Incidence of Intrauterine Adhesions After Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in Patients Seeking Fertility.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic myomectomy. Previous studies report a range of incidence for IUAs after hysteroscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: A retrospective review study. SETTING: An academic community hospital in the Boston metropolitan area. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing hysteroscopic myomectomy at our institution from January 2019 to February 2022. Patients were excluded if they did not have plans for future fertility or had a new diagnosis of cancer. INTERVENTIONS: All patients underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy using bipolar resectoscope without postoperative medical or barrier treatment. All procedures were performed by 1 of 4 fellowship-trained high-volume gynecologic surgeons with resident and fellow assistance. Incidence of postoperative IUAs was assessed and treated using second-look office hysteroscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 44 patients without preoperative IUAs underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy during our study period, and 4 patients (9.1%) developed new IUAs. Among 9 patients who were found to have preoperative IUAs and underwent concurrent hysteroscopic myomectomy and lysis of adhesions, we found a recurrence of IUAs in 5 patients (55.6%). We found the number, size, and deepest type of myoma removed were not correlated to an increased risk of new IUA formation. In addition, removing myomas on opposing walls during the same operation did not increase the incidence of new IUAs. CONCLUSION: Formation of IUAs after hysteroscopic myomectomy is a well-documented consequence. Our reported incidence of 9.1% of new IUAs that are not affected by the number, size, deepest type of myoma resected, and resection of myomas on opposing uterine walls contributes to the current literature. In addition, our finding of 55.6% of recurrent IUAs in patients undergoing both hysteroscopic myomectomy and lysis of adhesions highlights a high-risk population requiring additional study.

Nascent myoma as a cause of urinary retention.

We present the case of a 47-year-old woman with a bulky, nascent necrotic myoma, which at first glance appeared to be a malignant process in the cervix. It caused significant retention of urine due to compression of the bladder and ureters, hydronephrosis and deterioration of renal function. A fully developed picture of the "bulge syndrome" dominated - lymphedema of the lower limbs and lower abdomen, pain in the lower abdomen, constipation, secondary secondary urinary infection, and paradoxical ischuria. During a gynecological examination in a specula, a strong-smelling, necrotic tumour was visualized reaching half of the vagina, which was causing a bloody discharge, which brought the patient to the examination. A biopsy was taken from the tumour. A permanent urinary catheter was inserted into the urinary bladder with gradual adjustment of renal functions. Due to the difficulties and the benign histological findings from the biopsy, a simple abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingectomy from a lower midline incision was indicated. The operation was complicated by an extensive adhesive process and blood loss of 1,200 mL, with a decrease in hemoglobin in the blood count from 128 g/L to 79 g/L and the need for three blood transfusions. In the postoperative period, there is a prompt recovery of spontaneous micturition with normalization of bladder function, subsidence of lymphedema and subjective complaints of the patient.

The current and future state of surgery in reproductive endocrinology.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The last decade has witnessed a radical change in the field of reproductive surgery. The increasing success of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) has caused a huge shift in emphasis with many downstream consequences. This review outlines the changes and provides insight into the future of reproductive surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: With compelling evidence that IVF overcomes the detrimental effects of endometriosis on infertility and with two new oral medications available for management of endometriosis, momentum is shifting towards nonsurgical management of endometriosis. There is increasing recognition that except for submucous myomas, other myomas are unlikely to affect fertility and miscarriage. This, in addition to many emerging alternative modalities for management of myomas (oral GnRH antagonists, radiofrequency ablation), is likely to further decrease classic myomectomies but provide alternative, less invasive options. Caesarean scar defects have been recognized as having significant reproductive consequences and surgical management has become the standard of care. Fallopian tubes are now implicated in development of ovarian cancer, and as a result, salpingectomies are being performed in lieu of tubal ligations. Tubal anastomosis will soon become a historical surgery. Division of uterine septum remains controversial, and a clear answer will remain elusive. Uterine transplant is the single most significant advance in reproductive surgery in the past century. SUMMARY: Reproductive surgery is evolving with the times. Although some surgical techniques will become historical, others will become mainstream.

Comparison of two invasive non-surgical treatment options for uterine myomas: uterine artery embolization and magnetic resonance guided high intensity focused ultrasound-systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE) and Magnetic Resonance guided High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (MRgHIFU) are two noninvasive treatments for uterine leiomyoma. METHODS: This systematic review, following PRISMA guidelines, analyzed the effectiveness of two treatments by comparing percent fibroid volume shrinkage immediately after the procedure and after 3, 6, 12 and 24 months of follow-up and also assessed and compared common complications following treatment. The search utilized Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar and BioMed Central databases, selecting manuscripts published during the period 2000 and 2020. Studies with premenopausal patients with previous treatments for uterine leiomyoma and/or with other pelvic diseases were excluded. RESULTS: Twenty-nine papers satisfied inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were pooled and stratified by treatment and follow-up time. Weighted fibroid volume percent shrinkage after UAE was statistically significantly greater than MRgHIFU at 6, 12, and 24 months follow-up times. However, UAE had statistically significantly more complications, such as pain, nausea and vomiting. However, this study cannot conclude that UAE is more effective than MRgHIFU due to confounding factors.

Prospective Study Investigating Change in Carboxyhemoglobin Blood Level During Operative Hysteroscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of radiofrequency energy during resectoscopy leads to increases in patient blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and investigate procedural variables associated with these elevations. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study of 40 subjects undergoing a hysteroscopic procedure using bipolar radiofrequency energy. SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: The study was conducted at an ambulatory surgery center. Procedures for uterine leiomyoma, septa, products of conception, or a combination of these pathologies were included. We measured blood COHb levels before and immediately after the surgery. Abnormal postoperative COHb level was defined as an increase of plasma COHb ≥3.0%. All patients with abnormal postoperative levels were contacted and screened for carbon monoxide toxicity symptoms. Summary statistics included frequency for categorical variables and averages for continuous variables. p values were reported without modification. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 17.5% of subjects met the criteria for abnormal postoperative COHb levels. None of these subjects reported symptoms of carbon monoxide toxicity. One subject with an elevated postoperative COHb level had intraoperative hemodynamic changes possibly related to COHb elevation. An abnormal postoperative COHb level was associated with a higher fluid deficit (p = .024) and greater myoma volume (p = .04). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that systemic absorption of carbon monoxide is a reproducible phenomenon in hysteroscopic resections using bipolar diathermy. Greater absorption is associated with a higher fluid deficit and greater myoma volume. Although none of the subjects with an abnormal increase screened positive for symptoms in the postoperative setting and only 1 experienced hemodynamic changes intraoperatively, our study looked at a healthy and young patient population. More research is needed on the safety of this COHb exposure in patients with medical comorbidities. Special consideration should be given to the possibility of carbon monoxide absorption and the uncertain long-term effects when planning extensive hysteroscopic resections.

Oral Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Antagonists in the Treatment of Uterine Myomas: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Efficacy Parameters and Adverse Effects.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this systematic review is to gather and synthesize evidence regarding the use of oral gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist for the treatment of bleeding associated with uterine myomas. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases were searched electronically on March 5, 2021, using combinations of the relevant Medical Subject Headings terms and keywords. The search was restricted to the English language and to human studies. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Only randomized controlled trials involving patients with heavy menstrual bleeding associated with uterine myomas treated with different doses of oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists with or without add-back therapy were included. Studies comparing oral nonpeptide GnRH antagonists with treatments other than placebo were also excluded. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: A total of 5 randomized trials including 2463 women were included in the analyses. Included studies were found to be at low risk of bias. When treatments were compared against placebo, the top 3 treatments for bleeding suppression were elagolix 600 mg, 400 mg, and 200 mg without add-back. Elagolix 600 mg without add-back therapy had a significantly higher risk of amenorrhea than lower doses of elagolix with and without add-back and relugolix as well. Uterine volume changes were more pronounced in therapies without add-back. All treatments were associated with significantly improved quality of life scores, both for myoma symptom-related and overall health-related scores. With the exception of relugolix with high-dose add-back, all treatments significantly increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Again, all treatment modalities except for elagolix 200 mg without add-back significantly increased LDL-to-HDL ratio. The increase was highest for treatment without add-back therapy. CONCLUSION: Oral GnRH antagonists seem to be effective for myoma-associated bleeding and for improving quality of life. The safety profile is acceptable for short-term use, but lipid metabolism is affected.

The Risk of Endometrial Malignancy and Other Endometrial Pathology in Women with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: An Ultrasound-Based Model Development Study by the IETA Group.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a model that can discriminate between different etiologies of abnormal uterine bleeding. DESIGN: The International Endometrial Tumor Analysis 1 study is a multicenter observational diagnostic study in 18 bleeding clinics in 9 countries. Consecutive women with abnormal vaginal bleeding presenting for ultrasound examination (n = 2,417) were recruited. The histology was obtained from endometrial sampling, D&C, hysteroscopic resection, hysterectomy, or ultrasound follow-up for >1 year. METHODS: A model was developed using multinomial regression based on age, body mass index, and ultrasound predictors to distinguish between: (1) endometrial atrophy, (2) endometrial polyp or intracavitary myoma, (3) endometrial malignancy or atypical hyperplasia, (4) proliferative/secretory changes, endometritis, or hyperplasia without atypia and validated using leave-center-out cross-validation and bootstrapping. The main outcomes are the model's ability to discriminate between the four outcomes and the calibration of risk estimates. RESULTS: The median age in 2,417 women was 50 (interquartile range 43-57). 414 (17%) women had endometrial atrophy; 996 (41%) had a polyp or myoma; 155 (6%) had an endometrial malignancy or atypical hyperplasia; and 852 (35%) had proliferative/secretory changes, endometritis, or hyperplasia without atypia. The model distinguished well between malignant and benign histology (c-statistic 0.88 95% CI: 0.85-0.91) and between all benign histologies. The probabilities for each of the four outcomes were over- or underestimated depending on the centers. LIMITATIONS: Not all patients had a diagnosis based on histology. The model over- or underestimated the risk for certain outcomes in some centers, indicating local recalibration is advisable. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model reliably distinguishes between four histological outcomes. This is the first model to discriminate between several outcomes and is the only model applicable when menopausal status is uncertain. The model could be useful for patient management and counseling, and aid in the interpretation of ultrasound findings. Future research is needed to externally validate and locally recalibrate the model.

Simultaneously Occurring Ischemic Stroke, Leg Artery Occlusion, and Pulmonary Embolism Induced by a Uterine Myoma.

OBJECTIVES: Paradoxical embolism from venous thrombosis through the patent foramen ovale is a rare but well-known cause of stroke in young adults. Here, we report a case of simultaneous middle cerebral artery infarction, multiple occlusions of the leg arteries, and pulmonary thromboembolism from the venous thrombus, all due to compression of the external iliac vein by a uterine leiomyoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS (CASE PRESENTATION): A 44-year-old woman presented with left hemiparesis and central-type left facial palsy. She denied a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, previous cerebral infarction, myocardial infarction, smoking, or oral contraceptive use. The patient recovered completely after injection of tissue plasminogen activator. Brain diffusion-weighted imaging showed an acute right middle cerebral artery infarction. Transcranial Doppler with saline agitation test revealed a right-to-left shunt, suggesting a patent foramen ovale. Chest computed tomography revealed multiple pulmonary thromboembolisms. Lower extremity sonography and lower extremity computed tomography revealed a multifocal thrombus in the major veins and arteries of the left leg. Moreover, a large uterine myoma compressing the left external iliac vein was noted on lower extremity computed tomography. RESULTS: After the treatment of pulmonary thromboembolism and venous thrombosis with rivaroxaban, surgical thrombectomy of the left popliteal artery, patent foramen ovale closure, and total hysterectomy were performed. Subsequently, she had no recurrent paradoxical embolism or pulmonary thromboembolism. CONCLUSION: Structural abnormalities in the pelvic cavity are not commonly suspected as stroke etiology. However, examination of the pelvic cavity is advisable in young female stroke patients with pulmonary thromboembolism or other paradoxical embolisms.

Serum sestrin 2 levels in patients with uterine leiomyomas.

Our aim was to evaluate SESN2 levels in patients with uterine leiomyomas by comparing serum SESN2 levels in myoma patients with the levels in healthy women to deepen our understanding of the pathophysiology of uterine leiomyomas. Patients 18-50 years of age who applied to the University of Health Sciences Turkey, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital between January and March 2021 and who were diagnosed with uterine leiomyoma were defined as the 'myoma group'. The control group included patients without any sign of leiomyomas in routine ultrasonography. The patients' demographic features, gynecological symptoms, myoma volume and classification were recorded. Serum SESN2 concentrations in venous blood samples were measured using a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit.The study included 31 patients in the myoma group and 30 in the control group. The mean age/gravid/parity or BMI values did not differ significantly between the groups. The only gynecological symptom that showed a significant difference was menorrhagia. Serum SESN2 levels were significantly higher in the myoma group then the control groups (11.7 ± 2.5) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, although uterine leiomyoma is the most common benign tumour in women of reproductive age, there are no known markers for predicting the development of leiomyomas. Based on the results of the current study, SESN2 could be such a marker.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? Uterine leiomyoma is the most common type of benign tumour in women of reproductive age as well as the most common indication for a hysterectomy. Symptoms associated with uterine leiomyoma include abnormal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, menorrhagia, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia and anaemia, which adversely affect the patient's quality of life. Sestrins are a family of metabolic regulator proteins that play a potential role in carcinogenesis.What the results of this study add? This is the first study evaluating the role of sestrin in the development of uterine leiomyomas. Significantly higher levels of sestrin 2 (SESN2) were detected in patients with leiomyomas.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Although uterine leiomyoma is the most common type of benign tumour in women of reproductive age, there are still many unknowns regarding its pathophysiology. Further, there are still no known markers for predicting the development of leiomyomas. Hence, primary prevention is not possible. Based on the results of the current study SESN2, could be such a marker. Further studies are needed to confirm the results of this study.

Myomectomy during pregnancy; diagnostical dilemmas: two case reports and a systematic review of the literature.

Myomectomy in pregnancy, until this day, remains very controversial. We present two cases of successful antepartum myomectomies performed in the second trimester of gestation. In both cases, the initial suspected origin of these tumours was the ovaries. However, as it was shortly after confirmed, since both women underwent laparotomy, the diagnosis of these masses was uterine fibroids. Both cases resulted on the live birth of two healthy infants via caesarean section. Secondarily, we conducted a thorough review of current data of myomectomies performed during pregnancy, including the characteristics and diagnosis of the myomas of pregnant women, the surgical details and complications, along with the outcomes of these gestations. Overall, the analysis of cases published in international literature, suggests that the surgical removal of myomas during pregnancy can be considered safe, given certain indications and considerations. Our review comprises of 71 women undergoing excision of fibroids during pregnancy. Only three cases ended in a miscarriage while the remaining 68 resulted in a second or third trimester delivery. However, the data concerning the safety of the procedure are scarce and originate mostly from case reports. Thus, conclusions on the exact maternal and obstetrical complication rates cannot be drawn.

[Urinary retention secoundary to cervical myoma large items]. / Retención urinaria secundaria a mioma cervical de grandes elementos.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the clinical-diagnostic importance of cystic appearance of a cervical myoma large elements result produced secondary METHOD: We described a case of a 40-year-old with abdominal discomfort producing difficulty walking, dyspareunia, urinary retention seven months of evolution. The USG diagnosis was a cystic mass consistent with a right ovarian cyst. The surgical abdominal total hysterectomy is performed. RESULTS: Histopathological study of approximately 1 3x6 cm uterus with myoma fund of approximately 4 cm and myoma level cervical posterior surface of 15x12 cm.

Repair of a chronic myometrial defect with successful pregnancy outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To surgically demonstrate preconceptional laparoscopic repair of a chronic myometrial defect with mesh reinforcement, resulting in a successful pregnancy outcome. DESIGN: Video case report. The Institutional Ethical Committee was consulted, and the requirement for approval was waived because the video describes a modified surgical technique. The patient included in this video gave consent for publication of the video and posting of the video online, including on social media, the journal website, scientific literature websites (such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and others), and other applicable sites. SETTING: A referral advanced gynecological endoscopy center. PATIENT: A 27-year-old woman (P0A1) was diagnosed with myomas during pregnancy, resulting in miscarriage at 22 weeks. Laparotomy and myomectomy were performed 2 months later, and three 8-cm myomas were removed. The endometrial cavity opened posteriorly during surgery, and retained products of conceptions were removed. Periconceptional imaging done after two years showed few intramural myomas and a deficient myometrium in the posterior fundal region. Laparoscopy revealed a defect in the posterior fundal aspect of the uterus with leakage of dye, which was converted to laparotomy and myomectomy with the repair of the myometrial defect. After 1 year, follow-up magnetic resonance imaging showed thinned-out posterior myometrium with a focal area of absent myometrium in the midline and endometrial prolapse. The patient was advised on surrogacy, but she wanted to repair the defect again and try for pregnancy, so she was referred to our center. With the background of a few case reports using mesh to reinforce myometrial repair (1, 2), we counseled the patient about the myometrial repair with the additional use of mesh as an off-label use. INTERVENTION: The risk of uterine rupture after myomectomy is rare (<1%) (3), but it is a severe complication. High-risk cases, like significant myometrial defects or previous ruptures, may require surgical correction. Native repair may not achieve optimal results in all cases. Alternative approaches, like the additional use of mesh or biological materials, have been reported (4). In this case, we demonstrate the use of dual mesh for scar repair. Synthetic mesh over the uterus is used in laparoscopic procedures like sacrohysteropexy and cerclage. We used Parietex (Covidien, New Haven, CT, USA) mesh, a composite macroporous polyester mesh usually used for ventral hernia repair. It has an outer hydrophilic, absorbable collagen barrier that reduces adhesion formation. Laparoscopically, after adhesiolysis, a significant defect was demonstrated on the posterior wall of the uterus (Fig. 1). A complete resection of the fibrotic tissue along the edges of the scar defect was done to expose healthy myometrium. Myometrium was repaired in two layers, excluding the endometrium, with a V-Loc (Covidien, Dublin, Ireland) No. 1-0 suture. Parietex mesh was sutured over the repaired posterior myometrium to reinforce it (Fig. 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The postoperative myometrial thickness on imaging and pregnancy outcome. RESULTS: Postoperative ultrasound scan after 6 weeks demonstrated restoration of posterior wall myometrial thickness of 14 mm. The patient was conceived through in vitro fertilization techniques 4 months after surgery. Antenatal follow-up was uneventful except for suspicion of posterior placenta accreta. She underwent an elective cesarean section with uterine artery embolization at 34 weeks and delivered a healthy infant weighing 1,950 g. Placental removal was uneventful. On inspection, the posterior surface of the uterus was intact without dehiscence, meshing in situ with minimal adhesions (Fig. 3). CONCLUSION: Myometrial scar defects can cause potential obstetric complications. Native repair of scar defects may not achieve optimal results, as in our case. Mesh repair of myomectomy scar defects can be used as an alternative approach, as exemplified in this case. However, further studies are required to establish the safety and efficacy of this approach.

Comparison of cesarean delivery outcome after robotic and laparoscopic myomectomy.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether robotic myomectomy (RM) resulted in any measurable clinical improvement over laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) in subsequent cesarean delivery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 273 patients who had undergone LM or RM followed by subsequent cesarean delivery for the period of September 2015 to December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into LM (n = 222) and RM (n = 51) groups. The cesarean delivery outcomes between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: RM had significantly more myomas removed (6.0 ± 4.8 vs. 3.6 ± 3.5, p < 0.001) and a larger size of largest myoma (7.7 ± 2.4 vs. 6.1 ± 2.4, p = 0.002) at myomectomy compared with LM. However, there were no significant differences in the groups' surgical characteristics at cesarean section, in their pregnancy complications, or in adhesion formation. CONCLUSIONS: Although more and larger myomas were removed in the RM group, RM showed similar cesarean delivery outcomes and adhesion formation to LM.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation formed in a large uterine cervical myoma.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM) can arise in various organs, particularly the brain, but it is rare in the uterus. Uterine AVM is potentially lethal and is generally associated with uterine trauma, such as dilatation and curettage, therapeutic abortion or uterine surgery. On the other hand, uterine myoma is the most common benign gynecological tumor, but uterine cervical myoma is rare and grows in the extraperitoneal space, with development of complex capillary networks within the tumor. Cervical myoma surgery is therefore a difficult operation with a risk of massive bleeding. We report herein a patient with uterine AVM formed within a large cervical myoma in a postmenopausal woman. The patient was a 55-year-old Japanese woman who complained of lower abdominal distension. Ultrasonography, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed an 18 × 20-cm uterine cervical tumor with dilatation of numerous vessels. Pelvic angiography was scheduled to provide accurate diagnosis and to minimize intraoperative blood loss. In fact, preoperative pelvic angiography allowed us to identify the true feeding artery and drainage veins. Occlusion of the feeding artery with a balloon device is effective in decreasing intraoperative bleeding. Abdominal total hysterectomy was performed as the surgical management of this uterine AVM. Prophylactic endovascular balloon occlusion of the ipsilateral internal iliac artery reduced the amount of hemorrhage during surgery, although blood transfusion was needed in our patient. In conclusion, preoperative embolosclerotherapy should be considered as a treatment option in patients with AVM present in a large uterine cervical myoma.

Pregnancy complicated by uterine sacculation due to a huge myoma.

Uterine sacculation is rare complication affecting the pregnant uterus, and is difficult to diagnose. Sacculation consists of a transitory pouch or sac-like structure caused by inverted uterine polarity. Vaginal delivery is difficult, and even cesarean section can be difficult because of peculiar risks associated with uterine sacculation. We report a pregnant patient with posterior sacculation due to a huge myoma in the lower anterior uterine segment. Sacculation, especially that complicated by a huge myoma, is very difficult to accurately diagnose and makes cesarean section surgery challenging. Because of the myoma in our present case, opening the lower uterine segment was impossible with cesarean section. The uterus was instead opened by corporeal vertical cesarean section. Myomectomy was not performed and the giant myoma thus remained. Postoperative assessment revealed the uterus to still be retroverted. The giant myoma was the cause of sacculation in this case.

Uterine myomas: effect of prior myomectomy on pregnancy outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Reproductive aged women with fibroids must weigh the risks and benefits of preconception myomectomy. Women with fibroids may have higher rates of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and stillbirth; however, there is a paucity of data on the impact of myomectomy on pregnancy outcomes. We compared perinatal outcomes in women with prior myomectomy versus those with no prior myomectomy and at least one fibroid ≥ 5 cm. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of women at a single center who delivered between 2008 and 2017 with a viable intrauterine pregnancy at initial ultrasound scan and either prior myomectomy, or, in the no-myomectomy cohort, at least one fibroid ≥ 5 cm on a prenatal scan performed at < 21 weeks' gestation (wga). Pregnancies complicated by major congenital anomalies were excluded. Primary outcome was preterm birth (PTB) < 37wga. Secondary outcomes included rates of spontaneous loss, cesarean delivery (CD), abnormal placentation, malpresentation, FGR, birthweight, birthweight percentile, estimated blood loss (EBL), blood transfusion, and neonatal survival to discharge. RESULTS: A total of 290 women met inclusion criteria: 70 had a prior myomectomy, 220 women had ≥1 fibroid ≥5cm. Women with prior myomectomy were older, more likely to have private insurance, and more likely used artificial reproductive technology to conceive; 20% with prior myomectomy still had at least one ≥ 5 cm myoma on their obstetric scan. Rates of spontaneous loss were lower in the prior myomectomy group (1.4% vs 7.3%; p = .08). Of the 273 pregnancies continuing beyond 20 weeks, women with prior myomectomy had significantly more PTBs (35% vs. 21%, p = .02) and significantly different primary birth indications (p < .0001). However, after controlling for late preterm, prelabor cesareans recommended by providers in the myomectomy cohort, the difference in PTB rates was not significant (p = .13). The myomectomy group had more CDs (88% vs. 53%, p < .0001), higher EBL (1250 mL vs. 811 mL, p = .04), and a trend toward more blood transfusions (16% vs 8%, p = .05). Other selected outcomes were similar, including rates of FGR. CONCLUSIONS: Women with prior myomectomy had significantly more PTBs, due in part to more preterm, prelabor cesareans in the late preterm period. Otherwise, prior myomectomy did not confer appreciable obstetric or perinatal benefits, as patients had more CDs, and higher EBL. Recommendations to perform preterm prelabor cesareans in this population may explain some of the PTB disparity. The effect of prior myomectomy on early pregnancy loss and infertility requires further study.

Fibroids not encroaching the endometrial cavity and IVF success rate: a prospective study.

BACKGROUND The impact of fibroids, not encroaching the endometrial cavity, have on the rate of success of IVF is still controversial. Recent meta-analyses suggest a detrimental effect of intramural lesions but not subserosal lesions. However, they also emphasize the need for further evidence. In order to elucidate this, we designed a prospective cohort study to compare the rate of success of IVF in women with and without fibroids. METHODS Exposed women were those with asymptomatic intramural or subserosal fibroids with a diameter below 50 mm and who were selected for IVF. Unexposed women were those free of fibroids, who were matched to cases by age and number of previous IVF cycles. All recruited patients underwent hystero-sonography to rule out intra-cavitary lesions. RESULTS There were 119 cases and 119 controls recruited. The number of clinical pregnancies in women with and without fibroids was 28 (24%) and 22 (19%), respectively (P= 0.43). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for pregnancy in affected women was 1.38 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73-2.60]. The number of deliveries was 22 (18%) and 16 (13%), respectively (P= 0.38). The adjusted OR was 1.45 (95% CI: 0.71-2.94). Similar results emerged when focusing exclusively on women carrying intramural lesions (n= 80 couples). There was no significant relationship between clinical outcome and either the number or size of the fibroids. CONCLUSIONS In asymptomatic patients selected for IVF, small fibroids not encroaching the endometrial cavity did not impact on the rate of success of the procedure.

Fibroadenoma of the vulva--simultaneous with breast fibroadenomas and uterine myoma.

PURPOSE: To present a rare case of multiple fibroadenomas in breast and vulva and myomas in the uterus. In addition, to show the usefulness of receptor detection as a basis for the indication of antiestrogens. CASE: A 30-year-old patient presenting with a history of mammary fibroadenomas since the age of 16 years and uterine myomas since the age of 25 years. From age 26 to 29 years, she was operated on 3 times for fibroadenomas of the vulva. On the third time, she presented with 8 vulvar fibroadenomas. On this last occasion, a low expression of estrogen receptors was identified, together with a high expression of progesterone receptors (ER/PR pharmDx; Dako). Tamoxifen was indicated at 10 mg/d during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle for 12 months. After 18 months from initiation of the treatment, the patient was found free of tumors in the vulva, with mammary tumor regression and a nonhomogeneous diffuse uterine myometrium. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of solid benign-type tumors in the vulva associated with mammary fibroadenomas and uterine myomas leads one to suspect the fibroadenomas. The histopathological diagnosis and the identification of the hormonal receptors are important for control purposes and therapeutic indications.

"See and treat" hysteroscopy after missed abortion.

A prospective study was conducted on the incidence of intrauterine pathology after missed abortion diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy was performed in 100 women four to 12 weeks after a dilatation and curettage for missed abortions. Uterine malformations were found in 12 patients, intrauterine adhesions in seven and submucous myoma in two cases. As a side finding four cases of asymptomatic retained products of conception were found. Most cases of the intrauterine pathology were treated instantly by hysteroscopy, "see and treat" regimen was preferred. Post-missed abortion-hysteroscopy is a simple and useful method for early diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired intrauterine pathology.