Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation Of Uterine Vessels Research Articles

Pregnancy following treatment of symptomatic myomas with laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels.

Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV) has been employed for women with symptomatic uterine myomas, but its effect on subsequent pregnancy has not been characterized. Four-hundred and twenty-three women entered the study between March 1999 and December 2001. Of these, 142 women (33.6%) were under the age of 40 years at the time of LBCUV, 36 of whom (36/142, 25.3%) were sexually active without contraception. In a prospective study of 142 patients (<40 years old) undergoing LBCUV for symptomatic myomas, 15 women became pregnant (17 total pregnancies) and were evaluated by physical and ultrasound examinations. The volume of the dominant myoma was 117.4 +/- 118.4 and 36.8 +/- 56.8 cm(3) before and after LBCUV respectively. Volume of the dominant myoma after pregnancy was 46.2 +/- 76.7 cm(3) (mean +/- SD). There was a significant difference in myoma volume before and after LBCUV (P = 0.002), but no significant difference in myoma volume when comparing post-partum size with post-LBCUV size (P = 0.269). Pregnancy outcomes included seven miscarriages in the first trimester and one premature rupture of membrane (PPROM). Although the other pregnancies were regarded as uncomplicated, only two women were delivered of normal neonates as the other seven pregnancies were terminated secondary to patient request. The pregnancy and term pregnancy rates in sexually active women without contraception were 41.6% (15/36) and 5.6% (2/36) respectively. Because a relatively high rate (7/17, 41.2%) of early miscarriages was observed, we recommend that this procedure be employed only for women who do not desire additional children.

Successful pregnancy in a woman with symptomatic fibroids who underwent laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels

Objective: To report a case of successful pregnancy after laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV). Design: Case report. Setting: University-affiliated tertiary referral center. Patient(s): One woman, treated with LBCUV for symptomatic fibroids, who subsequently had a successful pregnancy. Intervention(s): Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine arteries and anastomotic sites of uterine arteries with ovarian arteries. Main Outcome Measure(s): Patient evaluation by physical and ultrasound examinations. Result(s): Complete resolution of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea was found after LBCUV. Reduction in fibroid size was seen by ultrasound. Two months later, the patient conceived a singleton pregnancy without the use of assisted reproductive technologies. The woman delivered by cesarean section. Neither myoma recurrence nor abnormality in uterine function was observed. Conclusion(s): Although fecundity- and pregnancy-related complications after LBCUV for managing uterine fibroids are still unclear, this first case report of successful pregnancy after LBCUV is promising. LBCUV might be a safe and effective alternative to myomectomy and hysterectomy.

Comparison of Two Procedures for Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Hysterectomy of Large Myomatous Uteri

Study Objective To evaluate whether laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV) and supracervical amputation improve laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH). Design Prospective, randomized, longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). Setting Private practice, university-affiliated hospital. Patients Sixty-four women (age 31–52 yrs) with symptomatic myomatous uteri larger than 12 weeks on bimanual examination. Interventions LAVH with or without LBCUV and laparoscopic supracervical amputation followed by trachelectomy. Measurements and Main Results LBCUV and laparoscopic supracervical amputation followed by trachelectomy and removal of the specimen vaginally were performed successfully in 29 women (group A). Hysterectomy was performed successfully in 32 comparable patients (group B) with severing of the round ligament, ovarian ligament, or infundibulopelvic ligament, and preparation of the bladder flap in the laparoscopic phase, and severing of uterine vessels and cardinal-uterosacral ligament complex through the vagina. Average blood loss was 169.8 and 308.7 ml in groups A and B, respectively (p <0.05); average operating time was 126.4 and 152.8 minutes, respectively (p <0.05); hemoglobin decreased on average 0.9 and 1.7 g/100 ml, respectively (p <0.05). Conclusion LBCUV and laparoscopic supracervical amputation followed by trachelectomy reduce operating time and blood loss in LAVH, and allow conversion of many abdominal procedures to laparoscopy.

Early Pregnancy Uninterrupted by Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation of Uterine Vessels

Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV) is reported to treat clinically symptomatic myomas that caused severe menorrhagia, but the viability of pregnancy after operation is unknown. A woman with clinically diagnosed uterine myomas, possibly with adenomyosis, had unexpected early pregnancy diagnosed at the time of LBCUV. The procedure resulted in improvement of menorrhagia to normal menstruation and reductions in the volume of both uterus and myomas. The intrauterine pregnancy was terminated at the woman's request. Pregnancy may be possible after LBCUV, although none has been reported.

Rapid Enlargement of Uterine Myomas after Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation of Uterine Vessels

Degenerative changes occur relatively frequently in uterine leiomyomas. Morphologic changes such as necrosis, hyalinization, and alterations in cellularity are described after uterine artery embolization. A modified method to interrupt the uterine blood supply is laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV). Although the success rate is good, occasional patients require hysterectomy because of complications or continuing symptoms. A woman with symptomatic myomas underwent LBCUV, but required hysterectomy due to rapid enlargement of myomas and intractable symptoms including pelvic pain and pressure, and acute urinary retention. The combination of degenerative and iatrogenic changes resulted in a histologic appearance resembling diffuse hyalinization and hydropic degeneration of the leiomyomas.

Addition of Laparoscopic Uterine Nerve Ablation to Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation of Uterine Vessels for Women with Uterine Myomas and Dysmenorrhea

Study ObjectiveTo assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation (LUNA) in women with dysmenorrhea caused by uterine myomas treated by laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV). DesignProspective, randomized, longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SettingPrivate practice, university-affiliated hospital. PatientsEighty-five women with uterine leiomyomas and associated dysmenorrhea. InterventionLaparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels with or without LUNA. Measurements and Main ResultsOf 85 patients who entered the study, 41 were assigned to undergo LBCUV-LUNA (group A), which was successful in 40 (97.6%). In 44 women assigned to have LBCUV only (group B), 43 (97.7%) underwent successful surgery. Eighty women completed 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up (38 group A, 42 group B). The groups did not differ significantly in age, history of abdominopelvic surgery, intraperitoneal adhesions, endometriosis, concomitant surgery, and operating time. Seven (18.4%) of 38 women in group A and 12 (28.6%) of 42 in group B experienced lower abdominal pain postoperatively. Acceptable pain was defined as a score of zero or 1: 31 and 30 women in groups A and B reported scores of zero; 3 and 2 reported scores of 1; 4 and 8 reported scores of 2; zero and 2 reported scores of 3; and no patients reported scores of 4. The frequency and severity of postoperative pain were less in group A than in group B (both p <0.05). The efficacy of both methods was almost equal in shrinking the uterus and dominant myoma, and in improving menorrhagia and bulk-related symptoms. Dysmenorrhea improvement was 84.2% and 61.9% in groups A and B at 3 months and 92.1% and 73.8% at 6 months, respectively. This was more significant in group A than in group B (p <0.05). ConclusionOur results suggest that LUNA may decrease postoperative ischemic pain and improve dysmenorrhea associated with uterine myomas treated by LBCUV.

Laparoscopic Bipolar Coagulation of Uterine Vessels to Treat Symptomatic Myomas in Women with Elevated CA 125

Study Objective To assess laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV) for symptomatic myomas in women with elevated CA 125 (>35 U/ml). Design Prospective, longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II–1). Setting Private practice, university-affiliated hospital. Patients Forty-six women (age 30–50 yrs) with symptomatic myomas and elevated CA 125 level. Intervention Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels performed over 10 months. Measurements and Main Results All patients underwent successful LBCUV and coagulation of anastomotic site of uterine arteries with ovarian arteries without intraoperative complication. One, 3, and 6 months after treatment, respectively, 52.2%, 65.2%, and 71.7% of women reported improvement in menorrhagia, 19.6%, 45.7%, and 56.5% noted improvement in dysmenorrhea, and 6.5%, 16.1%, and 38.7% had improvement in bulk-related symptoms. Average reduction in uterine volume was 9.1%, 16.9%, and 38.3% and average reduction in dominant myoma was 12.1%, 23.9%, and 59.1% at those times; the average reduction of CA 125 in all patients was 39.8, 75.4, and 126.1U/ml. Conclusion Symptoms were improved and uterine volume and dominant myoma were reduced by LBCUV. The CA 125 level fell during follow-up in 40 patients (87.0%). Improvement in symptoms, especially menorrhagia, and shrinkage of uterine volume and dominant myoma seemed to be more pronounced in women with decreased than in those without decreased CA 125 after treatment (p = 0.045). The CA 125 level may be a valuable indicator for monitoring the efficacy of LBCUV.