Clinical Perspective Concerning Abdominal Entry Techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Entry into the abdomen during operative laparoscopy is a source of some controversy regarding the safest and most useful method. The objective of this review is to describe, compare, and contrast the most popular entry techniques. DATA SOURCES: Data were collected from the historical starting point until present day from English language journal articles and book chapters. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Descriptive accounts dating back to the start of laparoscopy in the 1970s and spanning to present day well-designed randomized controlled trials and Cochrane reviews were compiled to evaluate the evidence for the effectiveness and safety of abdominal entry techniques. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The most common sites of entry are the umbilicus and the left upper quadrant. Between the Veress needle, direct trocar insertion, and open entry there is no high-quality evidence to suggest that any of these offers a universal safety advantage. The Veress needle is still the most used among gynecologists and facilitates primary trocar placement. Direct trocar entry under laparoscopic visualization may be underused, is faster, and may result in fewer failed entries. Open (Hasson) entry can be more technically challenging, but may be best for patients with suspected intra-abdominal adhesions. CONCLUSION: Surgeon comfort is critical in choosing the entry site, method, and equipment. Surgeon familiarity with entry-failure troubleshooting, possible complications, and management is essential because major entry complications are rare in modern laparoscopy but critical because the essential steps of recognition and management can be lifesaving.

Three-dimensional ultrasound diagnosis of T-shaped uterus is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after embryo transfer.

RESEARCH QUESTION: Is T-shaped uterine cavity morphology associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst? DESIGN: In this secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study, 648 patients with three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) data obtained on the day before embryo transfer were categorized into three groups according to uterine cavity morphology: normal (n = 472), intermediate (n = 166) and T-shaped (n = 10). Quantitative uterine cavity dimensions were used to evaluate uterine cavity morphology. Pregnancy outcomes, including live birth, clinical miscarriage and ectopic pregnancy, were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of a T-shaped uterus in this cohort was 1.5%. Uterine cavity morphology was strongly associated with the ratio of interostial distance and isthmic diameter (P < 0.01). Live birth rates were 66.5% for normal, 65.7% for intermediate and 40.0% for T-shaped cavity morphology. Women with a T-shaped uterus had an increased risk of clinical miscarriage (40.0% versus 7.0% for normal and 9.0% for intermediate cavity morphology, P < 0.01) and ectopic pregnancy (10.0% versus 1.1% for normal and 1.9% for intermediate cavity morphology, P = 0.05). When evaluating interostial distance and isthmic diameter ratio to determine pregnancy outcomes, a cut-off value of 2 was noted to have weak predictive value for live birth, but not clinical miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: T-shaped uterine cavity morphology is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes after transfer of a single thawed euploid blastocyst. Given the low prevalence of this condition, quantifying the magnitude of risk will require a larger cohort of patients.

Effect of surgery on ovarian reserve in women with endometriomas, endometriosis and controls.

BACKGROUND: Many women who experience endometriosis and endometriomas also encounter problems with fertility. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of surgical excision of endometriosis and endometriomas compared with control subjects on ovarian reserve. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective cohort study of 116 women aged 18-43 years with pelvic pain and/or infertility who underwent surgical treatment of suspected endometriosis (n=58) or endometriomas (n=58). Based on surgical findings, the suspected endometriosis group was further separated into those with evidence of peritoneal disease (n=29) and those with no evidence of endometriosis (n=29). Ovarian reserve was measured by anti-Müllerian hormone and compared before surgery and at 1 month and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Baseline anti-Müllerian hormone values were significantly lower in the endometrioma vs negative laparoscopy group (1.8 ng/mL [95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.4 ng/mL] vs 3.2 ng/mL [95% confidence interval, 2.0-4.4 ng/mL]; P<.02), but the peritoneal endometriosis group was not significantly different than either of these groups. Only patients with endometriomas had a significant decline in ovarian reserve at 1 month (-48%; 95% confidence interval, -54 to -18%; P<.01; mean anti-Müllerian hormone baseline value, 1.77-1.12 ng/mL at 1 month). Six months after surgery, anti-Müllerian hormone values continued to be depressed from baseline but were no longer significantly different. The rate of anti-Müllerian hormone decline was correlated positively with baseline preoperative anti-Müllerian hormone values and the size of endometrioma that was removed. Those with bilateral endometriomas (n=19) had a significantly greater rate of decline (53.0% [95% confidence interval, 35.4-70.5%] vs 17.5% [95% confidence interval, 3.2-31.8%]; P=.002). CONCLUSION: At baseline, patients with endometriomas had significantly lower anti-Müllerian hormone values compared with women without endometriosis. Surgical excision of endometriomas appears to have temporary detrimental effects on ovarian reserve.

Analysis of embryo morphokinetics, multinucleation and cleavage anomalies using continuous time-lapse monitoring in blastocyst transfer cycles.

BACKGROUND: Time-lapse imaging combined with embryo morphokinetics may offer a non-invasive means for improving embryo selection. Data from clinics worldwide are necessary to compare and ultimately develop embryo classifications models using kinetic data. The primary objective of this study was to determine if there were kinetic differences between embryos with limited potential and those more often associated with in vitro blastocyst formation and/or implantation. We also wanted to compare putative kinetic markers for embryo selection as proposed by other laboratories to what we were observing in our own laboratory setting. METHODS: Kinetic data and cycle outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in patients age 39 and younger with 7 or more zygotes cultured in the Embryoscope. Timing of specific events from the point of insemination were determined using time-lapse (TL) imaging. The following kinetic markers were assessed: time to syngamy (tPNf), t2, time to two cells (c), 3c (t3), 4c ( t4), 5c (t5), 8c (t8), morula (tMor), start of blastulation (tSB); tBL, blastocyst (tBL); expanded blastocyst (tEBL). Durations of the second (cc2) and third (cc3) cell cycles, the t5-t2 interval as well as time to complete synchronous divisions s1, s2 and s3 were calculated. Incidence and impact on development of nuclear and cleavage anomalies were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 648 embryos transferred on day 5 were analyzed. The clinical pregnancy and implantation rate were 72% and 50%, respectively. Morphokinetic data showed that tPNf, t2,t4, t8, s1, s2,s3 and cc2 were significantly different in embryos forming blastocysts (ET or frozen) versus those with limited potential either failing to blastulate or else forming poor quality blastocysts ,ultimately discarded. Comparison of embryo kinetics in cycles with all embryos implanting (KID+) versus no implantation (KID-) suggested that markers of embryo competence to implant may be different from ability to form a blastocyst. The incidence of multinucleation and reverse cleavage amongst the embryos observed was 25% and 7%, respectively. Over 40% of embryos exhibiting these characteristics did however form blastocysts meeting our criteria for freezing. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide us with a platform with which to potentially enhance embryo selection for transfer.

Oral medroxyprogesterone acetate for the use of ovulation suppression in in vitro fertilization: a cohort trial.

OBJECTIVE: To broadly assess the efficacy of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for ovulatory suppression during in vitro stimulation compared with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist cycles. DESIGN: Cohort trial. SETTING: A single academic-affiliated private fertility practice. PATIENTS: Patients of all diagnoses aged 18-44 years undergoing autologous in vitro fertilization (IVF) for fertility treatment between 2020 and 2023. INTERVENTIONS: Comparison of MPA vs. antagonist IVF stimulation cycles. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rates of premature ovulation, oocyte and embryo yield, embryo quality, pregnancy rates, and logistical benefits. RESULTS: Prospective data was collected on 418 patients who underwent MPA protocol ovarian stimulation (MPA group), which was compared with 419 historical control gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone antagonist cycles (control group). Age was similar between groups (35.6 ± 4.6 vs. 35.7 ± 4.8 years; P = .75). There were no cases of premature ovulation in the MPA group compared with a total of five cases in the control group (0% vs. 1.2%; risk ratio [RR] = 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01, 1.66). No differences were seen between number of oocytes retrieved (14.3 ± 10.2 vs. 14.3 ± 9.7; P = .83), blastocysts (4.9 ± 4.6 vs. 5.0 ± 4.6; P = .89), or euploid blastocysts (2.4 ± 2.6 vs. 2.2 ± 2.4; P = .18) in the MPA vs. control group respectively. Clinical pregnancy rate was similar between groups (70.4% vs. 64.2%; RR = 0.92; 95% CI, 0.72, 1.18). There was no difference in length of IVF stimulation or dose of stimulation medications. Patients in the MPA group saved an average of $491 ± $119 on medications, had an average of one less monitoring visit (4.4 ± 0.9 vs. 5.6 ± 1.1; P<.01), and 5.0 ± 1.2 less injections per cycle. When adjusting for age and ovarian reserve, protocol group (MPA vs. control) did not influence having an embryo available for transfer (76.6% vs. 73.4%; adjusted RR = 1.05; 95% CI, 0.94, 1.14). CONCLUSION: For ovulatory suppression during IVF cycles, MPA was effective at preventing ovulation while demonstrating similar cycle and reproductive outcomes, with the additional benefits of patient cost savings, increased convenience with decreased number of visits, and fewer injections.

To preserve or not to preserve: how difficult is the decision about fertility preservation?

BACKGROUND: The decision to pursue fertility preservation (FP) after a cancer diagnosis is complex. We examined the prevalence of high decisional conflict and specific factors that influence this decision using the Decisional Conflict Scale (DCS). METHODS: The FIRST project is a web-based survey of female cancer survivors (ages 18-44 years) who have undergone gonadotoxic treatment. We evaluated the association between recalled decisional conflict and referral to FP counseling and demographic, socioeconomic, and cancer variables. RESULTS: Of 208 participants, 115 subjects (55%) had scores consistent with high decisional conflict (DCS score >37.5 of 100), and 43 (21%) were in the moderate range (25-37.5). In unadjusted analysis, high decisional conflict was associated with lack of referral to FP consultation, not undergoing FP treatment, concerns regarding FP cost, length of survivorship, lower income, education, partner status, and cancer type. In multivariable analysis, significantly higher prevalence of high decisional conflict was observed in participants who were not referred for FP consultation (prevalence ratio [PR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.47), as well as in participants who reported cost of FP services to be prohibitive (PR, 1.16 [95% CI, 1.03-1.31]). Prevalence of high DCS was lower for women who underwent FP treatment (PR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.52-0.86]). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of female young adult cancer survivors, the majority recalled significant decisional conflict about FP at cancer diagnosis. Increasing access to FP via referral for counseling and cost reduction may decrease decisional conflict about FP for young patients struggling with cancer and fertility decisions.

Trends of socioeconomic disparities in referral patterns for fertility preservation consultation.

BACKGROUND: While oncologists are aware that cancer treatments may impact fertility, referral rates for fertility preservation consultation (FPC) remain poor. The goal of this study was to identify predictors associated with FPC referral. METHODS: This is a retrospective, cohort study of women aged 18-42 years diagnosed with a new breast, gynecologic, hematologic or gastrointestinal cancer at our institution between January 2008 and May 2010. Exclusion criteria included history of permanent sterilization, documentation of no desire for future children, stage IV disease, short interval (<4 days) between diagnosis and treatment and treatment that posed no threat to fertility. Demographic, socioeconomic and cancer variables were evaluated with respect to FPC. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of referral for FPC based on specified predictors. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-nine patients were eligible for FPC and of those, 41 received FPC (20.6%). Women with breast cancer were 10 times more likely to receive FPC compared with other cancer diagnoses [odds ratio (OR) 10.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.8-26.8]. The odds of FPC referral were approximately two times higher for Caucasian women (OR 2.4; 95% CI 0.9-6.2), three times higher for age <35 years (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.4-7.7) and four times higher in nulliparous women (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.9-11.3). There was no association between BMI, income, distance to our institution, being in a relationship and referral for FPC. CONCLUSIONS: Overall referral rates for FPC are low, and there appear to be significant discrepancies in referral based on ethnicity, age, parity and cancer type. This highlights a need for further provider education and awareness across all oncologic disciplines.

Efficient use of early obstetric sonography in the emergency department setting.

OBJECTIVES: Transvaginal sonography is frequently used in the emergency department (ED) to triage pregnancies of unknown location. The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of sonography in clinically stable patients with ß-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-hCG) values below the discriminatory zone. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 408 consecutive ED patients who presented with pregnancies of unknown location and serum ß-hCG levels between 5 and 2500 mIU/mL and underwent transvaginal sonography. Women were classified as receiving immediate treatment or expectant management. Predictors associated with immediate treatment were assessed by bivariate analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the cohort, 361 women (88.5%) received expectant management, and 6.9%, 3.1%, and 0% of patients with pregnancies of unknown location and ß-hCG levels below 1000, 200, and 75 mIU/mL, respectively, received immediate treatment. Compared to the expectant management group, women receiving immediate treatment (n=47) were further from the last menstrual period (7.86 versus 6.10 weeks; P <.01), were more likely to report pain (59.6% versus 40.2% P = .01), had higher ß-hCG levels(1183 versus 608 mIU/mL; P <.01), and had lower hematocrit levels (35.7% versus 37.0%; P < .01), with pain the most predictive factor for immediate treatment (odds ratio,5.97; 95% confidence interval, 2.45-14.53). A model combining symptoms, ß-hCG, hematocrit, and weeks since the last menstrual period predicted the likelihood of sonography changing management from expectant management to immediate treatment with specificity of 98%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic utility of sonography in clinically stable patients presenting to the ED in very early pregnancy is limited. A model using symptoms, ß-hCG, hematocrit, and the last menstrual period may aid clinicians to triage those who would benefit from immediate sonography.

The impact of an interactive multimedia educational platform on patient comprehension and anxiety during fertility treatment: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To assess the impact of an interactive multimedia educational platform and consent process on patient comprehension and anxiety state compared with standard fertility counseling and paper consents in patients undergoing ovulation induction-intrauterine insemination (OI-IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) throughout their first infertility treatment cycle. Design: Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting: A university-affiliated reproductive endocrinology and infertility clinic. Patients: Patients aged 18-45 years undergoing their first OI-IUI or IVF cycle. Interventions: An interactive multimedia educational and consent platform (EngagedMD-[EMD]) before and during the first infertility treatment, in addition to standard fertility counseling by the physician and nurse team. Main Outcome Measures: Three survey time points: before the start of treatment (T1), at the start of treatment (T2), and at the completion of the treatment cycle (IUI or oocyte retrieval; T3). The main outcome measure was the comprehension score on a 15-question assessment administered at 2 times points (T2 and T3). The anxiety state at all 3 time points was assessed using a modified Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score. Results: Eighty-six patients were included: 21 in the OI-IUI conventional (i.e., standard fertility counseling group) group, 22 in the IVF conventional group, 21 in the OI-IUI EMD group, and 22 in the IVF EMD group. Overall, the average number correct on the 15-question comprehension assessment was significantly higher in the EMD groups than in the conventional groups at T2 (EMD: 13.2 ± 1.8 vs. conventional: 11.7 ± 1.8) but not at T3. For those undergoing IVF, the average number correct was significantly higher at both T2 and T3 in the EMD vs. the conventional group (T2: 14.1 ± 1.3 vs. 12.4 ± 1.8; T3: 14.1 ± 1.7 vs. 12.5 ± 1.5). The average State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores at each time point were similar between the EMD and conventional groups for both OI-IUI and IVF groups. Age ≤35 years and IVF treatment were significant predictors of increased State-Trait Anxiety Inventory scores. Conclusions: The addition of an interactive multimedia educational platform significantly improved patient comprehension at the initiation of OI-IUI and IVF cycles for patients undergoing fertility treatment for the first time. Those undergoing IVF with access to EMD had sustained, improved comprehension at the end of their treatment. The supplementation of a multimedia platform did not alter anxiety throughout the treatment. Younger patients undergoing IVF may benefit from increased psychological resources. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03962257.

Financial fluency: demystifying accounting and business planning for the reproductive medicine specialist.

In today's ever-changing business climate, reproductive health specialists are realizing that financial fluency is key to growing and maintaining a successful practice. Although financial fundamentals such as accounting may seem complex, both academic and private practice reproductive specialists who understand these topics can benefit in making business decisions for their practices. We describe the key financial fundamentals that reproductive health specialists should know, including basic concepts of finance and accounting, payments and receivables, capital budgeting, and business planning, and interpreting balance sheets, income statements, and cash-flow statements.

Comparison of pregnancy outcomes following intrauterine insemination in young women with decreased versus normal ovarian reserve.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pregnancy outcomes following intrauterine insemination (IUI) in young women with low ovarian reserve compared to age-matched controls. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort SETTING: Single infertility center (July 2001-August 2018) PATIENT(S): Patients <35 years of age undergoing at least one IUI cycle with a documented serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level, patent fallopian tubes, and total motile sperm count of ≥10 million at the time of IUI. INTERVENTION(S): None MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was the presence of a positive serum hCG pregnancy test (>2 mIU/mL) obtained 2 weeks after the IUI procedure. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of live birth, biochemical loss, clinical miscarriage, and ectopic pregnancy. Additionally, cumulative reproductive outcomes including up to seven IUI cycles were calculated and compared between groups. RESULTS: A post-hoc power calculation demonstrated that the study sample size yielded >80% power to detect a 7% difference between groups in the primary outcome. There were 3019 patients included: 370 with AMH <1.0 ng/mL and 2649 with AMH ≥1.0 ng/mL. When adjusting for IUI treatment strategy, number of dominant follicles at time of IUI and body mass index, no difference in per-cycle or cumulative reproductive outcomes was identified between patients with low AMH (<1.0 ng/mL) and normal AMH (≥1.0 ng/mL). Analyses by treatment strategy also showed no difference in reproductive outcomes. CONCLUSION: Young patients (<35 years of age) with diminished ovarian reserve conceived as often and had per-cycle and cumulative pregnancy outcomes similar to those of age-matched controls after IUI, regardless of treatment strategy.

Embryo's Natural Motion (enMotion): a paired randomized controlled trial evaluating a dynamic embryo culture system.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if a dynamic embryo culture system affects the reproductive potential of human embryos resulting from in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN: Paired randomized controlled trial (RCT). SETTING: IVF center. PATIENT(S): IVF patients with normal ovarian reserve eligible for two-embryo transfer. INTERVENTION: IVF care was routine until fertilization was confirmed. Two-pronuclear embryos (2PNs) were then randomized: One-half of each patient's 2PNs were cultured in dynamic culture and one-half in static culture. Preimplantation genetic testing for embryonic aneuploidy was used to control for aneuploidy and allow for DNA fingerprinting. The best euploid blastocyst from each culture system was selected and patients underwent a frozen two-embryo transfer. If a singleton gestation resulted, DNA-fingerprinting was used to determine which of the two blastocysts implanted. The dynamic platform used was the NSSB-300 (Nepagene). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was the proportion of usable blastocysts obtained. The secondary outcome was sustained implantation rate (SIR). RESULT(S): One hundred participants completed oocyte retrieval and blastocyst vitrification for frozen-thawed embryo transfer; 609 dynamic 2PNs and 615 static 2PNs were followed; and 304 blastocysts developed in dynamic culture and 333 blastocysts developed in static culture. In the paired analysis, the rate of usable blastulation was similar between dynamic and static culture (58.3% vs. 57.1%). In addition, there was no difference in the rate of aneuploidy (20.0% vs. 33.3%) or SIR (67.1% vs. 63.1%) between groups. CONCLUSION(S): In this paired RCT, dynamic culture did not improve usable blastulation rate or SIR. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02467725.

Management of Endometriomas.

IMPORTANCE: Endometriomas are a unique and complex representation of the classic phenotypes of endometriosis. Associated symptoms, high recurrence rate, and multimodal approach represent ongoing challenges in the management of this chronic disease. OBJECTIVE: To review current literature regarding medical and surgical management of endometriomas. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An extensive literature search including PubMed and Cochrane Library was performed. Review was performed using the following key words: "endometrioma," "cystectomy," "chronic pain," "infertility," "IVF," "menopause," "recurrence." All pertinent articles were assessed. The references of those articles were then reviewed, and additional publications were evaluated. Eligibility of the studies was first assessed on titles and abstracts. Full articles were then reviewed for all selected studies, and decision for final inclusion was made at that time. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Cystectomy of ovarian endometriomas has been the first-line treatment for management for many years because it provides improved pain relief, reduces recurrence rates, and was thought to be favorable in in vitro fertilization. However, a growing body of evidence is demonstrating benefit, or at least no harm, in expectant management for asymptomatic patients with small, stable endometriomas. Medical management is often very effective and appropriate first line. When surgical intervention is appropriate, careful ovarian cyst excision with goal of ovarian tissue preservation and treatment of additional endometriosis by a trained surgeon can provide the patient the best long-term outcome and preservation of ovarian tissue and function.

Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy is cost-effective, shortens treatment time, and reduces the risk of failed embryo transfer and clinical miscarriage.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) is cost-effective for patients undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). DESIGN: Decision analytic model comparing costs and clinical outcomes of two strategies: IVF with and without PGT-A. SETTING: Genetics laboratory. PATIENTS: Women ≤ 42 years of age undergoing IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Decision analytic model applied to the above patient population utilizing a combination of actual clinical data and assumptions from the literature regarding the outcomes of IVF with and without PGT-A. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The primary outcome was cumulative IVF-related costs to achieve a live birth or exhaust the embryo cohort from a single oocyte retrieval. The secondary outcomes were time from retrieval to the embryo transfer resulting in live birth or completion of treatment, cumulative live birth rate, failed embryo transfers, and clinical losses. RESULTS: 8,998 patients from 74 IVF centers were included. For patients with greater than one embryo, the cost differential favored the use of PGT-A, ranging from $931-2411 and depending upon number of embryos screened. As expected, the cumulative live birth rate was equivalent for both groups once all embryos were exhausted. However, PGT-A reduced time in treatment by up to four months. In addition, patients undergoing PGT-A experienced fewer failed embryo transfers and clinical miscarriages. CONCLUSION: For patients with > 1 embryo, IVF with PGT-A reduces healthcare costs, shortens treatment time, and reduces the risk of failed embryo transfer and clinical miscarriage when compared to IVF alone.

Celiac disease is not more prevalent in patients undergoing in vitro fertilization and does not affect reproductive outcomes with or without treatment: a large prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of celiac disease in the infertile population undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) and assess outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: A single infertility center from January 2016 to March 2017. PATIENT(S): Women 18-45 years of age participating in IVF. INTERVENTION(S): Patients had serum tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and endomysial (EMA) IgA testing to screen for celiac disease and completed a 10-question "yes or no" survey to assess their medical history, previous testing, dietary habits, and pertinent symptoms. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): IVF cycle outcomes were compared between seronegative and seropositive patients. RESULT(S): Of 1,000 patients enrolled, 995 completed serologic screening and 968 underwent oocyte retrieval. Eighteen patients screened positive for both tTG and EMA (1.8%) and 10 additional patients (1.0%) screened positive for one of the two antibodies. The number of mature oocytes retrieved, fertilization rates, and blastulation rates were equivalent between seronegative and seropositive patients. There were 987 patients who completed the questionnaire (98.7%), and 84 reported being gluten free (8.5%). Those who reported being gluten free were no more likely to be antibody positive than the general population. Furthermore, a low-gluten diet was not associated with markers of ovarian reserve, oocytes retrieved, fertilization, blastulation, sustained implantation and pregnancy loss rates. CONCLUSION(S): The prevalence of seropositive celiac disease was consistent with that of the general population (2.8%). Patients who were seropositive for celiac disease-related antibodies had outcomes equivalent to seronegative patients, and patients with a gluten-free diet did not have improved outcomes.

Versatility of the suprapubic port in robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the multiple advantages of the suprapubic port in robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: Video demonstration of a robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy technique using a suprapubic incisional retractor (GelPOINT). SETTING: Hospital. PATIENT(S): A 32-year-old primigravid women with heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain with a 12-cm leiomyoma (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics type 5). INTERVENTION(S): Illustrate a surgical approach during robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy with the use of a 5-cm suprapubic incision, an incisional retractor (GelPOINT) for the enucleation, and extraction of a large leiomyoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The effective enucleation and extraction of a leiomyoma specimen using an incisional retractor and GelPOINT. The steps of the technique and the role of GelPOINT are demonstrated. RESULT(S): The procedure was performed without incident, and the patient experienced pain relief and lighter menses postoperatively. This technique has been performed successfully since June 2014 on 22 women. CONCLUSION(S): During a robotic assisted laparoscopic myomectomy the suprapubic incision is both advantageous and practical. The small incision allows the surgery to remain minimally invasive; the primary umbilical trocar is inserted under direct visualization in an already insufflated abdomen; the location of the incision allows the surgical assistant easy access to the port; the passing of the needles occurs under direct visualization with minimal camera manipulation; and last, the extraction of large tissue can be performed within a specimen pouch through this same suprapubic incision in a short period.

The Use of Laparoscopy Simulation to Explore Gender Differences in Resident Surgical Confidence.

Background. The objective of this study was to determine whether female surgical residents underestimate their surgical abilities relative to males on a standardized test of laparoscopic skill. Methods. Twenty-six male and female general surgery residents and 25 female obstetrics and gynecology residents at two academic centers were asked to predict their score prior to undergoing the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery standardized skills exam. Actual and predicted score as well as delta values (predicted score minus actual score) were compared between residents. Multivariate linear regression was used to determine variables associated with predicted score, actual score, and delta scores. Results. There was no difference in actual score based on residency or gender. Predicted scores, however, were significantly lower in female versus male general surgery residents (25.8 ± 13.3 versus 56.0 ± 16.0; p < 0.01) and in female obstetrics and gynecology residents versus male general surgery residents (mean difference 20.9, 95% CI 11.6-34.8; p < 0.01). Male residents more accurately predicted their scores while female residents significantly underestimated their scores. Conclusion. Gender differences in estimating surgical ability exist that do not reflect actual differences in performance. This finding needs to be considered when structuring mentorship in surgical training programs.