Transvaginal Sonography for the Preoperative Assessment of Parametrial Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy for parametria endometriosis (PE) of transvaginal sonography (TVS) performed following a systematic approach for the assessment of the lateral parametria. DESIGN: A diagnostic accuracy study was employed based on a prospective observational design. PARTICIPANTS: All consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis between January 2016 and December 2020 were considered. SETTING: The study was conducted at endometriosis referral hospitals. METHODS: We prospectively collected clinical, imaging, and surgical data of all consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis between January 2016 and December 2020. A standardized technique with a systematic approach for the assessment of the lateral parametria following specific anatomic landmarks was used for the TVS. The diagnostic accuracy for PE in TVS was assessed using the intraoperative and pathologic diagnosis of PE as the gold standard. RESULTS: In 476 patients who underwent surgery, PE was identified in 114 out of 476 patients (23.95%): 91 left and 54 right PE out of 476 surgical procedures were identified (19.12% vs. 11.34%; p = 0.001); bilateral involvement in 27.19% (31/114 patients) cases. The sensitivity of TVS for PE was 90.74% (79.70-96.92%, 95% CI) for the right side and 87.91% (79.40-93.81%, 95% CI) for the left side. The specificity was almost identical for both sides (98.58% vs. 98.18%). For the right parametrium, the positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were 63.82 (28.70-141.90, 95% CI) and 0.09 (0.04-0.22, 95% CI), respectively. On the left parametrium, the PLR and NLR were 48.35 (23.12-101.4, 95% CI) and 0.12 (0.07-0.21, 95% CI), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy for right and left PE was 97.69% (95.90-98.84%, 95% CI) and 96.22% (94.04-97.74%, 95% CI), respectively. LIMITATIONS: The principal limit is the high dependence of TVS on the operator experience. Therefore, although a standardized approach following precise definitions of anatomical landmarks was used, we cannot conclude that the observed accuracy of TVS for PE is the same for all sonographers. In this regard, the learning curve was not assessed. In the case of negative TVS for parametrial involvement with an absent intraoperative suspect, a complete dissection of the parametrium was not performed to avoid surgical complications; therefore, cases of minor PE may be missed, underestimating false negatives. CONCLUSIONS: TVS performed following a systematic approach for assessing the lateral parametria seems to have good diagnostic accuracy for PE with large changes in the posttest probability of parametrial involvement based on the TVS evaluation. Considering the clinical and surgical implications of PE, further studies implementing a standardized approach for assessing the parametrium by TVS are recommended to confirm our observations and implement a standardized protocol in clinical practice.

Structured report for dynamic ultrasonography in patients with suspected or known endometriosis: Recommendations of the International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE).

OBJECTIVE: The International Society for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ISGE) developed this project to establish the recommendations for structured reporting of dynamic ultrasound findings, promoting on this manner the practice of standardized, comprehensive and systematic evaluation and reporting of endometriosis in pelvic structures, in correlation with the #Enzian classification. STUDY DESIGN: A non-systematic review was done through a search on the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Methodology Register), Health Technology Assessment Database and Web of Science, using the medical subject heading (MeSH) term "endometriosis" (MeSH Unique ID: D004715) in combination with "diagnostic imaging" (MeSH Unique ID Q000000981) and "consensus" (MeSH Unique ID D032921). The information extracted from the articles of interest, written in English and published from inception of the above-mentioned databases until May 2021, was graded by the level of evidence using the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) classification system. The recommendations for a structured reporting of ultrasound findings were developed through multiple cycles of literature analysis and expert discussion following the Delphi method. RESULTS: The ISGE recommends the adoption of the terms, definitions and methods proposed by the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) Group for ultrasound assessment of patients with suspected or known endometriosis (grade 1C), since this is the most comprehensive and systematic concept currently available. This paper provides the ISGE structured reporting template for presenting quantitative and qualitative information upon the IDEA consensus-based sonographic assessment of the uterus, adnexa, anterior and posterior compartment. The #Enzian classification is recommended to summarize the findings in a standard fashion (grade 1B). CONCLUSION: Mapping of pelvic endometriosis by ultrasound is accurate when trained sonographers perform the technique. Structured reporting of the lesions may improve patient counseling and treatment planning, including the organization of multidisciplinary teams and the selection of the most appropriate medical or surgical therapeutic strategy.

Can Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI Contribute to Improved Assessment of Rectosigmoid Involvement in Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis?

BACKGROUND/AIM: To determine whether a prototypical compressed-sensing volume-interpolated breath-hold (csVIBE) provides diagnostic value in detecting rectosigmoid infiltration in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: csVIBE was employed in 151 women undergoing pelvic magnetic resonance imaging, of whom 43 had undergone surgery for suspected endometriosis. The accuracy of T2-weighted BLADE and BLADE/csVIBE, additional diagnostic value of csVIBE, and diagnostic confidence were rated by two readers. Additionally, the presence of the "mushroom cap sign" was assessed on BLADE and csVIBE. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of BLADE and BLADE/csVIBE were not significantly different between Readers A and B. For both readers, the confidence in the diagnosis increased with csVIBE, but this increase in the odds ratio was not significant for both readers. Both readers preferred csVIBE over BLADE with regard to detection of the "mushroom cap sign." CONCLUSION: csVIBE may provide a diagnostic benefit for surgical strategy selection through better delineation of the "mushroom cap sign."

Assessment of quality of sexual life in women with adenomyosis.

This study aimed to assess the impact of adenomyosis (AD) on different domains of sexual life. The study population included three groups: one composed of 68 women diagnosed with AD by transvaginal ultrasound, a second group comprised by 65 women diagnosed with isolated deep infiltrating endometriosis by transvaginal ultrasound and a third group including 70 women without AD or/and endometriosis. All participants completed the Brief Profile of Female Sexual Function (B-PFSF), the Female Sexual Distress Scale (FSDS), and the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) questionnaire. Compared with non-AD/DIE controls, women with AD present significantly lower scores of the B-PFSF and the SQOL-F questionnaires and higher FSDS questionnaire scores (p < .0001). There were no differences between the groups of AD and deep infiltrating endometriosis. Clinicians should be aware that the quality of sexual life may be affected in patients with AD. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management would contribute to preventing impairment of sexual quality of life in these patients.

Evaluación de fuerza de concordancia de hallazgos de endometriosis en RM y laparoscopía: análisis de una serie de casos / Assessment concordance of endometriosis findings on MRI and laparoscopy: analysis of a series of cases

OBJETIVO: Evaluar concordancia de sitios de hallazgos de endometriosis profunda encontrados por RM y laparoscopia. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo, no experimental, concordancia intertécnica. Se recolectaron datos en nuestra institución de todos los informes de RM de pelvis que incluyeran la palabra "endometriosis", entre mayo de 2015 y abril de 2018 (36 meses), identificando 339 registros. Se establecieron criterios de inclusión. De los 339 registros, 62 pacientes fueron excluidas por cirugía antes de la RM. Otras 243 pacientes fueron excluidas porque no presentaban registro de protocolo quirúrgico posterior a la RM. 34 pacientes cumplieron los criterios de inclusión del estudio, lo que equivale al 10% de las RM estudiadas. Se revisaron las ubicaciones de los implantes endometriósicos informados en RM y se correlacionaron con los hallazgos encontrados en la cirugía. Se confecciono tabla para identificar la presencia/ausencia de implantes en las ubicaciones descritas en la literatura. Análisis estadístico mediante software Stata, aplicando kappa ponderada con intervalo de confianza de 95%. RESULTADOS: El promedio de edad de las pacientes llevadas a cirugía fue de 38 años. Los lugares con correlación moderada-importante (0.41-0.80) correspondieron a útero, recto-sigmoides, ovario, vagina y fondos de saco. CONCLUSIÓN: La RM de Pelvis es fundamental en la evaluación de pacientes con endometriosis en las que se plantea un manejo quirúrgico, con el objetivo de caracterizar la ubicación, forma y número de lesiones, y así lograr un satisfactorio tratamiento laparoscópico.

OBJECTIVE: To assess inter-observer reliability of sites of deep endometriosis findings found by MRI and laparoscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, non-experimental study, inter-observer reliability. Data were collected at our institution from all pelvic MRI reports that included the word "endometriosis", between May 2015 and April 2018 (36 months), identifying 339 records. The following were established as inclusion criteria. Of the 339 records, 62 patients were excluded for surgery prior to MRI. Another 243 patients were excluded because they had no record of the surgical protocol after the MRI. 34 patients met the study inclusion criteria, equivalent to 10% of the MRIs studied. The locations of the endometrial implants reported on MRI were reviewed and correlated with the findings found in the surgery. A table was prepared to identify the presence / absence of implants in the locations described in the literature. Statistical analysis using Stata software, applying weighted kappa with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The average age of the patients undergoing surgery was 38 years. The places with a moderate-important correlation (0.41-0.80) corresponded to the uterus, recto-sigmoid, ovary, vagina, and recto-uterine pouch. CONCLUSION: Pelvic MRI is essential in the evaluation of patients with endometriosis in whom surgical management is proposed, in order to characterize the location, shape and number of lesions, and thus achieve satisfactory laparoscopic treatment.

Assessment of levator hiatal area using 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound in women with deep infiltrating endometriosis and superficial dyspareunia treated with pelvic floor muscle physiotherapy: randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) is associated with chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and pelvic floor muscle hypertonia. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pelvic floor physiotherapy (PFP) on the area of levator ani hiatus during Valsalva maneuver, assessed using transperineal ultrasound, in women with DIE suffering from superficial dyspareunia. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial of 34 nulliparous women diagnosed with DIE and associated superficial dyspareunia. After an initial clinical examination, all patients underwent three-dimensional/four-dimensional (3D/4D) transperineal ultrasound to measure the levator hiatal area (LHA) at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction and on maximum Valsalva maneuver, and were asked to rate their pain symptoms using a numerical rating scale (NRS). Eligible women were assigned randomly (1:1 ratio) to no intervention (control group, 17 women) or treatment with five individual sessions of PFP (study group, 17 women). Four months after the first examination, all women underwent a second evaluation of pain symptoms and LHA on transperineal ultrasound. The primary outcome measure was the percentage change in LHA on maximum Valsalva maneuver between the baseline and follow-up examinations. The percentage changes in pain symptoms between the two examinations, including superficial and deep dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dysuria and dyschezia, were also evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty women, comprising 17 in the study group and 13 in the control group, completed the study and were included in the analysis. The percentage change in LHA on maximum Valsalva maneuver between the two examinations was higher in the study group than in the control group (20.0 ± 24.8% vs -0.5 ± 3.3%; P = 0.02), indicating better pelvic floor muscle relaxation. After PFP treatment, the NRS score for superficial dyspareunia remained almost unchanged in the control group (median change in NRS (Δ-NRS), 0 (interquartile range (IQR), 0-0)) while a marked reduction was observed in the study group (median Δ-NRS, -3 (IQR, -4 to -2); P < 0.01). Moreover, there was a significant difference between the PFP and control groups with regards to the change in chronic pelvic pain (median Δ-NRS, 0 (IQR, -2 to 0) vs 0 (IQR, 0-1); P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In women with DIE, PFP seems to result in increased LHA on Valsalva maneuver, as observed by 3D/4D transperineal ultrasound, leading to improved superficial dyspareunia, chronic pelvic pain and pelvic floor muscle relaxation. © 2020 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Bladder endometriosis: Preoperative MRI analysis with assessment of extension to ureteral orifices.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the performance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in locating endometriosis implants within the bladder wall with assessment of ureteral orifice extension using surgical findings as standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRI examinations of 39 consecutive women (mean age: 31.2±5.5 [SD] years; age range: 22-42years) operated in 3 university hospitals for bladder endometriosis over a 6-year period were reviewed by 2 independent readers. Interobserver agreement was assessed using Kappa tests. Results of consensus reading were used to calculate sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of MRI for the diagnosis, location and extent of endometriosis implants using surgical findings as the standard of reference. RESULTS: Mean bladder repletion volume was 134±110 [SD] mL (range: 21-479mL). The mean largest endometriosis implant diameter was 30±7 [SD] mm (range: 19-41mm). On MR images, 34/39 (87%) endometriosis implants were present in the two anterior thirds of the dome (k=0.45), 31/39 (79%) extended or were present in the posterior third pouch (k=0.92) and 25/39 (64%) extended into the bladder base (k=0.84) with sensitivities of 100% (31/31; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 89-100%), 100% (30/30; 95% CI: 88-100%) and 90% (19/21; 95% CI: 69-98%), respectively, specificities of 83% (5/6, 95% CI: 36-100), 88% (7/8, 95% CI: 47-100%), 87% (13/15; 95% CI: 52-96), respectively and accuracies of 97% (36/37, 95% CI: 86-100%), 97% (37/38; 95% CI: 86-100%), and 89% (32/36; 95% CI: 74-97%), respectively. In 9 (9/25; 36%) patients with bladder base involvement, a zero distance was reported between endometriosis implants and ureteral orifices, all but one presenting with low-to-moderate bladder volumes. In the two patients who needed ureteral resection-reimplantation, ureteral dilation was associated with a zero distance. External adenomyosis was reported in 26/39 (66%) patients (k=0.94). CONCLUSION: A dedicated preoperative MRI work-up for bladder endometriosis helps accurately depict and locate endometriosis implants. Adequate bladder filling is needed to improve appropriate estimate of the distance between endometriosis implants and ureteral orifices to better predict requirement of ureteral resection-reimplantation.

Structured manual for MRI assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis using the ENZIAN classification.

PURPOSE: Proposal of a systematic approach to assess Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) through pelvic Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using the Enzian classification and examination of inter-rater agreement. METHODS: Three radiologists reviewed 23 MRI of patients with pelvic DIE at one tertiary referral center retrospectively and independently. Inclusion criteria were intraoperative confirmation of DIE and MR imaging according to ESUR (European Society of Urogenital Radiology) guidelines. Assessment of the anatomical pelvic compartments was performed using a manual based on the Enzian classification with step-by-step instructions using recommended planes and sequences presented here. Interrater agreement was measured using kappa statistics. RESULTS: According to the intraoperative site lesions in 53 anatomical compartments were present. Interrater agreement was best for compartments A (0.255) and FB (0.642). For FI (0.204) and B (0.146) it was slight, there was poor agreement for C (- 0.263), FA (- 0.022), and FO (- 0.030), respectively, and as for FU, no ureter infiltration was described. CONCLUSION: MRI as a noninvasive diagnostic tool offers essential advantages regarding classification and therapy planning for patients with DIE. However, its assessment is difficult and a more systematic approach is needed. Our proposed manual based on the Enzian classification is reproducible and could support radiologists and gynecologists.

Early Learning Curve in the Assessment of Deep Pelvic Endometriosis for Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

PURPOSE: We aimed to compare the learning curves of an ultrasound trainee (obstetrics and gynecology resident) and a radiology trainee when assessing pelvic endometriosis. METHODS: Consecutive patients with suspected endometriosis were prospectively enrolled in a tertiary center. They underwent an ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively, which was reported according to the International Deep Endometriosis Analysis (IDEA) group consensus. Trainees reported on deep endometriosis (DE), endometriomas, frozen pelvis, and adenomyosis. Using the Kappa agreement, their findings were compared against laparoscopy/histology and expert findings. The learning curve was considered positive when performance improved over time and indeterminate in all other cases. RESULTS: Reports from thirty-five women were divided chronologically into 3 equal blocks to assess the learning curve. For ultrasound, trainee versus expert showed a positive learning curve in overall pelvic DE assessment. There was an excellent agreement for adenomyosis (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.09), frozen pelvis (Kappa = 0.90, p = 0.01), bowel (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01), and bladder DE assessment (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01). Endometrioma and uterosacral ligament assessment showed an indeterminate curve. For radiology, trainee versus expert showed a positive curve when detecting adenomyosis (Kappa = 0.42, p = 0.09) and bladder DE (Kappa = 1.00, p = 0.01). The assessment of endometriomas, frozen pelvis, overall pelvic DE, bowel, and uterosacral ligament DE showed indeterminate curve. Agreement between trainees and laparoscopy/histology showed a positive curve for bladder (both) and frozen pelvis (ultrasound only). CONCLUSION: A positive learning curve can be seen in some areas of pelvic endometriosis mapping after as little as 35 cases, but a bigger caseload is required to demonstrate the curve in full. The ultrasound trainee had positive learning curves in more anatomical locations (bladder, adenomyosis, overall bowel DE, frozen pelvis) than the radiology trainee (bladder, adenomyosis), which could be down to individual factors, differences in training, or the imaging method itself.

Assessment of the Effectiveness of the Vaginal Contrast Media in Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Detection of Pelvic Pathologies: A Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an excellent modality for pelvic imaging. The anatomy of uterine cavity and vagina is optimally evaluated when the walls, which may spontaneously be collapsed, are distended. Distension of these cavities during pelvic MRI for evaluation of gynecologic diseases has been conducted with vagina, filled with ultrasound gel or saline solution. In this meta-analysis, we aim to assess the effectiveness of vaginal contrast media in MRI for improving the detection of pelvic pathologies. METHODS: The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, Science Citation Index, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched through March 2019 for studies of the accuracy of MRI using vaginal contrast media in the diagnosis and staging of pelvic pathologies. Four eligible studies of a total of 120 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The sensitivity rates and relative risk for MRI, before and after vaginal contrast medium administration, were pooled, and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were determined. RESULTS: The pooled sensitivity rate for MRI before administering intravaginal contrast medium in detecting pelvic pathologies was 63% (95% CI, 54%-72%), and that after was 89% (95% CI, 83%-93%). The interstudy heterogeneity rate (assessed using the I statistic) was relatively low: 13% (P = 0.33) and 0% (P = 0.45) before and after vaginal contrast medium use, respectively. The average relative risk was 1.54 (SD, 0.22; 95% CI, 1.18-1.89; median, 1.50; range, 1.34-1.80). This demonstrated that, on average, the sensitivity rate for MRI in detecting pelvic disorders increased by 54% after the use of a vaginal contrast medium. CONCLUSIONS: Use of vaginal contrast media improved the diagnostic ability of MRI in identifying pelvic pathologies.

Multimodality imaging and clinicopathologic assessment of abdominal wall endometriosis: knocking down the enigma.

PURPOSE: To review the clinical, multimodality imaging, and pathologic characteristics of abdominal wall endometriosis (AWE), the most common type of extra-pelvic endometriosis. METHODS: 116 women with histopathologically confirmed extragenital endometriosis diagnosed between 2/2014 and 6/2017 were evaluated retrospectively. Of these, 26 (22.4%) were found to have AWE and 18/26 met inclusion criteria for imaging. Available imaging studies were re-reviewed by two expert radiologists. Data regarding clinical features, histopathologic findings, and management were collected through medical record review. RESULTS: 21 pathology-proven AWE deposits were identified by imaging in 18 women [mean age at diagnosis of 38.5 years (range 31-48)]. Prior C-section was present in 15/18 (83.3%) and pelvic endometriosis in 3/18 (16.7%) patients. Patients presented with abdominal pain in 14/18 (77.8%) cases, which was cyclical in 8/14; palpable mass in 12/18 (66.7%); fluid discharge in 2/18 (11.1%); and local skin discoloration in 2/18 (11.1%). Of the 21 lesions, 15 were evaluated with US, 10 with CT, and 5 with MRI. Mean lesion dimensions were 2.5 × 2.2 × 2.6 cm, and deposits were predominantly located at midline or left hemiabdomen [22/30 (73.3%)], were either stellate [15/30 (50%)] or round [15/30 (50%)] in shape, had ill-defined margins [21/30 (70%)], were heterogenous in appearance [27/30 (90%)], and involved both deep and superficial abdominal wall layers [17/30 (56.7%)]. On US, lesions were mainly isoechoic/hyperechoic [7/15 (46.7%)], and scarcely vascular [8/15 (53.3%)] with a peripheral vascular pattern [8/13 (61.5%)]. On CT, AWEs were hypervascular and homogeneous [8/10 (80%)], superiorly located to scar tissue, and on MRI lesions appeared hyperintense [4/5 (80%)] to muscle with T2 cystic and T1 hemorrhagic foci [4/5 (80%)]. In 23/27 (85.1%) original reports, there was at least one known mass prior to imaging; AWE was correctly diagnosed in only 7/23 (30.4%) cases. In those with no prior knowledge of a mass, the lesion was detected in 3/4 (75%), but AWE was only diagnosed in a single case. Median time between onset of symptoms and histopathology was 24.41 moths (IQR 15.18-47.33). CONCLUSIONS: AWE is a challenging clinical entity frequently diagnosed with a significant delay and easily misinterpreted despite multimodality imaging. Familiarity with its radiologic features holds the potential for positively impacting diagnosis.

IDEAL study: magnetic resonance imaging for suspected deep endometriosis assessment prior to laparoscopy is as reliable as radiological imaging as a complement to transvaginal ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the value of using one-stop magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) vs standard radiological imaging as a supplement to transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for the preoperative assessment of patients with endometriosis referred for surgery in a tertiary care academic center. METHODS: This prospective observational study compared the diagnostic value of the standard preoperative imaging practice of our center, which involves expert TVS complemented by intravenous urography (IVU) for the evaluation of the ureters and double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) for the evaluation of the rectum, sigmoid and cecum, with that of expert TVS complemented by a 'one-stop' MRI examination evaluating the upper abdomen, pelvis, kidneys and ureters as well as rectum and sigmoid on the same day, for the preoperative triaging of 74 women with clinically suspected deep endometriosis. The findings at laparoscopy were considered the reference standard. Patients were stratified according to their need for monodisciplinary surgical approach, carried out by gynecologists only, or multidisciplinary surgical approach, involving abdominal surgeons and/or urologists, based on the extent to which endometriosis affected the reproductive organs, bowel, ureters, bladder or other abdominal organs. RESULTS: Our standard preoperative imaging approach and the combined findings of TVS and MRI had similar diagnostic performance, resulting in correct stratification for a monodisciplinary or a multidisciplinary surgical approach of 67/74 (90.5%) patients. However, there were differences between the estimation of the severity of disease by DCBE and MRI. The severity of rectal involvement was underestimated in 2.7% of the patients by both TVS and DCBE, whereas it was overestimated in 6.8% of the patients by TVS and/or DCBE. CONCLUSIONS: Complementary to expert TVS, 'one-stop' MRI can predict intraoperative findings equally well as standard radiological imaging (IVU and DCBE) in patients referred for endometriosis surgery in a tertiary care academic center. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Deep endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound in the workup of patients with signs and symptoms of endometriosis: a cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Deep endometriosis transvaginal ultrasound (DE TVS) is accurate in the detection of ovarian endometriosis and DE; however, realisation of its full potential and utilisation remains variable. As such, patients may require a two-step surgical approach (diagnostic followed by therapeutic laparoscopy) or experience incomplete surgical treatment. Besides the clinical implications, the economic impact of a two-step approach to diagnosis and treatment on the healthcare system is likely to be significant. We aim to compare the economic costs of two diagnostic models of care for patients with potential endometriosis. DESIGN: Cost analysis using Markov model with 12-month time horizon comparing the economic costs of two diagnostic models. SETTING: The study used a hypothetical population of 1000 women visiting a public tertiary gynaecology clinic. POPULATION: Women with potential endometriosis. Estimates for endometriosis prevalence and severity were drawn from local Australian hospital data. METHODS: The conventional model (M1) includes the basic TVS and diagnostic laparoscopy. The novel model (M2) includes the DE TVS. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was conducted to capture the uncertainty in the information used to populate the models. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Changes to government, health-service and patient costs with the adoption of the DE TVS compared with standard diagnostic methods. Costs are given in Australian dollars (AU$) and also in pound sterling (£). RESULTS: The total annual cost of the novel model (M2) is AU$12,547,724.03 (£6,826,673.63), cheaper than the conventional model (M1), which cost AU$13,472,161.67 (£7,329,620.15). CONCLUSIONS: For a population of 1000 women, the integration of the DE TVS may save healthcare costs of AU$924,437 (£502,946.17) annually. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: An endometriosis-focused ultrasound may negate a two-step surgery pathway, including diagnostic surgery, and save healthcare money.

[Endometriosis: Assessment of the Ultrasound-Based Endometriosis Staging System score (UBESS) in predicting surgical difficulty]. / Endométriose : évaluation du score Ultrasound-Based Endometriosis Staging System (UBESS) dans la prédiction de la difficulté chirurgicale.

OBJECTIVES: Surgical management of endometriosis may require different levels of surgical skill which influences the orientation of the patient. The Ultrasound-Based Endometriosis Staging System (UBESS) is a score developed in 2016 to predict the difficulty of surgery. To study the correlation between UBESS score and two main surgical classifications in the literature. METHODS: Study performed at the center of Poissy, France, between July 2016 and December 2017. Patients who underwent prospective UBESS staging then operated of their endometriosis were included. The patients were classified according to the levels of surgical difficulty of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (RCOG) and the classification created by Chi et al. The criterion of judgment was the correlation between the UBESS stages and RCOG and CHI levels. In a second analysis, we determined the predictive value of the operative plan for items included in the systematic sonographic evaluation described by Menakaya et al. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included in the study. Correlation was found to be low between UBESS and RCOG (θ=0.22) and between UBESS and CHI (θ=0.30). The prediction of the operative plan was good for endometrioma, sites specific tenderness, sliding sign, vaginal and digestive tract involvement; but modest for the anterior compartment and uterosacrals ligaments. CONCLUSION: In our study on a small number of patients, the UBESS score does not adequately predict the surgical difficulty. Taken separately, the items of systematic sonographic evaluation based on 5 domains successfully predict the operative plan.

Successful Laparoscopic Surgery without Neuromuscular Blockade in a Patient with Malignant Hyperthermia Susceptibility.

Malignant hyperthermia (MH) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome of hypermetabolism involving skeletal muscle. Susceptibility to MH is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Its common trigger is exposure to volatile anesthetic agents or depolarizing muscle relaxants. Deep neuromuscular blockade using muscle relaxants can improve the quality of surgical conditions and prevent cardiorespiratory adverse events during laparoscopic surgery. Here we report a case of successful laparoscopic surgery under anesthetic management without neuromuscular blockade in an MH-susceptible patient. A 22-year-old woman with a family history of MH underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometrioma under total intravenous anesthesia and a posterior transversus abdominis plane block. The surgery was completed uneventfully. Our experience suggests that this type of anesthetic management is useful when performing laparoscopic surgery in MH-susceptible patients.

Does Computed Tomography-Based Virtual Colonoscopy Improve the Accuracy of Preoperative Assessment Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Women Managed for Colorectal Endometriosis?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether combining computed tomography-based virtual colonoscopy (CTC) with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) improves preoperative assessment of colorectal endometriosis. DESIGN: Retrospective study using prospectively recorded data (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Seventy-one women treated for colorectal endometriosis managed between June 2015 and May 2016. INTERVENTIONS: Patients included in our study underwent colorectal surgery for deep endometriosis infiltrating the rectum or the sigmoid colon and had preoperative assessment using MRI and CTC. To establish the correlation between preoperative and intraoperative findings, the concordance kappa index was used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Preoperative data provided by MRI, CTC, and a combination of both were compared with intraoperative findings. All 71 patients had a total of 105 endometriotic intestinal lesions intraoperatively confirmed. Some 71.2% of rectal nodules and 60.0% of sigmoid nodules infiltrated the muscularis propria of the intestinal wall, with most infiltrating between 25% and 50% of the rectal circumference; 73% of rectal nodules and 96% of sigmoid nodules led to varying degrees of stenosis. The concordance between intraoperative and preoperative findings concerning the presence of rectal nodules was high, at .88 when associating CTC with MRI, whereas each imaging technique taken individually provided lower concordance coefficients. In our study 80.3% of patients underwent the procedure that had been preoperatively planned. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that associating MRI with CTC leads to improved accuracy in preoperative assessment of colorectal endometriosis and in subsequent preoperative choice of surgical procedures on the digestive tract.

Pelvic floor muscle assessment on three- and four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound in women with ovarian endometriosis with or without retroperitoneal infiltration: a step towards complete functional assessment.

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies comparing women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and healthy controls have underlined an association between pelvic floor muscle (PFM) hypertonic dysfunction and deep lesions. The aim of this study was to compare the morphometry of PFM in women affected by ovarian endometriosis with DIE vs those without DIE in order to assess the impact of retroperitoneal infiltration by the disease on PFM function. METHODS: This was a prospective study conducted between March 2015 and December 2016 on symptomatic women with a clinical and sonographic diagnosis of ovarian endometriosis with or without DIE, scheduled for laparoscopic surgery. We excluded patients with current or previous pregnancy, previous surgery for deep endometriosis, other causes of chronic pelvic pain or congenital or acquired abnormalities of pelvic floor anatomy. Three- and four-dimensional transperineal ultrasound was performed to evaluate PFM morphometry and assess levator hiatal area (LHA) and diameters at rest, during PFM contraction and during Valsalva maneuver. All volumes were analyzed offline by an investigator blinded to the clinical data. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen patients with ovarian endometriosis were enrolled in the study, 75 with DIE and 39 without DIE. The diagnosis of endometriosis was confirmed by histological examination in all patients. Compared with women without DIE, women with DIE showed a smaller LHA at rest, during contraction and during Valsalva maneuver (P = 0.03, P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively) and a smaller reduction in LHA during PFM contraction (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Women with ovarian endometriosis who were affected by DIE showed smaller hiatal dimensions than did women without DIE. Considering that PFM dysfunction in patients with DIE could cause pain symptoms and pelvic organ dysfunction, transperineal ultrasound could allow a more complete functional assessment and tailored therapy. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

[Imaging in the initial and preoperative assessment of endometriosis]. / Apport de l'imagerie dans le bilan initial et préopératoire de l'endométriose.

The diagnosis of pelvic endometriosis is based on the combination of clinical examination, endovaginal ultrasonography and pelvic MRI. Ultrasonography displays a moderate sensitivity and a high specificity. Pelvien MRI displays a better sensitivity and lower specificity.