Tubal Ostia Research Articles

Accuracy of Hysteroscopic Metroplasty With the Combination of Presurgical 3-Dimensional Ultrasonography and a Novel Graduated Intrauterine Palpator: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Study ObjectiveTo assess whether the use of a novel graduated intrauterine palpator can improve the accuracy of hysteroscopic metroplasty, introducing objective intraoperative criteria. DesignA prospective randomized study (Canadian Task Force I, evidence obtained from a properly design, randomized, controlled trial). SettingUniversity Federico II hysteroscopic clinic. PatientsNinety women with a uterine septum diagnosed during office hysteroscopy and 3-dimesional transvaginal ultrasound (3D-TVS) were randomized into 2 groups: group T (metroplasty with intrauterine palpator) (n = 45) and group C (metroplasty without intrauterine palpator) (n = 45). InterventionsOutpatient hysteroscopic metroplasty under conscious sedation using a 5-mm hysteroscope and miniaturized 5F instruments including a bipolar electrode for the removal of three quarters of the septum, blunt scissors to refine the base of the septum, and an intrauterine palpator to measure the portion of the removed septum (only group T). 3D-TVS and second-look hysteroscopy were used to identify the number of optimal (residual septum <5 mm), suboptimal (residual septum 5–10 mm), and incomplete resections (residual septum >10 mm). In group T, metroplasty was stopped when the intrauterine palpator showed that the resected septum corresponded to presurgical ultrasonographic measurements in order to obtain a fundal notch of 1.0 cm. In group C, metroplasty was interrupted once the tubal ostia were clearly visible on the same line and/or hemorrhage from small myometrial vessels of the fundus was observed. Measurements and Main ResultsNo differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. The proportion of patients with complete septum resection was significantly higher in group T (71.5% vs 41%, χ2: p = .006; relative risk: 1.684; 95% confidence interval, 1.116–2.506). Suboptimal resection was achieved in 13 cases (28.5%) in group T and 14 cases (20%) in group C, whereas incomplete resection was observed in only 12 patients in group C (27%). ConclusionPresurgical evaluation with 3D-TVS together with the use of a graduate intrauterine palpator improves the accuracy of hysteroscopic metroplasty, allowing complete removal of a uterine septum in 1 surgical step.

Abstract B36: In vivo laser-based imaging of the human fallopian tube for future cancer detection.

Abstract Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 cause a 20-50% lifetime risk of ovarian, fallopian tubel, or peritoneal carcinoma. Clinical recommendations for these high-risk women include the prophylactic removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes by age 40 after child-bearing. Recent findings suggest that many presumed ovarian or peritoneal carcinomas arise in fallopian tube epithelium. Although survival rate is &amp;gt;90% when ovarian cancer is detected early (Stage_I), 70% of women have advanced disease (Stage_III/IV) at presentation when survival is less than 30%. Over the years, effective early detection of ovarian cancer has remained elusive, possibly because screening techniques have mistakenly focused on the ovary as the origin of ovarian carcinoma. Unlike ovaries, the fallopian tubes are amenable to direct visual imaging without invasive surgery, using access through the uterine cervix. To develop future screening protocols, we investigated using our 1.2-mm diameter, forward-viewing, scanning fiber endoscope (SFE) to image luminal surfaces of the fallopian tube before laparoscopic surgical removal. Three anesthetized human subjects participated in our protocol development which eventually led to 70-80% of the length of fallopian tubes being imaged in scanning reflectance, using red (632nm), green (532nm), and blue (442nm) laser light. A hysteroscope with saline uterine distention was used to locate the tubal ostia. To facilitate passage of the SFE through the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube, an introducer catheter was inserted 1-cm through each ostia. During insertion, saline was flushed to reduce friction and provide clearer viewing. This is likely the first high-resolution intraluminal visualization of fallopian tubes Citation Format: Elizabeth M. Swisher, C. David Melville, Richard S. Johnston, Kathy Agnew, Seine Chiang, Eric J. Seibel. In vivo laser-based imaging of the human fallopian tube for future cancer detection. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: Exploiting Vulnerabilities; Oct 17-20, 2015; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(2 Suppl):Abstract nr B36.

Hysteroscopic local anesthetic intrauterine cornual block in office endometrial ablation: a randomized controlled trial

To evaluate the efficacy of a hysteroscopic local anesthetic intrauterine cornual block (ICOB) on pain experienced during office endometrial ablation (EA) in addition to a traditional direct local anesthetic cervical block (DCB). Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. University teaching hospital. Women with heavy menstrual bleeding scheduled for an office endometrial ablation. Before office EA, DCB plus hysteroscopic ICOB just medial to each tubal ostium using local anesthetic mixture made up of 1mL 3% mepivacaine plus 1mL 0.5% bupivacaine versus control group receiving DBC plus ICOB with 2mL of placebo (saline). pain reported during procedure via visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 10; secondary outcomes: postoperative pain, rescue analgesic requirement, and duration of hospital stay. Most characteristics were similar across groups. The mean VAS score during the procedure was statistically significantly lower by 1.44 (95% confidence interval, -2.65 to -0.21) in the active group compared with the placebo group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the postprocedural mean VAS scores, rescue analgesic requirement, or duration of hospital stay. Used in addition to DCB, ICOB reduces the pain experienced during office EA compared with DCB alone. NCT01808898.

Power Doppler flow mapping and four-dimensional ultrasound for evaluating tubal patency compared with laparoscopy

ObjectivesTo study the accuracy of four-dimensional (4D) ultrasound and power Doppler flow mapping in detecting tubal patency in women with sub-/infertility, and compare it with laparoscopy and chromopertubation. Study designA prospective study. The study was performed in the outpatient clinic and infertility unit of a university hospital. The sonographic team and laparoscopic team were blinded to the results of each other. Women aged younger than 43 years seeking medical advice due to primary or secondary infertility and who planned to have a diagnostic laparoscopy performed, were recruited to the study after signing an informed consent. All of the recruited patients had power Doppler flow mapping and 4D hysterosalpingo-sonography by injecting sterile saline into the fallopian tubes 1 day before surgery. Registering Doppler signals, while using power Doppler, both at the tubal ostia and fimbrial end and the ability to demonstrate the course of the tube especially the isthmus and fimbrial end, while using 4D mode, was considered a patent tube. ResultsOut of 50 recruited patients, 33 women had bilateral patent tubes and five had unilateral patent tubes as shown by chromopertubation during diagnostic laparoscopy. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy for two-dimensional power Doppler hysterosalpingography were 94.4%, 100%, 100%, 89.2%, and 96.2%, respectively and for 4D ultrasound were 70.4%, 100%, 100%, 70.4%, and 82.6%, respectively. ConclusionsFour-dimensional saline hysterosalpingography has acceptable accuracy in detecting tubal patency, but is surpassed by power Doppler saline hysterosalpingography. Power Doppler saline hysterosalpingography could be incorporated into the routine sub-/infertility workup.

Results of centralized Asherman surgery, 2003–2013

To study the success rate of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis and the spontaneous recurrence rate of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) in patients with Asherman syndrome. Cohort study. University-affiliated hospitals. A total of 638 women with Asherman syndrome were included, all diagnosed using hysteroscopy, and operated on between 2003 and 2013. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis was classified as successful if a normalization of menstrual blood flow occurred, along with a restored, healthy, cavity anatomy, free of adhesions, with hysteroscopic visualization of ≥ 1 tubal ostium. Recurrences of adhesions were diagnosed using hysteroscopy after an initial successful procedure. A first-trimester procedure preceded Asherman syndrome in 371 women (58.2%) and caused adhesions of grades 1-2A. In 243 (38.1%) women, a postpartum procedure caused IUAs of grades 3-5. The procedure was successful in 606 women (95%), and restoration of menstrual blood flow occurred in 97.8%; IUAs spontaneously recurred in 174 (27.3%) of these cases. High grades of adhesions were predictive of a higher chance of spontaneous recurrence of adhesions. In 95% of women with Asherman syndrome, a healthy uterine cavity was restored with hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, in 1-3 attempts, with a 28.7% recurrence rate of spontaneous IUAs.

An Exceptional Case of Complete Septate Uterus With Unilateral Cervical Aplasia (Class U2bC3V0/ESHRE/ESGE Classification) and Isolated Mullerian Remnants: Combined Hysteroscopic and Laparoscopic Treatment

Study ObjectiveTo report the combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic treatment of a complete septate uterus with unilateral cervical aplasia (class U2bC3V0/ESHRE/ESGE classification) and isolated mullerian remnants. DesignStep-by-step presentation of the surgical treatment (Canadian Task Force classification 4). SettingComplete septate uterus with unilateral cervical aplasia (formally Robert's uterus) is characterized by the presence of a uterine septum completely dividing the endometrial cavity into an obstructed hemicavity and a contralateral nonobstructing hemicavity connected normally to the existing cervix. It has always been described as isolated without any associated anomaly. PatientA 30-year-old woman was referred to our department for dysmenorrhea and primary infertility. Hysterosalpingography showed the presence of a right (RT) hemiuterus with a patent fallopian tube; further evaluation with 2- and 3-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed an externally normal-appearing uterus, a right normal hemicavity connected normally with the existed cervix and, a left hemicavity fully divided from the right one by a complete septum and not connected with the cervix. Interestingly, a peculiar complex mass with cystic areas, attached posterolaterally from the left side to the uterine wall at the level of the isthmus and the upper cervix, was also diagnosed. InterventionsThe study protocol was approved by our local institutional review board. During outpatient hysteroscopy, a right uterine hemicavity with a single ostium was identified without any communication with the left hemicavity. The patient was then scheduled for combined laparoscopic and hysteroscopic treatment. During laparoscopy, a normal uterine body with multiple myomas and a pseudocystic lesion attached posteriorly and left laterally to the uterus at the level of the isthmus and the upper cervix were shown; no communication between the cystic part of that lesion and the isthmus or the cervicovaginal canal was observed. During hysteroscopy, a longitudinal incision of the septum with a 5F bipolar electrode was performed; the left hemicavity was opened, and the corresponding tubal ostium was identified. The pseudocystic lesion was then excised after opening and sent for pathological analysis; the defect was closed with interrupted intracorporeal knots. Measurements and Main ResultsA single normal endometrial cavity with both tubal ostia was obtained, thus restoring obstruction by unification of the uterine cavity. A histologic report of the removed pseudocystic lesion was compatible with the diagnosis of mullerian remnants. A follow-up hysteroscopy 3 months after showed a normal uterine cavity without postsurgical adhesions. ConclusionThe use of 3-dimensional ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in combination with the new ESHRE/ESGE classification system gives the opportunity to obtain a precise representation of the female genital anatomy even in the presence of complex anomalies. Although a septate uterus with unilateral cervical aplasia has been already described, the presence of mullerian remnants is a rare entity associated with cyclic pelvic pain, thus needing adequate recognition and treatment. The combined hysteroscopic and laparoscopic approach offers a unique opportunity for the treatment of complex anomalies.

2092307 Clinical Relevance Of Uterine Subseptations: Does The Differentiation Between Arcuate And Septate Uterus Still Matter?

Uterine cavity subseptations are correlated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and the length of the uterine cavity subseptum artificially differentiates between arcuate (<10 mm) and septate (≥10 mm) uterus. Existing recommendations warrant correction of septate uteri, only. Based on the decrease in cavity width after surgical correction of arcuate and septate uteri, we evaluated whether a different subseptation length is clinically indicated to correct. This was a prospective cohort study. Patients diagnosed with arcuate or subseptate uteri were evaluated with 3-D ultrasound before and after undergoing surgical resection of the anomalies by hysteroscopic separation of the anterior from the posterior wall. Measurements of the subseptum’s length (measured from the base to the tip of the septum) and width (measured at the septum’s base as it comes off the fundus), and cavity width (measured between the tubal ostia, at the fundus), were obtained on a frozen coronal view of the uterus. We used t-test, Pearson correlations, and we created an ROC curve using a cut off of 5 mm difference in cavity width in pre-, and post-operative measurements. A p<0.05 defined significance. Seventy patients were included in the study. Fourty-five had a subseptum <10 mm and 25 had a subseptum ≥10 mm. Subseptum width was 18.5±7.2 mm in the arcuate and 23.7±8.6 mm in the septate uterus groups, respectively. The post-operative cavity width (28±10 mm) was correlated to the pre-operative subseptum length (R=0.42; p=0.016) and width (R=0.54; p=0.001). The ROC curve identified 5.4 mm (sensitivity=50%, specificity=73%) as a threshold subseptum length which portrays a post-operative cavity remodeling similar to a 10 mm length. The clinical relevance of the arcuate uterus is currently undetermined and underrated. Our data indicate a new subseptation cut-off length with clinical relevance similar to a septate uterus. We propose a revision of the recommendations for surgical correction to include subseptation lengths greater than 5.4 mm.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging and 3-dimensional Computed Tomographic Angiography for Conservative Management of Proximal Interstitial Pregnancy by Hysteroscopic Resection After Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization

Ectopic pregnancy implanted in the interstitial portion of the fallopian tube is a rare potentially life-threatening disorder. A case of unruptured interstitial pregnancy with prominent neovascularization in a 37-year-old woman was precisely localized in the proximal interstitial portion of the fallopian tube with a dilated proximal tubal ostium by magnetic resonance imaging and 3-dimensional computed tomographic angiography. After devascularization by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, hysteroscopic resection of the interstitial gestational products was performed with single-port laparoscopic assistance. Postoperatively, 3 rescue doses of systemic methotrexate were administered to accelerate the resolution of gestational products followed by uneventful recovery. The uterine wall structure around the interstitial portion was well preserved at the cesarean delivery in the subsequent spontaneous gestation.

Cost-effectiveness of office hysteroscopy for abnormal uterine bleeding.

Background and Objectives:Office diagnostic hysteroscopy allows physicians to directly view the endometrial cavity, tubal ostia, and endocervical canal without taking the patient to the operating room (OR). We sought to determine whether office hysteroscopy performed to evaluate abnormal uterine bleeding decreases the need for hysteroscopy performed in the OR and the associated financial and risk implications.Methods:One hundred thirty patients who underwent office diagnostic hysteroscopy between January 2009 and March 2012 at 2 outpatient clinics in an academic university setting were identified. Records were reviewed from paper charts and electronic medical records. Hospital charts for patients who required hysteroscopy in the OR were reviewed as well. Charge estimates were obtained from our billing department. These results were analyzed for review of the data.Results:Seventy-five of the 130 women who underwent diagnostic office hysteroscopy for abnormal bleeding did not need to undergo hysteroscopy in the OR. This represents estimated savings of $1498 per patient (95% confidence interval, $1051–$1923) in procedure charges. Among the 55 women who underwent OR hysteroscopy, there was 71% agreement between findings on hysteroscopy in the office and in the OR.Conclusion:Office hysteroscopy is a useful diagnostic tool that can help decrease the rate of diagnostic hysteroscopy in the OR under anesthesia when used in a select patient population.

A new fertility-preserving surgery for interstitial pregnancy involving hysteroscopic removal under laparoscopic guidance

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare form of tubal ectopic pregnancy, accounting for 2%–4% of all such pregnancies [1]. Although medical treatment can successfully resolve the pregnancy when detected early enough, the standard treatment is cornual resection [2]. However, surgical treatmentmay result in aweakened uterinewall, leading to reduced fertility and a risk of uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancies. Successful transcervical evacuation of interstitial pregnancy under laparoscopic guidance has been reported [2]. However, owing to the characteristics of interstitial pregnancy and potential difficulties encountered during surgery, the placenta may be left behind—necessitating further treatment [3]. Hysteroscopic removal, when possible, reduces the incidence rate of this complication. In 2013, a 26-year-old nulliparous woman presented with an interstitial pregnancy. She wanted to preserve an intact uterus, so hysteroscopic removal was carried out using a technique similar to that performed for intrauterine evacuation. Hegar dilators were used for dilation of the cervical canal and the ostium of the fallopian tube; the dilators were used to reach the uterine cornu and to carefully establish a passage to the gestational site under laparoscopic guidance. A 6-mm suction catheter was then inserted into the uterus and introduced into the gestational site. The products of conception were evacuated at a negative pressure of 180 mm Hg. The hysteroscope was then introduced into the interstitial cavity because a more dilated pathologic tubal ostium was observed. Graspers were used to remove residual tissue from the interstitial cavity, leaving it empty (Fig. 1). Had uterine perforation occurred, cornual resection and salpingectomy would have been performed via laparoscopy. Thewomanwas discharged 2 days later; her serum β-human chorionic gonadotropin levels were undetectable by the second postoperative week. Ultrasound examination 4 weeks postoperatively showed that the cornual region had a normal appearance. When there is a possibility of interstitial pregnancy that is a relatively short distance from the cornual end and is associated with an unruptured mass and hemodynamic stability, hysteroscopic removal under laparoscopic guidance—rather than cornual resection—is a feasible treatment option. Furthermore, this new treatment can prevent a large amount of blood loss; however, when there is a high risk of tubal scarring, recurrent interstitial pregnancy may occur.

Management of interstitial pregnancy – a case managed with ultrasound guidance and a review of literature

Interstitial pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic pregnancy. Interstitial pregnancy refers to an ectopic pregnancy implanted in the interstitial portion of the tube. This is the segment of Fallopian tube traversing the muscular wall of the uterus, beginning at the tubal ostium and proceeding superiorly and laterally away from the uterine cavity to join the isthmic portion of the tube arising from the fundus. The interstitial portion, being a relatively thicker portion of the tube, has a greater capacity to expand before rupture takes place. Therefore, such pregnancies may present late and rupture can result in life-threatening haemorrhage, particularly because of the high vascularity of this region. Diagnosis is difficult and treatment has not been standardized. A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose this type of pregnancy. Access to high-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography and highly sensitive quantitative β-hCG assays has increased early detection and appropriate management. A wide array of treatment methods have been tried for the management of this condition. The optimum therapeutic option depends on variables related to each individual case.

Hysteroscopic local anaesthetic intrauterine cornual ‘focal local’ block before endometrial ablation with direct cervical block in an outpatient setting: a feasibility study

ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety, feasibility and efficacy of a hysteroscopic local anaesthetic intrauterine cornual block (ICOB) on women's perception of pain during outpatient Thermachoice endometrial ablation (TEA). Study designPre-menopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding undergoing TEA were included in the study. The intervention used, ICOB, was a hysteroscopic injection of local anaesthetic into the myometrium just medial to each tubal ostium. The women also had a traditional direct cervical block (DCB). We measured the acceptability of ICOB and the pain score (visual analogue score scale) immediately after the procedure. ResultsWe treated 30 patients (mean age 41 years, SD 6; BMI 29±7) between January 2012 and December 2012. All patients had a successful ICOB block and found TEA with ICOB acceptable. The mean VAS score was 3.5±2.7, which was two points lower compared to our earlier prospective cohort of patients undergoing TEA with only a DCB (mean 5.8±2.7, n=102). No serious complications occurred during the procedure or postoperatively. Three patients experienced a vasovagal response which resolved spontaneously. ConclusionICOB with DCB is a safe, feasible and efficacious method of pain control during TEA. There is however a need to evaluate efficacy of ICOB in a randomised placebo controlled trial.

Endometrial Preparation With Desogestrel Before Essure Hysteroscopic Sterilization: Preliminary Study

Study ObjectiveTo assess the effect of desogestrel on endometrial preparation for transcervical sterilization using the Essure device. DesignProspective nonrandomized clinical study (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SettingAcute-care university-affiliated hospital in Barcelona, Spain. PatientsWomen undergoing sterilization using the Essure device between January 2010 and January 2011. InterventionsParticipants were offered desogestrel, 75 μg/d, for 6 weeks before the procedure. Sixteen who accepted were included in the desogestrel group, and 18 who refused were allocated to the no-treatment group. Endometrial biopsy samples were also obtained. Measurements and Main ResultsIn women who received desogestrel, decidual transformation was observed in eight, glandular atrophy in three, and proliferative endometrium in five. In the no-treatment group, two women had menstruation, nine had proliferative endometrium, and seven had secretory endometrium. In the desogestrel group, the procedure was successful in all women. In the no-treatment group, the procedure was cancelled in two women because of menstruation and in four women with secretory endometrium in whom the tubal ostia were difficult to visualize because of endometrial thickness and bleeding. The median (interquartile range, 25th–75th percentile) duration of the procedure was shorter in the desogestrel group than in the no-treatment group (7 [6–7] minutes vs 8 [7–12] minutes; p = .002). ConclusionDesogestrel, 75 μg/d, could be an alternative to combined hormonal contraception before placement of Essure inserts, facilitating the procedure and serving as a contraceptive method during the following 12 weeks until occlusion of the tubes.

A Model to Measure Fluid Outflow in Rabbit Capsules Post Glaucoma Implant Surgery

Prior models of glaucoma filtration surgery assess bleb morphology, which does not always reflect function. Our aim is to establish a model that directly measures tissue hydraulic conductivity of postsurgical outflow in rabbit bleb capsules following experimental glaucoma filtration surgery. Nine rabbits underwent insertion of a single-plate pediatric Molteno implant into the anterior chamber of their left eye. Right eyes were used as controls. The rabbits were then allocated to one of two groups. Group one had outflow measurements performed at 1 week after surgery (n = 5), and group two had measurements performed at 4 weeks (n = 4). Measurements were performed by cannulating the drainage tube ostium in situ with a needle attached to a pressure transducer and a fluid column at 15 mm Hg. The drop in the fluid column was measured every minute for 5 minutes. For the control eyes (n = 6), the anterior chamber of the unoperated fellow eye was cannulated. Animals were euthanized with the implant and its surrounding capsule dissected and fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde, and embedded in paraffin before 6-μm sections were cut for histologic staining. By 7 days after surgery, tube outflow was 0.117 ± 0.036 μL/min/mm Hg at 15 mm Hg (mean ± SEM), whereas at 28 days, it was 0.009 ± 0.003 μL/min/mm Hg. Control eyes had an outflow of 0.136 ± 0.007 μL/min/mm Hg (P = 0.004, one-way ANOVA). Hematoxylin and eosin staining demonstrated a thinner and looser arrangement of collagenous tissue in the capsules at 1 week compared with that at 4 weeks, which had thicker and more densely arranged collagen. We describe a new model to directly measure hydraulic conductivity in a rabbit glaucoma surgery implant model. The principal physiologic endpoint of glaucoma surgery can be reliably quantified and consistently measured with this model. At 28 days post glaucoma filtration surgery, a rabbit bleb capsule has significantly reduced tissue hydraulic conductivity, in line with loss of implant outflow facility, and increased thickness and density of fibrous encapsulation.

Pain management for tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy

Tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy involves inserting a foreign body in both fallopian tubes. Over a three-month period, the tubal lumen is occluded by tissue growth stimulated by the insert. Tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy has advantages over laparoscopy or mini-laparotomy, including the avoidance of abdominal incisions and the convenience of performing the procedure in an office-based setting. Pain, an important determinant of procedure acceptability, can be a concern when tubal sterilization is performed in the office. To review all randomized controlled trials that evaluated interventions to decrease pain during tubal sterilization by hysteroscopy. From January to March 2011, we searched the computerized databases of MEDLINE, POPLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and CINAHL for relevant trials. We searched for current trials via Clinicaltrials.gov. We also examined the reference lists of pertinent articles and wrote to known investigators for information about other published or unpublished trials. We included all randomized controlled trials that evaluated pain management at the time of sterilization by hysteroscopy. The intervention could be compared to another intervention or placebo. Initial data were extracted by one review author. A second review author verified all extracted data. Whenever possible, the analysis was conducted with all women randomized and in the original assigned groups. Data were analyzed using RevMan software. Pain was measured using either a 10-cm or 100-point visual analog scale (VAS). When pain was measured at multiple points during the procedure, the overall pain score was considered the primary treatment effect. If this was not measured, a summation of all pain scores for the procedure was considered to be the primary treatment effect. For continuous variables, the mean difference with 95% confidence interval was computed. Two trials met the inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 167. Using a 10-cm VAS to measure pain, no significant difference emerged in overall pain for the entire procedure between women who received a paracervical block with lidocaine versus normal saline (mean difference -0.77; 95% CI -2.67 to 1.13). No significant difference in pain score was noted at the time of injection of study solution to the anterior lip of the cervix (mean difference -0.6; 95% CI -1.3 to 0.1), placement of the device in the tubal ostia (mean difference -0.60; 95% CI -1.8 to 0.7), and postprocedure pain (mean difference 0.2; 95% CI -0.8 to 1.2). Procedure time (mean difference -0.2 minutes; 95% CI -2.2 to 1.8 minutes) and successful bilateral placement (OR 1.0; 95% CI 0.19 to 5.28) was not significantly different between groups. During certain portions of the procedure, such as placement of the tenaculum (mean difference -2.03; 95% CI -2.88 to -1.18), administration of the paracervical block (mean difference -1.92; 95% CI -2.84 to -1.00), and passage of the hysteroscope through the external (mean difference -2.31; 95% CI -3.30 to -1.32) and internal os (mean difference -2.31; 95% CI -3.39 to -1.23), use of paracervical block with lidocaine resulted in lower pain scores.Using a 600-point scale calculated by adding 100-point VAS scores from six different portions of the procedure, no significant difference emerged in overall pain between women who received intravenous conscious sedation versus oral analgesia (mean difference -23.00; CI -62.02 to 16.02). Using a 100-point VAS, no significant difference emerged at the time of speculum insertion (mean difference 4.0; 95% CI -4.0 to 12.0), cervical injection of lidocaine (mean difference -1.8; 95% CI -10.0 to 6.4), insertion of the hysteroscope (mean difference -8.7; 95% CI -19.7 to 2.3), placement of the first device (mean difference -4.4; 95% CI -15.8 to 7.0), and removal of the hysteroscope (mean difference 0.9; 95% CI -3.9 to 5.7). Procedure time (mean difference -0.2 minutes; 95% CI -2.0 to 1.6 minutes) and time in the recovery area (mean difference 3.6 minutes; 95% CI -11.3 to 18.5 minutes) was not different between groups. However, women who received intravenous conscious sedation had lower pain scores at the time of insertion of the second tubal device compared to women who received oral analgesia (mean difference -12.60; CI -23.98 to -1.22). The available literature is insufficient to determine the appropriate analgesia or anesthesia for sterilization by hysteroscopy. Compared to paracervical block with normal saline, paracervical block with lidocaine reduced pain during some portions of the procedure. Intravenous sedation resulted in lower pain scores during insertion of the second tubal device. However, neither paracervical block with lidocaine nor conscious sedation significantly reduced overall pain scores for sterilization by hysteroscopy.

Impact of Laser Eustachian Tuboplasty on Middle Ear Ventilation, Hearing, and Tinnitus in Chronic Tube Dysfunction

Long-term Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) predisposes to various secondary middle ear diseases. Most surgical and prosthetical interventions on the Eustachian tube itself have proven to be ineffective, whereas middle ear surgeries treat the sequelae of ETD without major influence on the underlying tubal pathology. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the outcome of laser Eustachian tuboplasty (LETP) on tubal function and associated otological symptoms in topically anesthetized ETD patients with intact or perforated eardrums. In a prospective clinical investigation, outpatient LETP was carried out in 31 subjects with therapy-refractory chronic ETD. The study population comprised two groups: 16 patients with mesotympanic eardrum perforations diagnosed with noninflammatory chronic otitis media (COM) and 15 patients with intact eardrums including otitis media with effusion, adhesion processes, and dysfunctional pressure equalization. Clinical examination and data acquisition were performed 2 wks before LETP as well as 8 wks and 1 yr postoperatively. On COM patients, LETP was done at 10-wk intervals before the scheduled tympanoplasty. Assessment of clinical effectiveness was based on transnasal videoendoscopy, ear microscopy, tubal function tests (Valsalva maneuver and passive tubal opening), audio- and tympanometric measurements, and visual analog scales. Tansnasal, fiber-guided laser surgery was performed in contact mode using a semiconductor diode laser (λ = 830 nm, 4 W). We hypothesized that regulated laser ablation of hyperplastic mucosa at the epipharyngeal dorsal circumference of the tubal ostium could be effective in improving the associated symptoms such as dysfunctional pressure equalization, aural fullness, conductive hearing loss, and tinnitus. LETP resulted in persistent volume reduction of the posterior tubal circumference in all patients. Objective parameters revealed significant improvement of tubal function tests and middle ear ventilation in 62% of subjects after 8 wks (66% after 1 yr). Significant long-term reduction of conductive hearing loss was achieved in both patient groups. Besides, tinnitus loudness was significantly reduced in COM subjects after tympanoplasty. Visual analog scales showed very low values for intraoperative pain and discomfort and high scores for long-term overall patient satisfaction as well as improvement of the symptoms such as dysfunctional pressure equalization and aural fullness. Subjects with post-LETP Valsalva feasibility marked higher values for satisfaction and symptom improvement than patients without successful Valsalva maneuver. COM subjects scored higher in hearing improvement and satisfaction after LETP and successful tympanoplasty than patients with intact eardrums. Outpatient LETP seems to be a suitable, safe, easily applicable, and well-tolerated treatment option before (revision) tympanoplasties and in all investigated diseases developing from long-lasting pathologic middle ear ventilation. Minimally invasive shaping of the hyperplastic nasopharyngeal Eustachian tube under topical anesthesia seems to be effective in improving tubal function as well as the associated symptoms such as dysfunctional pressure equalization, aural fullness, and conductive hearing loss in otherwise therapy-refractory chronic ETD.

Transcervical Embryoscopy: Images of First-Trimester Missed Abortion

Transcervical embryoscopy is a hysteroscopy performed before obstetric curettage in cases of first-trimester missed abortion. It allows clear visualization of the demised embryo ‘‘in uterus,’’ adding useful information for the diagnosis of the cause of pregnancy failure [1]. The procedure is performed with the patient under general anesthesia and in the dorsolithotomy position, before obstetric curettage in patients with ultrasonographic diagnosis of fetal demise during the first trimester of pregnancy [2]. With a 5-mm 30-degree angle rigid hysteroscope and 0.9% normal saline solution, with pressures between 50 to 100 mm Hg, the vagina, cervical canal, uterus, tubal ostium, parietal decidua, and chorion are visualized. The opening of

Applied anatomy of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the ventral middle-lower part of clivus

Objective To establish the surgical landmarks of the endoscopic endonasal approach to the ventral region of middle-lower part of clivus and provide anatomic basis. Methods Twenty 10% formalin-fixed intact adult head specimens were used to dissect and observe the anatomic feature of this access in order to establish the surgical landmarks of the approach, and some relative anatomic data were measured. Five fresh and intact head specimens injected with colored latex were used, and completely analogical operation via endoscopic endonasal approach to the middle-lower part of clivus was performed in all cases. Results Anatomic landmarks of the approach included middle turbinate, choana narium, eustachian tube ostium, nasopharynx mucosa, longus capitis and longus colli, pharyngeal tubercle, and basi-on. To expose the ventral region of middle-lower part of clivus completely, the shortest distance was ( 89.60 ± 2. 52) mm. The ranges of stripping the inferior wall of sphenoid sinus and the lower clivus were bounded by pterygoid canal and foramen lacerum, and the distances from the median line were (9. 37 ± 0.59) mm and (10. 75 ± 0. 63 ) mm, respectively. Conclusions The structures of the ventral middle-lower part of clivus can be revealed sufficiently via an endoscopic endonasal approach. Key words: Endoscopy; Cranial fossa, posterior/AH/SU; Nose/SU

The Effect of Menstrual Phase and Hormonal Contraception on Successful Bilateral Placement of the Essure Micro-Insert Tubal Coil

Some investigators have suggested that insertion of the Essure microinsert tubal coil should be completed in the follicular phase to improve visualization of the tubal ostia and ensure successful placement. Others have proposed that hormonal endometrial suppression with drugs before the procedure also improves visualization. Timing the procedure according to the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle is impractical for many physicians due to scheduling problems and is difficult to accomplish in women who have irregular menstrual cycles. Moreover, suppressive hormonal therapy is contraindicated for some women and may be problematic for those who choose permanent sterilization to avoid the use of hormonal contraceptives. There are little or no data on the effects of cycle timing or endometrial suppression on improving successful Essure coil placement. This retrospective study investigated the effect of the menstrual cycle phase timing and preoperative endometrial suppression using hormonal contraceptives on the successful bilateral placement of the Essure microinsert coil. The study subjects were 84 patients of reproductive age who underwent the procedure at a Canadian ambulatory center. Data were obtained by a retrospective review of clinical charts (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). The primary study outcome measure was successful placement of the Essure micro-insert tubal coil (defined as bilateral visualization of the tubal ostia and cannulation with the coil on the first attempt). Visualization of the tubal ostia was achieved 81 of 84 patients (96%) and was followed by successful bilateral placement of the coil in 78 of 81 (96%). Among menstrual cycle phases, no difference was found in success rates for parameters of visualization, placement or visualization of proper coil placement (P = 0.959, P = 0.955, P = 0.307, respectively) or for these same parameters between women using hormonal versus nonhormonal methods of contraception (P = 0.557, P = 0.542, P = 0.506). These findings indicate that success rates for bilateral placement of the Essure micro-insert coil on first attempt are very high, and are not improved by menstrual phase timing or preoperative hormonal endometrial suppression.

Study on transvaginal hydrolaparoscopic pelvic adhesiolysis in the infertile women

To investigate the safety and efficacy of transvaginal hydrolaparoscopic pelvic adhesiolysis (THLPA) treatment in the infertile women. From May 2007 to Sep. 2008, 30 infertile patients underwent THLPA. The dye-test, hysteroscopy, and dye-test using catheterization of tubal ostium by hysteroscopy were performed at the same time. Pelvic adhesions were scored according to the revised American Fertility Society classification of endometriosis (1985). The adhesions were graded as mild (score 1-9), moderate (10-19), and severe (>/= 20). Twenty-four cases were in mild adhesions, 5 moderate adhesions, and 1 severe adhesion. The duration of the operation and discharge, pelvic adhesions score, tubal patency, complications, and pregnancy rate were investigated. (1) THPLA: the majority of pelvic adhesions in all patients were successfully performed adhesiolysis. Only a little filmy adhesions of proximal peritube of 7 tubes and proper ligament of 5 ovaries and cohesive adhesions of 4 ovaries did not underwent surgical lysis. (2) Tubal patency: 35 tubes were of proximal occlusion by dye-test, of which 21 (60%, 21/35) were unobstructed and 4 (11%, 4/35) were partly unobstructed after the dye-test using catheterization of the tubal ostium by hysteroscopy. (3) The duration of operation: the overall operative time were (32 +/- 6) minutes in mild adhesion, (52 +/- 6) minutes in moderate adhesion, and 83 minutes in severe adhesion. Of which the time of THLPA were (11 +/- 5) minutes in mild adhesion, (35 +/- 7) minutes in moderate adhesion, and 62 minutes in severe adhesion, respectively. (4) The duration of discharge: the postoperative discharge time was 120 - 175 minutes. No complications occurred. (5) The rate of pregnancy: in the (15.8 +/- 4.3) months' follow-up, the rate of pregnancy was 45% (13/29), which one patient lost follow-up. THLPA is safe, efficacious and not being hospitalized management. When compared with laparoscopy, it is simpler, more economic, and less minimally invasive approach. The appropriate indication of THLPA is to treat filmy, especially mild pelvic adhesions. It could partly avoid transabdominal operative laparoscopy for the infertile women.