The position of diagnostic laparoscopy in current fertility practice

In everyday clinical practice, it is not always clear if and when exactly in the fertility work-up a diagnostic laparoscopy should be offered. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence with respect to alternative diagnostic methods for detecting tuboperitoneal infertility and with respect to the position of diagnostic laparoscopy in women with infertility. A literature search of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (PubMed) was performed using the key words 'diagnostic laparoscopy and infertility'. The study methodology was carefully considered in an effort to present conclusions preferably based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The routine use of diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation of all cases of female infertility is currently under debate. According to data published in retrospective non-controlled studies, diagnostic laparoscopy after several failed cycles of ovulation induction enables the detection of a significant proportion of pelvic pathology amenable to treatment. A Cochrane review has shown that laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome is at least as effective as gonadotrophin treatment, and results in a lower multiple pregnancy rate. The role of laparoscopy before the start of treatment with intrauterine insemination is controversial, according to one RCT. In women with bilateral ultrasonically visible hydrosalpinges, two RCTs have demonstrated increased implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles after salpingectomy. Although RCTs which have studied the benefit of laparoscopic surgery in moderate or severe endometriosis are still lacking, its value has generally been accepted. In conclusion, some specific clinical settings, solid evidence is available to recommend the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in current fertility practice. There is however a need for more RCTs to answer remaining questions regarding its value in the diagnosis and treatment of some patients with infertility

A multifaceted approach to endometrial inflammation. Current insights and future directions

New insights into the complex and fine-regulated inflammatory mechanisms involved in the endometrium reveal multiple facets to the problem of endometrial inflammation. However, the entity termed chronic endometritis is to date restricted to infectious etiology and managed with antibiotics. Conversely, the concept of impaired inflammatory state of the endometrium (IISE) provides a more global approach to defective endometrial inflammation, considering both infectious and non-infectious etiology. A non-systematic review was done through a search on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, The Cochrane Library, Health Technology Assessment Database and Web of Science, research registers. Pertinent original and review articles, published in English or French until December 31, 2019, were selected. A compelling body of evidence demonstrates transient, repeated and persistent IISE to be a major factor of most problematic disorders in obstetrics/gynecology, such as endometrial polyps, unexplained infertility, miscarriage, placenta-related pathology and endometrial cancer. When scheduled accordingly, hysteroscopy can play a key role in the IISE assessment. Robust data suggests the pertinence of minimal-effective anti-inflammatory regimens for therapeutic IISE targeting. This review provides a comprehensive update on the multiple facets of inflammation in the endometrial physiology and pathology. Further research is needed to improve classification, diagnosis and treatment of IISE.publishersversionpublishe

Large uterus: what is the limit for a laparoscopic approach?

Hysterectomy is the most common surgical gynecologic procedure, which is frequently related to the treatment of leiomyoma. The laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with a shorter hospital stay, fewer infection rates, and a faster return to daily activities. Most gynecologists do not recommend a hysterectomy via the vagina or a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in the case of a uterus weighing more than 300 g. This case report presents the case of an LAVH undertaken in a 43-year-old patient with a uterus weighing 2,800 g. There are no definite guidelines concerning the procedure for a large uterus, and the literature is vague regarding the best surgical procedure for these cases. The size of the uterus does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for endoscopic surgery. This procedure relies entirely on the surgeon’s abilit

The effectiveness of hysteroscopy in improving pregnancy rates in subfertile women without other gynaecological symptoms: a systematic review

background: Although hysteroscopy is frequently used in the management of subfertile women, a systematic review of the evidence on this subject is lacking. methods: We summarized and appraised the evidence for the benefit yielded by this procedure. Our systematic search was limited to randomized and controlled studies. The QUOROM and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Language restrictions were not applied. results: We identified 30 relevant publications. Hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps with a mean diameter of 16 mm detected by ultrasound doubles the pregnancy rate when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy and polyp biopsy in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination, starting 3 months after the surgical intervention [relative risk (RR) ¼ 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–3.2]. In patients with one fibroid structure smaller than 4 cm, there was a marginally significant benefit from myomectomy when compared with expectant management (RR ¼ 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0–3.7). Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus resulted in fewer pregnancies in patients with subfertility when compared with those with recurrent pregnancy loss (RR ¼ 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5–0.9). Randomized controlled studies on hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine adhesions are lacking. Hysteroscopy in the cycle preceding a subsequent IVF attempt nearly doubles the pregnancy rate in patients with at least two failed IVF attempts compared with starting IVF immediately (RR ¼ 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5–2.0). conclusions: Scarce evidence on the effectiveness of hysteroscopic surgery in subfertile women with polyps, fibroids, septate uterus or intrauterine adhesions indicates a potential benefit. More randomized controlled trials are needed before widespread use of hysteroscopic surgery in the general subfertile population can be justified

Migration of intrauterine device into the pelvic cavity: exploration strategy and management in African environment

IUD migration is a rare complication. We report our experience in the treatment of five cases of uterine perforation and migration of IUDs. The average age of patients was 34.6 years, an average parity was 4. All patients felt an unusual pain during insertion of the IUD Tcu 380A. The location of the IUD was done through ultrasound and hysterography. Removal by laparoscopy was performed in all cases. The immediate impacts of the surgery were simple. Hysterography has its place in the location of the migrated IUD. Prevention is a good IUD insertion technique

Large uterus: what is the limit for a laparoscopic approach?

Hysterectomy is the most common surgical gynecologic procedure, which is frequently related to the treatment of leiomyoma. The laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with a shorter hospital stay, fewer infection rates, and a faster return to daily activities. Most gynecologists do not recommend a hysterectomy via the vagina or a laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) in the case of a uterus weighing more than 300 g. This case report presents the case of an LAVH undertaken in a 43-year-old patient with a uterus weighing 2,800 g. There are no definite guidelines concerning the procedure for a large uterus, and the literature is vague regarding the best surgical procedure for these cases. The size of the uterus does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for endoscopic surgery. This procedure relies entirely on the surgeon’s abilit

Transcervical endometrial resection: Is it really a simple solution for a major problem?

Objectives: To determine the long-term efficacy of transcervical resection of the endometrium (TCRE). Design: Prospective long-term follow-up study. Setting: Academic practice tertiary care setting. Patients: 116 concecutive women undergoing endometrial resection because of menorrhagia, who wished to retain the uterus. Intervention: Hysteroscopic endometrial resection performed as a day procedure. Main outcome measures: Long-term assessment was on the basis of menstrual symptoms and patient satisfaction, and a questionnaire was used that included open-ended and closed questions. Results: 116 endometrial resections were carried out. The satisfaction rate varied from 75% to 70% over 5 years. At 1 year, 40% of women were amenorrhoeic. Larger uterine size, young age and adenomyosis were factors associated with negative outcomes. After initial TCRE, 20 women required further surgery, menorrhagia being the most common indication. Conclusion: Although the use of TCRE to treat menorrhagia did not avoid the need for hysterectomy in all women, for those considering hysterectomy, it was an alternative procedure that was conservative, had low morbidity and provided a good chance of avoiding the need for major surgery, especially when performed by an experienced surgeon to treat women over the age of 45. © 2002 Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Dynamic anatomy of the pelvic floor

Multiple challenges await the surgeon who operates on the pelvic area. Although specific anatomical landmarks define the limits of the operating field as in any other surgical field, very specific situations exist in this area: n Nerve-sparing surgery becomes mandatory to retain the function of the different organs.SCOPUS: ch.binfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

The position of diagnostic laparoscopy in current fertility practice

In everyday clinical practice, it is not always clear if and when exactly in the fertility work-up a diagnostic laparoscopy should be offered. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence with respect to alternative diagnostic methods for detecting tuboperitoneal infertility and with respect to the position of diagnostic laparoscopy in women with infertility. A literature search of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health (PubMed) was performed using the key words 'diagnostic laparoscopy and infertility'. The study methodology was carefully considered in an effort to present conclusions preferably based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The routine use of diagnostic laparoscopy for the evaluation of all cases of female infertility is currently under debate. According to data published in retrospective non-controlled studies, diagnostic laparoscopy after several failed cycles of ovulation induction enables the detection of a significant proportion of pelvic pathology amenable to treatment. A Cochrane review has shown that laparoscopic ovarian diathermy in clomiphene-resistant polycystic ovarian syndrome is at least as effective as gonadotrophin treatment, and results in a lower multiple pregnancy rate. The role of laparoscopy before the start of treatment with intrauterine insemination is controversial, according to one RCT. In women with bilateral ultrasonically visible hydrosalpinges, two RCTs have demonstrated increased implantation and pregnancy rates in IVF cycles after salpingectomy. Although RCTs which have studied the benefit of laparoscopic surgery in moderate or severe endometriosis are still lacking, its value has generally been accepted. In conclusion, some specific clinical settings, solid evidence is available to recommend the use of diagnostic laparoscopy in current fertility practice. There is however a need for more RCTs to answer remaining questions regarding its value in the diagnosis and treatment of some patients with infertility.status: publishe