Perforated Stress Ulcer of the Duodenum: a Case of an Unexpected Diagnosis in a COVID-19 Patient Following Dilatation and Curettage Procedure.

Background: Stress ulcers in the upper gastrointestinal tract can arise from pathologies related to erosive or inflammatory insults in critically ill patients. The relationship between stressful bodily events and the ischemia and perforation of stress ulcers is poorly understood. Objective: We present a case of perforated stress ulcer following an abortion that was treated by dilatation and curettage (D&C) and complicated by a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Case presentation: A 40-year-old lady presented to the emergency room complaining of diffuse abdominal pain, she was recently diagnosed with an incomplete abortion and managed via a D&C procedure in an external hospital. A computed tomography (CT) scan was done at our center for the abdomen and pelvis, showing extensive pneumoperitoneum, which brought the radiologist's attention to suspect a small bowel perforation presumably accompanying a uterine perforation secondary to the D&C. There were no obvious signs of pelvic small bowel perforation in the initial CT images. The perforated duodenal stress ulcer was diagnosed the next day by a new CT scan following oral contrast ingestion and managed surgically by repair and omental patch, and no other bowel perforations were found upon surgical exploration. After the surgery, the patient was diagnosed with COVID-19, and her clinical status deteriorated gradually during the following week, and she passed away from a cardiac arrest. Conclusion: It is unclear whether septic abortion or COVID-19 has resulted in stress ulcer perforation in our patient. This case report highlights the importance of raising early suspicion in the diagnosis of stress ulcer perforation in critically ill patients to reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality.

MRI-based scoring model to predict massive hemorrhage during dilatation and curettage in patients with cesarean scar pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To construct a scoring model based on MRI signs to predict massive hemorrhage during dilatation and curettage in cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MRIs of CSP patients admitted to a tertiary referral hospital between February 2020 and July 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. The included patients were randomly assigned to the training and validation cohorts. The univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were adopted to identify the independent risk factors for massive hemorrhage (the amount of bleeding ≥ 200 ml) during the dilatation and curettage. A scoring model predicting intraoperative massive hemorrhage was established where each positive independent risk factor was assigned 1 point, and the predictive power of this model was evaluated both in the training and validation cohorts via the receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 187 CSP patients were enrolled, who were divided into the training cohort (31 in 131 patients had massive hemorrhage) and validation cohort (10 in 56 patients had massive hemorrhage). The independent risk factors for intraoperative massive hemorrhage included cesarean section diverticulum area (OR = 6.957, 95% CI 1.993-21.887; P = 0.001), uterine scar thickness (OR = 5.113, 95% CI 2.086-23.829; P = 0.025) and gestational sac diameter (OR = 3.853, 95% CI 1.103-13.530; P = 0.025). A scoring model with a total point of 3 was developed and the CSP patients were divided into low-risk (Total points < 2) and high-risk groups (Total points ≥ 2) for intraoperative massive hemorrhage accordingly. This model possessed high prediction performance both in the training cohort (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.896, 95% CI 0.830-0.942) and validation cohort (AUC = 0.915, 95% CI 0.785-1.000). CONCLUSION: We first constructed a MRI-based scoring model for predicting intraoperative massive hemorrhage in CSP patients, which could help the decision-making of the patients' therapy strategies. Low-risk patients can be cured by D&C alone to reduce the financial burden, while high-risk patients require more adequate preoperative preparation or consideration of changing surgical approaches to reduce bleeding risk.

Comparison of D&C and hysteroscopy after UAE in the treatment of cesarean scar pregnancy: A case-control study.

ABSTRACT: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) stands for the severe complication secondary to cesarean section, and its incidence shows an increasing trend recently. However, no consensus has been reached about the CSP treatment. This study aims to explore the necessity of hysteroscopy (H/S) after preventive uterine artery embolization (UAE).A case-control report. The childbearing CSP patients with a cesarean section history were evaluated by ultrasonography, with a gestational age of less than 10 weeks. Thirty-four patients receiving dilation and curettage (D&C) after UAE were enrolled into the D&C group, whereas 46 undergoing H/S and curettage after UAE were enrolled into the H/S group.Differences in success rate and decrease in the ß-hCG level in serum on the second day of surgery were not significantly different between D&C and H/S groups (P > .05). Also, differences in side effect rate (except for the anesthesia-related side effects), intraoperative blood loss amount, postoperative bleeding time, and total length of hospital stay were not significant between 2 groups (P > .05). Compared with D&C group, H/S group had decreased postoperative length of hospital stay (P < .05), increased hospitalization cost (P < .05), and significantly elevated time of CSP mass disappearance (P < .05). In addition, 8 (18.19%) patients in H/S group developed anesthesia-related side effects.This study reveals no obvious difference between UAE + D&C and UAE + H/S in terms of the clinical efficacy and safety, except for the time of CSP mass disappearance and anesthesia-related side effects. The hospitalization cost is more expensive for UAE + H/S, but the postoperative length of stay is shorter for UAE + H/S. UAE + H/S is associated with the risk of anesthesia-associated side effects.

Management of Acquired Uterine Arteriovenous Malformations Associated with Retained Products of Conception.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different treatments for acquired uterine arteriovenous malformations associated with retained products of conception (UAVM-RPOC) and to investigate the role of uterine artery embolization (UAE) in acquired UAVM-RPOC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients who were diagnosed with uterine arteriovenous malformation by ultrasound after recently terminated pregnancy. Forty-eight patients were included in this study and were divided into 2 groups (major and minor bleeding groups) according to vaginal bleeding. The treatments were analyzed between groups. Technical and clinical success rates of UAE were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 48 patients, 11 patients were in the massive bleeding group and 37 were in the minor bleeding group. Five patients were referred for UAE in each group and UAE was a priority for patients with unstable hemodynamics (chi-square value = 5.524, P =.022). Conservative management, dilation and curettage (D&C), operative hysteroscopy, and UAE were performed in 16 (33%), 18 (38%), 7 (15%), and 13 (27%) patients, respectively. Two patients with ectopic pregnancies suffered uncontrollable bleeding during D&C and required emergent UAE. Three patients underwent UAE before surgery to prevent hemorrhage. The technical and clinical success rates of UAE were 100%. No complications or recurrences occurred. CONCLUSIONS: UAE is a safe and effective treatment for UAVM-RPOC and a priority for patients with unstable hemodynamics. Conservative management, D&C, and hysteroscopy are safe and effective for patients with UAVM-RPOC with stable hemodynamics. However, UAVM-RPOC following ectopic pregnancy may have high risks of massive hemorrhage during procedures.

Postpartum retained products of conception: Is it possible to avoid postpartum curettage?

OBJECTIVE: Removal of retained products of conception (RPOC) by suction curettage or hysteroscopy may be required in the postpartum period, possibly causing intrauterine adhesions. We investigated whether rates of suction curettage, hysteroscopy, and postoperative intrauterine adhesions have changed over time. METHODS: Parturients considered at risk for RPOC were followed in a specialized postpartum clinic with sequential ultrasound scans. We compared the rates of women requiring surgical procedures for RPOC removal and rates of postoperative intrauterine adhesions between two 2-year periods: 2011-2012 ("early period") and 2016-2017 ("late period"). RESULTS: The overall rates of women requiring a surgical procedure for removal of RPOC did not differ between the early and late periods (38/762 [5.0%] vs 41/732 [5.6%], respectively, P = 0.595). However, removal of RPOC by suction curettage decreased significantly over time whereas removal by hysteroscopy increased (P = 0.022). Intrauterine adhesions were diagnosed in 7 of 38 women (18.4%) who underwent a surgical procedure for RPOC removal in the early period, but none of the patients operated on in the late period developed intrauterine adhesions (P = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Removal of RPOC in postpartum women may be completed by hysteroscopy in most cases, significantly reducing the need for postpartum curettage and the rates of postoperative intrauterine adhesions.

Association Between First-Trimester Bleeding and Retained Placenta Requiring Dilatation and Curettage.

OBJECTIVE: Early subchorionic hemorrhage may lead to a disruption in the placental-uterine matrix, which may result in an adherence of the placenta to the endometrium. We evaluated the effect of a first-trimester bleed on the need for a post-vaginal delivery dilatation and curettage (D&C) for removal of retained placenta. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study at a tertiary care centre between 2012 and 2016. Patients identified through medical records as having required a post-vaginal delivery D&C for retained placenta were considered cases and were matched 1:5 with patients delivering vaginally within 1 week who did not require a D&C. History of first-trimester bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhage were identified through chart review. Conditional logistic regression analyses estimated the effect of a first-trimester bleed on the requirement for D&C for retained placenta. Models were adjusted for maternal age and previous uterine surgery. RESULTS: There were 68 cases of retained placenta requiring D&C, for an estimated 3 in 1000 deliveries. Patients requiring D&C were slightly older than controls but were otherwise comparable with respect to baseline demographic characteristics. In adjusted analyses, patients who required a postpartum D&C were more likely than controls to have had a first-trimester bleed at 11.8% and 0.6%, respectively (OR 25.3; 95% CI 4.7-135.4, P < 0.001). Postpartum D&C for retained placenta was associated with postpartum hemorrhage, need for blood transfusion, and manual removal of placenta. CONCLUSION: First-trimester bleeding should be considered a high-risk determinant for post-vaginal delivery D&C for retained placenta and for severe postpartum hemorrhage.

Conservatively treated endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia/cancer: Risk of intrauterine synechiae.

INTRODUCTION: To determine whether progestin type or number of dilation and curettage procedures (D&Cs) were associated with intrauterine synechiae (IS) or pregnancy outcomes in patients conservatively treated for endometrial intraepithelial neoplasia (EIN) or endometrial cancer (EC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated patients conservatively treated for EIN or EC from 2000 to 2017 at an academic center. IS were identified hysteroscopically. We calculated proportions for categorical variables and tested associations between D&C number, progestin, and pregnancy outcomes using Pearson chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests. A post-hoc power analysis indicated sufficient power to detect livebirth. RESULTS: We analyzed 54 patients, 15 with EIN (28 %) and 39 with EC (72 %), with a mean age of 34 ± 1.2 years. Progestin treatment types included megestrol acetate (MA) (n = 24), MA with levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LngIUD) (n = 10), MA followed by LngIUD (n = 3), and LngIUD alone (n = 6). Mean number of D&Cs was 3.9 ± 0.9. Overall, 53 subjects underwent hysteroscopy; 10 (19 %) had IS. When D&Cs were grouped into 0-2, 3-4 and ≥5, each increase in D&C group had a 2.9 higher odds of IS (OR: 2.91, p = 0.04, CI: 1.05-10.02). LngIUD was associated with a nonsignificant 46 % decrease in the odds of IS (OR: 0.54, p = 0.66, CI: 0.08-2.87). Twenty-two women attempted pregnancy; 14 women achieved a total of 20 pregnancies and 9 women had total of 15 livebirths (41 % livebirth rate). The number of D&Cs and progestin treatment type were not associated with pregnancy outcomes. DISCUSSION: Among 54 patients conservatively treated for EC/EIN, nearly 20 % developed IS. However, hysteroscopic and/or fertility treatments may improve pregnancy outcomes.

Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes 42 months after application of hyaluronic acid gel following dilation and curettage for miscarriage in women who have experienced at least one previous curettage: follow-up of a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study whether intrauterine application of auto-crosslinked polymers of hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel after dilation and curettage (D&C) improves reproductive outcomes. DESIGN: Follow-up of a prospective randomized trial. SETTING: University and university-affiliated teaching hospitals. PATIENT(S): Women with a miscarriage at <14 weeks' gestation with at least one previous D&C were randomized to D&C plus ACP gel (intervention) or D&C alone (control). A hysteroscopy was performed after 8-12 weeks, and if intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) were encountered, adhesiolysis was executed. INTERVENTION(S): Participants received a questionnaire 30 months after treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Ongoing pregnancy and outcome of subsequent pregnancies. RESULT(S): Ongoing pregnancies were recorded in 74.6% (50/67) of the intervention group versus 67.2% (43/64) of the control group, and in, respectively, 94.3% (50/53) versus 71.7% (43/60) in the women wishing to conceive. The median times to conception leading to a live birth were, respectively, 21.9 versus 36.1 months. Reduced menstrual blood loss was reported in 7.5% (5/67) versus 20.3% (13/64) and dysmenorrhea in 14.9% (10/67) versus 34.4% (22/64), respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Application of ACP gel following D&C performed after miscarriage seems to have a favorable effect on subsequent reproductive outcomes in women with at least one previous D&C. Given the fact that the study was not powered for reproductive outcomes, the data should be interpreted with caution. The effect may be underestimated due to routine removal of IUAs. DUTCH CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NTR 3120.

Interventions for non-tubal ectopic pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy is the implantation of an embryo at a site lying outside the uterine cavity or fallopian tubes. Sites include a caesarean scar, the cornua uteri, the ovary, the cervix, and the abdomen. There has been an increasing trend in the occurrence of these rare conditions, especially caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of surgery, medical treatment, and expectant management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy in terms of fertility outcomes and complications. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group Specialised Register of Controlled Trials, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization (WHO) search portal and nine other databases to 12 December 2019. We handsearched reference lists of articles retrieved and contacted experts in the field to obtain additional data. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in all languages that examined the effects and safety of surgery, medical treatment, and expectant management of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used Cochrane standard methodological procedures. Primary outcomes were treatment success and complications. MAIN RESULTS: We included five RCTs with 303 women, all reporting Caesarean scar pregnancy. Two compared uterine arterial embolization (UAE) or uterine arterial chemoembolization (UACE) plus methotrexate (MTX) versus systemic MTX and subsequent dilation and suction curettage; one compared UACE plus MTX versus ultrasonography-guided local MTX injection; and two compared suction curettage under hysteroscopy versus suction curettage under ultrasonography after UAE/UACE. The quality of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. The main limitations were imprecision (small sample sizes and very wide confidence intervals (CI) for most analyses), multiple comparisons with a small number of trials, and insufficient data available to assess heterogeneity. UAE/UACE versus systemic MTX prior to suction curettage Two studies reported this comparison. One compared UAE with systemic MTX and one compared UACE plus MTX versus systemic MTX, in both cases followed by a suction curettage. We are uncertain whether UAE/UACE improved success rates after initial treatment (UAE: risk ratio (RR) 1.00, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.12; 1 RCT, 72 women; low-quality evidence; UACE: RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.54 to 1.38; 1 RCT, 28 women; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether UAE/UACE reduced rates of complications (UAE: RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.75; 1 RCT, 72 women; low-quality evidence; UACE: RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.26 to 1.48; 1 RCT, 28 women; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether UAE/UACE reduced adverse effects (UAE: RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.41 to 6.11; 1 RCT, 72 women; low-quality evidence; UACE: RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.32 to 4.24; 1 RCT, 28 women; low-quality evidence), and it was not obvious that the types of events had similar values to participants (e.g. fever versus vomiting). Blood loss was lower in UAE/UACE groups than systemic MTX groups (UAE: mean difference (MD) -378.70 mL, 95% CI -401.43 to -355.97; 1 RCT, 72 women; moderate-quality evidence; UACE: MD -879.00 mL, 95% CI -1135.23 to -622.77; 1 RCT, 28 women; moderate-quality evidence). Data were not available on time to normalize ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG). UACE plus MTX versus ultrasonography-guided local MTX injection We are uncertain whether UACE improved success rates after initial treatment (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.60; 1 RCT, 45 women; very low-quality evidence). Adverse effects: the study reported the same number of failed treatments in each arm (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.92; 1 RCT, 45 women). We are uncertain whether UACE shortened the time to normalize ß-hCG (MD 1.50 days, 95% CI -3.16 to 6.16; 1 RCT, 45 women; very low-quality evidence). Data were not available for complications. Suction curettage under hysteroscopy versus under ultrasonography after UAE/UACE. Two studies reported this comparison. One compared suction curettage under hysteroscopy versus under ultrasonography after UAE, and one compared these interventions after UACE. We are uncertain whether suction curettage under hysteroscopy improved success rates after initial treatment (UAE: RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.03; 1 RCT, 66 women; very low-quality evidence; UACE: RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.09; 1 RCT, 92 women; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether suction curettage under hysteroscopy reduced rates of complications (UAE: RR 4.00, 95% CI 0.47 to 33.91; 1 RCT, 66 women; very low-quality evidence; UACE: RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.72; 1 RCT, 92 women; low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether suction curettage under hysteroscopy reduced adverse effects (UAE: RR 3.09, 95% CI 0.12 to 78.70; 1 RCT, 66 women; very low-quality evidence; UACE: not estimable; 1 RCT, 92 women; very low-quality evidence). We are uncertain whether suction curettage under hysteroscopy shortened the time to normalize ß-hCG (UAE: MD 4.03 days, 95% CI -1.79 to 9.85; 1 RCT, 66 women; very low-quality evidence; UACE: MD 0.84 days, 95% CI -1.90 to 3.58; 1 RCT, 92 women; low-quality evidence). Non-tubal ectopic pregnancy other than CSP No studies reported on non-tubal ectopic pregnancies in locations other than on a caesarean scar. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: For Caesarean scar pregnancies (CSP) it is uncertain whether there is a difference in success rates, complications, or adverse events between UAE/UACE and administration of systemic MTX before suction curettage (low-quality evidence). Blood loss was lower if suction curettage is conducted after UAE/UACE than after administration of systemic MTX (moderate-quality evidence). It is uncertain whether there is a difference in treatment success rates, complications, adverse effects or time to normalize ß-hCG between suction curettage under hysteroscopy and under ultrasonography (very low-quality evidence). There are no studies of non-tubal ectopic pregnancy other than CSP and RCTs for these types of pregnancy are unlikely.

Unexpected endometrial malacoplakia related to abortion and placental rests retention: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Malacoplakia is a rare chronic inflammatory disease. The name derives from the Greek "µαλακός" meaning "soft" and "πλάξ" meaning "plaque", describing its usual macroscopic presentation as a friable yellow soft plaque. It was first described by von Hansemann in 1901 and by Michaelis and Gutmann in 1902. The urinary system is the most commonly involved site. Female genital tract involvement is extremely rare. Treatment is prevalently based on antibiotics with surgical intervention sometimes necessary. Prognosis is usually good, but relapse may frequently occur. CASE PRESENTATION: This report illustrates the first case of endometrial malacoplakia in a 40 years-old patient who received endometrial curettage due to the retention of placental rests following an abortion. After conspicuous vaginal sero-hematic secretions, the patient received a further curettage. The histological examination did not show any retention of chorionic rests, but an endometrial and myometrial infiltration of histiocytes with large granular cytoplasm within a chronic inflammatory background. Immunoreactivity for CK-pool was negative, while CD68 immunostaining was strongly positive. CONCLUSIONS: Malacoplakia of endometrium is an extremely rare condition, with few cases reported in the whole international literature. In this paper, we present the first case associated to an abortion followed by endometrial curettage procedures. This rare disease should always be attentively examined, considering, among differential diagnoses, uterine neoplasms or physiological conditions such as cumulus of foamy macrophages in the endometrium.

Risk factors of persistent cesarean scar pregnancy after dilation and curettage: a matched case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors of persistent cesarean scar pregnancy (PCSP) after dilation and curettage (D&C). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective, age-matched case-control study including 45 cases of PCSP patients after D&C was conducted between January 2013 and April 2018. For each case, 4 women who had been diagnosed with CSP and had the same age and same hospitalization period as the case group but no residual CSP tissue after D&C were selected as the controls (Control group, n = 180). Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors of PCSP after D&C. RESULTS: After conditional logistic regression, the 3 factors associated with PCSP after D&C were maximum diameter of CSP mass (or gestational sac) ≥4.5 cm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 6.51, 95% CI 1.39-30.47), myometrial thickness at the implantation site <2 mm (aOR 3.58, 95% CI 1.37-9.38) and a ≤66.42% decrease rate in ß-hCG levels on the first day after D&C (aOR 18.58, 95% CI 5.80-59.57). ROC analysis showed that the indicator [(hCG0-hCG1)/hCG0*100%] has a good predictive value for PCSP, and the area under the curve (AUC) is 0.745; when the cut-off value is equal to 66.42%, the indicator has the best predictive value, with a sensitivity of 82.2% and a specificity of 67.7%. CONCLUSIONS: For these high-risk patients with PCSP, choosing individualized treatment options and proper management could reduce the incidence of PCSP.

Uterine rupture in pregnancy after an intervention complicated by uterine perforation: Case report and systematic review of literature.

OBJECTIVES: The present study is a descriptive study of characteristics of women who had a uterine rupture during pregnancy with a history of uterine perforation and no previous caesarean section. STUDY DESIGN: We present a case report of a woman with a uterine rupture in pregnancy subsequent to a perforation made by uterine sounding and we performed a systematic review including all case-reports of uterine ruptures after perforation during dilatation and curettage or due to uterine sounding. RESULTS: 14 case-reports were included in this review. 12 out of 14 women presented with abdominal pain prior to the uterine rupture. In eight out of 14 cases an abdominal ultrasound was performed and in five ultrasounds a uterine wall defect was detected, in two other cases free fluid was visible and in one case fetal bradycardia was seen. Neonatal outcome was uneventful in six cases, there where two immature fetuses born and in two cases there was fetal demise. CONCLUSION: Uterine rupture in a (supposed) unscarred uterus is a relatively unknown complication. We recommend clinicians to be aware of uterine rupture in pregnant women with abdominal pain and a history of uterine manipulation. When a uterine rupture is suspected and mother and fetus are in suspected good condition, an ultrasound examination could be an easy and fast next step.

Hysteroscopic Diagnosis of Omentum Incarceration Subsequent to an Iatrogenic Uterine Perforation.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss the hysteroscopic aspects of incarcerated omentum through uterine perforation caused by previous dilation and curettage (D&C) for an incomplete first-trimester abortion. DESIGN: A case report. SETTING: Constantine University Hospital, Constantine, Algeria. PATIENT: A 40-year-old, gravida 3, para 2 patient, with a history of an incomplete first-trimester spontaneous abortion treated 6 months before by D&C requiring medical assistance because of moderate, chronic pelvic pain. No other clinical or biological alteration was found. The ultrasound showed intracavitary hyperechogenic formation infiltrating the myometrium posteriorly. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopy revealed a fatlike lesion arousing suspicion of a residual trophoblast; the differential diagnosis included intramyometrial fat metaplasia as well [1]. A mechanical cold loop resection was initiated. Instrumental manipulation of the mass released yellow drops, probably of lipid nature, subsequently leading to the discovery of a uterine perforation giving passage to the omentum. Histologic examination confirmed fat tissue. There was immediate resolution of symptoms. Laparoscopic repair was subsequently performed and consisted of suturing the defect. There were no further complications. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Few cases of omentum incarceration in a perforated uterus diagnosed during laparotomy or by magnetic resonance imaging have previously been reported [2-4]. To our knowledge, this is the first case revealed through hysteroscopy. CONCLUSION: In women with a history of intracavitary interventions such as D&C, omentum incarceration should be considered when hysteroscopy demonstrates a fatlike formation and yellow droplets released by pressing or mobilizing the formation. Surgeons should be cautious, never using electrosurgery on formations whose origin arouses suspicion.

New Crosslinked Hyaluronan Gel for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after Dilation and Curettage in Patients with Delayed Miscarriage: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a new crosslinked hyaluronan (NCH) gel in reducing the formation of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after dilation and curettage (D&C). DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTINGS: Six hospitals for maternal and child healthcare in China. PATIENTS: A total of 300 patients were randomized to undergo D&C for delayed miscarriage without previous history of D&C. Twenty-six patients (9%) were lost to follow-up and were excluded from the analysis. INTERVENTIONS: Women were randomly assigned to D&C alone (control group; n = 150) or D&C plus NCH gel application (NCH gel group; n = 150) with 1:1 allocation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: All patients were evaluated using the American Fertility Society classification of IUAs during follow-up diagnostic hysteroscopy, scheduled at 3 months after D&C procedure. The primary endpoint was the number of women with IUAs at 3 months, and the secondary endpoints were adhesion scores and severity of IUAs. Postoperative efficacy data were available for 274 women (137 in each group). Intrauterine adhesion formations were observed in 13 of the 137 women (9.5%) in the NCH gel group and in 33 of the 137 women (24.1%) in the control group (p = .0012; relative risk [RR], 0.3939; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.2107-0.7153), a difference of 14.6% (95% CI, 5.92%-23.28%) between the 2 groups. The extent of intrauterine cavity involved, type of adhesion and menstrual pattern, and cumulative adhesion scores were significantly lower in the NCH gel group compared with the control group (p = .0007, .008, .0012, and .0006, respectively). The proportion of women with moderate to severe IUAs was significantly lower in the NCH gel group than that in the control group (1 of 137 [0.7%] vs 16 of 137 [11.7%]; p = .0002; RR, 0.0625; 95% CI, 0.0084-0.4648), a difference of 11.95% (95% CI, 5.39%-16.51%) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrates that IUAs are frequently formed after D&C for delayed miscarriage in women without a previous history of D&C procedures, and the application of NCH gel significantly reduces IUA formation.

Efficacy of a New Crosslinked Hyaluronan Gel in the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to assess the effect of the use of a new crosslinked hyaluronan (NCH) gel on the prevention of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) in women underwent curettage in the second trimester. METHODS: Between June 2016 and September 2017, 60 patients who underwent curettage for retained placental tissue after medically induced or spontaneous pregnancy loss in the second trimester were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group 1 patients received curettage plus NCH gel (intervention group), and group 2 patients received curettage alone (control group). The main outcomes were the rate and severity of IUA formation, which were assessed by follow-up hysteroscopy performed in the ensuing 2-6 months. RESULTS: The hysteroscopic findings were available for 20 patients in group 1 and 28 patients in group 2. IUAs were observed in 6 patients in group 2, while no IUAs was observed in group 1 (P = .007). IUAs were staged as mild in 4 patients (14.28%) and moderate in 2 patients (7.14%) in group 2 according to the American Fertility Society classification of IUAs. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that NCH gel appears to be able to reduce the formation of IUAs in women who undergo curettage in the second trimester, although larger controlled, randomized, multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.

Live birth rate and obstetric complications following the hysteroscopic management of intrauterine adhesions including Asherman syndrome.

STUDY QUESTION: What are the live birth rate and risks of obstetric complications following the surgical management of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) such as Asherman syndrome (AS)? SUMMARY ANSWER: The live birth rate is 63.7%, and obstetric complications including placentation issues, prematurity and postpartum hysterectomy require that pregnancies in women after treatment for IUA should be considered moderate to high risk. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Studies reviewing short-term surgical, menstrual and fertility outcomes following hysteroscopic management are reassuring, with success correlated to the severity of IUA. There are limited data reporting live birth, neonatal and maternal complications. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: This retrospective study included all women treated for IUA by hysteroscopic synechiolysis under fluoroscopic guidance in two tertiary University-affiliated hospitals. All women reported at least one pre-treatment symptom including menstrual dysfunction, subfertility or pelvic pain and intended to become pregnant post-treatment. Survival curve analysis was performed for time to pregnancy, and obstetric data were collated from a National Obstetric Database for delivery and neonatal outcomes. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: A total of 154 women were included in the study. Surgical intervention involved hysteroscopic synechiolysis under fluoroscopic guidance until cavity restoration was confirmed. Questionnaires regarding fertility and its outcomes were sent to all women undergoing surgery, with analysis of menstrual, fertility rates and outcomes of those pregnancies including risks and complications to the woman and the offspring. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Women were followed up for a minimum of 1 year (range: 1-14 years) from index surgery. The chance of pregnancy was 98/124 (79.0% CI: 63.6, 83.1%) in women wishing to conceive and the chance of a live birth was 79/124 (63.7% CI: 51.3, 70.7%). The chance of a miscarriage was 29/124 (23.4% CI: 18.8, 37.1%). There were 93 live births in 79 women following surgery, with detailed obstetric data available for 85 of these births. They were complicated by abnormal placentation in 15/85 (17.6% CI: 13.0, 30.2%), postpartum hysterectomy in 4/85 (4.7% CI: -0.4, 7.0%), and prematurity in 25/85 (29.4% CI: 17.0, 35.3%) women. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: The retrospective nature of the study and extended follow-up time may cause selection and recall bias, however, pregnancy and its outcomes-particularly in women with problems of subfertility-are frequently key milestones, with birthdates readily recalled. Menstrual outcomes are more likely to be subject to recall bias. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: Our surgical data are similar to the published literature with reassuring short-term outcomes for menstruation and cavity reconstruction following surgery for IUA. Long-term outcomes including pregnancy rates were higher than published data, however, the obstetric and neonatal complication rates were increased, indicating a continuation of risk beyond infertility and into pregnancy. An altered biochemical or vascular environment is a possible explanation for impaired implantation resulting in poorer reproductive obstetric and neonatal outcomes. The relative rarity of IUA-particularly severe disease-makes prospective data collection difficult. Our data suggest that women with IUA should be treated as moderate-high risk obstetric patients in subsequent pregnancy and counselled appropriately. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No funding and no competing interests.

Caesarean scar pregnancy in the UK: a national cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of caesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) and to describe the management outcomes associated with this condition. DESIGN: A national cohort study using the UK Early Pregnancy Surveillance Service (UKEPSS). SETTING: 86 participating Early Pregnancy Units. POPULATION: All women diagnosed in the participating units with CSP between November 2013 and January 2015. METHODS: Cohort study of women identified through the UKEPSS monthly mailing system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, clinical outcomes and complications. RESULTS: 102 cases of CSP were reported, with an estimated incidence of 1.5 per 10 000 (95% CI 1.1-1.9) maternities. Full outcome data were available for 92 women. Management was expectant in 21/92 (23%), medical in 15/92 (16%) and surgical in 56/92 (61%). The success rates of expectant, medical and surgical management were 43% (9/21), 46% (7/15) and 96% (54/56), respectively. The complication rates were 15/21 (71%) with expectant, 9/15 (60%) with medical and 20/56 (36%) with surgical management. Discharge from care (median number of days) was 82 (range 37-174) with expectant, 21 (range 10-31) with medical and 11 (range 4-49) with surgical management. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical management appears to be associated with a high success rate, low complication rate and short post-treatment follow up. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Surgery for CSP appears to be successful, with low complication rates and short post-treatment follow up.

Antecedents of Abnormally Invasive Placenta in Primiparous Women: Risk Associated With Gynecologic Procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between prior invasive gynecologic procedures and the risk of subsequent abnormally invasive placenta (ie, placenta accreta, increta, and percreta). METHODS: We conducted a population-based data linkage study including all primiparous women who delivered in New South Wales, Australia, between 2003 and 2012. Data were obtained from linked birth and hospital admissions with a minimum lookback period of 2 years. Prior procedures invasive of the uterus were considered including gynecologic laparoscopy with instrumentation of the uterus; hysteroscopy, including operative hysteroscopy; curettage, including suction curettage and surgical termination; and endometrial ablation. Modified Poisson regression was used to determine the association between the number of prior gynecologic procedures and risk of abnormally invasive placenta. RESULTS: Eight hundred fifty-four cases of abnormally invasive placenta were identified among 380,775 deliveries included in the study (22.4/10,000). In total, 33,296 primiparous women had at least one prior procedure (8.7%). Among women with abnormally invasive placenta, 152 (17.8%) had undergone at least one procedure compared with 33,144 (8.7%) among women without abnormally invasive placenta (P<.01). After adjustment, the relative risk was 1.5 for one procedure (99% CI 1.1-1.9), 2.7 for two procedures (99% CI 1.7-4.4), and 5.1 for three or more procedures (99% CI 2.7-9.6). Abnormally invasive placenta was also positively associated with maternal age, socioeconomic advantage, mother being Australia-born, placenta previa, hypertension, multiple births, use of assisted reproductive technology, and female fetal sex. CONCLUSION: Women with a history of prior invasive gynecologic procedures were more likely to develop abnormally invasive placenta. These insights may be used to inform management of pregnancies in women with a history of gynecologic procedures.

Asherman's Syndrome: it may not be all our fault.

Asherman's Syndrome (AS) is an acquired condition defined by the presence of intrauterine adhesions (IUA) that cause symptoms such as menstrual abnormalities, pelvic pain, infertility, recurrent miscarriage, abnormal placentation and attendant psychological distress. Classically, AS is considered an iatrogenic disease triggered by trauma to the pregnant uterus. Different factors can cause the destruction of the endometrium, thus affecting the endometrial stem cell niche and creating IUAs. Curettage of the pregnant uterus appears to be the most common source of this destruction. Nevertheless, some AS cases have been associated with congenital uterine abnormalities and infections, and there are some idiopathic cases without any prior surgical procedures, suggesting a putative constitutional predisposition to IUA. Factors reported to cause AS share an underlying inflammatory mechanism leading to defective endometrial healing and vascularization. Interestingly, distinct genetic profiles have been observed in the endometrium of AS patients. These data suggest that AS might not just be an iatrogenic complication, but also the result of a genetic predisposition. Elucidating the possible physiopathological processes that contribute to AS will help to identify patients at risk for this condition, providing an opportunity for prevention.