Cesarean scar defects and abnormal uterine bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize the published literature to better understand the association between cesarean scar defects (CSDs) and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). In particular, we aimed to evaluate the risk and pattern(s) of CSD-associated AUB in addition to exploring the relationship between defect morphology with bleeding symptoms. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENTS: Patients with CSD and reports of uterine bleeding as an outcome were identified in 60 studies from database searches. INTERVENTIONS: Studies that investigated CSD (as defined by investigators) and reported uterine bleeding, menstrual bleeding, or AUB as an outcome were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The prevalence and risk of AUB (intermenstrual, postmenstrual, and unscheduled bleeding) in patients with confirmed CSD. RESULTS: Nine studies reported on the prevalence of AUB in patients with a confirmed CSD. Patients with CSD were more likely to experience AUB, compared with those without CSD (relative risk, 3.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.02-5.97; 6 studies, 1,385 patients; I2 = 67%). In a population of patients with at least 1 cesarean delivery, the prevalence of AUB in those with CSD was 25.5% (95% CI, 14.7-40.5; 6 studies, 667 patients, I2 = 93%). However, symptom prevalence was much higher in patients presenting for imaging for a gynecologic indication where the prevalence of AUB in the presence of a CSD was 76.4% (95% CI, 67.8-83.3; 5 studies, 505 patients; I2 = 71%). The mean menstrual duration in symptomatic patients with CSD was 13.4 days (95% CI, 12.6-14.2; 19 studies, 2,095 patients; I2 = 96%), and the mean duration of early-cycle intermenstrual bleeding was 6.8 days (95% CI, 5.7-7.8 days; 9 studies, 759 patients; I2 = 93%). The most common descriptor of CSD-associated AUB was "brown discharge". Patients with larger CSD experienced more bleeding symptoms. CONCLUSION: There is a strong and consistent association between patients with CSD and AUB. These patients experience a unique bleeding pattern, namely prolonged menstruation and early-cycle intermenstrual bleeding. These data should provide impetus for including CSD as a distinct entity in AUB classification systems. High heterogeneity in our results calls for standardization of nomenclature and outcome reporting for this condition.

The use of progestin subdermal implants in the management of endometriosis-related pain symptoms and quality of life: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the evidence for the use of progestin subdermal implants for the treatment of endometriosis-related pain symptoms and quality of life. METHODS: A literature search of PubMed, Ovid (MEDLINE and EMBASE), and Web of Science was performed from inception to December 2020. In addition, a targeted search of cited references was also performed. Our search identified 330 articles of which 17 were deemed eligible for full-text review. Eligible studies included randomized control trials, observational studies, and case series with at least 5 cases, investigating the effect of progestin subdermal implants on endometriosis-related pain scores in women of reproductive age with a clinical, radiologic, or surgical diagnosis of endometriosis. Six articles were excluded after the full-text screen. RESULTS: Eleven articles describing a total of 335 patients were eligible for inclusion. Across all studies, etonogestrel- and segesterone-releasing progestin subdermal implants improved VAS pain scores for cyclic pelvic pain/dysmenorrhea (VAS at baseline ranged from 6.1 to 7.5 cm and after treatment from 1.7 to 4.9 cm, n = 121), non-cyclic pelvic pain (baseline VAS 7.2-7.6 cm and after treatment 2.0-3.7 cm, n = 96) and dyspareunia (baseline VAS 1.61-8.3 cm and after treatment 1.0-7.1 cm, n = 87). Symptom improvement with the progestin subdermal implant was equivalent to treatment with depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA; average baseline VAS 6.5 and after DMPA treatment 3.0, compared to 2.0 after treatment with the implant) or the 52 mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS; baseline cyclic and non-cyclic pain scores 7.3 and 7.4 respectively decreased to 1.9 and 1.9 after LNG-IUS treatment). Improvements were also demonstrated in quality-of-life scores (average improvement of 36% in all domains of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 and significant improvements in social functioning, general health, bodily pain, vitality and mental health domains on the Short Form-36 questionnaire) and sexual function (total sexual function score improved from 24 to 25.35 and 26.25 at 6 and 12 months). CONCLUSION: Etonogestrel- and segesterone-releasing progestin subdermal implants appear to improve endometriosis-related pain symptoms and quality of life and may provide an additional component in the management of endometriosis. However, this systematic review is limited by the small sample size and heterogeneity in the data. As such, larger prospective randomized trials are needed to guide further management. PROSPERO REGISTRATION: CRD42021225665.

Internal iliac artery ligation-a contemporary simplified approach.

Bilateral ligation of the anterior division of the internal iliac arteries can be a lifesaving intervention for severe pelvic hemorrhage. The procedure results in decreased pelvic perfusion and promotes coagulation. The classical method of internal iliac artery ligation involved extensive retroperitoneal dissection with complete circumferential isolation of the vessel to allow the passage of a suture around the artery. This can be surgically challenging and fraught with risks of inadvertent injury to the surrounding iliac veins. We propose a contemporary technique that requires limited dissection of the anterior division of the internal iliac artery. A few millimeters of space is created on either side of the artery by spreading right-angle forceps parallel to the vessel. The artery is occluded by 2 large vascular clips. Because circumferential vessel dissection is not necessary with this technique, there is limited disruption of the delicate underlying internal iliac vein. In addition, this approach may decrease the risk of inadvertent injury to the adjacent external iliac vein. By showcasing the ease of our approach to internal iliac artery ligation, we hope to empower surgeons with an alternative approach to this lifesaving procedure.

Reproductive Outcomes Following Uterine Artery Occlusion at the Time of Myomectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This investigation sought systematically to review and meta-analyze evidence on reproductive outcomes following uterine artery occlusion (UAO) at myomectomy. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies included observational and randomized controlled trials in which patients underwent abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic myomectomy and in which at least one measure of clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, or ovarian reserve was reported. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve. Twelve articles involving 689 women were included in the systematic review. The intervention group underwent UAO at laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy (UAO+M) (n = 470). The control group underwent myomectomy alone (n = 219). Seven articles involving 420 women were included in the meta-analysis (201 underwent UAO+M; 219 underwent myomectomy alone). Live births occurred in 54 of 201 (27%) women in the UAO+M group and in 74 of 219 (34%) women in the control group. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 73 of 201 (36%) women in the UAO+M group and in 102 of 219 (47%) control subjects. There was no difference in live birth rates (odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.56-1.43; P = 0.51; 7 studies, 420 patients) or clinical pregnancy rates (odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.24; P = 0.33; 7 studies, 420 patients) between the UAO+M and control groups. Data on miscarriage rates, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve precluded meta-analysis. In conclusion, UAO at myomectomy is not associated with reductions in live birth or clinical pregnancy rates. Before routine use can be recommended in women desiring future fertility, more research is required on reproductive outcomes and effects on ovarian reserve.

Returning to Work Following Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy.

This commentary presents data collected from one patient population and reviews the literature on returning to work following minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH). Although MIH can reduce postoperative pain, decrease hospital stays, and accelerate return to activities of daily living, it has not consistently translated into a quicker return to work (RTW) for patients. A retrospective case series was performed assessing RTW times of 31 patients following elective MIH at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto in 2018. The median RTW time was 21 days. Patients returned to work significantly faster when they were counselled about an expected convalescence of 2 to 4 weeks (median 16 days) compared with a more traditional 4- to 8-week recovery (median 56 days). Surgeon recommendation can strongly affect when a patient returns to work following MIH. Most patients can RTW within 2 to 3 weeks. However, recommendations should be patient-centred and consider job description.

Uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate three approaches to uterine artery occlusion at time of myomectomy as a blood-sparing intraoperative technique. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the procedure with surgical video footage. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy, for whom a uterine artery occlusion was performed before any uterine incision. INTERVENTION(S): A step-wise approach is applied before beginning the myomectomy portion of the procedure, which includes the following: [1] selecting the appropriate approach to uterine artery occlusion (lateral vs. posterior vs. anterior) on the basis of individual anatomy; [2] identification of relevant anatomy and important landmarks for the procedure; [3] isolating the uterine artery and identifying the ureter; [4] occluding the uterine artery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful identification of the ureter and uterine artery, and occlusion of the latter by surgical clipping. RESULT(S): In all cases, the uterine artery was clearly identified, as was the ureter, and surgical clips were placed, resulting in successful uterine artery occlusion. CONCLUSION(S): Uterine artery occlusion can be performed by three different approaches, as have been demonstrated in this video. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature supports the efficacy of this procedure in terms of limiting blood loss, blood transfusion, and fibroid recurrence, albeit at slightly longer operative times.

Surgical outcomes after uterine artery occlusion at the time of myomectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To systematically review and meta-analyze evidence on surgical outcomes after uterine artery occlusion (UAO) at myomectomy. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Twenty-six studies involving 2,871 patients located via database searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, and cited references. INTERVENTION(S): Intervention groups undergoing UAO at laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy (UAO+M) (1,569 patients), and control groups undergoing myomectomy alone (1,302 patients). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Primary outcome of surgical blood loss (estimated blood loss, transfusion rate, and change in hemoglobin values), and secondary outcomes including operative time, length of stay, conversion and complications rates, fibroid recurrence, and changes in fibroid-related symptoms. RESULT(S): The patients undergoing UAO+M had a statistically significant reduction in estimated blood loss (mean difference [MD] -103.7 mL; 95% confidence interval [CI], -126.5 to -80.8), blood transfusion (relative risk [RR] 0.24; 95% CI, 0.15-0.39), and change in hemoglobin values (MD -0.60 g/dL; 95% CI, -0.79 to -0.40) compared with controls. Using UAO+M prolonged operative times (MD 10.9 minutes; 95% CI, 3.5-18.2) but shortened the length of stay (MD -0.37 days; 95% CI, -0.62-0.11). Using UAO+M lowered the complication rates (RR 0.73; 95% CI, 0.52-1.00) to the threshold of statistical significance and reduced the risk of fibroid recurrence (RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.16-0.83) compared with controls. CONCLUSION(S): Uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy is associated with decreased surgical blood loss and transfusion rate compared with control patients. However, further research is required on reproductive outcomes and the effect on ovarian reserve before routine use can be recommended in women desiring future fertility.

Hysteroscopic removal of intrauterine devices in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and demonstrate an approach to the hysteroscopic removal of retained intrauterine devices (IUDs) in pregnancy. Pregnancy risks associated with retained IUDs are also discussed, specifically spontaneous abortion and preterm labor. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the procedure with surgical video footage. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): We present four patients undergoing hysteroscopic removal of IUDs in pregnancy. All patients have imaging documenting an IUD in utero, desire pregnancy continuation, and undergo a physical examination where the IUD strings are not retrievable from the cervical os. INTERVENTION(S): Before the procedure, informed consent is obtained, imaging is reviewed, viability is confirmed, and preoperative antibiotics are administered. Hysteroscopy is then performed with the use of a stepwise approach: 1) vaginoscopic hysteroscopy; 2) IUD localization with or without ultrasound guidance; and 3) IUD removal with the use of a hysteroscopic grasper. Technical tips include using a small-caliber hysteroscope and infusion of small volumes of isotonic distension media. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Uncomplicated removal of the IUD with postoperative confirmation of viability. RESULT(S): Hysteroscopic IUD removal was successfully performed in all four cases presented. After the procedure, all four patients delivered live births at term. CONCLUSION(S): The surgical approach presented in this video allows for the successful removal of IUDs in early pregnancy. This technique has a low complication rate and is associated with a >90% ongoing pregnancy rate. Patients with retained IUDs in pregnancy should be offered IUD removal in pregnancy, and referred to physicians experienced in advanced hysteroscopy for consideration of this procedure.

Hysteroscopic repair of cesarean scar isthmocele.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate an approach to the hysteroscopic repair of cesarean scar isthmocele and discuss its association with secondary infertility. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the procedure with surgical video footage. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Two patients undergoing hysteroscopic repair of symptomatic cesarean scar isthmoceles. Surgical candidates for this procedure include patients with a symptomatic isthmocele and a residual myometrial thickness of at least 3 mm confirmed with pre-operative imaging. INTERVENTION(S): Operative hysteroscopy is performed using a step-wise approach: identification of relevant anatomy; resection of the cephalad edge of fibrosis; resection of the caudad edge of fibrosis; and ablation of the isthmocele base. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Restoration of the contour between the uterine cavity and cervical canal. RESULT(S): Hysteroscopic resection of cesarean scar isthmocele is successfully performed in both cases presented. Postoperatively, both patients had resolution of their symptoms. CONCLUSION(S): The surgical approach presented in this video can result in the successful revision of a cesarean scar isthmocele. Current literature supports a role for hysteroscopic isthmoplasty in treating isthmocele-related abnormal uterine bleeding. However, more evidence is required on the safety of conceiving following hysteroscopic isthmoplasty, and its use in the setting of secondary infertility.

Saline Hysteroscopy for Removal of Retained Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices in Early Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancies complicated by a retained intrauterine device (IUD) are at increased risk for adverse outcomes such as miscarriage and preterm labour. There is limited evidence to guide the management of retained IUDs in pregnancy when the strings are not visible at the external cervical os. We describe a method for IUD retrieval in such cases. METHODS: Twenty-six patients underwent saline hysteroscopy with or without concurrent ultrasound guidance for retrieval of a retained IUD in early pregnancy between 2002 and 2015. We retrospectively evaluated procedural and pregnancy-related outcomes in this case series. RESULTS: The average gestational age at the time of the procedure was 11+0 weeks. Successful IUD retrieval occurred in 22 of 26 cases (84.6%). There were 23 live births, including 20 full term and three preterm deliveries. The average gestational age at delivery was 38+4 weeks. There was one miscarriage and one elective termination of pregnancy following the procedure. There were no complications directly related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Saline hysteroscopy is a safe and effective method for retrieval of a retained IUD in early pregnancy. It appears that concurrent ultrasound guidance can facilitate IUD localization, but more cases are needed to confirm this. Pregnancy outcomes after IUD retrieval were favourable, with a low rate of miscarriage and preterm labour.