Prevalence and clinical effect of caesarean scar defects in women undergoing IVF.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How common are caesarean scar defects (isthmocele) among patients who have had previous caesarean delivery undergoing IVF for secondary infertility? Does the presence of isthmocele affect the chances of success of IVF? DESIGN: In this cohort study, women referred to an Italian public assisted reproduction centre between January 2016 and April 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Women with a history of caesarean delivery and an indication for IVF were selected. On the basis of the local policy, all patients with a history of caesarean section underwent saline contrast sonography (SCS). Sonographic evaluation was standardized. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four women were eligible, of whom 22 declined SCS and eight decided to delay pregnancy seeking. Overall, 114 women were available for data analysis. Seventy-six women were diagnosed with caesarean scar defects, corresponding to a prevalence of 67% (95% CI 58 to 75%). Baseline characteristics of women with and without isthmocele were similar. Conversely, the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.72) and live birth rate (adjusted OR 038, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.86) were significantly lower among affected women. No associations between specific sonographic defect characteristics and IVF outcome could be identified. CONCLUSIONS: Caesarean scar defects are common among women with a history of caesarean section requiring IVF. The presence of these lesions may reduce the chance of success of the procedure.

Conservative surgical approach towards placenta accreta spectrum disorders for uterine preservation.

OBJECTIVE: We previously described a technique for repair of the myometrial defect at repeat Caesarean section which increases residual myometrial thickness thereby potentially reducing future niche-related complications. Here we describe how this technique can be modified for use for placenta accreta spectrum disorders, in line with emerging evidence that this is more a disorder of myometrial deficiency than morbid adherence. DESIGN: The surgical performance of peripartum hysterectomy was compared with that of the modified technique in all women having repeat Caesarean delivery for placenta accreta spectrum disorder in a tertiary unit in Singapore between December 2019 and October 2021. METHODS: Modification of the original technique involved the systematic delivery of the placenta starting from its most posterior attachment after uterine exteriorization. This is followed by the identification, mobilization, and apposition of the boundaries of myometrial defects as described previously. RESULTS: Ten women had Caesarean hysterectomy and ten had Caesarean section using the modified approach. Age and gestational age at delivery were similar for the two groups. Women in the modified technique group had had fewer prior Caesarean sections and had a lower body mass index. Operating time, estimated blood loss and need for transfusion were all lower in the myometrial repair group but without statistical significance. There were no visceral injuries in the repair group but there was one bladder injury in the hysterectomy group. CONCLUSION: The modified approach provides an effective alternative to peripartum hysterectomy with favourable surgical profile and allows uterine conservation with restoration of myometrial thickness.

Impact of Hysterotomy Closure Technique on Subsequent Cesarean Scar Defects Formation: A Systematic Review.

INTRODUCTION: The uterine caesarean scar defect, also known as uterine niche or isthmocele, is an irregularity in the anterior uterine wall at the site of a previous cesarean section scar. It is associated with obstetrical complications such as caesarean scar, ectopic pregnancy, uterine rupture, and the placenta accreta spectrum. Women with cesarean scar defects are frequently asymptomatic but may also experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, chronic pelvic pain, and infertility. METHODS: This systematic review aims to determine the best hysterotomy closure technique to prevent subsequent development of uterine scar defects. An electronic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, ClinicalTrials.gov was performed from January 2001 until December 2020 for studies evaluating hysterotomy closure techniques. RESULTS: Our systematic search strategy identified 1,781 titles. Six studies fulfilled inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. The results supported the superiority of the double-layer closure over the single-layer closure. CONCLUSIONS: Hysterotomy closure with continuous running sutures in two layers represents a suitable option to prevent cesarean scar defect formation. Particularly, the first layer should include the decidua and the second layer should overlap the first.

Frequency and associated symptoms of isthmoceles in women 6 months after caesarean section: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of detection of isthmoceles by ultrasound 6 months after caesarean section (CS) and which symptoms associated with isthmocele formation occur after CS. Subsequently, it was determined how often the ultrasound finding "isthmocele" coincided with the presence of complaints. METHODS: A prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted with 546 patients from four obstetric centres in Berlin, who gave birth by primary or secondary CS from October 2019 to June 2020. 461 participants were questioned on symptoms 3 months after CS; 329 participants were included in the final follow-up 6 months after CS. The presence of isthmoceles was determined by transvaginal sonography (TVS) 6 months after CS, while symptoms were identified by questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 329 women, 146 (44.4%) displayed an isthmocele in the TVS. There was no statistically significant difference in the manifestation of symptoms between the two groups of women with and without isthmocele; however, when expressed on a scale from 1 to 10 the intensity of both scar pain and lower abdominal pain was significantly higher in the set of women that had shown to have developed an isthmocele (p = 0.014 and p = 0.031, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of isthmoceles 6 months after CS was 44.4%. Additionally, scar pain and lower abdominal pain were more pronounced when an isthmocele was also observed in the TVS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration number DRKS00024977. Date of registration 17.06.2021, retrospectively registered.

Fertility-Preserving Surgical Management of a Cesarean Section Scar Ectopic Pregnancy.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate techniques used for fertility-preserving surgical management of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy. DESIGN: A narrated video case report demonstrating techniques and surgical approach. SETTING: With the increasing number of cesarean deliveries being performed, cesarean scar ectopic pregnancies (CSEP) have an increasing incidence affecting approximately 1 in 2000 pregnancies. CSEP can be associated with serious complications, which include maternal hemorrhage, uterine rupture, and even maternal death. This video highlights a case presentation of a 28-year-old G6P4014 with a history of 4 previous cesarean deliveries who presented with a persistent cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy that had failed previous medical management. INTERVENTIONS: This video highlights the techniques that allow for fertility-preservation with restoration of normal anatomy as well as minimizing blood loss with a potentially morbid procedure. Techniques used to allow for fertility preservation with restoration of normal anatomy: 1. Utilization of avascular spaces and identification of critical structures to restore anatomy that is often distorted by the CSEP. 2. Limited use of electrosurgery to allow for adequate postoperative healing. 3. Identification of the endometrial cavity to allow for complete removal of the CSEP and isthmocele repair. Techniques used to minimize blood loss: 1. Intracervical injection of dilute vasopressin. 2. Intrauterine injection of dilute vasopressin (20U in 60 cc of injectable saline). 3. Temporary occlusion of bilateral gonadal vessels using surgical clips. CONCLUSION: The surgical techniques highlighted in this video allow for the surgical removal of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with concurrent repair of the uterine defect, allowing for restoration of normal anatomy. This is a safe and feasible fertility-preserving option that can be performed using a minimally-invasive approach.

Assessment of in vitro fertilization outcomes after hysteroscopic isthmoplasty in recurrent implantation failure.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments outcomes of women with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) after hysteroscopic isthmoplasty for isthmocele. METHODS: This retrospective, observational study included 61 patients with RIF and isthmocele who presented to IVF Unit of Hüma Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January, 2018 and December, 2020. Thirty-one patient who underwent hysteroscopic isthmoplasty-before IVF procedure-were included. Remaining 30 patients underwent IVF without hysteroscopic isthmoplasty were included as controls. The fertility outcome were compared between groups. RESULTS: After 3 months, spontaneous pregnancy was achieved in 18.4% (7/38) of patients with isthmocele who underwent hysteroscopic isthmoplasty. In the isthmoplasty group, implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, biochemical pregnancy rate, and the miscarriage rate were 41.9% (13/31), 35.5% (11/31), 6.5% (2/31), and 9.7% (3/31), respectively. The live birth rate after in vitro fertilization was 25.8% (8/31) in the isthmoplasty group and 3.3% (1/30) in the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the IVF outcomes such as the biochemical pregnancy rate and miscarriage rate between the isthmoplasty and control groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that hysteroscopic isthmoplasty improves pregnancy and live birth rates for women with a history of RIF and isthmocele. Reproductive results of the IVF cycles after hysteroscopic correction of isthmocele were comparable to those of the patients without any uterine abnormalities and those with diagnosis of unexplained infertility.

Intra-cavitary fluid resulted from caesarean section but not isthmocele compromised clinical pregnancy after IVF/ICSI treatment.

The aim of this study was to explore whether the presence of intra-cavitary fluid (ICF) influences the pregnancy outcomes of patients with caesarean section (CS) in embryo transfer cycles. A total of 8494 transferred cycles of 4924 women were enrolled in this retrospective study and separated into three subgroups by previous delivery method and the presence of intra-cavity fluid, a caesarean group with ICF (CS-ICF, n = 649), a caesarean group without ICF (CS-noICF, n = 3207), and the remaining 4638 cycles without ICF were included in the vaginal delivered group (VD, n = 4638). Baseline characteristics and clinical outcome were compared. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to adjust confounding factors between groups. Patients in the CS-ICF group were of younger age (36.49 ± 4.19 vs 37.34 ± 4.25, 37.32 ± 4.86, P < 0.001), had better ovary reserve, and had more blastocyst transferred compared with the CS-noICF and VD groups. However, cycles in the CS-ICF group achieved unsatisfactory clinical pregnancy outcomes. PSM analysis for comparability and differences in clinical outcomes still existed. The clinical pregnancy rate was significantly lower in the CS-ICF group than in the CS-noICF group (35.1% vs 41.7% for CS-noICF group, 48.1% for VD group, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis of fresh embryo transferred cycles, the differences in clinical outcomes disappeared after PSM analysis, while the clinical pregnancy rate was still lowest among the three matched groups of FET cycles (36.4% vs 50.3% for VD group, P < 0.001). The presence of intra-cavitary fluid (ICF), but not necessarily the isthmocele, significantly compromises the clinical pregnancy rate in patients with previous CS undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment.

Laparoscopic Excision of Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Scar Revision.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate our technique for robot-assisted laparoscopic ectopic pregnancy excision and concomitant scar revision. DESIGN: We present a stepwise narrated demonstration of our primary laparoscopic technique. SETTING: Although cesarean scar pregnancy is rare, it leads to life-threatening complications and often emergent hysterectomy [1,2]. Because of its rarity, there is a scarcity of centers with high-volume experience with its treatment, and no standardized diagnostic or management guidelines are yet available [3,4]. Recent evidence suggests that primary surgical management may be superior to medical or radiologic management as the latter methods carry a high reintervention rate [5]. An additional consideration in selecting a treatment method is a patient's plans for future fertility, as cesarean scar defects are associated with secondary infertility. Evidence shows that repair of cesarean scar defects decreases the likelihood of future recurrence and secondary infertility, thus it may be pertinent to select a management strategy that allows for the accomplishment of both ectopic pregnancy removal and defect revision. We present our primary laparoscopic approach to ectopic pregnancy excision and revision of the cesarean scar defect using techniques rooted in evidence and robust experience. INTERVENTIONS: Robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of a cesarean scar ectopic pregnancy with concomitant scar revision demonstrating key strategies to minimize blood loss and preserve future fertility. (1) A laparoscopic approach allows for concomitant ectopic pregnancy removal followed by cesarean scar revision. (2) Generous use of dilute vasopressin and purposeful application of electrosurgical energy provides hemostasis without the use of more invasive measures such as vascular clips or uterine artery balloons. (3) A multilayer closure is associated with a lower risk of wedge defect formation and uterine rupture. (4) Diagnostic hysteroscopy is a useful tool for identifying the location of the scar defect, assessing for an adequate repair, and identifying potential additional uterine pathology. CONCLUSION: Primary laparoscopic management is not only the most effective method with the lowest complication rates but is an approach that allows for simultaneous repair and revision of the cesarean scar defect. We demonstrate easily adaptable techniques for maintaining hemostasis, minimizing injury to normal myometrium, and creating multilayer closures that lead to successful revisions with minimal impact to subsequent fertility.

Reproductive Outcomes Following Surgical Management for Isthmoceles: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of surgical management for isthmoceles in patients presenting with secondary infertility. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to May 2020. The search was limited to studies published in English. METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: After the removal of duplicates, 3380 articles were screened for inclusion independently by 2 authors. These 2 authors assessed for studies which focused on women of reproductive age with a diagnosed isthmocele and secondary infertility who underwent any surgical intervention for defect repair with at least 1 of the goals being fertility restoration. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: A total of 13 studies, comprising of 1 randomized controlled trial, 6 prospective case series, and 6 retrospective case series describing 234 patients who underwent surgical management for an isthmocele and secondary infertility were included. The methodologic quality of the included studies was assessed independently by both reviewers. Next, the data extraction was performed independently and then compared to ensure no discrepancies. A total of 188 patients were treated by hysteroscopy, 36 by laparoscopy, 7 by laparotomy, and 3 through a vaginal approach. In total, 153 of the 234 patients (65.4%) achieved pregnancy across all studies within their respective study periods. Pregnancy rates in the randomized controlled trial were 21 of 28 (75%) for those treated by hysteroscopy compared with 9 of 28 (32%) for those untreated. Among the studies reporting pregnancy outcomes, 101 of 116 (87.1%) pregnancies resulted in a live birth. The incidence of adverse events was 2%, including the risk of reoperation. CONCLUSION: The results of this systematic review suggest that the surgical treatment of an isthmocele, particularly through hysteroscopy, in patients with residual myometrial thickness of at least 2.5 mm, may be effective in treating isthmocele-associated secondary infertility with a relatively low complication rate. Further high-quality studies are needed because of the small sample sizes and observational nature of most available data.

Optimal Isthmocele Management: Hysteroscopic, Laparoscopic, or Combination.

OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review of the literature on the hysteroscopic and laparoscopic repair of isthmocele. DATA SOURCES: A thorough search of the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was performed. (PROSPERO registration number CRD42020190668). METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION: Studies from the last 20 years that addressed isthmocele repair were collected. Both authors screened for study eligibility and extracted data. All prospective and retrospective studies of more than 10 women were included. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS: The initial search identified 666 articles (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses flow chart) (see Supplemental Fig.). We excluded duplicates, case reports, reviews, video articles, and technique articles. We also excluded studies describing only laparotomy or vaginal repair as these were not in the scope of this review. A total of 31 articles met the inclusion criteria, 21 for hysteroscopic resection and 13 for laparoscopic or combined repair (4 articles tested both modalities and appear in both Tables 1 and 2).For abnormal uterine bleeding, hysteroscopic remodeling relived symptoms in 60% to 100% of cases and laparoscopy in 78% to 94%. Secondary infertility was not evaluated in all studies. After hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment, 46% to 100% and 37.5% to 90% of those who wished to conceive became pregnant, after the procedure, respectively. Pain and dysmenorrhea seem to be uncommon. All studies that tested improvement of pain had fewer than 10 women. However, between 66% and 100% of women who complain of pain or dysmenorrhea will note a marked improvement to full resolution. CONCLUSION: Patients with an isthmocele or cesarean scar defect are usually asymptomatic. For symptomatic women, a repair is a valid option. For those with residual myometrial thickness >2 to 3 mm, hysteroscopic remodeling is the modality of choice with an improvement in abnormal uterine bleeding, secondary infertility, and pain. Women with a residual myometrial thickness <2- to 3-mm laparoscopic repair with simultaneous hysteroscopic guidance show similar results. Because available data are limited, no cutoff for the correct choice between hysteroscopy and laparoscopy can be concluded. We recommend 2.5 mm as the cutoff value based on common practice and expert opinion, although no significance between hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment was shown.

Comparison of Hysteroscopic Cesarean Scar Defect Repair with 26 Fr Resectoscope and 16 Fr Mini-resectoscope: A Prospective Pilot Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Several studies have been published on hysteroscopic treatment of cesarean scar defect using the 26 Fr resectoscope. This study compared the effects of the 26 Fr resectoscope with those of the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope in terms of efficacy, safety profile, and peri- and postoperative complications. DESIGN: A prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital (S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy). PATIENTS: Three hundred and nine women having symptoms and with a cesarean scar defect diagnosis were divided into 2 groups according to a temporal criterion: from March 2012 to March 2015, 155 consecutive women (control group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 26 Fr resectoscope (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), whereas from April 2015 to March 2018, 154 consecutive women (study group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope (Gubbini system, Tontarra Medizintechnik, Tuttlingen, Germany). INTERVENTIONS: One hundred and fifty-five women (control group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 26 Fr resectoscope, and 154 women (study group) underwent isthmoplasty with the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope. The so-called "channel-like" 360° endocervical resection technique was applied. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The isthmoplasty time with the 2 resectoscopes, excluding cervical dilatation, was similar (p = .25), whereas the overall surgical time was shorter in the case of the mini-resectoscope. The use of the 16 Fr mini-resectoscope was significantly associated with a reduced volume of distension medium used (p <.001) and a lower fluid absorption (p <.001). A significant increase (p = .01) in postoperative complications in the control group (9/155; 5.8%) compared with the study group (1/154; 0.7%) was also found. No significant reduction in discharge time was observed between the 2 groups (p = .13). Patient satisfaction immediately after surgery was significantly higher (p <.001) in the study group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Isthmoplasty with a 16 Fr mini-resectoscope seems to be as effective as isthmoplasty with a 26 Fr resectoscope in reducing postmenstrual abnormal uterine bleeding and suprapubic pelvic pain. It is associated with a significant reduction in overall surgical time owing to the non-necessity of performing cervical dilatation. The 16 Fr mini-resectoscope facilitates surgery in small anatomical spaces such as the cervical canal and reduces the complication rate linked to blind maneuvers not respecting the uterine anatomy.

Impact of Isthmocele on Assisted Reproductive Treatment Outcomes: An Age-matched Retrospective Study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the presence of an ultrasonographic visible isthmocele has an impact on the chance of pregnancy in women undergoing embryo transfer. DESIGN: Age-matched retrospective study. SETTING: Private-assisted reproductive center. PATIENTS: The study included a total of 150 patients with a history of cesarean delivery with 75 isthmocele cases and 75 controls. All patients underwent embryo transfer from January 2017 through June 2018. The diagnosis of isthmocele was based on transvaginal ultrasound assessment. Isthmocele was defined as an anechoic indentation on the previous cesarean scar at the midsagittal plane, with a depth of >1 mm. INTERVENTIONS: Embryo transfer. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The groups were similar in patient and treatment characteristics. The live birth rate was 44% in the isthmocele group and 46.7% in the control group (odds ratio [OR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.47-1.71; p = .743). The clinical pregnancy rates were 49.3% and 50.7%, respectively (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.50-1.79; p = .870). The miscarriage rate was greater in the isthmocele group (8%) than in the control group (4%); however, it did not reach statistical significance (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 0.50-8.67; p = .302). The multiple pregnancy rate was similar between the groups (8% vs 5.3%, respectively; OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 0.41-5.70; p = .513). The groups were also similar in ectopic pregnancy rates (p = .560). These outcomes remained similar when adjusted for potential confounders on the regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Isthmocele does not seem to have a significant impact on the chance of pregnancy in assisted reproductive treatment settings. However, the embryo transfer procedure may be more difficult in the presence of an isthmocele.

Is Hysteroscopy a Good Option to Manage Severe Cesarean Scar Defect?

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of hysteroscopic management in women with a severe or nonsevere symptomatic cesarean scar defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm vs >3-mm, respectively). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Gynecology department of a teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Seventy-one women with an operative hysteroscopy for a symptomatic defect (49 with severe defects and 22 with nonsevere ones). INTERVENTIONS: Operative hysteroscopy for cesarean scar defect in women with a severe defect (residual myometrium ≤3-mm) and with nonsevere defect (residual myometrium >3-mm). MEASUREMENTS: The main objective was to compare success rates between the 2 groups. The secondary objectives were the comparisons of (1) the number of women who required more than 1 procedure, (2) the rate of complications, (3) the number of subsequent pregnancies, and (4) the evolution of residual myometrium thickness between the groups. MAIN RESULTS: The success rates were not significantly different between the groups (73.5% in the severe group and 63.6% in the nonsevere group [p = .40]). The number of women requiring more than 1 procedure was also similar, as were the rate of complications and the mean increase of myometrium thickness. The rate of subsequent pregnancies in women who were infertile was significantly higher in women with a severe defect (p = .04). CONCLUSION: The hysteroscopic approach seems to be a good way to manage cesarean scar defects even when the residual myometrium is thin. A prospective study is, however, necessary to confirm these findings.

Babu and Magon uterine closure technique during cesarean section: A randomized double-blind trial.

AIM: We compared the effectiveness of the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique and unlocked double-layer uterine closure on the integrity and thickness of the uterine scar. METHODS: A randomized double-blind trial was performed at Hazrat-e Rasoul -e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from March 2018 to December 2019, in 72 pregnant women who were candidates for cesarean section for the first time. Women were randomly assigned to the Babu and Magon uterine closure technique (intervention group, n = 34) or double-layer closure of the uterine incision (control group, n = 38). The primary outcome of the study was the frequency of myometrial defects at the site of the scar (niche), and a large niche. Secondary outcomes, including the time taken for uterine closure and postpartum hemorrhage (early and late), were compared between groups. RESULTS: Adjacent myometrium thickness (AMT) between the two groups was not statistically significant. A niche was reported in 23.5% (8/34) and 50% (19/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p = 0.02). A large niche was reported in 2.9% (1/34) and 23.7% (9/38) of women in the intervention and controls, respectively (p < 0.01). The duration of uterine closure was not statistically significant between the two groups. Hemoglobin levels did not differ significantly between groups during the first 24 h post-surgery. CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that the technique of uterine closure is one of the main potential determinants of myometrial healing. The Babu and Magon uterine closure technique seems to lead to tissue alignment during suturing and consequently cause better myometrial healing, although this issue calls for well-founded longer studies of appropriate design.

Fishbone double-layer barbed suture in cesarean section: a help in preventing long-term obstetric sequelae?

Due to the high number of cesarean sections over the last two decades, there has been a growing awareness of the post-surgical obstetric long-term sequelae (i.e., uterine scar defects and abnormal placentation) following this surgical procedure. Knotless barbed suture is an absorbable bidirectional and unidirectional monofilament, characterized by the presence of "barbs" along its length. After being introduced in gynecology, the favorable features of the knotless barbed suture, such as the uniform distribution of tensile force, provide the rationale for studying its benefits in obstetric surgery. Recently, our research group has investigated a double-layer barbed suture ("fishbone" suture) for closing the uterine wall during cesarean section by a case-control study, reporting a low incidence of uterine scar defects and a reduced size of defects in women who had developed them (NCT04825821). In the near future, large prospective studies are strongly awaited to investigate reproductive outcomes and long-term sequelae after cesarean section performed with knotless barbed suture.

Isthmocele and ovarian stimulation for IVF: considerations for a reproductive medicine specialist.

STUDY QUESTION: What is the risk of developing intracavitary fluid (ICF) during ovarian stimulation in patients with an isthmocele after previous caesarean section (CS) delivery? SUMMARY ANSWER: In patients with an existing isthmocele, the risk of developing ICF during hormonal stimulation for IVF is almost 40%; therefore, special attention has to be paid to exclude fluid accumulation during stimulation and particularly at the time of transfer, in which case the reproductive outcomes of frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles appear to be uncompromised. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY: Lately, there is an increasing focus on the long-term impact of CS delivery on the health and future fertility of the mother. Development of an isthmocele is one of the sequelae of a CS delivery. The presence of ICF in combination with an isthmocele has been described previously, and the adverse effect of endometrial fluid on implantation is well recognised by reproductive medicine specialists. Accumulation of ICF has been previously described in patients with hydrosalpinx, less commonly in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI, and even in some patients without any identifiable reason. Assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are a means to overcome infertility. Reproductive medicine specialists commonly see patients with secondary infertility with a history of having had one or more previous CS and with ultrasound confirmation of an isthmocele. However, the available data pertaining to the prevalence of intracavitary fluid during ovarian stimulation in patients with ultrasound confirmation of an isthmocele is limited. Furthermore, data on the influence of ICF in a stimulated cycle on the ART outcome of a subsequent FET cycle is scarce and merits further studies. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION: A prospective observational exploratory study was performed in IVI Middle East Fertility Clinic, Abu Dhabi, from June 2018 to March 2019, and retrospective analysis of the reproductive outcomes was performed until July 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS: Patients with secondary infertility, defined as a minimum of 1 year of infertility after a previous successful pregnancy, undergoing ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI and having a history of one or more previous CS with ultrasonographic visible isthmocele, were included (n = 103). Patients were monitored as a clinical routine with vaginal ultrasound examinations during ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI treatment. All patients included in the study were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their previous obstetric history. Development of ICF was recorded as well as changes in the measurements of the isthmocele during the course of ovarian stimulation. Reproductive outcomes of FET cycles of the patients with an isthmocele were retrospectively compared to those of patients with infertility and without isthmocele in our clinic during the same time period. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE: Patients with an existing isthmocele after previous CS have a risk of ~40% of developing ultrasonographic visible fluid in the endometrial cavity during the course of ovarian stimulation. Development of ICF was significantly correlated with the depth of the isthmocele on Day 2/3 (P = 0.038) and on the day of trigger (-1/-2 days) (P = 0.049), circumference of the isthmocele on the day of trigger (-1/-2 days) (P = 0.040), distance from the C-scar to the external os (P = 0.036), number of children delivered (P = 0.047) and number of previous CS (P = 0.035). There was a statistically significant increase in the parameters related to the size of the isthmocele during ovarian stimulation. No significant differences in the reproductive outcome (pregnancy rate and rates of biochemical and ectopic pregnancies, miscarriages and ongoing/delivered pregnancies) after FET were found between the patients with and without an isthmocele, when ICF was excluded prior to embryo transfer procedure. LARGE-SCALE DATA: NA. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION: This study was not primarily designed to investigate the causes of ICF during ovarian stimulation or to evaluate the reproductive outcomes. Further, the small number of reported reproductive outcomes may be seen as a limitation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: The data highlights the need for an increased awareness on the part of reproductive medicine specialists towards the potentially adverse impact of an isthmocele on ART treatment, as there is a potential to develop intracavitary fluid during ovarian stimulation for IVF. The increase in the circumference of the isthmocele may increase embryo transfer difficulty. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S): No funding of the study has to be reported. The authors have no competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This prospective study was registered with clinicaltrials.gov. under the number NCT03518385.

Combined Laparoscopic-Hysteroscopic Isthmoplasty Using the Rendez-vous Technique Guided Step by Step.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the surgical technique of Rendez-vous isthmoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic cesarean scar defect. In this video, the authors show the complete procedure in a step-by-step manner to standardize and facilitate the comprehension and performance of the procedure in a simple and safe way. DESIGN: Step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical technique. SETTING: Private hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. INTERVENTIONS: The patient is a 36-year-old woman without any comorbidities, G3 C3, and with radiologic transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of isthmocele grade 3 (over 25 mm) identified in the superior third of the cervical canal. The main steps of combined laparoscopic-hysteroscopic isthmoplasty using the Rendez-vous technique are described in detail. A combined laparoscopic-hysteroscopic approach was performed. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in 0° supine decubitus, with her arms alongside her body. Operative setup included 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, created using the closed Veress technique, and 4 trocars: a 10-mm trocar at the umbilicus for a 0° laparoscope, a 5-mm trocar in the right iliac fossa, a 5-mm trocar in the left iliac fossa, and a 5-mm trocar in the suprapubic area. The procedure begins after a systematic exploration of the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Step 1: Identification of key anatomic landmarks and exposure of the operation field. Step 2: By carrying out blunt and sharp dissection with cold scissors or a harmonic scalpel, the visceral peritoneal layer over the isthmus area is opened, a vesicouterine space is developed, and the bladder is pushed down at least 2 cm from the lower edge of the isthmocele. Step 3: Final Phrase: By hysteroscopic exploration of the cervical canal using the vaginoscopic approach, identification and delimitation of the isthmocele its performed by recognizing the diverticular mucosal hyperplasia, and then the hysteroscopic light is pointed directly toward the cephalic limit of the scar defect. Step 4: Laparoscopic lights are decreased in intensity and the "Halloween sign" is identified (hysteroscopic transillumination). The light of the hysteroscope is pointed to the top of the cesarean scar defect allowing the laparoscopist to identify the upper and lower edges of the scar. Step 5: Laparoscopic resection of all scar tissue, excision of all the edges of the pseudo cavity. Step 6: Adequate intracorporeal suturing technique, with a 2-layer myometrial repair using intracorporeal running and interrupted stitches of polydioxanone 2-0, is done, while ensuring preservation of the cavity by not including the endometrial tissue in the myometrial suture [1-3]. Step 7: Installation of the methylene blue dye to locate any leakage. The surgery ended without any intraoperative complications and within 60 minutes. The patient was discharged on the first day postoperatively and became pregnant 6 months after surgery, with a final C-section delivery of a healthy term newborn at 39-weeks gestational age. CONCLUSION: Combined Rendez-vous isthmoplasty is feasible, safe, and effective in experienced hands, giving the surgeon a comprehensive evaluation of the anatomy of the isthmocele, and increasing the odds of a complete resection and restoration of the anatomy [4-7]. In this patient, the procedure was uneventful, without any intra- or postoperative complications, and the symptoms were completely controlled.

Clinical Success Rate of Extensive Hysteroscopic Cesarean Scar Defect Excision and Correlation to Histologic Findings.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Cesarean scar defect (CSD) is often associated with postmenstrual bleeding, infertility, and pain. Hysteroscopic CSD repair was described in the past, mainly as excision of the proximal edge of the defect to allow continuous blood flow during menstruation. In this study we aimed to evaluate the efficacy of extensive hysteroscopic cesarean scar niche excision in symptomatic patients. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. PATIENTS: Symptomatic patients treated with hysteroscopic CSD excision who were considered eligible for the procedure when myometrial thickness of 2 mm or more was observed on sonohysterography. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. INTERVENTIONS: Extensive CSD excision was performed using a cutting loop and pure cutting current. The proximal and distal edges of the defect were resected. This was followed by resection of tissue at the base of the niche, until underling muscular tissue was evident. Tissue sampled from the base of the CSD was collected for histologic examination. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year after hysteroscopic CSD excision. Clinical information obtained included detailed obstetric history and preoperative and postoperative menstruation pattern. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Between 2011 and 2016, 95 patients underwent extensive hysteroscopic niche excision; 67 were included in the study, whereas the remaining were lost to follow-up. Patient mean age at the time of the procedure was 38 ± 5.5 years. Twenty-nine patients (43%) had a history of high-order repeat cesarean surgeries. Sixty-six patients (98.5%) presented with postmenstrual bleeding, 26 with secondary infertility (38.8%), and 2 with pelvic pain (2.9%). After hysteroscopic niche excision, 63.4% of patients reported significant improvement or resolution of postmenstrual bleeding. A statistically significant reduction in number of bleeding days per cycle (15.5 ± 4.8 vs 9.8 ± 4.7, p < .001) was also noted. Histologic evidence for myometrial tissue within the obtained samples was associated with better outcomes. A histologic specimen from patients who experienced significant improvement or resolution of postmenstrual bleeding was more likely to reveal myometrial tissue (p = .04). Of the 26 patients who suffered from infertility, 19 attempted to conceive spontaneously after CSD excision. Of those, 10 patients (52.6%) conceived and 9 delivered at least once (47.36%). CONCLUSION: Extensive hysteroscopic surgical excision of cesarean scar niche should be considered in symptomatic patients suffering from irregular menstrual bleeding. The quality of the excision at the apex of the niche could be associated with a higher success rate. The role of niche excision to overcome secondary infertility should be further evaluated.

From hysteroscopy to laparoendoscopic surgery: what is the best surgical approach for symptomatic isthmocele? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness and risks of different surgical therapies for isthmocele in symptomatic women with abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, or for the prevention of obstetric complications, considering safety and surgical complications. METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched (n° CRD4201912035) for original articles on the surgical treatment of isthmocele published between 1950 and 2018. Data synthesis was completed using MedCalc 16.4.3. The body of evidence was assessed using the GRADE methodology. RESULTS: We retrieved 33 publications: 28 focused on a single surgical technique, and five comparing different techniques. Meta-analysis showed an improvement of symptoms in 85.00% (75.05-92.76%) of women after hysteroscopic correction, 92.77% (85.53-97.64%) after laparoscopic/robotic correction, and 82.52% (67.53-93.57%) after vaginal correction. Hysteroscopic surgery was associated with the lowest risk of complications (0.76%, 0.20-1.66%). CONCLUSIONS: We found adequate evidence supporting the use of surgery for the treatment of symptomatic isthmocele, as it was found to improve the bleeding symptoms in more than 80% of patients. Differently, we found a lack of evidence regarding the role of surgery with the purpose of improving fertility or reducing the risk of obstetric complications in women with asymptomatic isthmocele. The hysteroscopic correction of isthmocele may be the safest and most effective strategy in those patients with adequate residual myometrial thickness overlying the isthmocele. Laparoscopic and vaginal surgeries may be the preferred options for patients with a thinner residual myometrium over the defect (< 2.5 mm) and when hysteroscopic treatment is inconclusive.

Cesarean scar defect: a prospective study on risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Cesarean scar defect (isthmocele) is a known complication after cesarean delivery. It has become more common due to a rising cesarean delivery rate. Isthmocele has been associated with various gynecological and obstetric problems such as uterine rupture, cesarean scar pregnancy, and bleeding disorders. OBJECTIVE: We sought to prospectively investigate factors associated with the risk for isthmocele assessed by sonohysterography. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted in 401 nonpregnant women who were recruited within 3 days of cesarean delivery. Women were evaluated with sonohysterography 6 months after cesarean delivery to detect a possible isthmocele. The ultrasonographer was blinded to any clinical information. The main outcome measure was the presence of isthmocele. Type of surgery (elective vs emergency), maternal background variables, and factors related to pregnancy, labor, and postoperative recovery were analyzed in relation to isthmocele. A logistic regression model was used to assess independent risk factors from univariate analysis. RESULTS: In all, 371 women were examined with sonohysterography resulting in a follow-up rate of 92.5%. The prevalence of isthmocele was 45.6%. Independent risk factors for isthmocele development were a history of gestational diabetes (odds ratio, 1.73; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-2.92; P = .042), previous cesarean delivery (odds ratio, 3.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.90-5.17; P < .001), and advanced maternal body mass index (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.11; P = .012). Every additional unit of body mass index increased the risk of isthmocele by 6%. In the subgroup of emergency cesarean delivery, longer duration of active labor increased the risk for isthmocele (odds ratio, 1.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.11; P = .032). There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between the groups of elective and emergency cesarean delivery (P = .898). CONCLUSION: Based on sonohysterographic examination, maternal body mass index, gestational diabetes, and previous cesarean deliveries are associated with an increased risk for incomplete healing of the uterine incision.