Uterine-sparing surgical procedures to control postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage remains one of the principal causes of maternal mortality in the United States and throughout the world. Its management, which must be multidisciplinary (obstetrics, midwifery, anesthesiology, interventional radiology, and nursing), depends on the speed of both diagnosis and implementation of medical and surgical treatment to control the hemorrhage. The aim of this work is to describe the various techniques of vessel ligation and of uterine compression for controlling and treating severe hemorrhage, and to present the advantages and disadvantages of each. It is not difficult to perform vessel ligation of the uterine arteries: O'Leary's bilateral ligation of the uterine artery, Tsirulnikov's triple ligation, and AbdRabbo's stepwise uterine devascularization (that is, stepwise triple ligation). These procedures are associated with a high success rate (approximately 90%) and a low complication rate. Bilateral ligation of the internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries is more difficult to perform and potentially less effective (approximately 70% effectiveness) than the previously mentioned procedures. Its complication rate is low, but the complications are most often serious. There is no evidence that future fertility or subsequent obstetrical outcomes are impaired by ligation of either the uterine or internal iliac arteries. There are many techniques used for uterine compression sutures, and none has shown clear superiority to another. Uterine compression suture has an effectiveness rate of approximately 75% after failure of medical treatment and approximately 80% as a second-line procedure after unsuccessful vessel ligation. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but is probably around 5%. The risk of synechiae after uterine compression suture has not yet been adequately evaluated, but probably ranges between 5% and 10%. The methodologic quality of the studies assessing uterine-sparing surgical procedures remains limited, with no comparative studies. Accordingly, no evidence suggests that any one of these methods is better than any other. Accordingly, the choice of surgical technique to control hemorrhage must be guided firstly by the operator's experience. If the hemorrhage continues after a first-line uterine-sparing surgical procedure and the patient remains hemodynamically stable, a second-line procedure can be chosen. Nonetheless, the application of these procedures must not delay the performance of a peripartum hysterectomy in cases of hemodynamic instability.

The "Trick" Knot-A Modified Technique of the Removable "Shoelace" Knot for Temporary Ligation of the Uterine Artery at Its Origin.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the "trick" knot, a technique of temporary ligation of the uterine artery at origin, a modification of the previously published "shoelace" knot. DESIGN: A video demonstration. SETTING: A private hospital. INTERVENTION: Bilateral uterine arteries at origin are exposed after dissection of the peritoneum over the triangle formed by the round ligament, the infundibulopelvic ligament, and the pelvic sidewall [Video 1]. A 60-cm long free polyglactin absorbable suture with preformed knots at each end is introduced around the skeletonized uterine artery. Using a single throw, the "trick" knot is made by pulling out a loop of thread. The end is cut short, and the same suture is used to similarly ligate the other uterine artery. Each knot thus formed has a free end and a knotted end. Laparoscopic myomectomy is performed. On completion of the procedure, the knot is released by pulling the free end, restoring the blood supply to the uterus. CONCLUSION: Bilateral uterine artery ligation, although an effective method to curb bleeding during a laparoscopic myomectomy, when performed permanently, may lead to undesirable outcomes in women who wish to preserve fertility [1-3]. Methods for temporary ligation of the uterine artery at origin, such the removable vascular clips, are thus regarded justifiable [4]. In contrast to the removable "shoelace" knot, which uses a loop to make a throw, the technique of performing the "trick" knot mimics the steps of forming a regular intracorporeal knot [5]. This makes the latter technically easier and hence faster to perform, while still being as economic and reproducible as the former.

Cesarean scar pregnancy - a retrospective analysis of cases in the years 2012-2021.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing number of caesarean sections, the number of cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP) is also increasing. This is a relatively new entity of an ectopic pregnancy, which is risky mainly because of its possible association with placenta accreta spectrum. CSP is thought to represent about 6% of the total number of ectopic pregnancies in all women who have a history of at least one caesarean section. The estimated incidence of CSP is about 1/1,688 of all pregnancies and about 1/2,000 of all caesarean sections. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of individual cases of cesarean scar pregnancies managed in our health care facility in the years 2012-2021. RESULTS: In total, we managed 16 cases of pregnancy in the caesarean scar in 15 women. In one woman, we recorded CSP twice. The mean age of the women was 36.6 years (27-41). The mean number of caesarean sections was 1.6 (1-3) and gestational week was 7 (4-10). The average time since the caesarean section was 3.6 years (2-11). The management was methotrexate administration once, hysteroscopic resection once and 11times primarily vacuum aspiration only, when in two cases we had to attach laparoscopic uterine artery ligation due to postoperative bleeding. We performed primary ligature of uterine arteries twice before performing vacuum aspiration. In pregnancies above 10 weeks of gestation, we observed more bleeding complications requiring surgical management. Bleeding complications were also related to the presence of fetal cardiac action. CONCLUSION: Early correct dia-gnosis is essential in the management of CSP. Pregnancies up to the 10th week of gestation are managed by simple vacuum aspirations under ultrasound guidance. If the pregnancy is over the 10th week of gestation and especially with cardiac activity, we add laparoscopic uterine artery ligation before vacuum aspiration. All patients are subsequently advised to undergo laparoscopic resuturing of the lower uterine segment.

Temporary Ligation of the Uterine Artery at Its Origin Using a Removable "Shoelace" Knot.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a technique of temporary ligation of the uterine artery at its origin. DESIGN: A step-by-step demonstration of the surgery in an instructional video. SETTING: A private hospital in Mumbai, India. INTERVENTION: The peritoneum over the pelvic side wall was dissected bilaterally to expose the uterine arteries at their origins. Using a polyglactin absorbable suture, a double thread loop was used to create a removable "shoelace" knot (Video 1). Both uterine arteries were ligated in this manner. The myomectomy was completed uneventfully, and the myoma bed was sutured in 2 layers using polyglactin sutures. Once suturing was completed, the shoelace knot was untied by simply pulling one end of the thread to restore blood supply to the uterus. Intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL, and the total operation time was 120 minutes. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic ligation of the uterine arteries at their origin is known to reduce intraoperative blood loss [1,2]. However, in patients desiring future fertility, the effect of permanent ligation of these vessels bilaterally remains under study [3-5]. The removable "shoelace" knot is a low-cost, readily available alternative to metallic titanium clips that requires no special surgical expertise to implement.

Laparoscopic Variants of Temporary Uterine Artery Ligation.

OBJECTIVE: Laparoscopic uterine artery ligation may be performed during myomectomy or other uterine invasive procedures to reduce the amount of blood loss during surgery. In this video, the authors describe 3 different laparoscopic techniques to approach the uterine artery. DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of 3 different surgical techniques. SETTING: Private hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. INTERVENTIONS: The main steps of uterine artery ligation are described in detail as well as different laparoscopic variants to this procedure. ANTERIOR APPROACH: The impression of the uterine vessels can usually be seen anteriorly and laterally to the uterine cervix. After identification of the path of the uterine arteries, the peritoneum of the anterior cul-de-sac is opened over the vessels and the uterine artery is carefully dissected next to the lateral border of the uterine cervix. This dissection must be performed with extreme caution because the uterine veins are very close to the artery. Venous bleeding at this point of the dissection can be very difficult to control without ligating the vessels. After circumferential dissection of the artery, temporary occlusion is conducted using 2-0 polyester suture. POSTERIOR APPROACH, LATERAL TO THE INFUNDIBULOPELVIC LIGAMENT: For ligation of the uterine artery posteriorly to the uterus and laterally to the pelvic infundibulum, opening of the peritoneum of the broad ligament should start immediately below the round ligament, parallel and medial to the external iliac vessels toward the base of the pelvic infundibulum. The avascular space is dissected by blunt dissection (traction and countertraction), identifying the lateral (external iliac vessels) and medial (pelvic infundibulum and the ureter attached to the peritoneum of the ovarian fossa) landmarks. The external iliac artery is dissected cranially to find the bifurcation of the common iliac artery and the internal iliac artery. The first medial branch of the anterior division of the internal iliac usually is the uterine artery. After circumferential dissection of the uterine artery, it may be ligated according to the same technique described above. MEDIAL APPROACH: For the medial approach, the peritoneum should be opened medial to the infundibulopelvic ligament. The assistant grasps the infundibulopelvic ligament, creating a peritoneal tent. Immediately after broad ligament opening, anatomic landmarks are identified. First, the ureter is identified and medialized. For the identification of vascular anatomy, movement of the obliterated umbilical artery is made active, which reduces the risk of error to ligate the uterine artery. After circumferential dissection of the artery, it may be ligated according to the same technique described above. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic uterine artery ligation may be performed during laparoscopic myomectomy to reduce intraoperative blood loss. According to the position of the myomas within the uterus as well as the uterine volume, the surgeon may choose among 1 of the above-mentioned techniques to perform. This technique could also be applied to other types of invasive uterine procedures to reduce blood loss. Standardization of these techniques could help to reduce the laparoscopic learning curve.

Reproductive Outcomes Following Uterine Artery Occlusion at the Time of Myomectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This investigation sought systematically to review and meta-analyze evidence on reproductive outcomes following uterine artery occlusion (UAO) at myomectomy. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies included observational and randomized controlled trials in which patients underwent abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic myomectomy and in which at least one measure of clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, or ovarian reserve was reported. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve. Twelve articles involving 689 women were included in the systematic review. The intervention group underwent UAO at laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy (UAO+M) (n = 470). The control group underwent myomectomy alone (n = 219). Seven articles involving 420 women were included in the meta-analysis (201 underwent UAO+M; 219 underwent myomectomy alone). Live births occurred in 54 of 201 (27%) women in the UAO+M group and in 74 of 219 (34%) women in the control group. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 73 of 201 (36%) women in the UAO+M group and in 102 of 219 (47%) control subjects. There was no difference in live birth rates (odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.56-1.43; P = 0.51; 7 studies, 420 patients) or clinical pregnancy rates (odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.24; P = 0.33; 7 studies, 420 patients) between the UAO+M and control groups. Data on miscarriage rates, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve precluded meta-analysis. In conclusion, UAO at myomectomy is not associated with reductions in live birth or clinical pregnancy rates. Before routine use can be recommended in women desiring future fertility, more research is required on reproductive outcomes and effects on ovarian reserve.

The effect of uterine artery ligation in patients with central placenta pevia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Placenta previa is major obstetric surgical risk as it is associated with higher percentage of intraoperative and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), increased requirement of blood transfusion and further surgical procedures. The current study aimed to evaluate uterine artery ligation prior to uterine incision as a procedure to minimize blood loss during cesarean section in patients with central placenta previa. METHODS: One hundred and four patients diagnosed with central placenta previa antenatally and planned to have elective caesarean section were recruited from the antenatal clinic at Minia Maternity University hospital. Patients were randomly allocated into either ligation group or control group. RESULTS: Both groups were similar regarding demographic features and preoperative risk factors for bleeding. The intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the ligation group as compared with the control group (569.3 ± 202.1 mL vs. 805.1 ± 224.5 mL respectively, p = 0.002). There was a significant increase in the requirement for blood transfusion in the control group as compared with the ligation group (786 ± 83 mL vs. 755 ± 56 mL respectively, p = 0.03) Three cases in the control group required further surgical interventions to control intraoperative bleeding, while no cases in the ligation required further surgical techniques and that was statistically significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Uterine artery ligation prior to uterine incision may be a helpful procedure to minimize intraoperative and postpartum blood loss in cases with central placenta previa. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02002026 - December 8, 2013.

Anatomic vascular considerations in uterine artery ligation at its origin during laparoscopic hysterectomies.

Pelvic pathology such as fibroids, endometriosis, adhesions from previous pelvic surgeries, or ovarian remnants can distort anatomy and pose technical challenges during laparoscopic hysterectomies. Retroperitoneal dissection to ligate the uterine artery at its vascular origin can circumvent these obstacles, resulting in a safer procedure. However, detailed anatomic knowledge of the course of the uterine artery and understanding of vascular variations are essential for optimal dissection. We frequently encounter a C-shaped uterine artery variation during retroperitoneal dissection. We describe the key steps in identification and isolation of this variant, approaching the uterine artery origin either from the pararectal space or by utilizing the medial umbilical ligament coursing through the paravesical space. We also review other known uterine artery configurations. These techniques allow for safe completion of complex laparoscopic hysterectomies performed for various gynecologic diseases.

Uterine artery ligation at the beginning of total laparoscopic hysterectomy reduces total blood loss and operation duration.

The purpose of this study was to compare the feasibility, blood loss, duration of surgery and complications between patients in whom both uterine arteries were ligated by surgical clips and cut using a 5-mm ligature at the beginning of total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and patients in whom uterine arteries were not ligated at the beginning of TLH. In our prospective study, a total of 60 women underwent TLH. Uterine artery ligation (UAL) was done at the beginning of the procedure. Women were divided into TLH + UAL (n = 30) and TLH (n = 30) groups. In TLH group, TLH was done without ligating the uterine arteries at the beginning of the procedure. In TLH + UAL group, TLH was done with ligation of both uterine arteries at the beginning of the procedure. The mean operating time was longer for the TLH group (99.16 ± 7.01) than TLH + UAL group (63.27 ± 7.16). The median total blood loss was higher in TLH group (109.38 ± 33.03 mL) than TLH + UAL group (47.50 ± 8.12 mL). UAL at the beginning of TLH is a technically feasible procedure. It reduces the total blood loss and decreases the time taken for the procedure and length of hospital stay.

Risk factors and surgical interventions associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage unresponsive to first-line therapies.

The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors and surgical interventions associated with primary postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) unresponsive to first-line therapies. A retrospective analysis was performed of 212 women who experienced primary PPH (blood loss ≥ 500 ml). Logistic regression analysis identified that caesarean section (odds ratio [OR] 2.745; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.063-7.085; p = 0.037) and abnormal placental adhesion (OR 3.823; 95% CI, 1.333-10.963; p = 0.013) were risk factors for PPH unresponsive to first-line therapies. There was no significant difference in blood loss, blood transfusion and success rate among intrauterine tamponade, B-Lynch suture and uterine artery ligation. Intrauterine tamponade is the least invasive and most rapid approach, so it should be taken as the first choice for surgical management after unresponsiveness to first-line therapies.

Robotic Hysterectomy with Ureter Identification and Uterine Artery Ligation for Benign Gynecological Conditions: An Early-Year Single-Center Experience.

The use and application of robotic systems with a high-definition, three-dimensional vision system and advanced EndoWrist technology have become widespread. We sought to share our clinical experience with ureter identification and preventive uterine artery ligation in robotic hysterectomy. The records of patients undergoing robotic hysterectomy between May 2014 and December 2015, including patient preoperative characteristics, operative time, and postoperative outcomes, were analyzed. We evaluated the feasibility and safety of using early ureteral identification and preventive uterine artery ligation in robotic hysterectomy in patients with benign gynecological conditions. Overall, 49 patients diagnosed with benign gynecological conditions were evaluated. The mean age of the patients and mean uterine weight were 46.2 ± 5.3 years and 348.7 ± 311.8 g, respectively. Robotic hysterectomy achieved satisfactory results, including a short postoperative hospital stay (2.7 ± 0.8 days), low conversion rate (n = 0), and low complication rate (n = 1; 2%). The average estimated blood loss was 109 ± 107.2 mL. Our results suggest that robotic hysterectomy using early ureteral identification and preventive uterine artery ligation is feasible and safe in patients with benign gynecological conditions.

Renal cyst mimicking hydronephrosis after uterine artery ligation for postpartum haemorrhage.

Background: The proximity of the uterus and the cervix to the urinary tract predisposes the latter to injury during obstetrical and gynaecological surgical procedures. Following a difficult surgical procedure on the lower uterine segment and or adnexa, urinary tract injury should be excluded. Methods: A booked 39-year-old G3P2 lady who suffered an ischaemic stroke in the index pregnancy had a caesarean delivery at 39 weeks of gestation and sustained an extensive tear that extended inferiorly on the left lateral aspect of the uterus and this resulted in postpartum haemorrhage. Following the repair of the tear, uterine artery ligation was performed to achieve haemostasis. Results: Postoperatively, conventional ultrasonography which was performed to exclude ureteric injury suggested left hydronephrosis and a preliminary report of computerized tomography (CT) showed the same finding. The patient subsequently had left ureteric stenting. The final report of the CT scan was delayed but showed a simple left renal cyst and no hydronephrosis. Conclusion: Renal cyst is a differential diagnosis of hydronephrosis. Delayed availability of the final result of medical investigations jeopardises patients' safety. A preliminary imaging report is prone to error and its use to determine the indication for an invasive procedure should be limited to emergencies.

Cervical tourniquet during cesarean section to reduce bleeding in morbidly adherent placenta: a pilot study.

Objective: To evaluate a modified surgical technique aiming to reduce bleeding and preserve fertility in morbidly adherent placenta by cervical tourniquet in cesarean sections. Methods: The cesarean section operations and the cervical ligation approach were performed by a single expert consultant obstetrician. The general demographics and clinical characteristics for all participants were collected and studied. Results: Eleven participants were involved. The uterus was preserved in nine patients, whereas two patients had hysterectomy. The mean blood loss was 1688.8 ml for patients whose uterus was preserved. The mean length of stay was 5.5 days. Conclusion: Cervical ligation is a simple method that can be applied by junior and experienced obstetricians to preserve the uterus.

Efficacy of distal haemostasis during caesarean delivery in women with placenta accreta spectrum disorders.

Pregnancies complicated by the placenta praevia are associated with an increased risk of massive obstetric bleeding and high rates of hysterectomy which are often caused by the placenta accreta. The aim of our study was to identify the risk factors for placenta praevia associated with PAS disorders and the efficacy of distal haemostasis during Cesarean delivery. METHODS: This was a cohort study carried out between 2014 and 2020 in 532 women with abnormal placental localization and attachment. The placental attachment spectrum (PAS) disorder diagnosis was confirmed during the surgery and by the histology results in 164/532 participants. Depending on the surgical approach during the Cesarean delivery, patients were divided into three groups. In Group 1 (n = 52), patients underwent bilateral uterine artery ligation. In Group 2 (n = 33), we used the combined compression haemostasis approach including the placement of tourniquets and insertion of an intrauterine balloon for controlled tamponade. In Group 3 (n = 79), we used the combination of surgical haemostasis with the controlled intrauterine tamponade using the vaginal and intrauterine Zhukovsky balloon. RESULTS: PAS was observed in 30.8% of the placenta praevia cases, and in 93.3% was associated with the presence of a uterine scar. Women with the placenta praevia and PAS had a significantly higher number of past deliveries (р = .001). According to the FIGO classification, 53.8% of women with placenta praevia observed during the Cesarean had РА1 and 46.2% PA2. With regards to the PAS disorders observed in 30.8% of patients, 38.4% had PAS3, 34.7% PAS4, 18.3% PAS5 and 8.5% PAS6. The histology analysis showed normal placental attachment in 42.9% of the total number of study participants, placenta accreta in 28.2%, placenta increta in 16.7%, and placenta percreta in 12.2%. In Group 1, we performed the resection of uterine wall with the attached portion of the placenta in 13.5% of women, in Group 2 in 30.3% women, and in Group 3 in 50.6% women. There was a significant 4.8-fold reduction in the number of hysterectomies in Group 3 versus Group 2 (р = .043) and a 4.4-fold reduction in Group 2 versus Group 1 (р = .003). In Group 2, the volume of blood loss was 1.3-fold lower and in Group 3 1.5-fold lower than in Group 1. Conclusion: The techniques of compression distal haemostasis evaluated in this study in women with PAS are efficacious in the reduction of adverse maternal outcomes and should be used more widely in clinical practice.

The effect of temporary uterine artery ligation on laparoscopic myomectomy to reduce intraoperative blood loss: A retrospective case-control study.

Objective: To reduce intraoperative blood loss in laparoscopic myomectomy, uterine artery occlusion or temporary uterine artery clipping have been employed. Recently, in addition to these techniques, temporary uterine artery ligation has been reported as a new method that has less invasive effects on fertility and needs no special devices to be used. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of temporary uterine artery ligation to minimize intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy. Study Design: This was a retrospective case-control study at the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospital Mizonokuchi, Teikyo University School of Medicine. A total of 264 patients with uterine leiomyoma who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled in this study. We divided the patients into two groups, those who underwent temporary uterine artery ligation (52 patients) and those who did not (212 patients) and compared the operation time, blood loss volume, and other indexes. Second, to identify influential factors, we assessed the effects of 11 representative factors on massive blood loss or a prolonged operation time using multivariate analysis. Results: The intraoperative blood loss volume was decreased by approximately half with the addition of temporary uterine artery ligation (75.1 ± 73.6 ml vs. 158.5 ± 233.2 ml, p = 0.011), but the operation time was longer (200.5 ± 46.9 min vs. 160.1 ± 51.3 min, p < 0.001). Among the 264 patients, 25 patients (9/52 in the case group and 16/212 in the control group) had a prolonged operation time (≥ 240 min), and 24 patients (1/52 in the case group and 23/212 in the control group) experienced massive blood loss (≥ 400 ml). In the multivariate analysis, high body mass index, concomitant surgery and temporary uterine artery ligation showed a positive association with a prolonged operative time, and the presence of single leiomyoma showed a negative association. Concomitant surgery and the presence of large leiomyoma showed a positive association with massive blood loss, and temporary uterine artery ligation showed a negative association. Conclusions: By performing temporary uterine artery ligation during laparoscopic myomectomy, the volume of intraoperative blood loss could be decreased, especially in patients with large leiomyomas. However, because this procedure prolongs the operation time, there is still room for improvement.

Single-port access (SPA) laparoscopic myomectomy with uterine artery ligation via a retroperitoneal approach is feasible in women with large uterine leiomyoma.

OBJECTIVE: Uterine artery ligation (UAL) at the time of myomectomy has shown to decrease blood loss during the operation. However, little is known about the efficacy and feasibility of UAL during single-port access (SPA) myomectomy. The present study was performed to investigate the clinical benefits of UAL in SPA myomectomy and to provide details of the surgical techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective and comparative review on the surgical outcomes of the patients who underwent SPA myomectomy with UAL and those who underwent SPA myomectomy without UAL was conducted. UAL was performed at its origin from the internal iliac artery via a retroperitoneal approach. RESULTS: A total of 56 women who received SPA myomectomy were reviewed (24 patients received SPA myomectomy with UAL while 32 patients received SPA myomectomy only). The median weight of total resected leiomyomas was heavier for the patients who received UAL than those who did not receive UAL [210.0 g (range: 171.5-335.0 g) vs. 119.0 g (62.5-265.0 g), p = 0.023]. However, no differences in total operative time, estimated blood loss, perioperative hemoglobin changes, use of postoperative analgesics and postoperative complications between the two groups were seen. CONCLUSION: Obtaining similar surgical outcomes between the patients who received UAL with larger leiomyomas and those who did not receive UAL with smaller leiomyomas suggests that UAL is a feasible surgical approach to reduce blood loss during SPA myomectomy. Detailed descriptions of the surgical techniques are provided in the present report.

Obstetrical outcome after B-Lynch sutures and ligation of uterine arteries: A case report.

OBJECTIVE: To illustrate the obstetrical outcome after B-Lynch sutures and ligation of the uterine arteries. CASE: A 26-year-old nulliparous woman. A caesarean section performed for obstructed labour was complicated by uterine atony. A B-Lynch uterine compression suture technique was used combined with ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine arteries. Before the subsequent fertility treatment, gel instillation sonography and power Doppler imaging showed a normal uterine cavity and restored myometrial vascularization. Subsequent caesarean section showed external adhesions on the anterior uterine serosa. A healthy baby of normal weight was delivered. There was focal placenta accreta; the underlying myometrium was strikingly thinner and prone to inversion. DISCUSSION: After B-Lynch sutures and ligation of the ascending branches of the uterine arteries, the pregnancy was subsequently uncomplicated. The potential association between B-Lynch sutures and placenta accreta or uterine inversion in a subsequent pregnancy has to be assessed in further studies. This case report illustrates how 3D gel instillation sonography is a valuable tool to evaluate the integrity of the uterine cavity.

Randomized controlled trial of the effect of bilateral uterine artery ligation during cesarean among women at risk of uterine atony.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of prophylactic bilateral uterine artery ligation (BUAL) in reducing the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) during cesarean delivery among women at risk of uterine atony. METHODS: A randomized clinical trial at Cairo University Maternity Hospital, Egypt, from December 2017 to December 2018. Women at risk of uterine atony undergoing scheduled or emergency cesarean were randomized to two groups. In the BUAL group, women underwent BUAL before placental delivery; in the control group, women had cesarean delivery without BUAL. The primary outcome was the estimated blood loss during cesarean. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss during cesarean was significantly lower in the BUAL group than in the control group (523.4 ± 41.0 vs 619.6 ± 36.1 mL; P=0.003). Blood loss in the first 6 hours after cesarean was also significantly lower in the BUAL group than in the control group (246.1 ± 21.4 vs 326.1 ± 18.5 mL; P=0.006). There was no difference in operative time between the two groups (52.1 ± 6.1 vs 52.2 ± 6.8, P=0.880). CONCLUSION: BUAL during cesarean was found to be an effective method for decreasing blood loss during and after cesarean delivery among women at risk of uterine atony and subsequent PPH. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03591679.

Surgical management of first-trimester bleeding in a heterotopic caesarean scar pregnancy: A case report and review of literature.

Heterotopic caesarean scar pregnancy (HCSP) is very rare, with only 24 cases reported in the literature. Optimal management is yet to be determined. We describe a 38-year-old woman, G2P1, who presented with vaginal bleeding and haemodynamic instability at 9 weeks of gestation in a HCSP. She was managed with ultrasound-guided lower-segment curettage and bilateral uterine artery ligation. The patient's pregnancy was complicated by preterm rupture of membranes and shortened cervix at 27 weeks of gestation. This necessitated preterm delivery, with subsequent neonatal death attributed to extreme prematurity. The patient later had a spontaneously conceived pregnancy, which was complicated by placenta percreta requiring elective caesarean hysterectomy at 34 weeks of gestation. This is, to our knowledge, the first case report describing preservation of the intrauterine pregnancy and future fertility in a patient with a HCSP and significant first-trimester bleeding. We suggest that ultrasound-guided lower-segment curettage may be a suitable management option for carefully selected patients with HCSP in a tertiary centre. All patients with HCSP require judicious counselling regarding the risk of morbidly adherent placenta and need for tertiary-level obstetric management in future pregnancies.

Uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate three approaches to uterine artery occlusion at time of myomectomy as a blood-sparing intraoperative technique. DESIGN: A step-by-step explanation of the procedure with surgical video footage. SETTING: Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy, for whom a uterine artery occlusion was performed before any uterine incision. INTERVENTION(S): A step-wise approach is applied before beginning the myomectomy portion of the procedure, which includes the following: [1] selecting the appropriate approach to uterine artery occlusion (lateral vs. posterior vs. anterior) on the basis of individual anatomy; [2] identification of relevant anatomy and important landmarks for the procedure; [3] isolating the uterine artery and identifying the ureter; [4] occluding the uterine artery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Successful identification of the ureter and uterine artery, and occlusion of the latter by surgical clipping. RESULT(S): In all cases, the uterine artery was clearly identified, as was the ureter, and surgical clips were placed, resulting in successful uterine artery occlusion. CONCLUSION(S): Uterine artery occlusion can be performed by three different approaches, as have been demonstrated in this video. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature supports the efficacy of this procedure in terms of limiting blood loss, blood transfusion, and fibroid recurrence, albeit at slightly longer operative times.