The 10 "Cardinal Sins" in the Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment of Endometriosis: A Bayesian Approach.

Evidence-based data for endometriosis management are limited. Experiments are excluded without adequate animal models. Data are limited to symptomatic women and occasional observations. Hormonal medical therapy cannot be blinded if recognised by the patient. Randomised controlled trials are not realistic for surgery, since endometriosis is a variable disease with low numbers. Each diagnosis and treatment is an experiment with an outcome, and experience is the means by which Bayesian updating, according to the past, takes place. If the experiences of many are similar, this holds more value than an opinion. The combined experience of a group of endometriosis surgeons was used to discuss problems in managing endometriosis. Considering endometriosis as several genetically/epigenetically different diseases is important for medical therapy. Imaging cannot exclude endometriosis, and diagnostic accuracy is limited for superficial lesions, deep lesions, and cystic corpora lutea. Surgery should not be avoided for emotional reasons. Shifting infertility treatment to IVF without considering fertility surgery is questionable. The concept of complete excision should be reconsidered. Surgeons should introduce quality control, and teaching should move to explain why this occurs. The perception of information has a personal bias. These are the major problems involved in managing endometriosis, as identified by the combined experience of the authors, who are endometriosis surgeons.

Demonstration of Isthmocele Surgical Repair.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the surgical treatment of a uterine isthmocele. DESIGN: Demonstration of the laparoscopic technique with narrated video footage. SETTING: Cesarean section rate has been increasing despite the World Health Organization's recommendation of a maximum 15%, with some countries reaching rates as high as 50%. The choice of delivery method is a complex topic based on physical and psychologic health, social and cultural context, and quality of maternity care. With the increasing number of cesarean sections, a new entity was recognized, the isthmocele [1]. A uterine isthmocele is a dilatation of the uterine cesarean scar and functions as a reservoir collecting blood during menstruation. Isthmocele prevalence ranges from 19% to 84%[2]. The most frequent complaint relates to intermittent postmenstrual bleeding (30%). Isthmocele can be a cause of infertility and pelvic pain [3]. Interstitial pregnancy is a known complication with a mortality rate up to 2.5%. The diagnosis can be made by transvaginal ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging but also by hysteroscopy or hysterosalpingography. Treatment can be done by controlling the symptoms with oral combined contraceptive (decreasing metrorrhagia) or with surgical correction improving symptoms and/or fertility [4-7]. Isthmocele correction seems to improve secondary infertility in patients in whom a fertility workup did not find other cause [8,9]. Surgical approach can be done by vaginal route with hysteroscopy; abdominal route with laparoscopy, robotic or laparotomy; or through a combine procedure with both routes. Hysterectomy is the definitive treatment, but for those who want to preserve fertility, isthmocele correction can be offered. For laparoscopic surgery, several ways have been described to detect the isthmocele such as Foley catheter, hysteroscopy, methylene blue, and Hegar probe. When we do laparoscopy, we prefer concomitant use of hysteroscopy. There is a trending opinion that patients with a smaller isthmocele could be treated hysteroscopically (2.5 mm according to Jeremy et al [10] and 3.0 mm described by Marotta et al [11]). The goal of hysteroscopy correction is to remove the inflammatory infiltration in the endocervix, cutting the superior and inferior edges of the defect enabling normal blood evacuation of the uterus. By contrast, those with a larger isthmocele (with <2.5-3.0-mm residual myometrium) and a risk of perforation during hysteroscopy could be better treated by laparoscopy. This is especially important in patients interested in pregnancy because of the risk of uterine perforation [12]. There is still no strong evidence that hysteroscopic correction leads to an increased number of uterine ruptures compared with laparoscopy, but myometrium thickness seems to be greater after laparoscopic correction. Myometrium thickness is an independent risk factor for uterine rupture [13], and therefore, laparoscopic correction is preferred over hysteroscopic in women with a pregnancy desire. Finally, after surgical correction of an isthmocele, we recommend a 6-month interval before attempting pregnancy. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic treatment is important in women who are symptomatic, have thin endometrium, and desire a pregnancy. Key strategies are (1) dissection of the vesicouterine pouch laterally to avoid entering the bladder wall; (2) transillumination with hysteroscopy; (3) cut with cold scissors avoiding thermal damage of remaining myometrium; and (4) suture with figure 8 in multiple layers. No evidence of using a specific suture is available. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of a uterine isthmocele is a good option in women who are symptomatic and infertile. Laparoscopic treatment guided by hysteroscopy is a good option if residual myometrium is <3 mm.

Obturator Internus Muscle Endometriosis with Nerve Involvement: a Rare Clinical Presentation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe our surgical approach in a rare case of deep infiltrating endometriosis of the obturator internus muscle with obturator nerve involvement. DESIGN: A step-by-step surgical explanation using video and literature review (Canadian Task Force Classification III). SETTING: Endometriosis can be pelvic or rarely extrapelvic and is classically defined as the presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity [1,2]. Pain along the sensitive area of the obturator nerve, thigh adduction weakness and difficulty in ambulation are extremely rare presenting symptoms [2-4]. PATIENT: We report a case of a 32-year-old patient who presented with cyclic leg pain in the inner right thigh radiating to the knee caused by a cystic endometriotic mass in the obturator internus muscle with nerve retraction. The patient provided informed consent to use the surgical video. Institutional review board approval was obtained. INTERVENTIONS: Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging was performed and confirmed a nodular lesion of about 2.3 cm with high signal on T1WI and T2WI and without fat suppression on T2FS inside the right obturator internus muscle, suggesting an endometriotic lesion (Fig. 1). Surgical removal of the mass was performed using the laparoscopic approach. A normal pelvic cavity was found, and the retroperitoneal space was dissected. A mass located within the right obturator internus muscle, below the right iliac external vein, behind the corona mortis vein, and lateral to the right obturator nerve was identified. The whole region was inflamed, and the nerve was partially involved. Dissection was performed carefully with rupture of the tumor, releasing a chocolatelike fluid (Fig. 2), and the cyst was removed. Pathology examination was consistent with endometriosis. Patient improvement was observed, with pain relief and improved ability for right limb mobilization. No recurrence of endometriosis was found at the follow-up visit 6 months later. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The obturator nerve is responsible for motor and sensitive innervation of the joins and internal muscles of thigh and knee as well as the innervation of skin in the internal thigh. Pain along the sensitive area of the obturator nerve at the time of menstruation, thigh adduction weakness, difficulty ambulating, or paresthesia can be presenting symptoms with the involvement of the obturator nerve [5]. Besides paresthesia, our patient presented all the symptoms. The suspected diagnosis of obturator internus muscle endometriosis with retraction of the obturator nerve was confirmed by laparoscopic surgery and pathological examination of the excised tissue. To our knowledge, only 4 cases of endometriosis involving the obturator nerve have been described (according to MEDLINE searched in January 2017) [5-8]. The laparoscopic approach provided an excellent access to the retroperitoneal space, allowing fine dissection of the obturator nerve and the surrounding structures with complete removal of the cystic mass. CONCLUSION: We report a rare case of endometriosis with a single mass located inside the right obturator internus muscle with neuronal involvement of the obturator nerve. The fundamental role of laparoscopy was clearly demonstrated for the diagnosis and treatment of our patient.

Treatment for Uterine Isthmocele, A Pouchlike Defect at the Site of a Cesarean Section Scar.

An isthmocele appears as a fluid pouchlike defect in the anterior uterine wall at the site of a prior cesarean section and ranges in prevalence from 19% to 84%, a direct relation to the increase in cesarean sections performed worldwide. Many definitions have been suggested for the dehiscence resulting from cesarean sections, and we propose standardization with a single term for all cases-isthmocele. Patients are not always symptomatic, but symptoms typically include intermittent abnormal bleeding, pain, and infertility. Pregnancy complications that result from an isthmocele include ectopic pregnancy, low implantation, and uterine rupture. Magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal ultrasound are the gold standard imaging techniques for diagnosis. Surgical treatment of an isthmocele is still a controversial issue but should be offered to symptomatic women or the asymptomatic patient who desires future pregnancy. When surgery is the treatment choice, laparoscopy guided by hysteroscopy, hysteroscopy alone, or vaginal repair are the best options depending on the isthmocele's characteristics and surgeon expertise.

MRI for adenomyosis: a pictorial review.

Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial glands and stroma within the myometrium. It is a disease of the inner myometrium and results from infiltration of the basal endometrium into the underlying myometrium. Transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the main radiologic tools for this condition. A thickness of the junctional zone of at least 12 mm is the most frequent MRI criterion in establishing the presence of adenomyosis. Adenomyosis can appear as a diffuse or focal form. Adenomyosis is often associated with hormone-dependent lesions such as leiomyoma, deep pelvic endometriosis and endometrial hyperplasia/polyps. Herein, we illustrate the MRI findings of adenomyosis and associated conditions, focusing on their imaging pitfalls. TEACHING POINTS: • Adenomyosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrium within the myometrium. • MRI is an accurate tool for the diagnosis of adenomyosis and associated conditions. • Adenomyosis can be diffuse or focal. • The most established MRI finding is thickening of junctional zone exceeding 12 mm. • High-signal intensity myometrial foci on T2- or T1-weighted images are also characteristic.

Mini-Laparoscopy for Removal (Partial) of Adnexae at the Time of Hysterectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate our technique of mini-laparoscopic adnexectomy or salpingectomy at the time of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH). DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of our technique. SETTING: The advantages of laparoscopic surgery have been widely recognized, including improved visualization and exposure, reduced operative trauma owing to smaller incisions and gentler tissue handling, and faster postoperative recovery. Continuing technological developments have allowed the use of smaller-caliber instruments while maintaining a high standard of surgical performance. Mini-laparoscopy requires the use of 3-mm or smaller ports. The main advantage of mini-laparoscopy is the reduced incision size, which can translate into a lower incidence of incision-related complications such as postoperative pain, infection, and trocar site herniation, along with superior cosmetic results. Today, in younger patients, prophylactic salpingectomy can be considered instead of adnexectomy, taking into account the well-known benefits of ovarian conservation. Prophylactic salpingectomy involves Fallopian tube removal for primary prevention of epithelial carcinoma of the fallopian tubes, ovaries, and peritoneum in women undergoing pelvic surgery for another indication. Other advantages of this intervention are the avoidance of hydrosalpinx (which affects ∼30% women after hysterectomy), the 7.8% lifetime risk of revision surgery [1], tubal infection, and benign and malignant Fallopian tube tumors. Finally, salpingectomy has no known physiological side effects, is safe and feasible, does not worsen surgical outcomes, does not significantly increase the operative time, and is not related to increased rates of intraoperative and postoperative complications or readmission. INTERVENTIONS: The patient is a 44-year-old woman with a history of 2 previous cesarean sections with adenomyosis and endometriosis infiltration of the uterosacral ligaments. After discussion about the risks and benefits of ovarian conservation with prophylactic salpingectomy versus adnexectomy, the patient opted to preserve her ovaries. A TLH with partial removal of the uterosacral ligaments nodules and prophylactic bilateral salpingectomy was performed. To begin, the patient was placed in lithotomy position with Allen stirrups at an angle of approximately 100 degrees. Standard trocar placement was used. A 5- or 10-mm 0° scope was placed at the level of the umbilicus and three 3-mm skin incisions were made for accessory lower quadrant trocar placement: 2 lateral, approximately 3 cm medial to the anterior superior iliac spine, and 1 suprapubic, slightly higher than the line made by the lateral trocars, ensuring that the distance between this port and the camera trocar exceeded 8 cm. This triangulation of the accessory ports allowed for good ergonomics for the surgeon. The procedure continued with abdominopelvic cavity inspection and bilateral transperitoneal ureter identification and eventual adhesiolysis, and then the following steps: The instruments used were a 10-mm scope, a 3-mm bipolar forceps, 3-mm cold scissors, a 3-mm suction-irrigation device and 3-mm grasping forceps. CONCLUSION: Mini-laparoscopy is an alternative to classic laparoscopy associated with greater patient satisfaction. Prophylactic salpingectomy has proven to reduce the risk of ovary, peritoneal, and tubal epithelial carcinomas as well as benign tubal diseases, and does not significantly increase the operative time or the incidence of postoperative complications.

Endometriosis and Ascites: A Strategy to Achieve Pregnancy.

Deep endometriosis presenting with ascites and preserved fertility is an unusual combination. This report describes a unique case of deep endometriosis and primary infertility, with a successful pregnancy after an optimal surgical approach and personalized ovarian stimulation protocol for in vitro fertilization, which shows the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in these patients.

Acute abdomen in pregnancy due to isolated Fallopian tube torsion: The laparoscopic treatment of a rare case.

In the last years, operative laparoscopy became a standard approach in gynaecology and general surgery. Even in pregnancy its use is becoming more widely accepted. In fact, it offers advantages similar to those in no pregnant women, associated with good maternal and fetal outcomes. Around 0.2% of pregnant women require abdominal surgery. The most common indications of laparoscopy in pregnancy are cholelithiasis complications, appendicitis, persistent ovarian cyst and adnexal torsion. Authors describe a very rare case of acute abdomen due to isolated Fallopian tube torsion in a 24(th) weeks pregnant woman, managed by laparoscopic salpingectomy.

Bowel complications of deep endometriosis during pregnancy or in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To review bowel complications caused by deep endometriosis during pregnancy or in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN: Three case reports and a systematic review. SETTING: A tertiary referral center for deep endometriosis surgery. PATIENT(S): Three case reports of bowel perforation or occlusion during pregnancy caused by deep endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S): A PubMed search was conducted to identify complications of deep endometriosis during pregnancy or IVF. The literature search identified 13 articles. According to these, 12 articles described 12 bowel complications caused by progression of deep endometriosis during pregnancy, and 1 article described six cases of bowel occlusion during IVF. RESULT(S): In 12 of 15 women, complications occurred during the third trimester of pregnancy, whereas 3 of 15 women presented with complications in the postpartum period. All complications during IVF occurred during stimulation. No specific factors that could predict these complications were identified, leading to the conclusion that endometriosis complications that occur in pregnancy or in IVF patients are probably underreported. CONCLUSION(S): Bowel complications during pregnancy or IVF stimulation may occur in women with deep endometriosis. This suggests that the endocrine environment of pregnancy does not prevent progression, at least in some women. These complications are rare, although probably underreported.

Post-hysterectomy vaginal haemorrhage: a case report.

Vaginal endometriosis is characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue in the vagina. In this paper the authors present an unusual case of post-hysterectomy vaginal cuff endometriosis.