Leptin levels rose significantly on the day after surgery [median (range): 18.2 (9.8-25.0), 12.5 (9.1-20.9), and 20.5 (12.9-24.5); P< 0.01 v basal] and returned to values similar to baseline on day 5 in all groups. Six months later, controls showed significantly higher leptin levels in comparison with both treated women and basal values [median (range): 19.7 (10.4-22.8), 11.0 (7.6-16.9), and 13.5 (9.1-14.8) ng/ml; P< 0.01). Estradiol levels decreased in all groups, reaching statistical significance 5 days after surgery ( P< 0.01 v basal). A significant rise was observed 6 months after surgery in women treated with estrogens ( P< 0.01). Six months after surgery, BMI increased in untreated controls in comparison with treated women and baseline, although not significantly. CONCLUSIONS: The absence of modifications in leptin on days 5 and 15 after ovariectomy suggests that, in humans, estrogens may not exert an important effect on leptin secretion. After 6 months, replacement therapy maintained leptin levels and BMI was unmodified, whereas untreated controls showed a significant increase in leptin and a trend toward higher BMI, suggesting that replacement therapy may prevent changes in fat distribution and in leptin levels.

Outpatient operative hysteroscopy with bipolar electrode: a prospective multicentre randomized study between local anaesthesia and conscious sedation.

BACKGROUND: The study was designed to compare local anaesthesia and conscious sedation for outpatient bipolar operative hysteroscopy in terms of pain control and patients' satisfaction. METHODS: A prospective multicentre randomized study was carried out in university hospitals and in a private endoscopy unit. A total of 166 women with surgically treatable lesions associated with infertility or abnormal uterine bleeding was considered eligible for the study. Patients were randomized, using a computer-generated randomization list, into two groups. Group A (82 patients) underwent operative hysteroscopy with local anaesthesia. Group B (84 patients) received conscious sedation. Operative hysteroscopy was performed with a bipolar electrosurgical device to cut, vaporize and coagulate. Main outcome measures were pain control during the procedure, the post-operative pain score at 15 and 60 min, and at 24 h after the procedure, and patients' satisfaction rate. RESULTS: All procedures were completed within 35 min, the amount of saline used varied from 400-1200 ml. There were no significant differences between local anaesthesia and conscious sedation in terms of pain control during the procedure and in postoperative pain at different intervals. Satisfaction rate was similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both local anaesthesia and conscious sedation can be used for operative hysteroscopy using a bipolar electrosurgical system without significant differences in terms of pain control and patients' satisfaction.

Carbon dioxide versus normal saline as a uterine distension medium for diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy in infertile patients: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the satisfaction rate, efficacy, and complication rate of carbon dioxide (CO(2)) versus normal saline as a uterine distension medium for outpatient diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy in infertile patients. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized multicenter study. SETTING: Hysteroscopy units in two university hospitals and in a private center. PATIENT(S): One hundred eighty-nine infertile women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy. INTERVENTION(S): Outpatient hysteroscopy was performed with CO(2) (group A) or normal saline (group B) and with endometrial biopsy when indicated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Quality of the visualization of the uterine cavity, procedure time, complications, patient discomfort, and satisfaction rate. RESULT(S): Significantly lower abdominal and shoulder tip pain and a lower incidence of vasovagal reactions were observed in group B in comparison with group A. A higher satisfaction rate and a lower operative time were obtained in the normal saline group in comparison with the CO(2) group. Moreover, group A required significantly more analgesics after the procedure than group B. CONCLUSION(S): Uterine distension with normal saline seems to have less adverse effects and is better tolerated by patients. Moreover, it allows operative procedures to be performed with the new bipolar instruments.

Hysteroscopic endometrial resection versus laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy for menorrhagia: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to compare the relative efficacy and safety of hysteroscopic endometrial resection and laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding. STUDY DESIGN: One hundred eighty-one patients affected by menometrorrhagia and unresponsive to medical treatment agreed to be randomized to either laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy or hysteroscopic endometrial ablation. They were monitored for 2 years to evaluate perioperative and postoperative outcomes, resolution of symptoms, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Duration of hospitalization, period of convalescence, perioperative complications, and resumption of normal activity were similar between the two groups. Operative time was significantly shorter in the hysteroscopic group, but patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the laparoscopic group. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of menorrhagia, hysterectomy has the distinct advantage of being curative but the disadvantage of being more invasive than the hysteroscopic approach. However, laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy preserves the curative effect of hysterectomy without its increased surgical invasiveness, as suggested by the current study.