A 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system vs bipolar radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation in women with heavy menstrual bleeding: long-term follow-up of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: The symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding has a substantial impact on professional, physical, and social functioning. In 2021, results from a randomized controlled trial comparing a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation as treatments for women with heavy menstrual bleeding were published. Both treatment strategies were equally effective in treating heavy menstrual bleeding during 2-year follow-up. However, long-term results are also relevant for both patients and healthcare providers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess long-term differences in reintervention risk and menstrual blood loss in women with the symptom of heavy menstrual bleeding treated according to a strategy starting with a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a long-term follow-up study of a multicenter randomized controlled trial (MIRA trial), in which women were allocated to either a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (n=132) or radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation (n=138). Women from the original trial were contacted to fill out 6 questionnaires. The primary outcome was the reintervention rate after allocated treatment. Secondary outcomes included surgical reintervention rate, menstrual bleeding measured by the Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart, (disease-specific) quality of life, sexual function, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: From the 270 women who were randomized in the original trial, 196 (52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system group: n=94; radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation group: n=102) participated in this long-term follow-up study. Mean follow-up duration was 7.4 years (range, 6-9 years). The cumulative reintervention rate (including both medical and surgical reinterventions) was 40.0% (34/85) in the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system group and 28.7% (27/94) in the radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation group (relative risk, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-2.10). The cumulative rate of surgical reinterventions only was significantly higher among patients with a treatment strategy starting with a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system compared with radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation (35.3% [30/85] vs 19.1% [18/94]; relative risk, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-3.10). However, the hysterectomy rate was similar (11.8% [10/94] in the 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system group and 18.1% [17/102] in the radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation group; relative risk, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-1.34). Most reinterventions occurred during the first 24 months of follow-up. A total of 171 Pictorial Blood Loss Assessment Chart scores showed a median bleeding score of 0.0. No clinically relevant differences were found regarding quality of life, sexual function, and patient satisfaction. CONCLUSION: The overall risk of reintervention after long-term follow-up was not different between women treated according to a treatment strategy starting with a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system and those treated using a strategy starting with radiofrequency nonresectoscopic endometrial ablation. However, women allocated to a treatment strategy starting with a 52-mg levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system had a higher risk of surgical reintervention, which was driven by an increase in subsequent endometrial ablation. Both treatment strategies were effective in lowering menstrual blood loss over the long term. The results of this long-term follow-up study can support physicians in optimizing the counseling of women with heavy menstrual bleeding, thus promoting informed decision-making regarding choice of treatment.

Ultrasound Appearance of the Endometrium Post-Radiofrequency Ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the ultrasonographic appearance of the post-ablative endometrium to improve knowledge of its sonographic findings. METHODS: This was an Institutional Review Board approved prospective study of patients who underwent second-generation endometrial ablation from 2016 to 2019 at a single health system. Patients had postoperative transvaginal ultrasounds at 2, 6, and 12 months. Ultrasound reports were analyzed for endometrial thickness, description of the endometrium and myometrium, presence of uterine fibroids, and uterine size. Statistical tests for repeated measures were utilized. RESULTS: There were 68 patients with the average age of 42 (SD 6) years and a BMI of 33 (SD 8). Preoperatively the average endometrial thickness was 10 mm, uterine length was 9.7 cm, and 38.2% had leiomyoma. The average endometrial thickness decreased at each ultrasound: 8.4 mm (SD 3.4), 7.2 mm (SD 3.0), and 5.8 mm (SD 2.5) at 2, 6, and 12 months, respectively. When comparing endometrial thickness postoperatively there was a significant difference at 2 and 12 months (P = .041), and 6 and 12 months (P = .031). There was no change during the postoperative period in the presence of leiomyoma, hyperechoic endometrium, hypoechoic endometrium, heterogeneous endometrium, and cystic endometrium on the ultrasounds. CONCLUSION: After ablation with a second-generation device, the endometrial thickness on ultrasound decreases with time following surgery. Additional studies correlating these findings to clinical outcomes would be useful.

First and second-generation endometrial ablation devices: A network meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: First-generation and second-generation endometrial ablation (EA) techniques, along with medical treatment and invasive surgery, are considered successful lines of management for abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). We set out to determine the efficacy of first and second-generation ablation techniques compared with medical treatment, invasive surgery and different modalities of the EA techniques themselves. DESIGN: Systematic review and network meta-analysis using a frequentist network. DATA SOURCES: We searched Medline (Ovid), PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, EBSCO and Scopus for all published studies up to 1 March 2021 using relevant keywords. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared premenopausal women with AUB receiving the intervention of second-generation EA techniques. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: 49 high-quality RCTs with 8038 women were included. We extracted and pooled the data and then analysed to estimate the network meta-analysis models within a frequentist framework. We used the random-effects model of the netmeta package in R (V.3.6.1) and the 'Meta-Insight' website. RESULTS: Our network meta-analysis showed many varying results according to specific outcomes. The uterine balloon ablation had significantly higher amenorrhoea rates than other techniques in both short (hydrothermal ablation (risk ratio (RR)=0.51, 95% CI 0.37; 0.72), microwave ablation (RR=0.43, 95% CI 0.31; 0.59), first-generation techniques (RR=0.44, 95% CI 0.33; 0.59), endometrial laser intrauterine therapy (RR=0.18, 95% CI 0.10; 0.32) and bipolar radio frequency treatments (RR=0.22, 95% CI 0.15; 0.31)) and long-term follow-up (microwave ablation (RR=0.11, 95% CI 0.01; 0.86), bipolar radio frequency ablation (RR=0.12, 95% CI 0.02; 0.90), first generation (RR=0.12, 95% CI 0.02; 0.90) and endometrial laser intrauterine thermal therapy (RR=0.04, 95% CI 0.01; 0.36)). When calculating efficacy based only on calculated bleeding scores, the highest scores were achieved by cryoablation systems (p-score=0.98). CONCLUSION: Most second-generation EA systems were superior to first-generation systems, and statistical superiority between devices depended on which characteristic was measured (secondary amenorrhoea rate, treatment of AUB, patient satisfaction or treatment of dysmenorrhoea). Although our study was limited by a paucity of data comparing large numbers of devices, we conclude that there is no evidence at this time that any one of the examined second-generation systems is clearly superior to all others.

Perioperative complications in women undergoing thermal balloon endometrial ablation after one or more cesarean deliveries.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether thermal ballon endometrial ablation can be safely performed after one or more cesarean sections. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study including all women who underwent thermal balloon endometrial ablation at the Kepler University Hospital, Austria, between November 2017 and December 2022. For the analysis of the study endpoints, the dataset was divided into two groups: women with at least one cesarean section, and women without a history of cesarean section. Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Association was tested using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Of the 361 women included, 29.3 % (n = 105) had at least one previous cesarean section. The association between intraoperative uterine rupture and previous cesarean section was not statistically significant (0 % vs. 1 %; p = 0.292). Only one uterine rupture was observed in the cesarean section group, which was located at the uterine fundus after a preoperatively unknown previous uterine perforation during IUD insertion. Secondary endpoints (overall complication rate, postoperative endometritis, vesicouterine fistula, different grades of Clavien-Dindo-classification) showed no significant associations either, even when considering the number of previous cesarean sections. The readmission rate to the clinic for bleeding disorders was 11.4 % in both groups (p = 1.00). CONCLUSION: Women who have had one or more prior cesarean sections with transverse isthmocervical hysterotomy do not appear to have an increased risk of complications in a subsequent thermal balloon endometrial ablation.

Uterine secretory activity and histology of prepubertal female dogs in an animal model of partial ablation of endometrial glands development / Atividade secretória uterina e histologia de cadelas pré-púberes em um modelo animal de ablação parcial do desenvolvimento das glândulas uterinas

Inadequate exposure of the female reproductive system to steroids in uterine developmental periods can partially inhibit the development of endometrial glands in dogs. However, the effects of steroids on the formed glands functionality remain unknown, as well as the possible occurrence of endometrial fibrosis. This study aimed to evaluate the secretory activity of endometrial glands in prebubertal female dogs submitted to a protocol of partial ablation of the uterine adenogenesis. Sixteen females of non-specific breed were distributed into two groups; MPA (n=8), females that received applications of medroxyprogesterone acetate every 3 weeks; and C (n=8) untreated control females. Ovariohysterectomy was performed in all animals at the age of 6 months and evaluated the uterine horns by histological and histochemistry exams. The secretion intensity (degrees 1-4) was evaluated using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and alcian blue (AB) pH 2.5. Histological evaluation was performed using Masson's trichrome and toluidine blue. Only degree 1 and 2 marks for PAS were observed in both groups, with no difference of uterine secretion intensity between the groups regarding the degrees found. However, the MPA group revealed higher intensity of uterine secretion compared to group C (p<0.05). Staining with AB pH 2.5 also revealed only degree 1 and 2 marks in both groups, with no statistically significance between them. Masson's trichrome staining revealed no marks in the periglandular region in both groups. A higher among of mast cells was observed in the myometrial region of the uterus in both groups. Prepubertal female dogs with partial ablation of the uterine adenogenesis present minimal uterine secretory activity, absence of periglandular fibrosis and increased presence of mast cells in the myometrium compared to endometrium.(AU)

A exposição inadequada do sistema reprodutor feminino a esteróides em períodos do desenvolvimento uterino pode inibir parcialmente o desenvolvimento das glândulas endometriais em cães. Entretanto, não se conhece os efeitos dos esteróides sobre a funcionalidade das glândulas formadas, bem como a possível ocorrência de fibrose endometrial. Objetivou-se avaliar a atividade secretória das glândulas endometriais de cadelas pré-púberes submetidas a protocolo de ablação parcial da adenogênese uterina. Foram utilizadas 16 fêmeas, sem-raça-definida, distribuídas nos grupos MPA (n=8), fêmeas que receberam aplicações de acetato de medroxiprogesterona a cada 3 semanas, e C (n=8), fêmeas controle não tratadas. Aos seis meses de idade, foi realizada ovariohisterectomia em todos os animais, e avaliados os cornos uterinos pelo exame histológico e de histoquímica. Para avaliar a intensidade de secreção (graus 1-4), foram utilizadas periodic acid-Schiff e alcian blue (AB) pH 2,5. Para a avaliação histológica foram utilizados tricrômico de Masson e azul de toluidina. Apenas marcações graus 1 e 2 foram observadas para PAS em ambos os grupos, sem diferença na intensidade de secreção uterina entre grupos com relação aos graus encontrados. Entretanto, o grupo MPA apresentou maior intensidade de secreção uterina em relação ao grupo C (p<0,05). Com relação ao AB pH 2,5, em ambos os grupos também foram encontradas apenas marcações de graus 1 e 2, sem diferença estatística entre grupos. Não foram observadas marcações para a coloração de tricrômico de Masson na região periglandular, em ambos os grupos. Foi observada maior quantidade de mastócitos presentes no útero na região do miométrio, em ambos os grupos. Conclui-se que cadelas pré-púberes com ablação parcial da adenogênese uterina apresentam mínima atividade secretória uterina, ausência de fibrose periglandular e maior presença de mastócitos no miométrio em relação ao endométrio.(AU)

The second generation endometrial ablation (NovaSure) improves efficacy of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system in management of adenomyosis / 浙江大学学报·医学版

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the efficacy of second generation endometrial ablation (NovaSure) combined with levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (Mirena) in the treatment of adenomyosis.@*METHODS@#Clinical data of patients with adenomyosis admitted in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among 66 patients, 44 received Mirena placement only (control group) and 22 received Mirena placement and NovaSure treatment (study group). The menstruation blood loss, dysmenorrhea score, uterine size, expulsion rate of Mirena and the patients' satisfaction rate were assessed in two groups.@*RESULTS@#There was a significant reduction in menstruation blood loss (0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#NovaSure can improve the efficacy of Mirena in treatment of adenomyosis.

Ablação endometrial: para qual paciente indicar? / Endometrial ablation: for whom is indicated?

O sangramento uterino anormal tem, como primeira linha de tratamento, o uso de medicação. Na sua falha ou impossibilidade de utilização, indica-se a histerectomia ou a ablação endometrial. A adequada seleção da paciente para realizar esse último método é essencial para minimizar os riscos de falhas e eventos adversos. Assim, esse estudo objetiva buscar evidências sobre as características das pacientes com maior chance de sucesso na ablação e avaliar se há diferença no resultado com o uso da primeira ou da segunda geração. Buscou-se artigos na base de dados Medline com os termos endométrio e ablação associados ao sangramento menstrual aumentado e sangramento uterino anormal. Foram selecionados 19 artigos dos últimos quatro anos. Comparando-se os dois métodos cirúrgicos, a ablação endometrial tem enorme vantagem perante à histerectomia, tendo menores riscos de complicações, menor custo e por ser de rápida realização. O prévio reconhecimento dos fatores, como adenomiose, laqueadura tubária, anormalidade uterina e dismenorreia, entre outros, pode reduzir a chance de falha da ablação endometrial, além de se sugerir a melhor técnica a ser aplicada. Assim, o alcance do sucesso no tratamento junto à melhora da qualidade de vida da paciente deve ser feito de modo individualizado.(AU)

The first line of treatment for abnormal uterine bleeding is medicine. If it fails or if the patient cannot use it, it is indicated hysterectomy or endometrial ablation. In order to minimize the risk of failure or adverse effects, it is recommended that patients should be selected with criteria for endometrial ablation. Therefore, this study aims to look for evidence of characteristics that could enhance the chances of success for endometrial ablation and observe if there is a difference in results when using either the first or the second generation. Nineteen articles published between 2013-2016 were selected from the Medline base ­ the terms endometrial, ablation, heavy menstrual bleeding and abnormal uterine bleeding were used as key words. Endometrial ablation has advantage over hysterectomy because it shows fewer risks for complications and has lower costs, besides being faster. Previous recognition of factors like adenomyosis, tubal sterilization, uterine abnormality and dysmenorrhea can reduce the chances of failure of endometrial ablation. Moreover, the best technique is suggested to be applied. Thus, the achievement of success in the treatment and improvement in the patient's quality of life should be individualized.(AU)

Ablación-resección endometrial con resectoscopio monopolar: resultados / Endometrial ablation-resection with monopolar resectoscope: Overall results

Objetivo: Analizar los resultados de la ablación-resección endometrial (ARE) con resectoscopio monopolar y las complicaciones asociadas. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo de 260 pacientes intervenidas mediante ARE por hemorragia uterina anormal (HUA) en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada desde abril de 1998 hasta diciembre de 2005. Resultados: La ablación-resección fue completa en el 83,1% de los casos, realizando miomectomía o polipectomía en el mismo acto operatorio en un 60,4% de las pacientes. El tiempo de seguimiento desde la realización de la ARE hasta la última revisión fue de 30,73 ± 17,15 meses. En este tiempo, un 38,5% de las pacientes permanecieron en amenorrea y solo 40 de las 260 mujeres continuaron con menorragia. Se obtuvo una tasa global de éxito clínico y quirúrgico de 84,6 y de 87,7%, respectivamente. Aparecieron complicaciones intraoperatorias en el 5,8% de las pacientes y tardías en un 16,2%. No hubo ningún caso de cáncer de endometrio ni de gestación tras la ARE

Conclusión: La ARE vía histeroscópica con energía monopolar es un método quirúrgico conservador útil en el tratamiento de la HUA en nuestro medio, con una baja tasa de reintervención y de complicaciones. Objective: To analyze the results of endometrial ablation-resection (ARE) with monopolar resectoscope and associated complications. Material and methods: A descriptive observational study was conducted of 260 patients undergoing ARE for abnormal uterine bleeding at the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital in Granada from April 1998 to December 2005. Results: The ARE was complete in 83.1% of procedures, with myomectomy and/or polypectomy being performed in the same intervention in 60.4% of the patients. The mean time from the performance of ARE to the last follow-up was 30.73 ± 17.15 months. At this time, 38.5% of the patients remained in amenorrhea and only 40 of 260 women continued to have heavy menstrual bleeding. Overall clinical and surgical success rates were 84.6 and 87.7%, respectively. Early intraoperative complications occurred in 5.8% of the patients and late complications in 16.2%. There were no cases of endometrial cancer or pregnancy after ARE. Conclusion: Monopolar ARE is a conservative surgical method that is useful in the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and has low reoperation and complications rates

Tratamento do sangramento uterino anormal: uma análise sob a perspectiva dos custos no Sistema Único de Saúde e da medicina suplementar / Treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding: an analysis from the perspective of costs in the public health system and supplementary medicine

Objetivos: Comparar os custos diretos e indiretos do sistema intra‐uterino de liberação de levonorgestrel (SIU‐LNG), ablação endometrial com balão térmico (AEBT) e histerectomia no tratamento de mulheres com sangramento uterino anormal (SUA). Métodos: Foram avaliadas retrospectivamente 88 pacientes tratadas para SUA pelo SIU‐LNG (n = 30), AEBT (n = 28) e histerectomia (n = 30). Foram considerados todos os procedimentos, consultas e exames envolvidos no tratamento das pacientes por um período de 5 anos, assim como os custos resultantes das falhas dos tratamentos utilizados. Foram estimados os custos pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) e sistema de saúde suplementar. As diferenças entre os grupos foram avaliadas pelo teste do t de Student ou ANOVA. Resultados:O custo do tratamento do SUA com AEBT foi significante mais elevado em comparação ao SIU‐LNG e histerectomia após um e cinco anos de seguimento, tanto no SUS quanto na medicina suplementar (p < 0,001). No SUS, o tratamento com o SIU‐LNG foi de 38,2% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 769,61 vs. R$ 2.012,21, p < 0,001) e de 45,2% após cinco anos (R$ 927,83 vs. R$ 2.052,21, p < 0,001). Na saúde suplementar essa diferença foi ainda mais expressiva. Nesse contexto, o custo do SIU‐LNG foi de 29,1% dos custos da histerectomia no primeiro ano (R$ 1.551,92 vs. R$5.324,74, p < 0,001) e de 37,4% após cinco anos (R$ 2.069,35 vs. R$ 5.538,74, p < 0,001). Conclusões: O uso do SIU‐LNG resulta em custos diretos e indiretos menores do que a AEBT e histerectomia no tratamento do SUA. A custo‐efetividade do SIU‐LNG aliado à reversibilidade e por ser um procedimento ambulatorial reforçam o seu papel no tratamento de mulheres com SUA tanto na perspectiva do SUS quanto na saúde suplementar.

Objectives: To compare direct and indirect costs of the levonorgestrel‐releasing intrauterine system (LNG‐IUS), thermal balloon endometrial ablation (TBEA) and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). Methods: 88 patients treated for AUB by LNG‐IUS (n = 30), TBEA (n = 28) and hysterectomy (n = 30) were retrospectively evaluated. All procedures, medical appointments and tests involved in the treatment of patients were considered for a period of five years, as well as all costs arising from failures of the treatments used. The costs for the Unified Health System (SUS) and the private health care system were estimated. Differences between groups were evaluated by the test t of Student or ANOVA. Results: The cost of the treatment of AUB with TBEA was significantly higher versus LNG‐IUS and hysterectomy after a five‐year follow‐up in both SUS and private health care system (p <0.001). In SUS, the treatment with the LNG‐IUS represented 38.2% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 769.61 vs. R$ 2,012.21, p <0.001) and 45.2% after five years (R$ 927.83 vs. R$ 2,052.21, p <0.001). As for the private health care system, this difference was even more significant. In this context, the cost of LNG‐IUS represented 29.1% of the hysterectomy cost in the first year (R$ 1,551.92 vs. R$ 5,324.74, p <0.001) and 37.4% after five years (R$ 2,069.35 vs. R$ 5,538.74, p <0.001). Conclusions: The use of LNG‐IUS results in lower direct and indirect costs versus TBEA and hysterectomy in the treatment of women with AUB. The cost‐effectiveness of LNG‐IUS, together with the reversibility and also by this being an outpatient procedure, highlights its role in the treatment of women with AUB, both in SUS perspective as in private health care system's.

Clinical efficacy of NovaSure for 30 patients with adenomyosis / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the efficacy and safety of NovaSure system for dysmenorrhea and abnormal uterine bleeding of adenomyosis.
@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis on 30 patients with adenomyosis, who treated by NovaSure, were carried out. We collected related clinical data before operation and collected postoperative information about dyemenorrhea, menstruation, anemia and uterine volume by visiting outpatient or telephone.
@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 7 to 31 months after the operation. The relief rate of menstrual pain was 83.3%. All patients got obvious improvements in menstruation and anemia (P<0.05). After operation, uterine volume was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Only one case received intervention in 2 years (3.3%).
@*CONCLUSION@#NovaSure can relieve symptoms of menorrhagia and alleviate dysmenorrhea symptoms. It is a new way for the treatment of uterine adenomyosis.

Ablación endometrial: tipos, técnicas y evidencias de su utilidad. Revisión de la literatura / Endometrial ablation: types, techniques and effectiveness analysis - a literature review

La ablación endometrial se introdujo como alternativa a la histerectomía en el manejo de la menorragia, problema muy común e incapacitante, con afectación en la calidad de vida de las mujeres en edad reproductiva. Consiste en remover o destruir todo el espesor del endometrio, con el fin de lograr la oligo o amenorrea. Se han descrito dos generaciones de técnicas: las de primera generación eliminan el espesor completo del endometrio bajo visualización directa con un instrumental electroquirúrgico. Las de segunda generación dependen de un dispositivo que se inserta en la cavidad uterina y libera energía térmica para destruir el endometrio. Aunque son procedimientos conocidos a nivel mundial, en nuestro país existen pocos estudios y la técnica no ha sido muy difundida. Se realiza la revisión de la literatura acerca del estado del arte de las técnicas de ablación endometrial, con una explicación, indicaciones, complicaciones y ventajas. Se plantean estrategias para futuros estudios que puedan ser de utilidad en la práctica de los servicios de ginecología en Colombia...

Endometrial ablation has evolved as an alternative to hysterectomy in the management of menorrhagia, a very common and disabling problem affecting quality of life of women of reproductive age. It consists in removing or destroying the endometrial lining completely in an attempt to achieve oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea. Two generations of techniques have been described. First generation endometrial ablation techniques include hysteroscopic complete resection of the endometrial lining using an electrosurgical instrument. Second generation techniques depend on a device that liberates thermic energy to destroy the endometrial lining. Although these procedures are known worldwide, few studies are available and the technique has not been widely applied in our country. A literature review of endometrial ablation techniques state-of-the-art was conducted, including an explanation, indications, complications and advantages. Strategies for future studies which may be useful for the practice of gynecology in Colombia were formulated...

Ablación endometrial histeroscópica como tratamiento definitivo para el sangrado uterino anormal / Hysteroscopic endometrial ablation for abnormal uterine bleeding

Introducción: El sangrado uterino anormal (SUA) afecta a un 19% de las mujeres. Su tratamiento definitivo consiste en la histerectomía, sin embargo la ablación endometrial histeroscópica surge como un tratamiento menos invasivo, menos riesgoso y más rápido. Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la ablación endometrial histeroscópica como tratamiento definitivo para el SUA. Método: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo obtenido de base de datos de protocolos operatorios específicos del total de histeroscopías quirúrgicas realizadas en el Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Naval Almirante Nef de Viña del Mar, entre enero de 2002 y diciembre de 2010. Resultados: De las 507 histeroscopías quirúrgicas realizadas, 230 fueron por SUA. Del total de pacientes sometidas a ablación endometrial histeroscópica, 27 (11,7 por ciento) necesitaron un segundo procedimiento, de las cuales sólo 15 (6,5 por ciento) fueron por persistencia de SUA. No se encontró asociación entre la necesidad de un segundo procedimiento por SUA con características propias de la paciente ni del procedimiento quirúrgico. Conclusión: La ablación endometrial histeroscópica es una opción terapéutica efectiva y segura para el tratamiento del SUA, con baja necesidad de segundo procedimiento por persistencia de éste y bajo riesgo de complicaciones. La necesidad de un segundo procedimiento por SUA no se asocia con características propias de la paciente ni del procedimiento quirúrgico.

Introduction: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) affects 19% of women. Definitive treatment is hysterectomy, however hysteroscopic endometrial ablation is emerging as a less invasive, less risky and faster treatment. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation as definitive treatment for AUB. Method: Retrospective cohort study database obtained from specific surgical protocols of all surgical hysteroscopies performed in the Gynecology Department of Hospital Naval Almirante Nef de Vina del Mar, between January 2002 and December 2010. Results: Of the 507 surgical hysteroscopies performed, 230 were because of AUB. Of all patients undergoing hysteroscopic endometrial ablation, 27 (11.7 percent) required a second procedure, of which only 15 (6.5 percent) were due to persistence of AUB. No association was found between the need for a second procedure because of AUB with patient characteristics or the surgical procedure itself. Conclusion: Hysteroscopic endometrial ablation is a safe and effective therapeutic option for AUB treatment, with a low need for a second procedure due to its persistence and with low risk of complications. The need of a second procedure because of AUB is not associated with patient characteristics or the surgical procedure itself.

Achados histeroscópicos na cavidade endometrial após ablação endometrial / Hysteroscopic appearance of the endometrial cavity after endometrial ablation

OBJETIVO: Verificar o aspecto da cavidade uterina após a ablação endometrial histeroscópica, a prevalência de sinéquias após o procedimento e, com isso, avaliar a importância da histeroscopia realizada no pós-operatório dessas pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os laudos dos exames de 153 pacientes que haviam sido submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial após ablação do endométrio devido a sangramento uterino anormal de causa benigna, no período entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2011. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: HIST≤60 (n=90), com pacientes submetidas ao exame no período de 40 a 60 dias após o procedimento, e grupo HIST>60 (n=63), das que foram examinadas entre 61 dias e 12 meses. RESULTADOS: No grupo HIST≤60, 30% das pacientes apresentavam algum grau de sinéquia; aderências grau I foram descritas em 4,4%; grau II em 6,7%; grau IIa em 4,4%; grau III em 7,8%; e 2,2% apresentavam grau IV. No HIST>60, sinéquias foram descritas em 53,9% dos casos, 3,2% tinham sinéquias grau I; 11,1%, grau II; 7,9%, grau IIa; 15,9%, grau III; e 4,8%, grau IV. Hematometra foi descrito em 2,2% dos casos do HIST≤60 e em 6,3% no HIST>60. CONCLUSÕES: A cavidade uterina de pacientes submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial até 60 dias após a ablação endometrial mostrou menor número de sinéquias quando comparada com as cavidades uterinas de pacientes que foram submetidas ao exame após 60 dias. Acompanhamento em longo prazo é necessário para avaliar plenamente o impacto da histeroscopia ambulatorial após a ablação endometrial. .

PURPOSE: To examine the aspect of the uterine cavity after hysteroscopic endometrial ablation, to determine the prevalence of synechiae after the procedure, and to analyze the importance of hysteroscopy during the postoperative period. METHODS: The results of the hysteroscopic exams of 153 patients who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation due to abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology during the period from January 2006 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: HIST≤60 (n=90) consisting of patients undergoing the exam 40-60 days after the ablation procedure, and the group HIST>60 (n=63) consisting of patients undergoing the exam between 61 days and 12 months after the procedure. RESULTS: In the HIST≤60 group, 30% of the patients presented some degree of synechiae: synechiae grade I in 4.4% of patients, grade II in 6.7% , grade IIa in 4.4%, grade III in 7.8%, and grade IV in 2.2%. In the HIST>60 group, 53.9% of all cases had synechiae, 3.2% were grade I, 11.1% grade II, 7.9% grade IIa, 15.9% grade III, and 4.8% grade IV. Hematometra was detected in 2.2 % of all cases in group HIST≤60 and in 6.3% of all cases in group HIST>60. CONCLUSIONS: The uterine cavity of the patients submitted to diagnostic hysteroscopy up to 60 days after endometrial ablation showed significantly fewer synechiae compared to the uterine cavity of patients who underwent the exam after 60 days. Long-term follow-up is necessary to fully evaluate the importance of outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation regarding menstrual patterns, risk of cancer and prevalence of treatment failure. .

Instilación intrauterina de ácido tricloroacético como tratamiento de la hemorragia uterina anormal / Intrauterine trichloroacetic acid instillation as treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding

Objetivo: Demostrar la eficacia de la instilación intrauterina de ácido tricloroacético como método de ablación endometrial para el tratamiento de la hemorragia uterina. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo, analítico, comparativo, en 60 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta del Servicio de Ginecología del Hospital Universitario de Caracas entre mayo 2008 y agosto 2009, en quienes se empleó ácido tricloroacético al 95 %, como método de ablación endometrial. Se seleccionaron dos grupos al azar, uno sujeto a la colocación previa de analógos de GnRh y otro control, sin este. Resultados: A los 3 meses del tratamiento, el grupo que recibió acetato de leuprolide presentó eumenorrea en 62,5 % e hipomenorrea en 37,5 %. Ninguna de las pacientes de este grupo presentó hipermenorrea, ni amenorrea. El grupo que no recibió análogos presentó eumenorrea en 50 % de los casos, hipomenorrea en 32,1 % e hipermenorrea en 17,9 %. La tasa de éxito y satisfacción de la paciente, fue de 100 % para el grupo con análogos y de 82,1 % para el control. Estos cambios resultaron estadísticamente significativos (P < 0,05). Conclusión: La instilación intrauterina de ácido tricloroacético es eficaz en el tratamiento de la hemorragia uterina, obteniendo mejores resultados al preparar el endometrio con acetato de leuprolide.

Objective: To demonstrate the efficiency of intrauterine instillation of trichloroacetic acid as a method of endometrial ablation for the treatment of uterine hemorrhage. Methods: This was a prospective, analytical and comparative study performed in 60 patients who came to consultation at the Servicio de Ginecologia del Hospital Universitario de Caracas between May, 2008 and August, 2009, in whom 95 % trichloroacetic acid was used as method of endometrial ablation. Two groups were selected at random, one subject to the previous administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue and another control, without this one. Results: To 3 months of treatment, the group that received leuprolide acetate presented eumenorrhea rates of 62.5 % and hypomenorrhea of 37.5 %. None of the patients of this group presented menorrhagia, not amenorrhea. The group that did not receive analogous presented eumenorrhea in 50 % of the cases, hypomenorrhea in 32.1 % and menorrhagia in 17.9 %. The rate of success and satisfaction of the patient was 100 % for the group with analogous and 82.1 % for the control group. These results turned out to be statistically significant (P <0.05). Conclusion: Intrauterine instillation of trichloroacetic acid is effective in the treatment of uterine hemorrhage, obtaining better results when leuprolide acetate is used previous the procedure.

Intervención de la matrona hospitalaria en una gestante con mutilación genital femenina. A propósito de un caso / Intervention of the hospital midwife in the case of a pregnant women who had undergone female genital mutilation. A case study

La mutilación genital femenina, condenada por todos los países miembros de la Organización de las Naciones Unidas, se ha extendido alrededor del mundo como consecuencia de los flujos migratorios, y se realiza al amparo de una costumbre, tradición o cultura. En España está penada como delito de lesiones según el Código Penal vigente. Mediante un caso clínico se revisan las principales actuaciones de la matrona ante dicha lesión en una gestante en el trabajo de parto. Se exponen los datos recogidos en la exploración física y valoración según el modelo de Virginia Henderson, y se desarrolla un plan de cuidados completo. Del caso se puede concluir que, en el ámbito hospitalario, las matronas pueden y deben reforzar y completar el trabajo con estas mujeres y sus familias de informar, educar y fortalecer la decisión de no mutilar, el cual debería haber sido iniciado en el centro de salud (AU)

Female genital mutilation, condemned by all UN member countries has spread throughout the world as a result of migratory flows and is practiced under the guise of a custom, tradition or culture. In Spain, it is punishable as a personal injury offence under the current penal code. A clinical case study reviewed the main actions of the midwife in this kind of injury in a pregnant woman during labour. The data collected from the physical examination and the midwife's assessment according to the Virginia Henderson model are presented and a complete care plan developed. From the case it can be concluded that in the hospital area, midwives can and should reinforce and complete the work with these women and their families, of informing, educating and reinforcing the decision not to mutilate. This work should have been started in, the health centre (AU)

Ablação histeroscópica do endométrio: resultados após seguimento clínico de 5 anos / Results of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation after five-year follow-up

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados clínicos, após seguimento mínimo de 5 anos, de pacientes com sangramento uterino anormal de etiologia benigna que realizaram ablação endometrial, analisando a taxa de sucesso do tratamento em relação ao método, compreendida como satisfação da paciente e melhora do sangramento uterino anormal, bem como complicações tardias, fatores associados e recorrência dos sintomas. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal conduzido após período mínimo de 5 anos de cirurgia em pacientes submetidas ao procedimento entre 1999 e 2004. Foram analisados os seguintes dados: faixa etária quando da realização da cirurgia, complicações imediatas e tardias, e fatores associados. Foi utilizado o modelo de regressão logística com cálculo da respectiva Odds Ratio (OR) para se observarem as possíveis associações existentes entre a taxa de sucesso da cirurgia e as variáveis analisadas. RESULTADOS: Cento e quatorze pacientes foram submetidas à ablação endometrial no período de Março de 1999 a Abril de 2004. O tempo mediano de seguimento foi de 82 meses. O modelo de regressão logística permitiu a predição correta do sucesso da ablação endometrial em 80,6 por cento. A idade relacionou-se diretamente com o sucesso do procedimento (OR=1,2; p=0,003) e a ligadura tubária pregressa mostrou relação inversa com o sucesso da ablação endometrial (OR=0,3; p=0,049). Dentre as pacientes com falha terapêutica, 21 (72,4 por cento) foram tratadas com histerectomia. Em uma das pacientes submetidas à histerectomia foi confirmada a presença de hidro-hematossalpinge ao exame anatomopatológico, caracterizando a síndrome da ligadura tubária pós-ablação. CONCLUSÃO: A ablação endometrial tem se mostrado uma opção de tratamento vantajosa, mantendo altos índices de satisfação das pacientes, mesmo em seguimentos a longo prazo A idade quando da ablação endometrial influenciou no sucesso terapêutico e mais estudos são necessários para avaliar os fatores que poderão futuramente influenciar na indicação do procedimento em casos selecionados.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes after a minimum period of 5 years of follow-up of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology who underwent endometrial ablation, analyzing the success rate of treatment defined as patient satisfaction and improvement in uterine abnormal bleeding, as well as late complications and factors associated with recurrence of symptoms. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted after a minimum period of 5 years after surgery in patients who underwent the procedure between 1999 and 2004. We analyzed the following data: age at the time of surgery, immediate and late complications and associated factors. Logistic regression with Odds Ratio (OR) calculation was performed to evaluate possible associations between the success rate of surgery and the analyzed variables. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients underwent endometrial ablation between March 1999 and April 2004. The median follow-up was 82 months. The logistic regression model allowed the correct prediction of the success of endometrial ablation in 80.6 percent of cases. Age was directly related to the success of the procedure (OR=1.2; p=0.003) and previous tubal ligation showed a negative association with the success of endometrial ablation (OR=0.3; p=0.049). Among the patients with treatment failure, 21 (72.4 percent) underwent hysterectomy. In one of the hysterectomy cases, hydro/hematosalpinx was confirmed by the anatomopathological exam, characterizing the postablation-tubal sterilization syndrome. CONCLUSION: Endometrial ablation has proven to be a worthwhile treatment option, maintaining high rates of patient satisfaction, even over long-term follow-up. The age at endometrial ablation influenced the therapeutic success. Further studies are needed to evaluate the factors that may influence the future indication for the procedure in selected cases.

Resultados de la Ablación-Resección Endometrial con Energía Monopolar. Análisis de Factores Pronósticos / Outcomes of Endometrial Ablation-Resection with Monopolar Electrosurgery. Prognostic Factors Analysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: La hemorragia uterina anormal (HUA) se considera una patología con importantes repercusiones sanitarias y sociales, ya que afecta a un porcentaje elevado de pacientes en edad reproductiva, deteriorando su calidad de vida y suponiendo la principal causa de anemia e histerectomía en mujeres de países desarrollados. El tratamiento dependerá de múltiples factores, siendo la ablación-resección endometrial (ARE) una alternativa apropiada para pacientes que no desean conservar la fertilidad. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional retrospectivo que analiza los resultados de ARE histeroscópica en el Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves de Granada y los factores asociados al éxito o fracaso de la misma. RESULTADOS: Se seleccionaron 260 pacientes premenopáusicas sometidas a ARE histeroscópica acompañada de miomectomía y/o polipectomía en el 60,4 % de los casos, con un tiempo de seguimiento entre 1 y 79 meses. De estas, solo 40 continuaron con menorragia, considerándose por tanto que la técnica resultó exitosa desde el punto de vista clínico en el 84,6 % de los casos, con tasas de amenorrea del 38,5 %, siendo necesario rentervenir al 12,3 % de las pacientes. Al analizar el éxito con el tiempo, a los 5 años de seguimiento, nuestra tasa de éxito clínico ha sido del 70,8 % y nuestra tasa de reintervención del 19,9 %

INTRODUCTION: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is considered a disease with important health and social impact, as it affects a large percentage in patients of reproductive age, impairing their quality of life and assuming the leading cause of anemia and hysterectomy in women in developed countries. The treatment will depend on multiple factors, being the endometrial ablation-resection (EAR) an alternative for patients who do not wish to preserve fertility. METHODS: This observational retrospective study analyze the results of hysteroscopic EAR in the Virgen de las Nieves University Hospital, and factors associated with the success or failure of the procedure. RESULTS: We selected 260 premenopausal women who were performed hysteroscopic EAR , preceded by myomectomy and/or polypectomy in 60,4% of patients . Follow up ranged from 1 to 79 months. Only 40 of the 260 selected patientscontinued with menorrhagia, therefore the technique was clinically successful in 84,6% of them, with amenorrhea rates of 38,5%. Moreover, 12,3% of patients needed another additional operative procedure. After 5 years of follow-up our clinic succes rate was 70,8% and 19,9% of reintervention rate. Adenomyosis was a risk factor for clinical failure and reoperation in both bivariant and multivariate analysis. When we consider the follow-up time, adenomyosis triples risk of clinical failure and causes 5,3 fold increase in surgical failure risk. CONCLUSION: Hysteroscopic EAR offers favourable outcomes in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, but when adenomyosis is suspected we must contraindicate it, or at least the patient must be informed about poor results

Situación actual de la técnica time lapse en el laboratorio / Current status of time-lapse systems in the laboratory

El uso de los sistemas time lapse está cada vez más extendido en los laboratorios, se ha demostrado su utilidad a la hora de seleccionar mejor los embriones en combinación con la morfología, que hasta hoy era el método utilizado para realizar esta selección. Aunque existen autores que no están muy de acuerdo con esta afirmación, hay una gran mayoría que coincide en que la monitorización continua de los embriones ofrece una información relevante a la hora de elegir los mejores embriones de un cultivo. Durante los últimos años han surgido estudios avalando el uso de esta técnica, así se ha descrito que se puede conseguir elevar las tasas de embarazo y apostar con más fuerza por la transferencia de embrión único. Todo lo descrito en la literatura habla de resultados con patrones de división y los distintos estudios que validan esos modelos, pero ninguno nombra en profundidad las especificaciones propias de cada sistema, por tanto, el objetivo de este estudio ha sido el intentar resaltar las diferencias existentes entre las plataformas que se pueden encontrar en el mercado e indicar el futuro de cada una de ellas

The use of time-lapse systems is increasingly widespread in laboratories, it has proved useful in the selection of the best embryos when combined with their morphology, the traditional method used until now. Although there are some authors that disagree with this statement, a large majority agrees that the continuous monitorization of the embryos offers relevant information at the time of choosing the best embryos within a culture. In recent years there have been studies that support the use of this technique, and have proven that higher pregnancy rates can be achieved with its use, placing more emphasis on single embryo transfer. Everything published in the literature describes the results of with division patterns and the various studies that validate those models, but none provide an in-depth description of their specifications, thus the aim of this study was to highlight the differences between each of the platforms found on the market and indicate the predicted future of each of them