"Can't Touch This!": Laparoscopic management of an obstructed uterus didelphys before and after treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the laparoscopic management of an obstructed uterus didelphys before and after treatment for pelvic inflammatory disease. To compare the appearance of pelvic organs during active infection with their appearance after washout and appropriate antibiotic treatment, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to abort a procedure. DESIGN: Video demonstration of surgical and medical management considerations during a complex pelvic surgery. Visualization of tissue healing that occurs with appropriate antibiotic treatment. SETTING: Academic Center. PATIENT: A patient who presents for definitive surgical management of a uterus didelphys with an obstruction at her right hemicervix. Her presentation is complicated by a tubo-ovarian abscess. INTERVENTION: A uterus didelphys is classically defined as two hemiuteri with duplicated cervices with or without a longitudinal vaginal septum. Uterus didelphys may have an obstruction and/or communication between the two uterine horns, in which case patients may present with complications such as cyclic pelvic pain from hematometra or genital tract infection. This is a case report of a 14-year-old G0 who presented to the emergency department with two weeks of vaginal bleeding, severe diffuse abdominal pain, and malodorous vaginal discharge. Transabdominal ultrasound and a magnetic resonance imaging of the pelvis established a new diagnosis of a uterus didelphys with an obstruction at her right hemicervix and a fistulous tract connecting her right and left hemiuteri at the level of the internal cervical os. She was also found to have a 3 cm left ovarian cyst and a new finding of congenital absence of her right kidney. Patient was administered ceftriaxone, doxycycline, and metronidazole antibiotics as treatment of presumed pelvic inflammatory disease but experienced minimal improvement after 24 hours. The decision was made to proceed with surgical intervention. A survey of the pelvis revealed significant inflammation, friable peritoneum, and endometriosis. The uterine horns in didelphic configurations were visualized. The fimbriae at the left fallopian tube were notably splayed out, swollen, and inflamed. There was a notable large mass in the location where the ovarian cyst had been previously described on imaging. A large amount of purulent material was expressed when compressed, consistent with a tubo-ovarian abscess. The infection likely originated from the menstrual blood collection at the right obstructed cervix that ascended through the communication between the right and left hemiuteri. The pelvis was irrigated thoroughly. At this point, the decision was made to stop the procedure, pursue antibiotic treatment, and resolve the active infection before correcting her complex müllerian anomaly. Patient continued on her antibiotic course, which included piperacillin-tazobactam, while hospitalized, followed by a five-day course of amoxicillin-clavulanate. She was also placed on medroxyprogesterone acetate for menstrual suppression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Advantage of allowing time for antibiotic treatment and tissue healing before repair of a complex müllerian anomaly. RESULT: With antibiotic treatment, she recovered well postoperatively with resolution of her pain. Three months later, she returned to the operating room for definitive surgical management of her obstructed uterine didelphys. On laparoscopy, there was a significant improvement in tissue quality. Most notably, the fimbriae of the left fallopian tube were no longer inflamed. We proceeded with the planned correction of the complex müllerian anomaly. After resection of the right uterine horn, the fistula tract was identified and also resected. The defect in the right hemicervix was closed over, reinforcing the medial side of the left hemicervix. She had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery, and menses resumed without pain. CONCLUSIONS: The presented case provides unique insight into the tissue healing that occurs before and after antibiotic treatment. Knowing when to stop, especially in the setting of an active infection, is extremely important for performing a procedure safely, minimizing harm, and allowing for robust tissue repair. It is also important to optimize modifiable preoperative factors before correcting a complex müllerian anomaly. Assessing and reassessing the situation during a complex pelvic surgery is essential, especially in the setting of a complex müllerian anomaly where the preoperative examination and imaging may not be definitive.

Optimal antimüllerian hormone levels in oocyte donors: a national database analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between high antimüllerian hormone (AMH) levels in oocyte donors and embryo development and pregnancy outcomes among donor oocyte recipients. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Donor Egg Bank Database. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization using vitrified donor oocytes from 35 in vitro fertilization centers in the United States between 2013 and 2021. For each recipient, the first oocyte lot that was received with a planned insemination and embryo transfer (ET) was included. INTERVENTION: Oocyte donor-recipient cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ongoing pregnancy rate (OPR) per ET. RESULTS: A total of 3,871 donor oocyte-recipient thaw cycles were analyzed. On the basis of donor AMH serum concentration, cycles were stratified into the high AMH group (AMH ≥5 ng/mL; n = 1,821) and the referent group (AMH <5 ng/mL; n = 2,050). Generalized estimating equation models were used to account for donors that contributed more than one lot of oocytes. The number of usable embryos per lot (median [interquartile range]) was significantly increased in the high AMH group (2 [2-4]) compared with the referent group (2 [1-3]) (relative risk [RR] 1.06; confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.12). Among recipients with a planned ET, there was no difference in OPR between the high AMH group (45.4%) and the referent group (43.5%) (RR 1.04; 95% CI 0.94-1.15). Among preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy cycles, the embryo euploidy rate per biopsy was similar at 66.7% (50%-100%) in both groups (RR 1.04; CI 0.92-1.17). The OPR per euploid ET among patients who used preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy was also comparable, at 52% in the high AMH group and 54.1% in the referent group (RR 0.95; CI 0.74-1.23). CONCLUSION: This large national database study observed that there was no association between a high level of AMH (≥5 ng/mL) in oocyte donors and an OPR in the recipient after the first ET. On the basis of these findings, recipients and physicians can be reassured that oocyte donors with a high AMH level can be expected to produce outcomes that are at least as good as donors with an AMH level (<5 ng/mL).

Reproductive surgery: revisiting its origins and role in the modern management of fertility.

For years, reproductive surgery was the mainstay of reproductive care. With the evolution and ultimate success of in vitro fertilization (IVF), reproductive surgery became an adjuvant therapy, indicated mainly for severe symptoms or to enhance success rates with assisted reproductive technologies. As success rates for IVF have plateaued, and emerging data rekindles the enormous benefits of surgically correcting reproductive pathologies, there is renewed interest among reproductive surgeons in reviving research and surgical expertise in this area. In addition, new instrumentation and surgical techniques to preserve fertility have gained traction and will solidify the need to have skilled reproductive endocrinology and infertility surgeons in our practice.

Antimüllerian hormone is not associated with embryo ploidy in patients with and without infertility undergoing in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between antimüllerian hormone (AMH) and embryo ploidy rates in 2 cohorts of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): the general population of women pursuing IVF with PGT-A (Infertile cohort) and women pursuing IVF with preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) owing to the risk of hereditary monogenic diseases (Non-infertile cohort). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing their first cycle of IVF with trophectoderm biopsy and PGT-A or PGT-A and PGT-M in our center between March 2012 and June 2020. Patients of advanced maternal age according to the Bologna criteria (age ≥40 years) and patients who underwent fresh embryo transfers were excluded. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Proportion of euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid embryos per cycle. RESULT(S): "Infertile" (n = 926) and "Non-infertile" (n = 214) patients were stratified on the basis of AMH levels, with low-AMH defined as <1.1 ng/mL in accordance with the Bologna criteria. Age-adjusted regression models showed no relationship between AMH classification and proportion of euploid, mosaic, and aneuploid embryos in the Infertile or Non-infertile cohorts. In the Infertile cohort, no association between AMH classification and embryo ploidy rates was identified in a subgroup analysis of patients aged <35 years, 35-37 years, and 38-39 years. These findings persisted in a sensitivity analysis of infertile patients stratified into AMH (ng/mL) quartile categories. CONCLUSION(S): No association was found between AMH and the proportion of euploid, mosaic, or aneuploid embryos in 2 large cohorts of patients undergoing IVF with PGT-A (Infertile patients) or PGT-A and PGT-M (Non-infertile patients), suggesting that a quantitative depletion of ovarian reserve does not predict the ploidy status of the embryo cohort.

A framework approach for hysteroscopic uterine septum incision: partial and complete.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate safe and efficient techniques for hysteroscopic partial and complete uterine septum incisions with radiofrequency electrosurgery. Review of these techniques may be particularly helpful for a surgical trainee or a less experienced hysteroscopic surgeon. DESIGN: Video instruction of the hysteroscopic uterine septum incision techniques. SETTING: Academic hospital setting. PATIENT(S): One patient with a partial uterine septum and 1 patient with a complete uterine septum and a duplicated cervix (2 distinct external cervices) (1). INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopic partial and complete uterine septum incisions with a 7-mm unipolar knife electrode. Importantly, the demonstrated techniques can be performed using any hysteroscopic cutting instrument with which the surgeon is comfortable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Surgical techniques that can be used to safely and efficiently incise a uterine septum and determine when the incision is complete. RESULT(S): For a partial uterine septum, surgical techniques include uterine septum shortening, uterine septum thinning, and measurement of the residual septum length with the operating instrument to determine when the incision is complete. Visualization of the tubal ostia should be used throughout the procedure to maintain a horizontal incision plane. For a complete uterine septum with a duplicated cervix, we additionally demonstrate how to make a window through the septum at the level of the internal os to incise the uterine body portion while preserving the tissue wall inferiorly that separates the duplicated cervices. CONCLUSION(S): Uterine septum incision is typically a short procedure that can be successfully performed with operative hysteroscopy. However, if a systematic approach is not followed, the surgeon can quickly and unknowingly become disoriented, resulting in inadvertent uterine perforation, incomplete septum incision, or excessive septum incision causing myometrial thinning, which has been shown to increase the risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy. In practice, the choice of technique used for septum incision should be made intraoperatively and will depend on the septum size and shape. Often, septum shortening, thinning, and residual measurement are best used in combination to achieve a successful result. Surgeons will find the use of these techniques helpful to maintain intraoperative orientation and provide a framework to guide adequate removal of either a partial or complete uterine septum.

Determining the optimal follicle size at trigger in patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with a clomiphene citrate plus gonadotropin and GnRH antagonist protocol for in-vitro fertilization.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper was to determine the optimal follicle size at trigger in clomiphene citrate-based in vitro fertilization (IVF) protocols. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study performed in at a single academic institution that included first IVF cycles with clomiphene citrate-based protocols at our center between 01/01/2013 and 03/31/2019. Patients were dichotomized by whether they had ≥2 follicles >20 mm on trigger day. Group A consisted of patients with <2 follicles >20 mm on trigger day and Group B consisted of patients with ≥2 follicles >20 mm on trigger day. The primary outcome was the number of mature oocytes retrieved. Secondary outcomes included pregnancy and live birth rates. RESULTS: A total of 635 patients were included: (Group A=399 patients and Group B=236 patients). The median (IQR) diameter of the largest follicle was 20.0 mm (19.0-21.0) in Group A and 22.7 mm (21.8-24.0) in Group B (P<0.001). Among the entire cohort, mean number of oocytes retrieved was significantly higher in Group B (9.9±6.5; RR 1.08 [95% CI 1.03-1.14]) compared to Group A (9.2±6.3). In a subgroup analysis of patients in the upper quartile for age (≥41.7 years), Group B had significantly more oocytes retrieved (8.1±5.9 vs. 6.7±4.5; RR 1.23 (95% CI 1.10-1.38]), more mature oocytes retrieved (6.0±4.0 vs. 5.2±3.4; RR 1.16 [95% CI 1.02-1.33]), and more zygotes (4.7±3.5 vs. 3.6±2.8; RR 1.32 [95% CI 1.13-1.55]). In the secondary analysis, pregnancy and live birth rates after fresh transfer were similar between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In clomiphene citrate-based IVF protocols, administering the ovulatory trigger at larger follicle sizes yielded more total oocytes retrieved without a significant difference in mature oocyte number. In older patients, larger follicle sizes at trigger yielded more mature oocytes and zygotes per retrieval. Based on these results, in older patients it may be advantageous to administer the ovulatory trigger in clomiphene-based IVF cycles when two or more follicles measures >20 mm. However, this benefit was not observed when assessed among all ages combined.

Length of estradiol exposure >100 pg/ml in the follicular phase affects pregnancy outcomes in natural frozen embryo transfer cycles.

STUDY QUESTION: Do the length of follicular phase estradiol exposure and the total length of the follicular phase affect pregnancy and live birth outcomes in natural frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles? SUMMARY ANSWER: An estradiol level >100 pg/ml for ≤4 days including the LH surge day is associated with worse pregnancy and live birth outcomes; however, the total length of the follicular phase is not associated with pregnancy and live birth outcomes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: An estradiol level that increases above 100 pg/ml and continues to increase is indicative of the selection and development of a dominant follicle. In programmed FET cycles, a limited duration of follicular phase estradiol of <9 days results in worse pregnancy rates, but a prolonged exposure to follicular phase estradiol for up to 4 weeks does not affect pregnancy outcomes. It is unknown how follicular phase characteristics affect pregnancy outcomes in natural FET cycles. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective cohort study included infertile patients in an academic hospital setting who underwent their first natural frozen autologous Day-5 embryo transfer cycle in our IVF clinic between 01 January 2013 and 31 December 2018. Donor oocyte and gestational carrier cycles were excluded. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: The primary outcomes of this study were pregnancy and live birth rates. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the cohorts' median number of days from the estradiol level of >100 pg/ml before the LH surge: Group 1 (≤4 days; n = 1052 patients) and Group 2 (>4 days; n = 839 patients). Additionally, patients were stratified into two groups based on the cohorts' median cycle day of LH surge: Group 1 (follicular length ≤15 days; n = 1287 patients) and Group 2 (follicular length >15 days; n = 1071 patients). A subgroup analysis of preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidies (PGT-A) embryo transfer cycles was performed. Logistic regression analysis, adjusted a priori for patient age, number of embryos transferred, and use of PGT-A, was used to estimate the odds ratio (OR) with a 95% CI. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: In the length of elevated estradiol analysis, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was statistically significantly lower in patients with an elevated estradiol to surge of ≤4 days (65.6%) compared to patients with an elevated estradiol to surge of >4 days (70.9%; OR 1.30 (95% CI 1.06-1.58)). The live birth rate per embryo transfer was also statistically significantly lower in patients with an elevated estradiol to surge of ≤4 days (46.6%) compared to patients with an elevated estradiol to surge of >4 days (52.0%; OR 1.23 (95% CI 1.02-1.48)). In the follicular phase length analysis, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer was similar between patients with a follicular length of ≤15 days (65.4%) and patients with a follicular length of >15 days (69.0%; OR 1.12 (95% CI 0.94-1.33)): the live birth rate was also similar between groups (45.5% vs 51.5%, respectively; OR 1.14 (95% CI 0.97-1.35)). In all analyses, once a pregnancy was achieved, the length of the follicular phase or the length of elevated oestradiol >100 pg/ml no longer affected the pregnancy outcomes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The retrospective design of this study is subject to possible selection bias in regard to which patients at our clinic were recommended to undergo a natural FET compared to a fresh embryo transfer or programmed FET. To decrease the heterogeneity of our study population, we only included patients who had blastocyst embryo transfers; therefore, it is unknown whether similar results would be observed in patients with cleavage-stage embryo transfers. The retrospective nature of the study design did not allow randomized to a specific ovarian stimulation or ovulation trigger protocol. However, all patients were managed with the standardized protocols at a single center, which strengthens the external validity of our results when compared to a study that only evaluates one specific stimulation protocol. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our observations provide cycle-level characteristics that can be applied during a natural FET cycle to help optimize embryo transfer success rates. Physicians should consider the parameter of number of days that oestradiol is >100 pg/ml prior to the LH surge when determining whether to proceed with embryo transfer in a natural cycle. This cycle-specific characteristic may also help to provide an explanation for some failed transfer cycles. Importantly, our findings should not be used to determine whether to recommend a natural or a programmed FET cycle for a patient, but rather, to identify natural FET cycles that are not optimal to proceed with embryo transfer. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No financial support, funding, or services were obtained for this study. The authors do not report any potential conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: N/A.

Unilateral Obstructed Müllerian Anomalies: A Series of Unusual Variants of Known Anomalies.

BACKGROUND: Obstructed Müllerian anomalies in adolescents can be grouped into complete outflow obstruction or unilateral outflow obstruction. The challenge with unilateral obstructions is that diagnosis can be delayed for weeks to years, as menstruation occurs normally through the patent side and thus obstruction is often not initially considered in the differential diagnosis. CASES: In this case series, we present 3 unusual and challenging cases of unilateral Müllerian obstructions in adolescent female patients, along with strategies for diagnosis and management. Each case involves a unique variation of a recognized Müllerian anomaly that was initially misdiagnosed, leading to a significant delay in definitive diagnosis and treatment. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: These cases highlight that even among the well-described Müllerian anomalies, there can be unusual variations. Patients who do not respond to initial management or who develop new symptoms should be further evaluated to confirm the correct diagnosis Tools that may be helpful in making the correct diagnosis include imaging studies that use contrast dye to better delineate cavities and their connections, magnetic resonance imaging with a radiologist experienced in Müllerian anomalies, and an examination under anesthesia. A definitive diagnosis is critical to the successful management of these conditions, and individualized management plans are required for each patient depending on their specific anomaly and their preferences for treatment.

Body mass index is not associated with embryo ploidy in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between body mass index (BMI) and embryo aneuploidy and mosaicism in a cohort of patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) with trophectoderm biopsy for preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) using next-generation sequencing technology. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing their first IVF cycle with trophectoderm biopsy and PGT-A at our center between January 1, 2017, and August 31, 2020. Patients classified as underweight on the basis of BMI (BMI <18.5 kg/m2) and patients who underwent fresh embryo transfers were excluded. INTERVENTION: None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number and proportion of aneuploid, mosaic, and euploid embryos. RESULTS: The patients were stratified according to the World Health Organization's BMI classification: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2, n = 1,254), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2, n = 351), and obese (≥30 kg/m2, n = 145). Age-adjusted regression models showed no relationship between BMI classification and the number or proportion of aneuploid embryos. There were no statistically significant associations between BMI classifications and the number or proportion of mosaic or euploid embryos. A subgroup analysis of patients classified into age groups of <35, 35-40, and >40 years similarly showed no relationships between BMI and embryo ploidy outcomes. CONCLUSION: Body mass index was not associated with the number or proportion of aneuploid, mosaic, or euploid embryos in this large cohort of patients undergoing IVF with PGT-A, suggesting that the negative effect of excess weight on reproductive outcomes was independent of the ploidy status of the embryo cohort.

Chronic endometritis in women with suspected retained products of conception and their reproductive outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether women who underwent operative hysteroscopy for suspected retained products of conception (rPOC) have histopathologic evidence of chronic endometritis (CE). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): One hundred and eleven women who underwent operative hysteroscopy for suspected rPOC between 2016 and 2018. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Evidence of CE on histopathology and subsequent reproductive outcomes. RESULT(S): One hundred and eleven women with retained products of conception were included in our study of which 26 (23.4%) were diagnosed with CE. Women without CE had a higher median gravidity (1 vs. 2, p = .021) and a higher median number of prior pregnancy losses (1 vs. 2 prior losses, p = .005) compared to those with CE. Subsequent pregnancy data were available for 63 women. There was no difference in the subsequent pregnancy rate (61.5 vs. 54%, p = .626) between those with and without CE. Once pregnant, miscarriage (37.5 vs. 25.9%, p = .524) and live birth rates (50 vs. 44.4%, p = .782) were similar between the groups. Women with CE received antibiotics 57.7% of the time, the most common of which was doxycycline (46.6%). Of the women with CE who received antibiotics (n = 10), 8 became pregnant, and 4 of whom went on to have a live birth. CONCLUSION(S): Nearly 1 in 4 women undergoing hysteroscopy for rPOC was incidentally diagnosed with CE. It is not clear whether CE is a causative agent for retained products or a response to the pregnancy loss. In this cohort, a diagnosis of CE did not negatively impact subsequent reproductive outcomes.

Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy with Undetectable Initial Serum ß-Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Level.

We present a case of a tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP) in a patient with an initially undetectable serum ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) level. A 33-year-old woman in a same-sex relationship underwent timed donor intrauterine insemination. Her serum ß-hCG level was <5 mIU/mL 14 days after the intrauterine insemination. She reported menstrual bleeding 3 days after her negative pregnancy test and returned to the office 10 days later to begin a new treatment cycle. Her serum levels of estradiol, progesterone, and ß-hCG were 119 pg/mL, 6.1 ng/mL and 1157 mIU/mL, respectively. Transvaginal ultrasonography did not show an intrauterine pregnancy. Her ß-hCG level increased to 1420 mIU/mL the next day. She was diagnosed with a pregnancy of unknown location and treated with methotrexate. Her ß-hCG levels continued to increase despite 3 methotrexate doses, necessitating laparoscopy. The diagnostic laparoscopy demonstrated approximately 100 mL of hemoperitoneum in the posterior cul-de-sac with an intact right fallopian tube that was dilated at its distal end by the EP. A total right salpingectomy was performed. Her ß-hCG level was <5 mIU/mL 3 weeks later. The current case supports that although rare, an undetectable serum ß-hCG level does not completely rule out the diagnosis of an EP.

Creation of a novel inflatable vaginal stent for McIndoe vaginoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To describe how to create an inflatable vaginal stent for use in McIndoe vaginoplasty that can be constructed using standard operating room supplies. DESIGN: Step-by-step video instructions that demonstrate how to construct and use an inflatable vaginal stent. (This video article was exempt from institutional review board approval.) SETTING: Academic hospital. PATIENT(S): A woman presenting with vaginal agenesis requiring a McIndoe vaginoplasty for the creation of a neovagina. INTERVENTION(S): A novel inflatable vaginal stent compliant with operating room procedures that is radio-opaque, functional, and can be used for patients with or without a functional uterus. The device is modeled after the effective inflatable vaginal stent that was previously commercially available but is no longer produced. Although a vaginal stent may be created in the operating room by placing surgical sponges inside a sterilized condom, many operating rooms have restrictions on equipment that can be brought into the operating room and special criteria for how to sterilize this equipment, and there are also restrictions against leaving non-radio-opaque objects "inside" the patient. The novel inflatable vaginal stent we have developed has multiple advantages compared with a rigid dilator: it is deflatable, so it does not cause trauma or interrupt the delicate tissue graft during insertion, removal, or repositioning; it is firm enough to conform and circumferentially press the tissue graft against the dissected vaginal space but is soft enough to decrease the risk of pressure necrosis or damage to the urethra; and it has a drainage port to prevent the buildup of a fluid pocket that could interfere with graft adherence. Our stent incorporates all these unique properties and can be easily constructed using sterile operating room supplies. The construction of this device requires a silicone Foley catheter, sterile foam sponges from a vaginal prep kit, a sterile radio-opaque sponge, a sterile vaginal ultrasound probe cover, a long Kelly, a 60-cc catheter tip syringe, a ruler, scissors, 0-vicryl suture, and sterile gloves. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Effectiveness of a self-made inflatable vaginal stent using standard operating room supplies that meets operating room protocol standards. RESULT(S): A standard dose of prophylactic antibiotics should be administered preoperatively to prevent surgical site infection. After placement of the tissue graft in the dissected neovagina cavity, the vaginal stent is placed and slowly inflated to circumferentially apply the tissue graft against the dissected vaginal space. The stent remains in place for 7 days and then should be removed in the operating room to allow for an examination under anesthesia, which provides the ideal setting to best evaluate the initial graft adherence. After careful inspection of the neovagina and tissue graft, a standard silicone vaginal mold is placed to maintain vaginal patency and prevent stricture of the tissue graft. The silicone mold should remain in place continuously until complete graft adherence occurs (approximately 4 to 6 weeks), and then it can be worn nightly until the patient is regularly sexually active. If at any point the patient discontinues nightly use of the silicone mold before regular sexual activity, vaginal stricture and a decrease in vaginal caliber will occur. CONCLUSION(S): Our novel inflatable vaginal stent is useful to surgeons performing a McIndoe vaginoplasty for vaginal agenesis with or without a uterus. It is compliant with operating room protocols and restrictions, as it is constructed from operating room supplies and is radio-opaque. Moreover, it is adjustable in size and effective in applying circumferential pressure for graft adherence. When used for segmental vaginal agenesis, the Foley catheter may be advanced through the cervix, then the balloon can be inflated, to stabilize the position of the stent during the first week postoperatively. The main limitation of this device is that it must be constructed by the surgeon, but the advantage of self-constructing the stent is that the size and shape can be tailored to conform to each individual patient. We prefer this inflatable vaginal stent to a rigid vaginal dilator in the first week of tissue healing to allow for easy insertion and removal of the stent without disrupting the tissue graft, to help prevent tissue necrosis, and to provide a fluid drainage port during graft adherence. We recommend this device as an ideal option for surgeons to consider when performing a McIndoe vaginoplasty.

Gynecological Cancers Caused by Deficient Mismatch Repair and Microsatellite Instability.

Mutations in mismatch repair genes leading to mismatch repair (MMR) deficiency (dMMR) and microsatellite instability (MSI) have been implicated in multiple types of gynecologic malignancies. Endometrial carcinoma represents the largest group, with approximately 30% of these cancers caused by dMMR/MSI. Thus, testing for dMMR is now routine for endometrial cancer. Somatic mutations leading to dMMR account for approximately 90% of these cancers. However, in 5-10% of cases, MMR protein deficiency is due to a germline mutation in the mismatch repair genes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, or EPCAM. These germline mutations, known as Lynch syndrome, are associated with an increased risk of both endometrial and ovarian cancer, in addition to colorectal, gastric, urinary tract, and brain malignancies. So far, gynecological cancers with dMMR/MSI are not well characterized and markers for detection of MSI in gynecological cancers are not well defined. In addition, currently advanced endometrial cancers have a poor prognosis and are treated without regard to MSI status. Elucidation of the mechanism causing dMMR/MSI gynecological cancers would aid in diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. Recently, a new immunotherapy was approved for the treatment of solid tumors with MSI that have recurred or progressed after failing traditional treatment strategies. In this review, we summarize the MMR defects and MSI observed in gynecological cancers, their prognostic value, and advances in therapeutic strategies to treat these cancers.

Women's health providers' perspectives on preimplantation genetic testing.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What are the perspectives of women's health providers on the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) for common medical disorders? DESIGN: A cross-sectional 15-question online anonymous survey was conducted of women's health providers specializing in general obstetrics/gynaecology, gynaecologic oncology and infertility at a tertiary care academic institution in Massachusetts, USA. Respondents could answer 'yes', 'no' or 'unsure' to each thematic question. RESULTS: The survey was sent to 1060 providers and 240 providers responded (response rate 22.6%). Overall, 93% of respondents supported the use of PGT for the identification of genetic mutations which lead to childhood-onset disease, 83% supported the use of PGT for chromosomal aneuploidy screening, and 76% supported the use of PGT for cancer-related genetic disorders. Only 1.7% of respondents supported the use of PGT for non-disease-related indications, including sex selection and physical traits. Compared with general obstetrics/gynaecology providers, infertility specialists were more supportive of PGT. In total, 22.5% of respondents reported no prior knowledge of PGT. CONCLUSIONS: In a sample of women's health providers across multiple different obstetrics/gynaecology specialties, there was overall support for the use of PGT for a variety of common indications. Infertility specialists were the most supportive, which may reflect the familiarity that these providers have with this procedure. There was an overwhelmingly non-supportive response for the use of PGT for non-disease-related indications. The percentage of medical professionals working in women's health without prior knowledge of PGT (22.5%) was higher than expected, identifying the need for more education regarding the availability and potential indications for this procedure.

The effect of endometriosis on the antimüllerian hormone level in the infertile population.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of endometriosis in infertile women without prior ovarian surgery influences markers of ovarian reserve, AMH and FSH. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included three groups of women who presented for IVF treatment at our tertiary care center from 04/27/2015 to 05/31/2017: women with endometriosis and prior ovarian surgery (EnSx), women with endometriosis without prior ovarian surgery (En), and women with a primary diagnosis of male factor infertility (MF; reference group). RESULTS: There were 671 patients that met inclusion criteria (78 EnSx, 60 En, and 533 MF). Compared to the MF group (3.6 ± 3.0), a lower mean AMH level (ng/mL) was observed in the EnSx group (2.5 ± 2.5; aß - 1.21; 95% CI [- 1.79, -0.62]) and in the En group (2.5 ± 2.2; aß - 1.11; 95% CI [- 1.68, - 0.54]). Both endometriosis groups had a statistically significantly higher proportion of patients with an AMH < 1 (EnSx, 24.4%; OR, 2.39 [95% CI, 1.31, 4.36]; En, 28.3%; OR, 2.67 [95% CI, 1.41, 5.08]) compared to the MF group (13.9%). The mean baseline FSH level (lU/L) was statistically significantly higher in both endometriosis groups (EnSx, 8.6 ± 4.3; ß, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.39, 2.34]; En, 8.4 ± 3.7; ß, 0.96 [95% CI, 0.04, 1.87]) compared to the MF group (7.3 ± 2.2). CONCLUSIONS: Among infertility patients with endometriosis, with and without a history of ovarian surgery, ovarian reserve markers were worse (lower AMH and higher FSH) and a higher proportion had decreased ovarian reserve as measured by AMH compared to women with MF.

Effect of class III and class IV obesity on oocyte retrieval complications and outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of class III (body mass index [BMI] 40-49.9 kg/m2) and class IV obesity (BMI ≥ 50 kg/m2) on oocyte retrieval complications and outcomes. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Academic center. PATIENT(S): Women who underwent an oocyte retrieval from January 1, 2012 to May 31, 2017. Women with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 (n = 144) were age-matched to women with BMI <25, 25-29.9, 30-34.9, and 35-39.9 kg/m2 (n = 1,016). INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Anesthetic and procedural outcomes during oocyte retrieval. RESULT(S): Overall, 1,924 of 1,947 oocyte retrievals (98.8%) were performed under total intravenous anesthesia. No patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 required intraoperative conversion to endotracheal intubation or hospital admission. Two patients (0.8%) with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 required a laryngeal mask airway intraoperatively owing to oxygen desaturation. An oral/nasal airway was used to resolve oxygen desaturation in 16 patients (6.25%) with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, compared with in 17 patients (1.0%) with BMI < 40 kg/m2. As BMI increased, a statistically significant increase in propofol dose, fentanyl dose, and procedure time was observed. Eighteen patients (7.0%) with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 underwent a transabdominal retrieval, compared with 15 (0.9%) with BMI < 40 kg/m2. CONCLUSION(S): Serious intraoperative and postoperative complications were uncommon across all BMI groups, though minor complications were more common with class III and class IV obesity. These patients were also more likely to require higher doses of propofol and fentanyl, have longer oocyte retrievals, and require a transabdominal retrieval. Overall, oocyte retrieval can be safely performed as an outpatient procedure in women with class III and class IV obesity.

Association between peak estradiol levels and ovarian torsion among symptomatic patients receiving gonadotropin treatment.

PURPOSE: Ovarian torsion is a surgical emergency that can be clinically challenging to diagnose. Patients who have received assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are a subset of women with an increased risk for torsion. As the ART population continues to increase, there is a need to delineate risk factors for the development of ovarian torsion in this unique population. A pilot study was performed to determine the proportion of patients with suspected ovarian torsion who have received ART and to identify possible diagnostic biomarkers for ovarian torsion among these patients. METHODS: A single institution retrospective cohort study of patients taken to surgery for suspected ovarian torsion over a 5-year period. RESULTS: During the study period, 171 patients were taken to surgery for suspected ovarian torsion. Patients receiving ART constituted 19 (11%) of these patients. Among the 19 fertility treatment patients, 16 had received treatment with gonadotropins, 10 of which had surgically confirmed ovarian torsion. These ten patients had higher preoperative peak estradiol levels (3122 versus 1875 pg/mL, p = 0.05) and a larger ovarian diameter (9.7 versus 7.6 cm, p = 0.05) than the six patients receiving gonadotropins found to not have ovarian torsion. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest infertility treatment using gonadotropins for ovarian hyperstimulation may be an independent risk factor for ovarian torsion as suggested by the disproportionate number of such individuals represented in the study population (9% of all patients, 84% of fertility patients). Additionally, among women taking gonadotropins, an association exists between peak estradiol levels, ovarian diameter, and risk for ovarian torsion.