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OBJECTIVE: To study the pathophysiology of endometriosis. DESIGN: Overview of observations on endometriosis. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): None. INTERVENTIONS(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The hypothesis is compatible with all observations. RESULT(S): Endometriosis, endometrium-like tissue outside the uterus, has a variable macroscopic appearance and a poorly understood natural history. It is a hereditary and heterogeneous disease with many biochemical changes in the lesions, which are clonal in origin. It is associated with pain, infertility, adenomyosis, and changes in the junctional zone, placentation, immunology, plasma, peritoneal fluid, and chronic inflammation of the peritoneal cavity. The Sampson hypothesis of implanted endometrial cells following retrograde menstruation, angiogenic spread, lymphogenic spread, or the metaplasia theory cannot explain all observations if metaplasia is defined as cells with reversible changes and an abnormal behavior/morphology due to the abnormal environment. We propose a polygenetic/polyepigenetic mechanism. The set of genetic and epigenetic incidents transmitted at birth could explain the hereditary aspects, the predisposition, and the endometriosis-associated changes in the endometrium, immunology, and placentation. To develop typical, cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis lesions, a variable series of additional transmissible genetic and epigenetic incidents are required to occur in a cell which may vary from endometrial to stem cells. Subtle lesions are viewed as endometrium in a different environment until additional incidents occur. Typical cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis lesions are heterogeneous and represent three different diseases. CONCLUSION(S): The genetic epigenetic theory is compatible with all observations on endometriosis. Implications for treatment and prevention are discussed. ispartof: FERTILITY AND STERILITY vol:111 issue:2 pages:327-340 ispartof: location:United States status: published

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of a nonsurgical treatment for cervical pregnancy (CP) and cesarean section scar pregnancy (CSP). DESIGN Retrospective clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification III). SETTING Private assisted reproductive technology practice. PATIENTS Nineteen women with CP (n = 16) or CSP (n = 3), including 6 patients with positive fetal heartbeat. INTERVENTION Transvaginal local injection of absolute ethanol (AE) into the hyperechoic ring (lacunar space) around the gestational sac under ultrasound guidance. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) was measured at frequent intervals, and ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging was used to observe the gestational sac. In 9 patients, the serum β-hCG level was effectively reduced with a single AE injection at 2 hours. In the remaining 10 patients, the level decreased but then increased in 4 and slowly decreased in the other 6; all of these 10 patients required 2 to 5 repeat AE injections. In all patients, serum β-hCG level was reduced by 50% within 3 days and decreased to

The histological definition of endometriosis does not take into account surgical observations as vascularization and depth of infiltration.

Before the modern era of in vitro fertilization, reproductive surgery to deal with pelvic disease was the key intervention in the management of infertility. A series of clinical observations and animal experiments led to the development of microsurgical principles, which were applicable to all forms of gynecologic surgery. The evolution of endoscopy permitted minimally invasive approaches to most pelvic pathology. Assisted reproductive techniques now have primacy in the management of infertility, but women deserve to have fertility-enhancing or fertility-sparing surgery performed by a surgeon with relevant training. Thus, we have an obligation to maintain formal training programs in reproductive surgery.

BackgroundTo review women with symptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of estrogen intake or excessive systemic endogenous production.DesignSeven case reports and a systematic review of the literature from 1995 till February 2018.ResultsOnly 7 case reports from the authors and 29 cases from the literature described women with either cystic ovarian or deep endometriosis. Severity, symptoms, and localization are highly variable. No case report describes symptomatic superficial typical lesions. In 22 of 36 women (61%), symptoms started more than 10 years after menopause.ConclusionsSymptomatic and clinically progressive endometriosis after menopause in the absence of increased systemic estrogen concentrations or exogenous estrogen intake starts more than 10 years after menopause in the majority of women. This observation suggests that a genetic and/or epigenetic incident caused estrogen-independent progression, increased sensitivity to estrogens or increased local production of estrogens. This observation is important for understanding the pathophysiology of endometriosis, for the management of postmenopausal endometriosis, and for individualization of medical therapy of endometriosis since estrogen-independent endometriosis growth probably also occurs before menopause.

Introduction and hypothesis We aimed to compare differences between laparoscopic lateral suspension with mesh (LLS) performed with supracervical hysterectomy (LLSHE) and without hysterectomy (LLSUP). Methods We retrospectively collected data from women operated by a single surgeon between 2003 and 2011. From a total of 339 women with symptomatic anterior and/or apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and an intact uterus, 224 had LLSUP (70.4%) and 94 had LLSHE (29.6%). Three hundred and sixteen patients were examined at 1 year. Primary outcomes were objective and subjective success at 1 year during clinical evaluation. Secondary outcomes were complications (Clavien-Dindo scale) and mesh exposure. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by telephone interview using a 10-point scale and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale (PGI-I). Results LLSUP and LLSHE did not differ for age (mean 57 and 55 years, respectively), preoperative status, complications, and participation at the interview (52 vs 53%). LLSHE is associated with higher mesh exposure (6.5 vs 1.3%, p = 0.014) and more frequent use of Mersilene. Titanium-coated and noncoated polypropylene was more frequently used in LLSUP. At 1 year, both anatomic success rate for the anterior compartment (98.7 vs 94.6%, p = 0.021) and subjective success rate (83.5 vs 72.8%, p = 0.035) were higher for LLSUP. Without hysterectomy, patients more often improved (90.5 vs 76.5%, p = 0.013) and would more frequently recommend the procedure (94.5 vs 80.4%, p = 0.004). Conclusions LLS with or without hysterectomy is a safe technique with high patient satisfaction. The uterus-preserving approach appears to result in better anatomic outcome for the anterior compartment, better subjective outcome, and higher patient satisfaction. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00192-018-3678-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

"Microsurgery" is a set of principles developed to improve fertility surgery outcomes. These principles were developed progressively based on common sense and available evidence, under control of clinical feedback obtained with the use of second-look laparoscopy. Fertility outcome was the end point; significant improvement in fertility rates validated the concept clinically. Postoperative adhesion formation being a major cause of failure in fertility surgery, the concept of microsurgery predominantly addresses prevention of postoperative adhesions. In this concept, magnification with a microscope or laparoscope plays a minor role as technical facilitator. Not surprisingly, the principles to prevent adhesion formation are strikingly similar to our actual understanding: gentle tissue handling, avoiding desiccation, irrigation at room temperature, shielding abdominal contents from ambient air, meticulous hemostasis and lavage, avoiding foreign body contamination and infection, administration of dexamethasone postoperatively, and even the concept of keeping denuded areas separated by temporary adnexal or ovarian suspension. The actual concepts of peritoneal conditioning during surgery and use of dexamethasone and a barrier at the end of surgery thus confirm without exception the tenets of microsurgery. Although recent research helped to clarify the pathophysiology of adhesion formation, refined its prevention and the relative importance of each factor, the clinical end point of improvement of fertility rates remains demonstrated for only the microsurgical tenets as a whole. In conclusion, the principles of microsurgery remain fully valid as the cornerstones of reproductive microsurgery, whether performed by means of open access or laparoscopy.

A surgical trauma results within minutes in exudation, platelets, and fibrin deposition. Within hours, the denuded area is covered by tissue repair cells/macrophages, starting a cascade of events. Epithelial repair starts on day 1 and is terminated by day 3. If repair is delayed by decreased fibrinolysis, local inflammation, or factors in peritoneal fluid, fibroblast growth starting on day 3 and angiogenesis starting on day 5 results in adhesion formation. For adhesion formation, quantitatively more important are factors released into the peritoneal fluid after retraction of the fragile mesothelial cells and acute inflammation of the entire peritoneal cavity. This is caused by mechanical trauma, hypoxia (e.g., CO 2 pneumoperitoneum), reactive oxygen species (ROS; e.g., open surgery), desiccation, or presence of blood, and this is more severe at higher temperatures. The inflammation at trauma sites is delayed by necrotic tissue, resorbable sutures, vascularization damage, and oxidative stress. Prevention of adhesion formation therefore consists of the prevention of acute inflammation in the peritoneal cavity by means of gentle tissue handling, the addition of more than 5% N 2 O to the CO 2 pneumoperitoneum, cooling the abdomen to 30°C, prevention of desiccation, a short duration of surgery, and, at the end of surgery, meticulous hemostasis, thorough lavage, application of a barrier to injury sites, and administration of dexamethasone. With this combined therapy, nearly adhesion-free surgery can be performed today. Conditioning alone results in some 85% adhesion prevention, barriers alone in 40%–50%.

The indications for reproductive surgery in the era of assisted reproductive technology (ART) are twofold: (1) primary treatment of tubo-ovarian disease, adhesions, and other pelvic pathologies to give the patient the opportunity to achieve spontaneous conception and (2) treatment of uterine, adnexal, and other conditions that would adversely affect the outcome of assisted reproduction.

We are fascinated these days to read Poidevin’s prediction which has been realized in full. He wrote in 1961: “A prediction of the acceptable rate in 10 years’ time would neither be prudent nor, in itself, of any real importance. Some individual obstetricians have already arrived at the stage when cesarean section delivery is resorted to all women deviating at all from the bounds of accepted normality. This policy quickly brings the rate up to 20 per cent or more. There are, furthermore, those enthusiasts who go almost the whole way in order to protect the pelvic floor and lower genitals from natural childbirth! For those who fear the cesarean section rate will “get out of hand,” let me predict that this tendency will automatically be corrected by one factor—uterine morbidity. Uterine morbidity should no longer be crudely judged by the incidence of uterine rupture subsequent to cesarean section the thinking of the next decade should be more delicate. The next decade should see a more critical attitude toward the uterine wound, particularly, as this group in the general population will continue to grow. A reassessment of operative techniques is indicated and modifications will undoubtedly be attempted” [1].

Background Microsurgical tenets and peritoneal conditioning during laparoscopic surgery (LS) decrease postoperative adhesions and pain. For a trial in human, the strong beneficial effects of N2O needed to be confirmed in open surgery (OS). Results In a mouse model for OS, the effect of the gas environment upon adhesions was evaluated. Experiment I evaluated desiccation and the duration of exposure to CO2, N2O or CO2 + 4%O2. Experiment II evaluated the dose-response curve of adding N2O to CO2. Experiment III compared humidified CO2 + 10% N2O during LS and OS. In OS, 30- and 60-min exposure to non-humidified CO2 caused mortality of 33 and 100%, respectively. Mortality was prevented by humidification, by dry N2O or dry CO2 + 4%O2. Adhesions increased with the duration of exposure to CO2 (p 2. N2O strongly decreased adhesions at concentrations of 5% or greater. With humidified CO2 + 10% N2O, adhesion formation was similar in OS and LS. Conclusions The drug-like and strong beneficial effect of low concentrations of N2O is confirmed in OS.

Evidence based medical and surgical therapies of endometriosis remain debated. A discussion of their limitations and pitfalls might help the clinician.

The health care and the emotional cost of postoperative adhesions that frequently cause chronic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction, and repeat surgery are well known. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of adhesion formation and of its prevention has evolved from good surgical practice based on microsurgical principles, barriers to keep denuded areas separated to the prevention of mesothelial cell damage and of acute inflammation in the entire peritoneal cavity. Oxidative stress, in the surgical lesions and in the peritoneal cavity has an important role in adhesion formation by slowing down repair. This has resulted in virtually adhesion-free surgery, in addition with less CO2 resorption, less postoperative pain, and a faster recovery. The clinical efficacy had been demonstrated by higher pregnancy rates (PRs) using microsurgical tenets.

Background Microsurgical tenets and peritoneal conditioning during laparoscopic surgery (LS) decrease postoperative adhesions and pain. For a trial in human, the strong beneficial effects of N2O needed to be confirmed in open surgery (OS). Results In a mouse model for OS, the effect of the gas environment upon adhesions was evaluated. Experiment I evaluated desiccation and the duration of exposure to CO2, N2O or CO2 + 4%O2. Experiment II evaluated the dose-response curve of adding N2O to CO2. Experiment III compared humidified CO2 + 10% N2O during LS and OS. In OS, 30- and 60-min exposure to non-humidified CO2 caused mortality of 33 and 100%, respectively. Mortality was prevented by humidification, by dry N2O or dry CO2 + 4%O2. Adhesions increased with the duration of exposure to CO2 (p

Objective To review the current understanding of the role the uterus plays in embryo implantation and to outline congenital anomalies and acquired diseases that impact normal uterine function. Design The publications related to the embryo implantation, Mullerian anomalies, uterine polyps, uterine synechiae, and myomas were identified through Medline and reviewed. Conclusion(s) Congenital anomalies and acquired diseases of the uterus may negatively impact on the complex processes of embryo implantation. Hysteroscopic surgery to correct uterine septa, intrauterine synechiae, and myomas that distort the uterine cavity may benefit women with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. The effect of endometrial polyps on fertility is uncertain, but their removal, once identified, is justifiable. Complex congenital anomalies such as unicornuate uterus and uterus didelphys may negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcome, and surgical treatment may benefit select patients.

Assisted reproductive techniques yield high rates of success for women with tubal factor infertility. Because they are potentially effective for all categories of infertility, for two decades, clinical and basic research in infertility has been focused on IVF techniques and outcomes, rather than developing surgical techniques or training infertility subspecialists in tubal microsurgery. Nonetheless, in comparison with IVF, reconstructive tubal surgery is inexpensive and offers multiple opportunities to attempt conception. Performing laparoscopic salpingostomy prior to IVF in women with good prognosis tubal disease may improve the outcome of subsequent IVF, while offering the potential for spontaneous conception. Tubo-tubal anastomosis for reversal of tubal ligation, performed either by a microsurgical technique through a mini-laparotomy or by laparoscopy, is preferable to IVF in younger women with no other fertility factors, because it offers potentially higher cumulative pregnancy rates. Surgery is the only alternative for women with tubal factor infertility who for personal or other reasons are unable to undergo assisted reproductive techniques. Tubal reconstructive surgery and assisted reproductive techniques must be considered complementary forms of treatment for women with tubal factor infertility, and training in tubal reconstructive surgery should be an integral part of subspecialty training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility.

Laparoscopic ovarian drilling is a relatively simple procedure performed by minimal access and usually on an outpatient basis. It provides an alternative treatment option for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients anovulatory to clomiphene citrate. The mechanism of action of laparoscopic ovarian drilling is unclear; its beneficial effect is apparently due to destruction of the androgen-producing stroma. The procedure appears to have little or no effect on insulin sensitivity and lipoprotein profile. The majority (56-94%) of PCOS patients who are clomiphene citrate resistant ovulate after drilling, and at least half of them go on to achieve a pregnancy. Predictive factors for pregnancy are younger age and lower body mass index. The endocrine changes resulting from ovarian drilling last for an extended period of time. Exogenous gonadotrophin treatment and laparoscopic ovarian drilling appear to yield comparable ovulation and pregnancy rates; however, multiple pregnancy is rare with drilling. There are several complications associated with the procedure, including post-operative periadnexal adhesion formation. Alternative treatment options, including lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) and metformin, may well reduce the need for ovarian drilling in well-selected cases. Progress in understanding of this complex syndrome and effective new treatments will further diminish the need for surgery.

Objective To investigate the effect of the introduction of laparoscopic surgery on the use of traditional techniques of hysterectomy. Design A retrospective study of hysterectomies performed for benign uterine disease, between August 1991 and July 1997. Setting University hospital. Subjects Patients requiring hysterectomy for benign uterine disease without prolapse or pelvic floor relaxation. Interventions 359 hysterectomies including vaginal (n = 211), laparoscopically assisted vaginal (n = 56), and abdominal (n = 92). Results The main indications for hysterectomy were profuse uterine bleeding and pelvic pain; uterine fibroids were a common occurrence (87%). There were no statistical differences between the mean ages of the patients in the three groups. The mean parity was significantly lower (P = 0.04) for patients undergoing abdominal hysterectomy (AH) (1.3 ± 1.4) than for those whose surgery was either vaginal (2 ± 1.5) or laparoscopic (1.8 ± 1.6) . Before the introduction of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) (1989–90), the rates of vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and abdominal hysterectomy (AH) in our department were, respectively, 42% and 58%. In the initial 3 years of the study period, the rate of abdominal hysterectomy stayed stable around 30%, then dropped gradually to 18% (P

We conducted a prospective, longitudinal study to assess the efficacy of a new laparoscopic hysteropexy technique in alleviating pelvic pain. Subjects were 50 women of reproductive age with chronic pelvic pain or dyspareunia in whom the only clinical finding was uterine retroversion who underwent laparoscopic uterine suspension using three-stitch technique. There were no intraoperative complications. The only postoperative complication was abdominal pain in one woman. The technique was effective in relieving symptoms in these patients. Of the 22 women who had associated infertility for longer than 3 years, 10 became pregnant within 1 year after surgery. This benefit, however, is likely due to couples' improved sex life rather than change in surgical axis of the uterus.

Objective : To review the diagnostic and therapeutic roles of laparoscopy in women of reproductive age with acute and chronic pelvic pain. Data Identification : Studies relating to the use of laparoscopy in women with acute and chronic pelvic pain were identified through the literature and MEDLINE searches. Conclusion(s) : Laparoscopy has an important place in the management of conditions that cause acute pelvic pain in women of reproductive age, including ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, tubo-ovarian abscess, and adnexal torsion. The procedure frequently facilitates the diagnosis and provides the necessary access for surgical treatment. Prompt diagnosis and effective management prevent complications and help preserve fertility. The role of laparoscopy in women with chronic pelvic pain is more controversial and limited, but abnormal laparoscopic findings are detected in approximately 60% of those who have undergone a multidisciplinary investigation and received a tentative clinical diagnosis. The access provided by laparoscopy permits the effective surgical treatment of many of the conditions encountered, including endometriosis, pelvic adhesions, ovarian lesions, and symptomatic uterine retroversion.

Laparoscopic treatment of tubal pregnancy is safe and effective. It permits performance of both radical and conservative procedures. Irrespective of the mode of access, conservative procedures carry the risk of retention of trophoblastic tissue. Systemic methotrexate administration is effective in the treatment of retained trophoblastic tissue, especially if the diagnosis is made early, preferably within the first postoperative week. The subsequent reproductive outcome appears to be the same, irrespective of the mode of access (laparotomy or laparoscopy) by which the procedure is done.

Endometrial ablation is indicated when a woman with excessive uterine bleeding has, completed childbearing, been shown to suffer from dysfunctional bleeding, has exhausted all reasonable nonsurgical alternatives and would previously have been offered a hysterectomy. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is an integral part of the investigation of such a patient. Its primary function is to identify intrauterine lesions which might, if treated alleviate the need for ablation, or if untreatable, constitute contraindications to ablation. This chapter describes in detail the indications for and contraindications to, ablation. A short description of the medical management of dysfunctional bleeding is given. The instruments, technique and hysteroscopic findings which may be encountered are discussed.

Summary This chapter describes the surgical management of uterine fibroids and tubal disease using laparoscopy as a means of access. In both instances the discussion is restricted to attempts to enhance fertility. Myomectomy and tubal reconstructive surgery are totally different procedures and each is discussed separately. Fibroids While it is recognized that fibroid tumours are commonly associated with infertility, it is not yet clear if there is a cause and effect relationship. Earlier data derived from open abdominal surgery suggests that 20–59% of patients will conceive within 1 year following surgery. It is unclear, however, how many of these patients would have conceived if surgery had not been performed. It is clear that myomectomy is the preferred treatment for a patient with large symptomatic fibroids who wishes to retain her potential fertility. Laparoscopic surgery is contraindicated if there are four or more fibroids over 3 cm in diameter or lesions which are greater than 10 cm in mean diameter. Laparoscopic myomectomy is only suitable for subserous fibroids and intramural lesions. The preoperative investigation of these patients is described, as is the use of medical suppressant treatment preoperatively. Three surgical techniques are considered: the removal of subserous fibroids, the removal of intramural fibroids and myolysis. Attention is paid to the surgical detail, and particularly to the removal of these lesions from the abdominal cavity. Myolysis is a new technique in which subserous and intramural fibroids of up to 10cm in diameter are reduced by drilling holes in the tissue using the Nd-YAG laser. This last therapy is experimental and a small follow-up series has shown recurrence of dense fibrous adhesions in many patients. At present no long-term follow-up studies are available of laparoscopically treated patients, and the effect on fertility enhancement must await the publication of further studies. It is now proven conclusively that laparoscopic myomectomy is feasible, but it is still unclear whether or not it is the appropriate procedure when the indication is to restore or maintain fertility. Tubal surgery The only measure of successful fertility-promoting tubal surgery is the delivery of a healthy infant. The principles by which the best effects can be achieved have been established by the pioneering microsurgeons. Most of these principles can be observed using laparoscopy as the means of access. It should be noted that laparoscopic suturing is awkward and time-consuming, which may compromise proper alignment and approximation of tissue planes. These limitations may improve with advances in instrumentation. One or more of the following procedures may be performed: salpingo-ovariolysis, fimbrioplasty, salpingostomy and tubotubal anastomosis. The chapter describes in detail the surgical techniques of these four procedures. The results of both the authors and other surgeons who have reported their data are described. When laparoscopic salpingo-ovariolysis is performed, the intrauterine pregnancy rate varies between 21 and 62% and the tubal pregnancy rate from 4 to 7.5%. Fimbrioplasty results in an intrauterine pregnancy rate between 26 and 50% and a tubal gestation rate of 5 to 13%. The yield in this and in the salpingo-ovariolysis groups is similar to that reported by microsurgeons. This justifies the use of laparoscopic access as a primary approach in these circumstances. Laparoscopic salpingostomy has yielded published intrauterine pregnancy rates varying between 18 and 29% and ectopic gestation rates of 3 to 11%. These results appear somewhat inferior to those obtained by microsurgery. Nevertheless, the laparoscopic approach, which can be affected at the time of diagnostic laparoscopy, has distinct advantages because of reduced discomfort and costs, prompt recovery and the avoidance of a second procedure. Tubotubal anastomosis is usually performed to reverse a previous sterilization, but may also be necessary to repair the effects to mid-tubal occlusion. Microsurgical repair is relatively easy to perform through a minilaparotomy. These patients can be admitted on the day of surgery and can be discharged 24h after admission. The results of laparoscopically performed tubotubal anastomosis have so far been disappointing and it may be that at this point laparoscopic tubal anastomosis cannot approach the results obtained by laparotomy.

Fertility-promoting procedures are among the most frequently performed laparoscopic procedures. Some of the procedures have a relatively long history, with good documentation of technique, efficacy and effectiveness. On the other hand, many are experimental, in development or relatively new and lacking supportive clinical data.

BACKGROUND Although hysteroscopy is frequently used in the management of subfertile women, a systematic review of the evidence on this subject is lacking. METHODS We summarized and appraised the evidence for the benefit yielded by this procedure. Our systematic search was limited to randomized and controlled studies. The QUOROM and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Language restrictions were not applied. RESULTS We identified 30 relevant publications. Hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps with a mean diameter of 16 mm detected by ultrasound doubles the pregnancy rate when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy and polyp biopsy in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination, starting 3 months after the surgical intervention [relative risk (RR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-3.2]. In patients with one fibroid structure smaller than 4 cm, there was a marginally significant benefit from myomectomy when compared with expectant management (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.7). Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus resulted in fewer pregnancies in patients with subfertility when compared with those with recurrent pregnancy loss (RR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Randomized controlled studies on hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine adhesions are lacking. Hysteroscopy in the cycle preceding a subsequent IVF attempt nearly doubles the pregnancy rate in patients with at least two failed IVF attempts compared with starting IVF immediately (RR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5-2.0). CONCLUSIONS Scarce evidence on the effectiveness of hysteroscopic surgery in subfertile women with polyps, fibroids, septate uterus or intrauterine adhesions indicates a potential benefit. More randomized controlled trials are needed before widespread use of hysteroscopic surgery in the general subfertile population can be justified. ispartof: Human Reproduction Update vol:16 issue:1 pages:1-11 ispartof: location:England status: published

Female genital prolapse and urinary incontinence / , Female genital prolapse and urinary incontinence / , کتابخانه دیجیتال جندی شاپور اهواز

Two treatment options are available to women who wish to become pregnant after having had tubal sterilization: microsurgical reversal or IVF. The first approach is designed to restore tubal function, whereas the second replaces it. The first, to be successful, requires the presence of sufficient tubal length and normal or treatable fertility parameters. Treatment should therefore be individualized, based upon the findings of the couple's investigation, their wishes and the costs involved. The age of the female is the most important factor that affects the outcome with both treatment options. The live birth rate per cycle with IVF is 28%, but only 65.8% are singletons; 31.0% are twins and 3.2% triplets or more. Microsurgical tubal anastomosis yields a birth rate that exceeds 55%, without increased risk of multiple pregnancy. It offers the couple multiple cycles in which to achieve conception naturally, and the opportunity to have more than one pregnancy from a single intervention. The real dilemma lies with the 'industrialization' of IVF, and its frequent use as primary treatment for infertility. The dilemma is heightened by the fact that reconstructive tubal microsurgery is being taught and practised less and less, thereby eliminating this credible surgical option in most centres.

Electrodesiccation or chemical agents, such as thrombin and fibrin sealant, may be used to control oozing in the peritoneal cavity, Electrodesiccation is time consuming and associated with adjacent thermal damage. Adhesion formation remains a concern with the use of thrombin and fibrin sealant. In this study, adhesion formation and various histological parameters of inflammation were evaluated following haemostasis with electromicrodesiccation or thrombin in the rabbit model (n = 36), Following laparotomy, the right uterine horn was subjected to a measured injury producing sufficient oozing. After the injury was effected, the animals were randomized to haemostasis with electromicrodesiccation (n = 18) or thrombin (n = 18), In the first phase of the study, the histological parameters of acute injury and haemostasis with either modality were evaluated in two animals in each group. In the second phase, one, two and 10 animals, in each group, were submitted to second-look laparotomy on post-operative days 2, 7, and 15, respectively and the type and extent of adhesions were quantified. Histological parameters of inflammation as well as the type and extent of adhesions were comparable between the two groups. We conclude that local application of thrombin is not associated with a statistically greater degree of post-operative adhesions when compared to electromicrodesiccation.

In vitro fertilization/embryo transfer (IVF/ART) results have shown significant improvements during the last decade. In the United States the rate of live births per cycle improved gradually to become 27% in 2001. Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are increasingly being used for the treatment of tubal factor infertility. In this review the data are derived largely from our department, where we have treated sufficient numbers of patients and have maintained substantial consistency in our surgical techniques. This 3-part review demonstrates a high success rate of intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) after anastomosis for sterilization reversal. This rate, for those who are35 years of age at the time of reversal, is70%, with most pregnancies occurring within 18 months after surgery. Those who are 35 years of age or more will have a 55% rate of IUP. We note, too, the satisfactory IUP rate (50%) after tubocornual anastomosis for proximal tubal disease. We document the beneficial role of laparoscopic salpingoovariolysis, fimbrioplasty and salpingostomy performed during the initial diagnostic laparoscopy. The IUP rates after salpingoovariolysis and fimbrioplasty are 60% and 50%, respectively. The rates of IUP for salpingostomy are modest in comparison, yet they are 25% for liberal use of salpingostomy during the preliminary laparoscopy. Salpingostomy also provides a beneficial effect upon embryo implantation in both in vivo and in vitro attempts at conception. This stresses the need for an appropriate preliminary investigation and for the subsequent diagnostic laparoscopy to be performed at a center able to perform these procedures. The evidence suggests that surgery should retain its place in the treatment of tubal infertility. Surgery and ART are complementary approaches that can be used singly or in combination to improve the outcome for couples with tubal infertility.

Objective To evaluate the reproductive outcome of hysteroscopic metroplasty performed in women with septate uterus and otherwise unexplained primary infertility. Design Prospective, observational study. Setting Tertiary center for reproductive medicine. Patient(s) Sixty-one patients with uterine septa and otherwise unexplained primary infertility. Intervention(s) Hysteroscopic division of the uterine septum. Main outcome measure(s) Reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic metroplasty. Result(s) Of 61 women, 25 (41%) conceived within 8–14 (mean 11.2) months after hysteroscopic metroplasty. Of these, 18 (29.5% of the total group) had live births (13 carried to term and 5 had preterm deliveries), and 7 (11.5% of the total group) had spontaneous abortions. Cervical cerclage was performed in 9 women; only 1 (11.1%) of these patients and 4 (44.4%) of the 9 who did not have a cerclage had preterm deliveries. Twelve of the 18 women (66.6%) who had live births were delivered by cesarean section. Conclusion(s) Women with uterine septum and otherwise unexplained infertility might benefit from hysteroscopic metroplasty.