Patients' motives and considerations on treatment decision-making for heavy menstrual bleeding: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Several treatment modalities for heavy menstrual bleeding are available. However, many women report being unsatisfied in their search for an appropriate and effective treatment. The aim of this study is to gain insights in the experienced impact of heavy menstrual bleeding and the motives and considerations of women during the decision-making process for treating heavy menstrual bleeding. METHODS: An interpretative qualitative study was performed, using in-depth interviews. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who consulted a physician for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Participants were recruited via the Netherlands Patients Federation (N = 10) or via the outpatient clinic in the Máxima Medical Center (N = 4). The interviews were conducted by phone or online between February 2020 and March 2021. In the interviews three topics were addressed: (1) participant's experience with heavy menstrual bleeding, (2) experience with patient journey of treatment decision-making and (3) elaborating on alternative treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding. A thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Fourteen participants aged between 30 and 59 years old were interviewed. Three main themes emerged; "Considerations in taking the (next) step to seek help", "Various sources of information can contribute, confuse or frighten decision-making process" and "A physician's understanding and a relationship of trust are needed to guide the decision-making process". CONCLUSION: Our results show that women's considerations and decision making strongly depend on the obtained information and experience, the relationship with the physician, the influence of the social environment, the pre-visit expectations/desires, the fear of treatment complications and uncertainty of the effect of the treatment. It is a physicians role to create a trusting and open atmosphere during consultation. Patient-centered communication is helpful to share knowledge, and gain insights into a patient's hopes, fears and worries.

What is the best drug treatment for premenopausal women with bleeding irregularities using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system? A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Up to 60% of women discontinue using the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) within 5 years because of bleeding irregularities, pain and/or systemic progestogenic adverse effects. The aim of the study was to assess treatment options for bleeding irregularities in women using the 52 mg LNG-IUS. METHODS: Database searches of Medline, Embase/Ovid and the Cochrane Library were carried out, and journals were searched by hand, for relevant studies published from database inception to March 2020. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), prospective cohort studies and case-control studies of premenopausal women using the LNG-IUS and receiving medical treatment for bleeding irregularities. Screening, data extraction and quality assessment of retrieved articles were carried out independently by two pairs of reviewers. The primary outcome was the reduction of bleeding/spotting days. RESULTS: Of the 3061 studies identified, eight met our inclusion criteria: six RCTs and two prospective cohort studies. The eight studies enrolled a total of 677 women who were treated with tamoxifen, mifepristone, ulipristal acetate, naproxen, oestradiol, mefenamic acid, tranexamic acid or the progesterone receptor modulator CDB 2914. The results of our analysis indicated that naproxen may be effective for the prophylactic treatment of bleeding immediately (<12 weeks) after LNG-IUS insertion (high level of evidence). Oestradiol may be effective in treating ongoing bleeding irregularities >6 months after insertion (low level of evidence). CONCLUSION: Evidence for the medical treatment of (ongoing) bleeding irregularities during use of the LNG-IUS is lacking and more research is needed on the topic.

Diagnostic accuracy of saline contrast sonohysterography in detecting endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: In women with postmenopausal bleeding, endometrial polyps are a frequent finding and the risk of a focal (pre)malignancy in a polyp is up to 6%. Because of this reported risk, the detection of polyps in these women, preferably by a minimally invasive method, is important. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the accuracy of saline contrast sonohysterography (SCSH) for diagnosis of endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding. METHODS: In August 2018, an electronic search was performed of MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science databases to identify all diagnostic studies in which SCSH was used to detect endometrial polyps in postmenopausal women. Studies were included if SCSH was performed to detect endometrial polyps in women with postmenopausal bleeding and if detection of a polyp on hysteroscopy or diagnosis on histopathology was used as a reference standard. Two reviewers assessed methodological quality using the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS-2) tool. Two separate analyses were performed for each reference standard. Pooled sensitivity and specificity were calculated using the hierarchical summary receiver-operating characteristics (HSROC) model and HSROC curves were plotted. RESULTS: After selection and quality assessment, five studies were included. Using 'polyps diagnosed with histopathology' as the reference standard, the pooled sensitivity of SCSH was 86.5% (95% CI, 63.6-100%) and the pooled specificity was 91.1% (95% CI, 63.2-100%). Using 'polyps seen on hysteroscopy' as the reference standard, the pooled sensitivity of SCSH was 85.1% (95% CI, 66.9-100%) and the pooled specificity was 84.5% (95% CI, 68.1-100%). Excluding the one study that included women in whom the SCSH examination was reported to be suboptimal, the pooled sensitivity increased to 90.7% (95% CI, 72.8-100%) using hysteroscopy as the reference standard. The sensitivity of hysteroscopy to detect polyps, as reported in two studies, was 81-98%. CONCLUSIONS: Provided that the SCSH examination is of optimal quality, it can be considered as a method to stratify women with postmenopausal bleeding for further diagnostic workup and treatment with hysteroscopy. In women without suspicion of a polypoid lesion on SCSH, and with a benign endometrial sample, expectant management should be considered. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Precisión del diagnóstico de la sonohisterografía con contraste salino en la detección de pólipos endometriales en mujeres con hemorragia postmenopáusica: revisión sistemática y metaanálisis OBJETIVO: En las mujeres con hemorragia postmenopáusica, los pólipos endometriales son frecuentes y el riesgo de una (pre)malignidad focal en un pólipo es de hasta el 6%. Debido a este riesgo reportado, es importante la detección de pólipos en estas mujeres, preferiblemente por un método mínimamente invasivo. El objetivo de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar la precisión de la sonohisterografía con contraste salino (SCSH, por sus siglas en inglés) para el diagnóstico de pólipos endometriales en mujeres con hemorragia postmenopáusica. MÉTODOS: En agosto de 2018 se realizó una búsqueda electrónica en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE y Web of Science para identificar todos los estudios diagnósticos en los que se utilizó la SCSH para detectar pólipos endometriales en mujeres postmenopáusicas. Los estudios se incluyeron cuando la SCSH se realizó para detectar pólipos endometriales en mujeres con hemorragia postmenopáusica o cuando la detección de un pólipo en la histeroscopia o el diagnóstico sobre la histopatología se utilizó como estándar de referencia. Dos revisores evaluaron la calidad metodológica mediante la evaluación de calidad de la herramienta de estudios de precisión diagnóstica (QUADAS-2). Se realizaron dos análisis separados para cada estándar de referencia. La sensibilidad y especificidad combinadas se calcularon utilizando el modelo jerárquico de resumen de las características operativas del receptor (HSROC, por sus siglas en inglés) y se trazaron las curvas HSROC. RESULTADOS: Después de la selección y la evaluación de calidad, se incluyeron cinco estudios. Utilizando los 'pólipos diagnosticados con histopatología' como estándar de referencia, la sensibilidad combinada de la SCSH fue del 86,5% (IC 95%, 63,6-100%) y la especificidad combinada fue del 91,1% (IC 95%, 63,2-100%). Utilizando como estándar de referencia los 'pólipos observados en la histeroscopia', la sensibilidad combinada de la SCSH fue del 85,1% (IC 95%: 66,9-100%) y la especificidad combinada fue del 84,5% (IC 95%: 68,1-100%). Excluyendo el único estudio que incluyó mujeres en las que se reportó que el examen por SCSH no fue adecuado, la sensibilidad combinada aumentó al 90,7% (IC 95%: 72,8-100%), usando la histeroscopia como estándar de referencia. La sensibilidad de la histeroscopia para detectar pólipos, tal y como se informó en dos estudios, fue del 81-98%. CONCLUSIONES: Siempre que el examen por SCSH sea de calidad óptima, puede considerarse como un método para estratificar a las mujeres con hemorragia postmenopáusica para su posterior diagnóstico y tratamiento con histeroscopia. En mujeres sin sospecha de una lesión polipoide mediante SCSH y con una muestra endometrial benigna, se debe considerar el tratamiento expectante. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

POstLAparoscopic Reduction of pain By combining intraperitoneal normal salinE And the pulmonary Recruitment maneuver (POLAR BEAR trial). RCT to estimate reduction in pain after laparoscopic surgery when using a combination therapy of intraperitoneal normal saline and the pulmonary recruitment maneuver.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain and pain in the upper abdomen are common complaints after laparoscopy, sometimes surpassing the pain at incision sites. The incidence of shoulder pain ranges from 35 to 80%. Post-laparoscopic pain is caused by retention of carbon dioxide in the abdomen, which irritates the phrenic nerve and diaphragm, causing referred pain in the shoulder and in the upper abdomen. A promising strategy to reduce this post-laparoscopic pain is the pulmonary recruitment maneuver, which indirectly increases intraperitoneal pressure and thereby facilitates removal of residual carbon dioxide. An alternative strategy is the infusion of intraperitoneal normal saline. With normal saline infusion, carbon dioxide rises and escapes through the port sites. In addition, normal saline offers a physiologic buffer system to dissolve excess carbon dioxide. METHODS/DESIGN: This multicenter randomized controlled trial is conducted in two teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. Women between 18 and 65 years of age, with an ASA classification of I-II who are scheduled to undergo an elective laparoscopic procedure with benign gynecologic indication can participate. Following informed consent, participants are randomly allocated into two groups at the end of the surgical procedure. In the intervention group, the upper abdomen is filled with normal saline infusion with the patient in the Trendelenburg position. Then the anesthesiologist performs a standardized pulmonary recruitment maneuver with a pressure of 40 cm H2O. The trocar sleeve valves will be left open, so carbon dioxide can escape the abdominal cavity. With the patient in a neutral position the instruments are removed from the abdomen. In the control group, carbon dioxide is removed from the abdominal cavity at the end of surgery, with gentle abdominal pressure and passive exsufflation through the port sites, with open sleeve valves. The primary outcomes are the incidence and intensity of post-laparoscopic pain in the shoulder, upper abdomen and at the operation sites, at 8, 24 and 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes are postoperative use of analgesics, nausea, vomiting and pulmonary complications. DISCUSSION: This study may reduce post-laparoscopic pain in women undergoing laparoscopy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch trial register, number NTR4812 .

Parasitic myoma after laparoscopic morcellation: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic morcellation is frequently used for tissue removal after laparoscopic hysterectomy or myomectomy and may result in parasitic myomas, due to seeding of remained tissue fragments in the abdominal cavity. However, little is known about the incidence and risk factors of this phenomenon. OBJECTIVES: To identify the incidence and risk factors for the development of parasitic myoma after laparoscopic morcellation. SEARCH STRATEGY: A systematic review of the literature in Pubmed (MEDLINE) and Embase was conducted. Reference lists of identified relevant articles were checked for missing case reports. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies reporting on incidence or cases of parasitic myoma diagnosed after laparoscopic morcellation were selected. Studies were excluded when history of laparoscopic morcellation was lacking or final pathology demonstrated a malignancy or endometriosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted and analysed on incidence of parasitic myomas and characteristics of case reports. MAIN RESULTS: Fourty-four studies were included. Sixty-nine women diagnosed with parasitic myomas after laparoscopic morcellation were identified. Mean age was 40.8 (± 7.5) years (range 24-57), median time between surgery and diagnosis was 48.0 months (range 1-192) and mean number of parasitic myomas was 2.9 (± 3.3) (range 1-16). The overall incidence of parasitic myomas after laparoscopic morcellation was 0.12-0.95%. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence is relatively low, it is important to discuss the risk of parasitic myoma after laparoscopic morcellation with women and balance towards alternative treatment options. The duration of steroid exposure after laparoscopic morcellation might be a risk factor for development of parasitic myomas. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: Systematic review on the incidence and risk factors for parasitic myoma after laparoscopic morcellation.

The HysNiche trial: hysteroscopic resection of uterine caesarean scar defect (niche) in patients with abnormal bleeding, a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A caesarean section (CS) can cause a defect or disruption of the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar, called a niche. In recent years, an association between a niche and postmenstrual spotting after a CS has been demonstrated. Hysteroscopic resection of these niches is thought to reduce spotting and menstrual pain. However, there are no randomised trials assessing the effectiveness of a hysteroscopic niche resection. METHODS/DESIGN: We planned a multicentre randomised trial comparing hysteroscopic niche resection to no intervention. We study women with postmenstrual spotting after a CS and a niche with a residual myometrium of at least 3 mm during sonohysterography. After informed consent is obtained, eligible women will be randomly allocated to hysteroscopic resection of the niche or expectant management for 6 months. The primary outcome is the number of days with postmenstrual spotting during one menstrual cycle 6 months after randomisation. Secondary outcomes are menstrual characteristics, menstruation related pain and experienced discomfort due to spotting or menstrual pain, quality of life, patient satisfaction, sexual function, urological symptoms, medical consultations, medication use, complications, lost productivity and medical costs. Measurements will be performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months after randomisation. A cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed from a societal perspective at 6 months after randomisation. DISCUSSION: This trial will provide insight in the (cost)effectiveness of hysteroscopic resection of a niche versus expectant management in women who have postmenstrual spotting and a niche with sufficient residual myometrium to perform a hysteroscopic niche resection. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register NTR3269 . Registered 1 February 2012. ZonMw Grant number 80-82305-97-12030.

The impact of embedment of the side arms of 52 mg levonorgestrel-intrauterine device on bleeding and pain: A prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of embedment of side arms of the levonorgestrel 52 mg intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) in the myometrium (assessed by three-dimensional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVUS)) on uterine bleeding and pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective cohort study in a large Dutch teaching hospital between February 2015 and December 2016. Participants over 18 years of age who selected a LNG-IUD for contraception or because of heavy menstrual bleeding were eligible for inclusion. Six weeks after insertion, a 3D-TVUS was performed to diagnose embedment of the side arms. At that moment participants filled in questionnaires about their bleeding pattern and pelvic pain. Menstruation patterns 'no bleeding', 'regular menstruation', 'sometimes a day of spotting (maximum once a week)' were classified as favourable bleeding pattern. Menstruation patterns 'heavy menstrual bleeding', 'several days a week bleeding days', 'several days a week spotting days', 'continuously spotting', and 'completely irregular cycle' were classified as unfavourable bleeding pattern. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95 %-confidence intervals (CI). The multivariate analysis included endometrial thickness, reason for insertion and parity. The analysis of pelvic pain additionally included previous insertion. RESULTS: A total of 220 participants were evaluated for the study of whom 176 returned the questionnaires. Embedment of the side arms was observed in 43 of the 176 responding participants (24.4 %). Favourable bleeding pattern was reported by 25/43 (58.1 %) participants with embedment and 53/133 (39.8 %) participants without embedment (ORadj 1.8, 95 % CI 0.9-3.9). Pelvic pain was reported by 4/43 (9.3 %) participants with embedment and 24/133 (18.1 %) participants without embedment (ORadj 0.3; CI 0.1-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that embedment of the side arms of the LNG-IUD in the myometrium assessed by 3D-TVUS is not associated with a unfavourable bleeding pattern nor pelvic pain six weeks after insertion. From this point of view, we do not recommend to perform standard 3D-TVUS for the purpose of excluding or demonstrating embedment.

Current uptake and barriers to wider use of the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) models in Dutch gynaecological practice.

OBJECTIVE: Correct referral of women with an ovarian tumor to an oncology department remains challenging. The International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) consortium has developed models with higher diagnostic accuracy than the alternative Risk of Malignancy Index (RMI). This study explores the uptake of the IOTA models in Dutch hospitals and factors that impede or promote implementation. Optimal implementation is crucial to improve pre-operative classification of ovarian tumors, which may lead to better patient referral to the appropriate level of care. STUDY DESIGN: In February 2021, an electronic questionnaire consisting of 37 questions was sent to all 72 hospitals in the Netherlands. One pre-selected gynaecologist per hospital was asked to respond on behalf of the department. RESULTS: The study had a response rate of 93% (67/72 hospitals). All respondents (100%) were familiar with the IOTA models with 94% using them in practice. The logistic regression 2 (LR2)-model, Simple ultrasound-based rules (SR) and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model were used in respectively 40%, 67% and 73% of these hospitals. Respondents rated the models overall with an 8.2 (SD 1.8), 8.3 (SD 1.6) and 8.9 (SD 1.3) respectively for LR2, SR and ADNEX on a scale from 1 to 10. Moreover, 89% indicated to have confidence in the results of the IOTA models. The most important factors to improve further implementation are more training (43%), research on sensitivity, specificity and cost-effectiveness in the Dutch health care system (27%), easier usability (24%) and more consultation time (19%). CONCLUSION: The IOTA ultrasound models are adopted in the majority of Dutch hospitals with the ADNEX model being used the most. While Dutch gynecologists have a strong familiarity and confidence in the models, the uptake varies in reality. Areas that warrant improvement in the Dutch context are more uniformity, education and more research. These findings can be helpful for other countries considering adopting the IOTA models.

Short-term recovery after NovaSure® endometrial ablation: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Endometrial ablation is a frequently performed treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding, but detailed information about recovery to help inform patients is lacking. Objective: To gain more insight into the short-term recovery after NovaSure® endometrial ablation, with the goal of improving preprocedural counselling. Materials and Methods: A total of 61 women who underwent endometrial ablation between March 2019 and November 2021 in a teaching hospital in the Netherlands were included in this prospective cohort study. Main outcome measures: Short-term recovery was investigated through questionnaires in the first week after the procedure. The primary outcome was the Recovery Index (RI-10). Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L), pain intensity, use of analgesics, nausea, vaginal discharge, capability of performing activities (domestic chores, sports, work), self-rated health (EQ-VAS) and the feeling of full recovery. Results: A total of 33 women underwent the procedure under local anaesthesia and 28 women under procedural sedation. The RI-10 increased in the first week; median scores on day one, two and seven were 34 (IQR 28.5-41.5), 38.5 (IQR 31-47), and 42 (IQR 37.5-48), respectively. The median time for full recovery was five days. However, 23% of all women were not fully recovered within seven days. Women needed a median time of two days for returning to their work and 5.5 days for sporting activities. There were no differences in recovery between both anaesthesia techniques. Conclusions: Women undergoing endometrial ablation can be informed that most will fully recover within the first week of the procedure and that there is no difference in expected recovery time according to whether the procedure is undertaken with local anaesthesia or conscious sedation. What is New?: The short-term recovery after endometrial ablation has been mapped in this trial. This information can be used in counselling women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Intrauterine fundal anaesthesia during endometrial ablation in the office: A randomised double-blind, non-inferiority trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intrauterine fundal anaesthesia during outpatient endometrial ablation. STUDY DESIGN: A randomised, double-blinded non-inferiority trial was performed in one hospital and one independent treatment center in the Netherlands. A total of 96 women who were planned for a NovaSure® endometrial ablation under local anaesthesia between December 2015 and February 2018 were included in this trial. These women were randomised to paracervical anaesthesia combined with hysteroscopic fundal infiltration with anaesthestics or paracervical anaesthesia combined with hysteroscopic fundal infiltration with saline. The primary outcome was pain during ablation. To study non-inferiority of paracervical anaesthesia without fundal anaesthesia, we assessed the co-primary endpoints Faces Pain Score and Numeric Rating Score. Secondary outcomes included pain scores at other moments during and after the procedure, postoperative use of analgesics, satisfaction, side-effects and complications. The primary outcomes were tested with a non-inferiority margin (2.0 points on changes in pain), and the secondary outcomes were compared using conventional statistical methods. RESULTS: Paracervical anaesthesia without fundal anaesthesia did not establish non-inferiority to the combination of paracervical anaesthesia and fundal infiltration with anaesthetics when both primary outcome variables of pain were taken into account (Numeric Rating Scale 5.0 versus 3.9 (mean difference 1.2 (95% CI 0.1-2.2)) and Faces Pain Score 5.4 versus 4.8 (mean difference 0.6 (95% CI -0.3-1.5))). Secondary pain scores measured during the procedure were higher or similar in women receiving fundal infiltration with saline as compared to women who received fundal infiltration with anaesthetics. After the procedure, there were no differences in reported pain scores, satisfaction, and side-effects. In the group who received fundal infiltration with saline, more women were admitted to the hospital because of severe pain (3 versus 0 women) and endometritis (1 versus 0 women). CONCLUSION: This study did not confirm non-inferiority of paracervical anaesthesia without fundal anaesthesia to the combination of paracervical anaesthesia with fundal anaesthesia in the reduction of pain during endometrial ablation and therefore provides no reason to leave out fundal anaesthesia. We recommend to use fundal anaesthesia combined with paracervical anaesthesia to reduce pain during endometrial ablation in the office.

[A pregnant woman with acute shoulder pain]. / Een zwangere vrouw met acute schouderpijn.

A 34-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain, vaginal blood loss and severe shoulder pain. Ultrasound revealed an ectopic pregnancy. The shoulder pain was due to irritation of the diaphragm caused by bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube into the abdominal cavity.