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This paper is the second of a two-part publication. The initial paper provided a comprehensive overview of the evidence on adhesions to allow gynaecological surgeons to be best informed on adhesions, their development, impact on patients, health systems and surgical outcomes. There is rising evidence that surgeons can take important steps to reduce the burden of adhesions. In this second paper, we review the various strategies to reduce the impact of adhesions, improve surgical outcomes and provide some practical proposals for action on adhesions. As well as improvements in surgical technique, developments in adhesion-reduction strategies and new agents offer a realistic possibility of reducing adhesion formation and improving outcomes for patients. They should be considered for use particularly in high-risk surgery and in patients with adhesiogenic conditions. Further research into new strategies to prevent adhesions more effectively through an improved surgical environment, new and combination devices and pharmacological agents should be encouraged. Formal recommendations would ensure better prioritisation of adhesion-reduction within the French health system. Patients should also be better informed of the risks of adhesions., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Adhesions are the most frequent complications of abdominopelvic surgery, causing important short- and long-term problems, including infertility, chronic pelvic pain and a lifetime risk of small bowel obstruction. They also complicate future surgery with increased morbidity and mortality risk. They pose serious quality of life issues for many patients with associated social and healthcare costs. Despite advances in surgical techniques, including laparoscopy, the healthcare burden of adhesion-related complications has not changed in recent years. Adhesiolysis remains the main treatment although adhesions reform in many patients. The extent of the problem of adhesions has been underestimated by surgeons and the health authorities. There is rising evidence however that surgeons can take important steps to reduce the impact of adhesions. As well as improvements in surgical technique, developments in adhesion-reduction strategies and new agents offer a realistic possibility of reducing adhesion formation and improving outcomes for patients. This paper is the first of a two-part publication providing a comprehensive overview of the evidence on adhesions to allow gynaecological surgeons to be best informed on adhesions, their development, impact on patients, health systems and surgical outcomes. In the second paper we review the various strategies to reduce the impact of adhesions and improve surgical outcomes to assist fellow surgeons in France to consider the adoption of adhesion reduction strategies in their own practice., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate in infertile women the benefit of laparoscopic surgical treatment of endometriosis., Patients and Methods: All infertile patients aged 18 to 43 years old, operated between February 2004 and March 2008, with a minimal follow-up of 18 months, coming from the Auvergne cohort of endometriosis has been, were included. The primary end point was the achievement of a pregnancy., Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients have been included. Global pregnancy rate was 48%, which 47% was spontaneous with a mean postoperative delay of 6±4.5 months. Sixty-three patients had benefited from Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and 25 pregnancies were obtained (pregnancy rate: 39.7% with a mean delay of 10±3.8 months). Eighty-one percent of spontaneous pregnancies were obtained during the first 12 postoperative months. Duration of preoperative infertility and tubal involvement were significantly associated with lower spontaneous pregnancy rate. No significant differences were found between endometriosis stage I and II compared to stage III and IV, and between patient under 34 years old compared to older., Discussion and Conclusion: With this first study on infertility from the Auvergne cohort of endometriosis, we are confirmed that surgery is one of the central issues in the treatment of infertile endometriosis patient. The postoperative delay to obtain a spontaneous pregnancy requires a quick management by ART after 6 to 12 postoperative month and an immediate management by ART in case of tubal involvement or former infertility., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze the different factors influencing real and theoretical cumulative live birth rates following in vitro fertilization., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study of 1001 couples starting an IVF/ICSI cycle between 2004 and 2006 that were followed-up after all their attempts. All abandoned cycles were taken in account., Results: For all couples, the theoretical cumulative live birth rates after n attempts were 23.9%, 40.5%, 51.4%, 62.2%. The real cumulative live birth rates were 23.9%, 36%, 41.2% and 44.4%. With reference to age, success rates were better for women less than 35 (58,8%) and were reduced for women older than 38 (18,0%). Looking at the ovarian reserve, in the 35 to 38 years age group, the actuarial rates were satisfactory as long as the ovarian response resulted in five or more oocytes. Among older patients, success rates were influenced by the number of oocytes collected and only acceptable when more than eight oocytes were obtained. Multivariate analysis has demonstrated that women's age was determinant on the live birth rate (OR=0.17 [0.09-0.32] in the 38 to 39 group versus less than 30 group). In ovulatory disease, the success rates were the best compared to other infertility aetiology (OR=1.61[1.05-2.47]). Moreover, the number of embryos transferred had a strong impact on live birth rate with an OR of 1.62 [1.32-1.99] per extra embryo., Discussion and Conclusion: Live birth rates are dependent on the women' age. For women older than 38 years, the ovarian response to the stimulation and the number of embryos transferred are important factors for success., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the educational value of an ongoing interval practice laparoscopy training program among obstetrics and gynecology residents., Design: Prospective cohort, multi-institutional recruitment study. We conducted structured laparoscopic training sessions for residents, using both inanimate and porcine models. The 6-day course was separated into two 3-day long modules conducted 2 months apart. A prospective evaluation of standardized tasks was performed using validated scales. Resident's performance was compared using the Student t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test when appropriate., Setting: International Center of Endoscopic Surgery (CICE), Clermont-Ferrand, France., Participants: 191 PGY2 or PGY3 residents from different institutions., Results: Significant improvement in time and technical scores for both laparoscopic suturing and porcine nephrectomy was noted (p < 0.0001). After 2 months, we found no improvement in suturing time (p = 0.59) or technical scores (p = 0.62), and significant technical deterioration was observed for the right hand (p = 0.02). Porcine nephrectomy improvement remained significant after 2 months (p < 0.0001)., Conclusions: Despite significant short-term educational value of interval practice in laparoscopic performance, some acquired skills seem to deteriorate faster than anticipated., (Copyright © 2012 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Investigate and identify the risk factors influencing the recurrence of ectopic pregnancies., Patients and Methods: The Auvergne ectopic pregnancy registry data were analyzed from 1992 to 2008. The appearance of a recurrence was studied among 1108 women from 18 to 44 years old, who attempted to conceive again., Results: One hundred and sixteen repeated ectopic pregnancies occurred (10.5 %) during the period under study. The rate of recurrence was significantly higher among women who had a history of voluntary termination of pregnancy (P=0.01). Conversely, fewer recurrences (P=0.01 and 0.0478) occurred among women having a history of infertility or previous live birth. The treatment for ectopic pregnancy, whether it is conservative or radical laparoscopic, or medical with methotrexate did not significantly influence the recurrence rate (P=0.86)., Conclusion: Reproductive history appears to involve the risk of repeated ectopic pregnancy and must be taken into account in their secondary prevention. As for the choice of treatment, the risk of recurrence does not seem to constitute a decisive argument., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Aim. Ovarian epithelial dysplasia was initially described in material from prophylactic oophorectomies performed in patients at genetic risk of ovarian cancer. Similar histopathological abnormalities have been revealed after ovulation stimulation. Since infertility is also a risk factor for ovarian neoplasia, the aim of this study was to study the relationship between infertility and ovarian dysplasia. Methods. We blindly reviewed 127 histopathological slides of adnexectomies or ovarian cystectomies according to three groups-an exposed group to ovulation induction (n = 30), an infertile group without stimulation (n = 35), and a spontaneously fertile control group (n = 62)-in order to design an eleven histopathological criteria scoring system. Results. The ovarian dysplasia score was significantly higher in exposed group whereas dysplasia score was low in infertile and control groups (resp., 8.21 in exposed group, 3.69 for infertile patients, and 3.62 for the controls). In the subgroup with refractory infertility there was a trend towards a more severe dysplasia score (8.53 in ovulation induction group and 5.1 in infertile group). Conclusion. These results raise questions as to the responsibility of drugs used to induce ovulation and/or infertility itself in the genesis of ovarian epithelial dysplasia.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic hysterectomy for uteri weighing more than 1000 g., Study Design: A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary center of laparoscopic surgery including 38 women submitted to hysterectomy for uteri weighing more than 1000 g. Patients submitted to open hysterectomy were compared to those submitted to laparoscopic hysterectomy. The primary statistical endpoint was the complication rate. Secondary endpoints were operating time, estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, and conversion to laparotomy., Results: The patients' mean age was 49.4 years and mean BMI was 25.2 kg/m(2). The surgical intent was laparoscopic hysterectomy in 23 patients (60.5%) and laparotomy in 15 patients (39.5%). Conversion to open surgery was required in 4 patients (17.4%) due to inaccessibility of the pelvis at the beginning of surgery (n=2), technical difficulties during surgery (n=1), and intraoperative bleeding (n=1). One patient in the laparotomy group had an intraoperative ureteral injury. Despite longer operative time (130 vs. 80 min, p=0.002), laparoscopic surgery was associated with reduced length of hospital stay (3 vs. 6 days, p<0.001). Intraoperative bleeding was evaluated by the difference of pre- and post-operative hemoglobin and was equivalent in both groups (2.2 vs. 1.6g/dL; p=0.84). There was a tendency for more postoperative complications in the laparotomic group (33.4% vs. 8.7%; p=0.05)., Conclusion: Laparoscopic hysterectomy is feasible for selected patients with uteri weighing more than 1000 g., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Gynaecological laparoscopic surgery outcomes can be compromised by the formation of de novo adhesions. This randomized, double-blind study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of 4% icodextrin solution (Adept(®)) in the reduction of de novo adhesion incidence compared to lactated Ringer's solution (LRS)., Methods: Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery for removal of myomas or endometriotic cysts were treated with randomized solution as an intra-operative irrigant and 1l post-operative instillate. De novo adhesion incidence (number of sites with adhesions), severity and extent were independently scored at a second-look procedure and the efficacy of the two solutions compared. The effect of surgical covariates on adhesion formation was also investigated. Initial exploratory analysis of individual anatomical sites of clinical importance was progressed. RESULTS Of 498 patients randomized, 330 were evaluable (160 LRS--75% myomectomy/25% endometriotic cysts; 170 Adept--79% myomectomy/21% endometriotic cysts). At study completion, 76.2% LRS and 77.6% Adept had ≥ 1 de novo adhesion. The mean (SD) number of de novo adhesions was 2.58 (2.11) for Adept and 2.58 (2.38) for LRS. The treatment effect difference was not significant (P = 0.909). Assessment of surgical covariates identified significant influences on the mean number of de novo adhesions regardless of treatment, including surgery duration (P = 0.048), blood loss in myomectomy patients (P = 0.019), length of uterine incision in myomectomy patients (P < 0.001) and number of suture knots (P < 0.001). There were 15 adverse events considered treatment-related in the LRS patients (7.2%) and 18 in the Adept group (8.3%). Of 17 reported serious adverse events (9 LRS; 8 Adept) none were considered treatment-related., Conclusions: The study confirmed the safety of Adept in laparoscopic surgery. The proportion of patients with de novo adhesion formation was considerably higher than previous literature suggested. Overall there was no evidence of a clinical effect but various surgical covariates including surgery duration, blood loss, number and size of incisions, suturing and number of knots were found to influence de novo adhesion formation. The study provides direction for future research into adhesion reduction strategies in site specific surgery.

Background: This study was designed to compare the surgical outcomes of standard and reverse laparoscopic techniques for the treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis., Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a teaching and research hospital (tertiary center), which included 75 women subjected to laparoscopic treatment of rectovaginal endometriosis that required both vaginal resection and rectal surgery. Standard and reverse laparoscopic techniques were compared in 35 and 40 women, respectively. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney test, and Fisher's exact test were performed to compare groups when needed; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: There was no statistically significant difference in operating time, blood loss, conversion rate, major intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and minor postoperative complications between the two techniques. The rate of major postoperative complications for the standard technique was 22.9%, whereas only 5% for the reverse technique (p = 0.02). The rate of postoperative rectovaginal fistula was the same for both techniques., Conclusions: Major postoperative complications were reduced by using the reverse technique.

Treatment discontinuations are an important issue in IVF programmes. In the French context, financial constraint does not intervene in discontinuation until older ages. This study examined treatment discontinuation in IVF programmes, according to the woman's age and when there is no financial burden for couples. Medical records were collected for 3037 women who began their IVF programme between 1998 and 2002 in two French IVF units. Up to four attempts were taken into consideration. Cumulative success (delivery) rates were calculated, as well as discontinuation rates. Multiple imputation was applied to estimate a theoretical cumulative success rate as if no woman discontinued treatment before the end of the IVF programme without delivering. Cumulative discontinuation rates at the end of the IVF programme increased with the woman's age (41% for age <35, 56% for age 35-39, 80% for age ⩾40). The benefit in terms of delivery rates of pursuing treatment would be smaller for older women (∼10% for age <35, 7% for age 35-39, 4% for age ⩾40). Even when treatment is reimbursed, the discontinuation rate is high for older women, suggesting that the strong decrease in success rate with age induces older women to discontinue. Treatment discontinuations are an important issue in IVF programmes. In the French context, financial constraint does not intervene in discontinuation until older ages. We aimed to examine treatment discontinuation in IVF programmes, according to the woman's age and when there is no financial burden for couples. Medical records were collected for 3037 women who began their IVF programme between 1998 and 2002 in two French IVF units. Up to four attempts were taken into consideration. Cumulative success (delivery) rates were calculated, as well as discontinuation rates. Multiple imputation was applied to estimate a theoretical cumulative success rate as if no woman discontinued treatment before the end of the IVF programme without delivering. Cumulative discontinuation rates at the end of the IVF programme increased with the woman's age (41% for age <35, 56% for age 35-39, 80% for age ⩾40). The benefit in terms of delivery rates of pursuing treatment would be smaller for older women (∼10% for age <35, 7% for age 35-39, 4% for age ⩾40). Even when treatment is reimbursed, the discontinuation rate is high for older women, suggesting that the strong decrease in success rate with age induces older women to discontinue., (Copyright © 2011 Reproductive Healthcare Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Study Objective: To compare surgical outcomes of laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign diseases according to the uterine weight., Design: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3)., Setting: Teaching and research hospital, a tertiary center., Patients: Women undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign diseases., Interventions: Patients were divided into three groups according to the uterine weight: <250 g (n = 1300), 250 to 500 g (n = 614), and >500 g (n = 178)., Measurements and Main Results: Primary outcomes were differences in conversion rates, operating time, and blood loss. Secondary outcomes were differences in length of hospital stay, time to first bowel movement, time of bladder catheterization, and complications. Operating time increased according to the uterine weight (116.5 vs 124.1 vs 133 minutes; p <.001). The rate of conversion was statistically higher only for patients with uteri >500 g (3.3% vs 5% vs 13.5%; p <.001). However, the difference between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels was equivalent for the three groups, as well as the overall rates of minor and major intraoperative complications. There was no difference in the time of bladder catheterization, time to first bowel movement, length of hospital stay, and incidence of minor and major postoperative complications among the three groups., Conclusion: Despite longer operating time, there is no increase in the intraoperative or postoperative complication rates in those patients with enlarged uteri undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy. Only conversion is higher in patients with uteri >500 g., (Copyright © 2011 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: To assess the postoperative results at short- and long-term after hysteroscopic resection of submucosal myoma giving rise to symptoms., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study (University Hospital Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France) including patients operated by hysteroscopy in 2004 for one or more submucosal myomas giving rise to symptoms. A survey concerning relapse of symptoms and patient satisfaction was made by phone 4 and 6 years after surgery., Results: Seventy-two patients (mean age: 45.6 years [18-70]) underwent hysteroscopy. At the time of the first survey, the rate of recurrence was 22% (n=15) with 87.5% of cases of recurrence in the first year. Nineteen percent of the patients needed subsequent treatment. The significant factors for the risk of failure of treatment included younger age, number and large size myoma, intramural extension and incomplete resection. In 2010, the overall failure rate was 31.7% (n=20). Fifty percent of the patients who had an incomplete resection required no further treatment., Conclusion: In 70% of cases, hysteroscopic resection remains efficient at long-term. Repeat surgery should not be systematic after incomplete resection. The patients must be fully informed, and especially with respect to the risk factors for recurrence., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe different approaches for diagnosis and management of proximal ectopic pregnancies (PP) in general population., Design: Observational population based-study., Setting: Regional ectopic pregnancy registry., Patient(s): Eighty-six PP registered from 1992 to 2008., Intervention(s): Surgical (radical or conservative), medical, or combined therapies., Main Outcome Measure(s): Epidemiologic characteristics, clinical presentation, hCG level, treatments performed, failure rate, and recurrence., Result(s): Mean gestational age was 48.2 days. Estimated incidence of PP was 2.7%. Abdominal pain and vaginal bleeding were the commonest symptoms. Two patients were admitted in hypovolemic shock. Diagnostic modalities included transvaginal ultrasound, abdominal ultrasonography, and laparoscopy in 38 (44%), 7 (8%), and 39 (45%) cases, respectively. Mean hCG level was 10,759 IU/L. Thirty-four patients underwent primary cornual resection (39.5%) by laparoscopy (n = 32) or laparotomy (n = 2). Twenty-seven patients (31.4%) underwent primary conservative surgery by laparoscopy: cornuostomy (n = 18) or extended salpigostomy (n = 9). Primary medical treatment with methotrexate was attempted in 14 patients (16.3%). Expectant management was attempted in one case (1.2%). Eleven cases received combined therapies (11.6%). Failure rates for medical and surgical treatments were 35.7% and 28%, respectively. No failures were noted among patients who received combined therapies., Conclusion(s): Proximal ectopic pregnancy remains a life-threatening condition. Diagnosis is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Despite available conservative strategies, management of PP remains heterogeneous., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

We report the management of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a 23-year-old patient, diagnosed at 8 gestational weeks, in a context of moderate hypothyroidism. The etiology of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome should seek hypersecretion of glycoprotein hormones (hCG, TSH, FSH and LH) and/or mutation of FSH and LH receptors. It will eliminate an incipient ovarian neoplasia. The laparoscopic exploration can be done if diagnosis doubt persists. A diagnostic algorithm can be proposed., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Background: The aim of the study is to compare the incidence of eSET (elective single embryo transfer) and DET (double embryo transfer) and their results about live birth and twin pregnancies between first and second IVF/ICSI cycles, in a selective population. These data allow analysing whether the extension of elective single embryo transfer in the second cycle is efficient., Patients and Methods: Retrospective study about embryo transfers performed in first and second IVF/ICSI cycles in the IVF unity (CHU Clermont-Ferrand) between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2006. Women belonging to couples considered have less than 36 years. On the second day of embryo development, at least two good quality embryos have been observed. After information about eSET and DET, couples give their written consent to the transfer of one or two embryos. Couples who have no live birth at the end of the first cycle have been followed up for the second cycle whether they correspond to the inclusions criteria. Analysis is performed with live birth rates by tentative (overall rate) and after one or two embryo transfer, cumulative live birth rate (including fresh and frozen embryo transfer, and twin pregnancy rate., Results: An embryo transfer at the first IVF/ICSI cycle (report eSET/DET=0.5) has been performed for 513 patients. The overall cumulative live birth rate is 37.1%, without significant difference between eSET and DET (36.2% vs 35.7%, p=ns). The twin pregnancies rate is 12% (including 0% in eSET vs 24% in DET, p<0001). Two hundred and five patients have a second IVF/ICSI cycle (92.3% in DET and 7.7% in eSET). The overall cumulative live birth rate is 34.1% without difference between eSET and DET (31.3% vs 34.3%). The twin pregnancies rate is 22.5% and it is significantly higher compared with the first attempt (including 0% in ESET and 24.6% in DET)., Discussion and Conclusion: The increased twin pregnancies rate during the second cycle is explained by the higher rate of DET. This may be explained by the non-acceptance by couples of a new eSET, despite acceptable results for live birth rate. We have to search for solutions to encourage its development like the reimbursement of more cycles when eSET is performed, or with regulations as in Belgium, because the information to the couples is not efficient., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: to evaluate the complications after surgery for deep endometriosis., Design: retrospective study., Setting: data from the CHU Estaing database and patients' charts between January 1987 and December 2007., Sample: all women given surgical treatment for deep endometriosis., Methods: women who underwent surgery for deep endometriosis were reviewed for intra- and postoperative complications., Main Outcome Measures: primary outcomes were rates of intra- and postoperative complications. Complications were compared according to the procedure performed., Results: a total of 568 women were included in the study, with a mean age of 32.4 years. The mean estimated diameter of the nodule felt by vaginal examination was 1.8 cm (ranging from 0.5 to 7 cm). Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 560 women (98.6%), and conversion was required in 2.3%. The mean operative time was 155 minutes. Intraoperative complications occurred in 12 women (2.1%), including six minor (1.05%) and six major (1.05%) complications. Postoperative complications developed in 79 women (13.9%), including 54 minor (9.5%) and 26 major (4.6%) complications (one woman had both minor and major postoperative complications). The overall major postoperative complication rate for women who underwent any type of rectal surgery (shaving, excision and suture, or segmental resection) was 9.3% (21 out of 226), compared with only 1.5% for the other women (five out of 342) (P <  .01). Shaving presented less major postoperative complications compared with segmental resection (24 versus 6.7%; P = 0.004)., Conclusions: surgery for deep endometriosis is feasible, but it is associated with major complications, especially when any type of rectal surgery must be performed.

Context: Recombinant human GH treatment and oocyte donation (OD) have improved the quality of life in women with Turner syndrome (TS). However, life expectancy is reduced, mainly due to cardiovascular complications. Pregnancy may itself increase that risk and be associated with hazardous materno-fetal outcome., Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the materno-fetal outcome of ongoing pregnancies beyond 20 wk of gestation obtained by OD in TS., Design: This was a multicenter retrospective study including all assisted reproductive technology centers affiliated with the French Study Group for Oocyte Donation., Results: Among 93 patients, only 37.6% were prescreened with echocardiography or thoracic magnetic resonance imaging. Maternal outcome was dominated by 37.8% of pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorders including preeclampsia in 54.8% and severe eclampsia in four patients. Prematurity occurred in 38.3% and was correlated with pregnancy-associated hypertensive disorder (P = 0.01). The frequency of in utero growth retardation was 27.5%. One fetal demise was linked to eclampsia. Two patients died from aortic rupture after cesarean section in a context of aortic root dilatation. Only 40% of pregnancies were associated with an absolutely normal materno-fetal outcome., Conclusions: OD pregnancies in TS who have not been managed following recent specific recommendations were at high risk for maternal death by aortic dissection and for preeclampsia and its complications (fetal distress and in utero growth retardation). These recommendations include previous echocardiography, thoracic magnetic resonance imaging, and overnight blood pressure monitoring associated with a tight follow-up during pregnancy. Until future assessment of these recent recommendations, pregnancies obtained in TS after OD must be still considered as very high-risk pregnancies.

In a general population setting, the existence of a learning curve for treatment of ectopic pregnancy with single-dose methotrexate has been demonstrated, because a significant decrease in failure rate can be achieved over time. Despite this finding, the risk of single-dose methotrexate failure increases significantly in patients with initial hCG levels>1,300 IU/L and/or in women who report having ever used combined oral contraception before pregnancy., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The place of surgery in the management of an infertile couple is still under debate. Good pregnancy outcomes in assisted reproductive technologies have led to a decrease in surgical indications. In this evidence based review, we updated our data of high powered articles in order to establish national guidelines for clinical practice about the role and benefits of surgery in principal etiologies of female infertility., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

One third of infertility cases are due to anatomical abnormalities of the female reproductive tract: endometrial polyps (33%), bilateral tubal blockage (12%), hydrosalpinx (7%), sub-mucosal fibroids (3%) and pelvic endometriosis. These may need surgical correction which could restore fertility. This review aim to determine which examinations should be performed first. Hysterosalpingography shows sensitivity of only 65% but it increases the achievement of spontaneous pregnancy by three times. Office hysteroscopy has an excellent sensitivity (>95%) for diagnosing intra-uterine lesions. Pelvic ultrasound, whose good sensitivity is improved by adding 3D imaging and hysterosonography, seems as efficient as office hysteroscopy in diagnosing uterine cavity abnormalities. Moreover, it also efficiently diagnoses pelvic diseases such as hydrosalpinx or endometrioma without laparoscopy. A first line laparoscopy is indicated in for woman suspected of endometriosis or tubal pathology (history of complicated appendicitis, previous pelvic surgery, pelvic inflammatory disease). For the others straight forward cases, the majority of patients, hysterosalpingography and pelvic ultrasound seem to be sufficient as primary diagnostic tool., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To estimate predictive factors for failure of laparoscopic conservative treatment of ectopic pregnancy using a standardized surgical technique., Methods: We performed a population-based study from the Auvergne ectopic pregnancy registry. A total of 3,196 cases of ectopic pregnancy were registered between 1992 and 2008. Among conservative treatments (n=1,965), 1,306 (66.5%) patients underwent laparoscopic salpingostomy exclusively. For each case, collected data included: sociodemographic characteristics, previous surgeries, gynecologic and reproductive histories, conditions of conception, Chlamydiae trachomatis serology, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels, and ectopic pregnancy characteristics. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify risk factors for treatment. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also provided. Statistical significance was established at P<.05., Results: We identified 86 treatment failures (6.6%). The failure rate remained stable through the study period. Pretherapeutic hCG level was the only factor significantly associated with treatment failure. Patients with an hCG level of at least 1,960 international units/L had a failure rate of 8.6% compared with 5.1% in patients with a lower hCG level (P=.03). Sensitivity and specificity of this cutoff limit were 47% and 67%, respectively (likelihood ratio(+)=1.4 and likelihood ratio(-)=0.8)., Conclusion: The hCG level of at least 1,960 international units/L is the only factor related to treatment failure. However, the prognostic value of this cutoff is low and with limited clinical relevance., Level of Evidence: II.

The modes of expression in assisted reproductive techniques are numerous. The delivery rate per started cycle must include the deliveries issued of thawed embryos transfer. The birth rates per patient are a different modality of great interest for the crude as well as the actuarial cumulative delivery rates. But all these data should be interpreted within their context: selection of patients or health policy. The disparity of expression of results comes from the function of these results. Scientific analysis, public health, monitoring quality and prognostic value are the four main purposes justifying differentiated expression modes., (Copyright © 2010. Published by Elsevier SAS.)

In this retrospective study of 314 patients undergoing surgery for ovarian dermoid cysts, conducted over a 20-year period, we evaluated the impact of the routine use of laparoscopic surgery without recourse to laparotomy to retrieve the specimen, using an endoscopic retrieval bag placed under the cyst to prevent intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents, and subsequent postoperative granulomatous peritonitis. Accidental cyst rupture was more frequent when a total laparoscopic approach was used (26/174 or 15% versus 39/140 or 28%; P = 0.005), but there were no cases of intraperitoneal spillage when an endoscopic bag was used. Two cases of granulomatous peritonitis developed out of 26 women with intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents (8%). We conclude that the risk of granulomatous peritonitis can be minimised by undertaking laparoscopic removal of dermoid cysts with the routine intraoperative use of an endoscopic retrieval bag to prevent intraperitoneal spillage of cyst contents.

Introduction: Although ovulation induction is commonly used to treat infertility, few data are available concerning this treatment. Therefore, the aim of this prospective observational study was to describe medical practices and to identify predictive outcome factors of ovarian stimulation by recombinant FSH (r-hFSH), administrated with a self-injector pen., Patients and Methods: At the time of the prescription of ovarian stimulation followed by sexual intercourse (SI) or artificial insemination (HAI) with a normal husband sperm, 370 gynaecologists consecutively sent from January to November 2005, for a maximum of six patients (1398 patients in total), a form dealing with the assessment of infertility factors prior to stimulation (n=1340), then a monitoring form of the treated cycle (n=1227) and when a pregnancy was obtained, a follow-up form at 12 weeks of amenorrhea (n=254). Each patient had to complete an autoquestionnaire about the use of the pen (n=1044)., Results: Seventy percent of the contributing gynaecologists had only a private practice. The mean age of patients was 31.9+/-4.8 years. Dealing with infertility exploration prior to stimulation, 9% did not have tubal assessment. Although it was the first stimulation attempt for 52% of cases, 91% of patients found the pen easy to manipulate. The mean duration of r-hFSH administration was 8.8+/-3.7 days and the mean daily dose was 75.4+/-29.4 IU. Ultrasound and hormonal monitoring was performed for 88% of patients. The cycle cancellation rate was 11%. The hCG administration was performed on cycle day 13+/-3. An HAI was programmed in 60% of patients and SI in 40%. The pregnancy rates for positive betahCG, ongoing and multiple pregnancies were, respectively, 22.7, 18 and 16% (twins 14%; 2% of triplets or more 2%). Three prognosis factors were independently related to ongoing pregnancy rate: age<35 years, previous pregnancy obtained by treatment and presence of ovulatory disorders., Discussion and Conclusion: This observatory of ovarian stimulation out of FIV allowed to describe medical practices of gynaecologists: infertility assessment prior to ovarian stimulation, used FSH doses, ultrasound and hormonal monitoring, and it outlined three predictive factors of outcome: age, previous pregnancy obtained by treatment and presence of ovulatory disorders., (Copyright 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To assess the feasibility of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in gynecologic malignancies using natural orifices transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) in an animal model., Methods: Ten female pigs were operated. Patent blue dye was injected in the paracervical region. The endoscope was introduced through a right lateral colpotomy. Internal iliac vessels were visualized followed by the identification of external iliac vessels. Bilateral dissection was performed to achieve visualization of the aorta and the vena cava. SLN colored in blue were bluntly dissected and then excised., Results: Mean operative time was 56+/-16 minutes. The mean number of SLN retrieved was 1.75+/-1.28. All but one SLN were identified by NOTES procedure. No major complication was observed in this series. A total of 19 SLN were harvested, of which 11 from the left side and 8 from the right side. Fifteen lymph nodes were obtained from the iliac vessels or the promontory and 4 from the lateral aortic or preaortic region., Conclusions: In this study, we confirmed the feasibility of the SLN technique by NOTES. It can be considered as a potential alternative to reduce morbidity during staging procedures for gynecologic malignancies. Prospective randomized series are necessary to establish the safety and the real benefits of this new technique.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate HOXA-10 expression in endometrium from infertile patients with different forms of endometriosis; with uterine fibromas, or with unexplained infertility and from normal fertile women., Methods: Expression levels of HOXA-10 mRNA and protein in endometrium were measured during the mid-secretory phase. This study utilized laser capture microdissection, real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry., Results: HOXA-10 mRNA and protein expression levels in endometrial stromal cells were significantly lower in infertile patients with different types of endometriosis (deep infiltrating endometriosis, ovarian endometriosis and superficial peritoneal endometriosis), with uterine myoma, and unexplained infertility patients as compared with healthy fertile controls. HOXA-10 mRNA expression levels of microdissected glandular epithelial cells were significantly lower than those of microdissected stromal cells, without significant differences among the different groups. No protein expression was detected in glandular epithelial cells. The percentage of patients with altered protein expression of HOXA-10 in stromal cells were significantly higher in patients with only superficial peritoneal endometriosis (100%, 20/20, P < 0.05) compared with the other infertile groups (deep infiltrating endometriosis: 72.7%, 16/22; ovarian endometriosis: 70.0%, 14/20; uterine myoma: 68.8%, 11/16; unexplained infertility: 55.6%, 5/9)., Conclusion: The present findings suggested that altered expression of HOXA-10 in endometrial stromal cells during the window of implantation may be one of the potential molecular mechanisms of infertility in infertile patients, particularly in patients with only superficial peritoneal endometriosis. One of the underlying causes of infertility in patients with only superficial endometriosis may be altered expression of HOXA-10 in endometrial stromal cells.

Aim: Ovarian epithelial dysplasia (OED) was first described after prophylactic oophorectomy for genetic risk of ovarian cancer. In light of Fathalla's incessant ovulation theory, this study was set up to describe the presence of ovarian abnormalities (dysplasia) after ovulation induction and to compare dysplasia profiles in stimulated and genetic risk ovaries., Methods: One-hundred and twenty-four patients who had undergone salpingo-oophorectomies or ovarian cystectomies between 1990 and 2005 were reviewed. They were divided into three groups: (1) previous in vitro fertilisation (n=35); (2) prophylactic oophorectomies for genetic risk (n=27) and (3) fertile non-cancerous controls (n=62). Eleven cytological and architectural epithelial features were defined and a dysplasia score was calculated to quantify ovarian epithelial abnormalities., Results: Mean dysplasia score was significantly higher in the genetic risk and stimulated ovary groups than in controls (9.55 versus 3.62, p<0.0001; 7.51 versus 3.62, p<0.0002, respectively). Cytological and architectural abnormalities were more frequent in the genetic risk group, while the profile of abnormalities was different in the genetic risk and stimulated groups., Conclusions: These findings support a possible relationship between OED and the use of ovulation-stimulating drugs. The increased dysplasia score in stimulated and genetic risk ovaries might be consistent with progression towards neoplastic transformation, and may justify the use of the term dysplasia or intraepithelial ovarian neoplasia. The observation of dysplasia in the stimulated group may differentiate women at risk. Conversely, the fact that the dysplasia profile after stimulation differs from that in genetic risk ovaries suggests that ovarian stimulation may predispose to a different evolution.

Objective: The study objective was to analyze the ovarian stimulation practice in Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) in France, to determine the factors influencing this practice and to analyze its impact on ART results., Materials and Methods: The study included all the cycles forms transmitted by the centres to the Agence de la biomédicine on FIVNAT forms and then transmitted from the agency to FIVNAT. All cycles with missing data or inconsistencies on ovarian stimulation and spontaneous cycles were excluded, leaving 18,601 cycles for analysis. The protocols were classified in four groups: agonists with short protocol, with long protocol, antagonists and cycles without GnRH agonists. Gonadotropins were regrouped in four groups: recombinant FSH, urinary FSH, HMG, and association of FSH (urinary or recombinant) and HMG., Results: If the basal protocol usually combines GnRH agonists with long protocol and recombinant FSH, the study shows that some patients characteristics, particularly women's age, ovulation status and previous failures have a large influence on other choices for protocol (short protocol, antagonists) and gonadotropins. Concerning the impact on ART outcome, if short protocols remain associated to the worse results, there was little difference between long protocol and antagonists and according to the gonadotropin choice., Discussion and Conclusion: This study allows to know better on ovarian stimulation practice in ART in France.

Objective: To analyze the expression of activated caspases and membrane permeability in thawed epididymal and testicular spermatozoa of patients with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD)., Design: Retrospective study., Setting: Biology and medicine of reproduction in University hospital., Patient(s): Eight CBAVD patients., Intervention(s): Staining of activated caspases and viability (propidium iodide, PI); intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)., Main Outcome Measure(s): Proportion of viable (Casp-/PI-) or dead (Casp-/PI+) spermatozoa without activated caspases, viable (Casp+/PI-) or dead (Casp+/PI+) spermatozoa with activated caspases. ICSI results., Result(s): Higher percentage of dead (Casp+/PI+; 84.0% vs. 57.5%) and viable (Casp+/PI-; 12.0% vs. 0) spermatozoa with activated caspases were observed in testicular than in epididymal samples. No significant difference was observed between the percentage of total testicular and epididymal spermatozoa permeant for PI. The outcome of ICSI fertilization (67.5% vs. 57.4%), good morphology embryo at day 2 (75.9% vs. 61.3%), clinical pregnancy (26.7% vs. 15.4%), and implantation (15.6% vs 9.5%) rates were better when ICSI were performed with epididymal sperm samples., Conclusion(s): These results support the hypothesis of an abortive apoptotic process and demonstrate that combined staining of the activated caspases and membrane permeability provide complementary measurements for the evaluation of viable and functional spermatozoa to better understand ICSI outcomes with epididymal and testicular spermatozoa.

Background: We recently demonstrated that CO(2) pneumoperitoneum at low intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) had few if any short-term effects on peritoneal dissemination when an ovarian cancer cell line was inoculated just prior to surgery. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the impact of surgical peritoneal environment on postoperative tumor growth and dissemination over time when tumors were present before surgery., Methods: On day-7, C57BJ6 mice received an intraperitoneal inoculation of a mouse ovarian cancer cell line (ID8). On day 0, mice were randomized into four groups: anesthesia alone, CO(2) pneumoperitoneum at a low (2 mmHg) or high (8 mmHg) IPP, or laparotomy. Groups were further subdivided into four groups of eight animals each and a laparotomy was performed to evaluate dissemination on postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, 7 or 14., Results: Peritoneal dissemination score was significantly higher in the laparotomy group compared with in the remaining three groups on PODs 2 and 7. We detected no significant differences in the peritoneal dissemination scores among the low-IPP, high-IPP, and anesthesia groups on PODs 2 and 7. However, there were no significant differences in the peritoneal dissemination score among the three surgical groups on POD 14. Histopathological examination demonstrated that the incidence of invasion of cancer cells into the muscle layers was significantly higher in the laparotomy group than in the low-IPP and anesthesia groups on POD 14. There were no significant differences in tumor growth among the four groups., Conclusions: The present findings suggest that CO(2) pneumoperitoneum at either high or low IPP has few if any short-term effects on peritoneal dissemination when tumors are well established before surgery.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the removal of normal ovarian tissue during laparoscopic cystectomy for endometriosis., Methods: A total of 121 patients who had histologically confirmed ovarian endometriosis and 56 control patients who had other histologically confirmed benign cysts were included for the present analysis. The blocks of removed tissue were sectioned at 120 microm intervals and a total of five sections were analyzed for each ovarian cyst. Eight variables (age, pre-operative medical treatment, previous surgery for ovarian endometriosis, single or multiple cysts, size of the largest cyst, side of cyst, co-existence of deep endometriosis, revised American Society for Reproductive Medicine classification) were evaluated using a generalized linear modeling analysis to identify major factors associated with the removal of normal ovarian tissue., Results: Normal ovarian tissue adjacent to the cyst wall was detected in 71 patients (58.7%) with endometriosis, whereas normal ovarian tissue was removed from only three patients (5.4%) with other benign cysts. A significant factor that was independently associated with the removal of normal ovarian tissue with ovarian endometriosis was pre-operative medical treatment., Conclusions: The present retrospective, controlled study suggests that pre-operative medical treatment might be a risk factor for the removal of normal ovarian tissue during laparoscopic cystectomy for ovarian endometriosis.

The minimum distance between the vaginal mucosal epithelium and the endometriotic glands was <1,000 microm in 30 patients (49.2%), <2,000 microm in 44 patients (72.1%), and <5,000 microm in 60 patients (98.4%). Our findings provided histologic evidence that excision of the posterior vaginal fornix was necessary to completely remove large rectovaginal endometriotic nodules.

Background: The mechanisms promoting postoperative peritoneal tumor dissemination are unclear. This study aimed to investigate postoperative tumor dissemination over time on both tissue and molecular levels., Methods: For this study, C57BL6 mice were randomized into four groups: anesthesia alone (control), carbon dioxide (CO(2)) pneumoperitoneum at low (2 mmHg) or high (8 mmHg) intraperitoneal pressure (IPP), and laparotomy. A mouse ovarian cancer cell line (ID8) was injected intraperitoneally just before surgery. The groups were further subdivided into three groups, and a laparotomy was performed to evaluate tumor dissemination on postoperative day (POD) 7, 14, or 42., Results: The incidence of cancer cell invasion into the muscle layers of the abdominal wall was significantly higher in the laparotomy and high-IPP groups than in the low-IPP and control groups on PODs 7 and 42. Expression levels of beta 1 integrin, cMet, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR), and type-1 plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) mRNA in the disseminated nodules were not significantly different among the four groups on POD 7. However, the expression levels of all these genes in the disseminated nodules in the laparotomy group were significantly higher on POD 14 than on POD 7. They then returned to control levels on POD 42. There were no significant differences in the expression levels of any of these genes among the groups on POD 42., Conclusions: The current study suggests that the molecular mechanisms underlying postoperative peritoneal tumor dissemination may differ between a laparotomy and CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. Therefore, strategies targeting postoperative tumor dissemination likely will need to account for the surgical environment.

Unlabelled: To make an accurate histopathological description of ovarian dysplasia in a population at genetic risk of ovarian cancer and devise an ovarian dysplasia score., Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 90 patients who had undergone bilateral oophorectomy or ovarian cystectomy between 1992 and 2005 and whose ovaries were reported as normal were divided into two groups: Group A comprising prophylactic oophorectomies for genetic predisposition (N = 28), and Group B or control group, fertile and non-cancerous (N = 62). Eleven epithelial cytological and architectural features were defined. Ovaries were analysed and reviewed by four pathologists blinded to clinical data. An ovarian dysplasia score was devised to quantify extent of ovarian epithelial abnormalities. The degrees of ovarian epithelial abnormalities (dysplasia scores) were compared between the two groups., Results: Mean dysplasia score was significantly higher in Group A (prophylactic oophorectomies) than in Group B (control group) (9.67 vs. 4.19, P < 0.001). In Group A, we observed a gradation in the severity of the dysplastic lesions between (i) proven BRCA mutations and prophylactic oophorectomies without mutations (11.26 vs. 8.1), and (ii) according to age (10.27 after age 50 years vs. 8.6 before age 50 years, P = 0.2962)., Conclusion: These results suggest abnormalities in ovaries from high risk women. The ovarian dysplasia may be a pre-malignant, non-invasive histological lesion that could be an important step in early neoplasia.

Background: Ovarian epithelial dysplasia was first described after prophylactic oophorectomies for genetic risk. Ovarian stimulation has been considered as a risk factor of ovarian cancer by Fathalla's incessant ovulation theory. In this study, we have investigated the risk of ovarian dysplasia after ovulation induction., Methods: We reviewed 99 oophorectomies or cystectomies between 1990 and 2005 divided them into two groups: previous in vitro fertilization (n = 37) and a panel of fertile controls (n = 62). Eleven epithelial cytological and architectural features were defined and an ovarian epithelial dysplasia score was calculated to quantify the degree of ovarian epithelial abnormalities., Results: All the ovaries were macroscopically non-cancerous except in two patients (one endometrioid cancer and one borderline tumour). The mean ovarian dysplasia score was significantly higher in the ovulation induction group than in the control group (7.64 versus 3.62, P = 0.0002). We also found a relationship between the number of ovulation-inducted cycles and the severity of ovarian dysplasia ('dose-effect') and a relationship between time after the end of ovulation induction (over 7 years) and the severity of ovarian dysplasia ('time-effect')., Conclusions: There is probably a relationship between ovarian epithelial dysplasia and either ovulation inducing drugs or infertility. By Fathalla's incessant ovulation theory, 'the dose effect and the time effect' of ovarian stimulation may explain ovarian dysplasia formation.

Ovarian epithelial dysplasia has been described in the ovarian surface epithelium by histologic, morphometric and nuclear profile studies. It could represent a potential precursor of ovarian malignancy in patients with genetic risk of ovarian cancer, although its natural history and progression to carcinoma are unpredictable. Diagnosis and identification of ovarian dysplasia would certainly be useful to understand the early steps of ovarian carcinogenesis. However, dysplasia in relation with ovulation induction seems to have a different pattern. We report dysplasia definitions and the current clinical management.

Study Objective: To investigate postoperative peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer cells in a syngenic mouse model with and without controlled respiratory support (CRS)., Design: Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I)., Setting: Academic facility., Subjects: Sixty-four female C57BJ6 mice., Interventions: Mice were randomly divided into 4 surgical groups: anesthesia alone group; 2 carbon-dioxide pneumoperitoneum groups, 1 with low (2 mm Hg) and 1 with high (8 mm Hg) intraperitoneal pressure (IPP); and finally the laparotomy group. Each of the 4 groups was then subdivided into one group with CRS and the other without. Mouse ovarian cancer cells were injected intraperitoneally just before surgery., Measurements and Main Results: A laparotomy was performed to evaluate postoperative peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer cells on postoperative day 14. A computerized analysis system was then used to evaluate peritoneal dissemination. In the groups with CRS, the peritoneal dissemination score was significantly higher in the laparotomy and high IPP groups compared with anesthesia alone (p <.0001 vs laparotomy, p <.002 vs high IPP) and low IPP (p <.0002 vs laparotomy, p <.004 vs high IPP) groups. No significant difference was detected between the low IPP and anesthesia alone groups., Conclusion: Postoperative peritoneal dissemination of ovarian cancer cells is not promoted by a carbon-dioxide pneumoperitoneum with a low IPP in a mouse model with CRS when assessed on postoperative day 14.

Objective: With a prospective study, to evaluate the existence of two distinct clinical diseases in the endometriosis syndrome, by comparing pain symptoms and quality of life from patients with minimal endometriosis (AFS-R<5) and data from patients with severe disease (deep infiltrating nodules and/or ovarian endometrioma)., Patients and Methods: Patients with minimal disease (group A with AFS-R<5) and severe endometriosis (group B) are selected from the Auvergne Endometriosis Registry which started in January 2004. They have never been treated before for endometriosis. A surgical laparoscopic and a pathological diagnosis are required for the subjects to be included. Pelvic pain is assessed using a standardized questionnaire, and a visual analogue scale, quality of life using SF-36. The two groups are compared for the incidence and the severity of pelvic pain and for the impairment of their quality of life., Results: Forty-seven patients have a minimal disease, whereas 111 have a severe endometriosis. Demographic characteristics are similar in both groups. Quality of life (SF-36) and pelvic pains included chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, dysuria, and defecation disorders are as common and severe in both groups. However, dysmenorrhea is more affected in group B than in group A (p=0.03)., Discussion and Conclusion: We find no relationship between severity of symptoms, quality of life, and the extent of endometriotic lesions at surgery. There would be no differences between minimal and severe disease. It could be explained by different painful mechanisms between minimal and severe endometriosis.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of protein kinase C inhibition on surgically induced endometriosis in mice., Design: Prospective, randomized study., Setting: Academic facility., Animals: Sixty adult female C57BJ6 mice., Intervention(s): On day -7, oral gavage of a vehicle alone or of a protein kinase C inhibitor (100 mg/kg/day, once a day) was started and continued for 1 week in donor groups A and B, respectively. On day 0, uterine fragments from donor group A were implanted into recipient mice. Recipient mice were divided randomly into two groups: group 1 (vehicle) and group 2 (protein kinase C inhibitor). Uterine fragments from donor group B were implanted into recipient mice, and they were divided randomly into two groups: group 3 (vehicle) and group 4 (protein kinase C inhibitor). Oral gavage of a protein kinase C inhibitor (100 mg/kg/day, once a day) or vehicle was continued for 1 week., Main Outcome Measure(s): Presence and number of ectopic implants., Result(s): The number of mice that developed ectopic implants was significantly lower in groups 3 (40%) and 4 (30%) than in group 1 (100%). The number of ectopic implants was significantly lower in groups 2, 3, and 4 than in group 1., Conclusion(s): Protein kinase C inhibitor use partially prevented the development of ectopic implants in a mouse model of endometriosis.

Background: The outcome of in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been widely investigated over the last 30 years, but evaluation was mostly based on pregnancy rate per oocyte retrieval. Our objective was to estimate the cumulative live birth rate after four IVF aspirations, using multiple imputation that takes into account treatment interruptions., Methods: We analysed data from 3037 couples beginning IVF treatment between 1998 and 2002 in two French IVF units. Multiple imputations were used at each aspiration to impute the IVF outcome (delivery or not) for couples who interrupted treatment. The global success rate after four aspirations was then computed., Results: At the first aspiration, 21% of couples obtained a live birth and 24% discontinued treatment. The multiple imputation method provided an estimated cumulative live birth rate at each aspiration as if no couple discontinued treatment: 35% at the second aspiration and 41% at the third. The cumulative success rate after four aspirations was estimated at 46% (95% CI: 44-48%)., Conclusions: Multiple imputation is a promising method for estimating the cumulative success rate of IVF. It could provide new insight on IVF evaluation and should be tested in further studies.