Histopathological evaluation of cesarean scar defect in women with cesarean scar syndrome

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic niche repair (RALNR): technique development and pregnancy-associated outcomes

Uterine scar defects after cesarean sections are increasingly common and elevate the risk of life-threatening complications in subsequent pregnancies. From various sonomorphological measurement parameters, the residual myometrial thickness (RMT) is crucial for predicting an obstetric complication in a subsequent pregnancy. A low RMT can be improved by surgical correction. The purpose of this paper is to present our technique for robotic-assisted laparoscopic niche repair (RALNR), to sonomorphologically characterize the niches pre- and postoperatively and to surveil subsequent symptoms and pregnancies. A cohort study of 35 patients with a niche and the wish to conceive, who had undergone RALNR between 05/2019 and 09/2023 at the university hospital of Zurich, was conducted. Sonomorphological parameters before and 6 weeks after surgery, as well as surgical, clinical and obstetrical outcomes were assessed. The mean widths and depths of the niche were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), width from 10.0 ± 3.5 mm preoperatively to 2.6 ± 3.4 mm postoperatively, and depths from 9.1 ± 3.7 mm preoperatively to 1.8 ± 2.6 mm postoperatively. RMT was significantly improved after RALNR (p < 0.001) with mean 1.5 ± 1.5 mm preoperatively compared to 8.3 ± 2.9 mm postoperatively. The pregnancy rate was 13 of 18 (77%), and 7 re-cesarean sections were performed at term. Following surgery, RMT is improved, and subsequent pregnancy rates are high. Larger prospective studies with different long-term obstetric outcomes are needed to determine the clinical significance of RALNR in subsequent pregnancies. This effort advances the field`s state of the art by demonstrating a successful technique for RALNR and its clinical feasibility in a symptomatic cohort.

Exploring uterine niche: a systemic review on secondary infertility rates, pathophysiological correlations, impact on assisted reproduction technology (ART), and the efficacy of surgical interventions

BACKGROUND

The rising trend of cesarean sections worldwide has resulted in an increased incidence of uterine niches, a cavity formed at the cesarean scar site due to impaired tissue healing. Secondary infertility in women with uterine niches is a hot topic in obstetrics and gynecology. Therefore, the current study aims to untwist the link between secondary infertility and uterine niche, exploring the pathophysiological correlations, effects on assisted reproduction technology, and role of surgical interventions in resuming fertility.

METHODOLOGY

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Science Direct were searched systematically. Rayyan was employed as a semi-automated tool for study selection. Full-text articles in the English language were included. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or book chapters were excluded. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale assessed the quality of cohort and case-control studies, while the Cochrane Risk-of-bias tool evaluated randomized controlled trials. Data synthesis followed a thematic analysis.

RESULTS

35 articles from 3301 studies met the inclusion criteria. Among those, 25 were cohort studies, only one was a randomized controlled trial, and the rest had different study designs. The study quality assessment revealed average to good quality. The incidence of secondary infertility in women with uterine niches ranged from 27.37% (n = 95) to 75% (n = 16). Decreased residual myometrial thickness, chronic inflammatory changes at the niche site, and fluid accumulation within the niche cavity were identified as leading causes of secondary infertility. The uterine niche adversely affected assisted reproductive outcomes through multiple mechanisms. Various surgical interventions, including hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, or combined surgery, showed differing efficacies in restoring fertility.

CONCLUSION

The study provides valuable insights regarding the association between secondary infertility and uterine niche. However, smaller sample sizes, retrospective nature of study designs, reliance on observational data, and heterogeneity of study reporting have limited the ability to arrive at solid conclusions. Therefore, we encourage well-designed prospective studies, including randomized controlled trials, to further explore this trending area.

REGISTER

The study protocol was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO CRD4204526319).

Comparison of the effectiveness and pregnancy outcomes of the "incise and suture" versus "fold and suture" methods in hysteroscopic-assisted laparoscopic treatment of previous cesarean scar defect: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical efficacy of the hysteroscopic-assisted laparoscopic incised-suture versus folded-suture methods at the cesarean incision site for the treatment of previous cesarean scar defects (PCSD) and to evaluate pregnancy outcomes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 95 patients with PCSD who underwent hysteroscopic-assisted laparoscopic surgery between June 2021 and September 2024 at the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in population characteristics such as age and number of cesarean sections (P > 0.05). The folded-suture group had shorter operation time (39.03 ± 1.17 vs. 60.28 ± 1.14 min, P < 0.001) and volume of intraoperative hemorrhage (5.00, 2.00 vs. 20.00, 10.00 mL, P < 0.001). There were no statistically significant variations in the cure or effective rates regarding menstrual abnormalities between the two groups at 3 months, 6 months, 1-year post-surgery and the terms of overall clinical efficacy (P > 0.05). The overall effective rates for the incised- and folded-suture groups were 76.4% and 75.0%, respectively. In comparison to the incised-suture group, the desire to maintain postoperative fertility in the folded-suture group was significantly greater (odds ratio [OR] 8.33, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.27-30.58, P < 0.001), and the average time after surgery to pregnancy was shorter (5.60 ± 0.72 vs. 11.00 ± 2.70 months, P < 0.05). No substantial difference was observed in the pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopic-assisted laparoscopic cesarean incised and folded suturing are both effective, with folded suturing being more safe and more suitable for patients requiring short-term fertility.

Caesarean Scar Endometrial Defects Contribute to Post-Caesarean Abnormal Uterine Bleeding and Chronic Endometritis: A Retrospective Case-Control Study

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of endometrial defects in the pathogenesis of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).

DESIGN

Retrospective case-control study.

SETTING

Two tertiary centres.

POPULATION OR SAMPLE

We included 155 patients with caesarean scar defects (CSDs) who underwent hysteroscopy (69 AUB, 86 non-AUB). Thirty patients with AUB were successfully matched with 30 patients without AUB after propensity score matching (PSM) based on CSD size and number of previous caesarean sections, which indicate myometrial defect severity.

METHODS

Hysteroscopic features of CSD before and after PSM were compared between two groups. Pathological features of 13 patients in each group with biopsies of the CSD surface and uterine endometrium were compared, including endometrial thickness determined by haematoxylin-eosin staining, vascular density identified by CD31 staining and chronic endometritis assessed by plasma cells stained with CD138.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Incidence of hysteroscopic and pathological features of CSD.

RESULTS

Before PSM, the AUB group exhibited larger diverticulum sizes and more severe myometrial CSD defects than the non-AUB group. After PSM, five features of endometrial defects demonstrated statistically significant differences: in situ haemorrhage, bloody mucus, epithelial deficiency, exposed blood vessels and hyperplastic vessels. Pathological assessments also revealed significant differences in endometrial thickness of CSD, local vascularization and plasma cell count at CSD between the AUB and non-AUB groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Endometrial defects at caesarean scars contribute more to AUB than myometrial defects.

Hematometra within a cesarean scar defect in a perimenopausal woman: A case report

Cesarean scar defect (CSD) is a long-term complication of cesarean section (CS). However, its risks for perimenopausal women remain unclear. We present a rare case of CSD involving hematometra in a perimenopausal woman, which led to emergency hysterectomy. A 51-year-old woman with a history of CS presented with acute abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging identified a hematometra within a large CSD extending into the cervical myometrium. Emergent hysterectomy was performed due to persistent pain. Histopathology revealed a fresh hematoma within the CSD, with ectopic endometrial glands and hemorrhage on its walls. This case highlights the pathogenesis of hematometra within a CSD and underscores its potential to cause acute abdomen in perimenopausal women.

The correlation between chronic endometritis and Caesarean scar diverticulum

PURPOSE

To investigate the risk factors for Caesarean Scar Diverticulum (CSD) with Chronic Endometritis (CE) and the correlation between CE and clinical symptoms of CSD.

METHODS

The frequency of CE in 44 patients with CSD who underwent surgical treatment and 20 control women who underwent total hysterectomy was assessed and the clinical symptoms in the presence and absence of CE were compared. In accordance with the presence of one or more CD138-positive plasma cells per high-power field, CE was classified as mild or severe group.

RESULTS

According to multivariate analysis, the presence of mild CE (OR 8.963, 95 % CI 2.177-36.907, p = 0.002) or severe CE (OR 21.773, 95 % CI 2.285-207.419, p = 0.007) was significantly associated with CSD. Mild CE (OR 12.390, 95 % CI 1.158-132.511, p = 0.037) or severe CE (OR 22.463, 95 % CI 1.657-304.541, P = 0.019) or depth of diverticulum (OR 1.294, 95 % CI 1.003-1.668, p = 0.047) was associated with prolonged menstruation in patients with CSD. The degree of CE in patients with CSD was positively correlated with the days of prolonged menstruation (r = 0.552, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with haemoglobin level (r = -0.408, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

CE was associated with CSD and its clinical symptoms, including prolonged menstruation and decreased haemoglobin. The severity of clinical symptoms of CSD is associated with endometrial inflammation.

Reevaluating the variation of cesarean scar defect

AIM

The increasing incidence of cesarean sections has led to a higher prevalence of cesarean scar defects (CSDs), predominantly characterized by postmenstrual bleeding in affected women. CSD manifests in various forms, including isolated myometrial defects, intrauterine cystic protrusions, and extrauterine cystic extensions. The pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning CSD and its associated symptoms remain insufficiently understood. This review explores the pathogenesis of CSD, highlights its morphological characteristics with an emphasis on variable clinical diversity, and addresses the challenges for future research.

METHODS

A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed and Google Scholar, to identify 41 relevant literatures published up to December 31, 2023.

RESULTS

The myometrium comprises two distinct layers-the inner and outer myometrium-with differences in their origin, structure, and function. Disruptions within these layers contribute to CSD development. Histopathologically, symptomatic CSD may be linked to uterine scar endometriosis, cystic adenomyosis, or endometrial cysts, suggesting that CSD, particularly those necessitating surgical intervention, are not limited to myometrial defects but may also involve iatrogenic endometriosis or adenomyosis, thereby exacerbating clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This review provides an updated understanding of the histopathological features and classification of CSD, with an emphasis on elucidating its underlying pathogenesis.

Cesarean scar dehiscence in early puerperium and influence of barbed suture: tridimensional ultrasound evaluation in a randomized clinical study

PURPOSE

This study investigated the hypothesis of early dehiscence of hysterorrhaphy as the initial stage of post-cesarean uterine scar defects, examining the possible influence of barbed suture in this process.

METHODS

This longitudinal, prospective, double-blind study included 54 pregnant women with no history of cesarean section, randomized into two suture groups: #0 polyglactin or #1 barbed PDS threads. Sutures were continuous, unlocked, involved the entire myometrium in a single layer, and included the endometrium. Tridimensional transvaginal ultrasonography was performed on the second day postpartum to investigate scar dehiscence and measure its maximal width.

RESULTS

The groups had 29 and 25 participants, respectively. Ages: 18-37 (mean 25.80 ± standard error of the mean 0.69) years old. Groups were homogeneous for labor duration, cervical thickness, edge-to-os distance, retroversion, amniotic sac rupture, and additional hemostatic sutures required. Uterine retroversion accounted for 7.4% of cases. Dehiscence was observed in 68.5% (3.98 ± 0.57 mm). The only factor correlating (positively) with dehiscence width was myometrial thickness, whether proximal or distal.

CONCLUSIONS

Suture type had no influence on early dehiscence, which occurred at the same rate as published niche formation rates. Tridimensional ultrasound proved effective for evaluating dehiscence.

Analysis of the Predictive Factors for Chronic Endometritis Recurrence in Infertile Women

PROBLEM

To identify the predictive factors for the recurrence of chronic endometritis (CE) in infertile women.

METHOD OF STUDY

In this case-control study, 1170 infertile women recovered from CE and underwent fertility treatment between December 2018 and August 2021. Among the 146 women (12.5%) who did not conceive or experienced pregnancy loss in 18 months after CE recovery, 105 consecutive women who underwent repeat endometrial biopsy for CD138 immunostaining and endometrial bacterial culturing were recruited. Thereafter, patients with and without CE recurrence were compared.

RESULTS

The total recurrence rate of CE was 29.5% (31 women). Multivariable logistic regression analysis to determine predictive factors for CE recurrence revealed that hysteroscopic surgery (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02-0.56; p = 0.0009) and pregnancy loss (OR, 4.13; 95% CI, 1.31-13.05; p = 0.016) were significantly associated with decreased and increased CE recurrence rates, respectively. Also, reexamination with CD138 immunostaining after 16-18 months (OR, 9.75; 95% CI, 1.47-64.64; p = 0.024) was significantly associated with increased CE recurrence rates. Among 49 patients without a history of pregnancy loss, the cumulative CE recurrence rates after 6, 12, and 18 months were 5.6%, 13.5%, and 20.4%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend reexamination with endometrial CD138 immunostaining in patients with pregnancy loss or long-term infertility during fertility treatment. Hysteroscopic surgery without antibiotic therapy for CE associated with intrauterine abnormalities is also recommended.

Scar matrix drives Piezo1 mediated stromal inflammation leading to placenta accreta spectrum

Scar tissue formation is a hallmark of wound repair in adults and can chronically affect tissue architecture and function. To understand the general phenomena, we sought to explore scar-driven imbalance in tissue homeostasis caused by a common, and standardized surgical procedure, the uterine scar due to cesarean surgery. Deep uterine scar is associated with a rapidly increasing condition in pregnant women, placenta accreta spectrum (PAS), characterized by aggressive trophoblast invasion into the uterus, frequently necessitating hysterectomy at parturition. We created a model of uterine scar, recapitulating PAS-like invasive phenotype, showing that scar matrix activates mechanosensitive ion channel, Piezo1, through glycolysis-fueled cellular contraction. Piezo1 activation increases intracellular calcium activity and Protein kinase C activation, leading to NF-κB nuclear translocation, and MafG stabilization. This inflammatory transformation of decidua leads to production of IL-8 and G-CSF, chemotactically recruiting invading trophoblasts towards scar, initiating PAS. Our study demonstrates aberrant mechanics of scar disturbs stroma-epithelia homeostasis in placentation, with implications in cancer dissemination.

A common problem between gynecology, obstetrics, and reproductive medicine: Cesarean section scar defect

Approximately 60% of patients undergoing Cesarean sections may develop Cesarean Scar Defect (CSD), presenting a significant clinical challenge amidst the increasing Cesarean section rates. This condition, marked by a notch in the anterior uterine wall, has evolved as a notable topic in gynecological research. The multifactorial origins of CSD can be broadly classified into labor-related factors, patients' physical conditions, and surgical quality. However, conflicting influences of certain factors across studies make it challenging to determine effective preventive strategies. Additionally, CSD manifests with diverse symptoms, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia, secondary infertility, and Cesarean scar pregnancy. Some symptoms are often attributed to other diagnoses, leading to delayed treatment. The quandary of when and how to manage CSD also adds to the complexity. Despite the development of various therapies, clear indications and optimal methods for specific conditions remain elusive. This longstanding challenge has troubled clinicians in both identifying and addressing this iatrogenic disease. Recent studies have yielded some compelling consensuses on various aspects of CSD. This review aims to consolidate the current literature on every facet of CSD. We hope to raise awareness among clinicians about this clinical problem, encouraging more relevant research to unveil the complete picture of CSD.

The association between gynecological complaints and the uterine sonographic features in women with a history of cesarean section

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the association between post-cesarean sonographic uterine measures, dysmenorrhea, and bleeding disorders.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study where 500 women with a history of only one cesarean section (CS) were recruited. A transvaginal transducer, GE RIC6-12-D was used for the acquisition of volumetric datasets 18 ± 7 months postpartum. Uterine length (UL), cervical length (CL), niche length (L), niche depth (D), niche width (W), fibrosis length (FL), fibrosis depth (FD), residual myometrial thickness (RMT), endometrial thickness (EM), scar to internal os distance (SO), anterior myometrial thickness superior (sAMT) and inferior (iAMT) to the scar, and the posterior myometrial thickness opposite the scar (PMT), superior (sPMT), and inferior to it (iPMT) were measured. Logistic regression with odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI) and ROC curves were utilized.

RESULTS

The proportion of patients with incident post-cesarean bleeding disorders and dysmenorrhoea was 36% (CI 32%, 40%) and 17% (CI 14%, 21%) respectively. Univariate logistic regression showed that only UL was associated with bleeding disorders [OR 1.04 (CI 1.01,10.7) p value 0.005], whereas dysmenorrhea was associated with RMT [OR 0.82 (CI 0.71,0.95) p value 0.008], SO [OR 0.91 (CI 0.86,0.98) p value 0.01], and RMT ratio [OR 0.98 (CI 0.97,0.99) p value 0.03]. Multivariate logistic regression for dysmenorrhoea including SO and RMT remains statistically significant with p values <0.05 and area under the curve of 0.66.

CONCLUSION

There is an association between sonographic appearance of CS scars and dysmenorrhoea. Nevertheless, the association is weak and other biological post-cesarean characteristics should be explored as potential causes.

Isthmoceles - Accuracy of imaging diagnosis and clinical correlation with histology: A prospective cohort study

Background

Isthmoceles are a growing clinical concern.

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis of isthmoceles by imaging and to correlate the dimensions with clinical symptoms and histopathology.

Materials and Methods

Prospective study of women (n=60) with ≥1 C-section undergoing hysterectomy. Isthmoceles were measured by imaging before surgery and macroscopically on the specimen after hysterectomy, followed by histological analysis.

Main outcome measures

Accuracy of isthmocele diagnosis, correlation with clinical symptoms, and histopathological findings.

Result

By imaging, isthmoceles were slightly deeper (P=0.0176) and shorter (P=0.0045) than macroscopic measurements. Differences were typically small (≤3mm). Defined as an indentation of ≥2 mm at site of C-section scar, imaging diagnosed 2 isthmoceles consequently not seen by histology and missed 3. Number of prior C-sections increased isthmocele severity but neither the incidence nor the remaining myometrial thickness (RMT) did. Severity correlated positively with symptoms and histology. However, clinical use was limited. Histological analysis revealed presence of thick wall vessels in 100%, elastosis in 40%, and adenomyosis in 38%. Isthmocele lining was asynchronous with the menstrual phase in 31%.

Conclusions

Dimensions of isthmoceles by imaging were largely accurate with occasionally large differences observed. Number of C-sections did not increase isthmocele incidence, only severity. Indication for surgery remains clinical, considering dimensions and symptoms.

What is new?

Dimensions of isthmoceles should be confirmed before surgery since uterine contractions might change those dimensions. Symptoms increase with dimensions of isthmoceles but are not specific. Endometrial lining within the isthmocele can be asynchronous with the menstrual phase.

Impact of cesarean scar defect on reproductive outcomes after assisted reproductive technology

In the last twenty years, the cesarean section rate has been rising in China, leading to an increased prevalence of cesarean scar defect (CSD) and secondary infertility. CSD decreases receptivity of endometrium, induces adenomyosis and endometriosis, disrupts uterine micro-environment and causes difficulties in embryo transplant operation as well as has further pregnancy complications. For women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), CSD significantly reduces live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate and embryo implantation rate. CSD can be effectively treated by hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and transvaginal surgery to increase the pregnancy rate. This article reviews the research progress on the impact of CSD on the reproductive outcomes of ART, the potential factors and related treatments, and provides a reference for the management of CSD patients undergoing ART.

Evaluation of Association Between Adenomyosis and Cesarean Scar Defect

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate and compare quantitative factors of the cesarean scar defect (CSD) in symptomatic patients with and without uterine adenomyosis.

METHOD

This study was conducted as a case-control study. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: with adenomyosis (case) and without adenomyosis (control). The demographic data, medical history, and sonohysterography findings were extracted from the patient's documents and archived images.

RESULT

During 2 years, 310 symptomatic women with a history of previous cesarean section underwent sonohysterography. Among them, 204 patients met the inclusion criteria. The most common chief complaints were post-menstrual bleeding (34.3%) and prolonged bleeding (27%). Cesarean scar depth and width significantly differed between these two groups, and patients with underlying adenomyosis had significantly larger defects (P-value of .009 and .005, respectively). Mean RMT/AMT ratio was 31.83% in the case group and 42.88% in the control group. In our study, RMT/AMT ratios were significantly lower in the case group (P-value of .001). In addition, we performed analysis on a subgroup of patients with one prior cesarean section. Similar results were achieved with a lower RMT/AMT ratio in case group (mean of 31.20% in case group and 46.47% in control group; P-value of .000).

CONCLUSION

Our study showed a strong association between the presence of adenomyosis and larger clinically more significant CSDs. To establish a causative relationship, we suggest a prospective cohort study to follow up the patients and compare the evolution of CSD in patients with and without adenomyosis.

Influence of Cesarean Section on Postpartum Fertility and Dysmenorrhea: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Japan

Objective

To investigate the association between cesarean section (CS) and postpartum fertility and dysmenorrhea using data from a Japanese insurance registry.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used a data set of patients registered between 2007 and 2021 in an insurance registry comprising specific employee-based health insurance companies in Japan. Of those data sets, we included data from participants who had their first recorded childbirth between 2014 and 2018. The exclusion criteria were any prior deliveries, dysmenorrhea, or complications that would affect the next pregnancy or postpartum dysmenorrhea since 2007. The occurrence of subsequent childbirth and postpartum dysmenorrhea until 2021 was compared between the CS and vaginal delivery (VD) groups using the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model with stratification according to age and age matching.

Results

This study included 25,984 (5,926 after age matching) and 5,926 participants in the VD and CS groups, respectively. After age matching, the rate of subsequent childbirth was 18.3% and 16.3%, and the rate of postpartum dysmenorrhea was 6.5% and 7.8% in the VD and CS groups, respectively. There were fewer subsequent childbirths in the CS group than in the VD group after age matching in the stratified Cox proportional hazards model (hazard ratio [HR] 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.86 [0.79-0.94]). The CS group had a significantly higher risk of dysmenorrhea (HR [95% CI]: 1.18 [1.03-1.36]).

Conclusions

Although confounding might be existing, our study suggests that CS might be associated with decreased postpartum fertility and increased dysmenorrhea. The medical indications for CS should be carefully determined; post-CS women should be meticulously followed up.

Impact of Caesarean section on pregnancy outcomes in ART after transfer of one or more frozen blastocysts

INTRODUCTION

The prevalence of Caesarean delivery is rising steadily worldwide, and it is important to identify its future impact on fertility. A number of articles have been published on this subject, but the impact of Caesarean section on reproductive outcomes is still under debate, and none of these articles focus exclusively on frozen blastocysts.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a previous Caesarean delivery compared with a previous vaginal delivery on the chances of a live birth following the transfer of one or more frozen embryos at the blastocyst stage.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, bicentric study at the University Hospitals of Nîmes and Montpellier, conducted between January 1st, 2016 and February 1st, 2021. Three hundred and ninety women with a history of childbirth and a transfer of one or more frozen embryos at blastocyst stage were included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the number of live births. Secondary outcomes were: the rate of positive HCG, miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and clinical pregnancy, as well as the live birth rate according to the presence or absence of an isthmocele.

RESULTS

Of the 390 patients included, 118 had a previous Caesarean delivery and 272 a vaginal delivery. No statistically significant differences were found for the primary (p = 0.9) or secondary outcomes. A trend towards lower live birth rates was observed in patients with isthmoceles, but this did not reach significance (p>0.9). On the other hand, transfers were more often described as difficult in the Caesarean delivery group (p = 0.011).

CONCLUSION

Our study found no effect of previous Caesarean delivery on the chances of live birth after transferring one or more frozen blastocysts. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Hysteroscopic management of uterine diverticulum after myomectomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

A uterine diverticulum is defined as the presence of a niche within the inner contour of the uterine myometrial wall. Although secondary uterine diverticula can occur after hysterotomy such as cesarean section, reports of diverticula after myomectomy are extremely rare.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 45-year-old nulliparous woman undergoing infertility treatment was referred to our hospital because of abnormal postmenstrual bleeding after myomectomy. Transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diverticulum in the isthmus. Fat-saturated T1 image showed a blood reservoir in the diverticulum. Hysteroscopic surgery was performed to remove the lowed edge of the defect and coagulate the hypervascularized area. Two months after surgery, the abnormal postmenstrual bleeding and chronic endometritis improved.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This report highlights the similarities of the patient's diverticulum to cesarean scar defects in terms of symptoms and pathophysiology. First, this patient developed a diverticulum with hypervascularity after myomectomy and persistent abnormal bleeding. Second, after hysteroscopic surgery, the symptoms of irregular bleeding disappeared. Third, endometrial glands were identified within the resected scar tissue. Fourth, preoperatively identified CD138-positive cells in endometrial tissue spontaneously disappeared after hysteroscopic resection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of symptomatic improvement following hysteroscopic surgery in a patient with an iatrogenic uterine diverticulum with persistent irregular bleeding after myomectomy.

Impact of Adenomyosis and Endometriosis on Chronic Pelvic Pain after Niche Repair

Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) is one of the main isthmocele symptoms, together with abnormal uterine bleeding and secondary infertility. When patients undergo a laparoscopic niche repair surgery, it is important to determine if they present associated pathologies, such as adenomyosis and/or endometriosis, which are also a cause of CPP. A retrospective study was performed on 31 patients with CPP undergoing a laparoscopic niche repair. The pre-operative ultrasound was analyzed to determine the presence of adenomyosis. Endometriosis was histologically diagnosed. CPP outcome was evaluated at early (3-6 months) and late (12 months) post-operative follow ups. In our population of 31 women presenting CPP, only six of them (19.4%) did not have any associated pathology. In the group of 25 patients with associated pathology, 10 (40%) had no benefit from the reconstructive surgery in terms of CPP at early follow-up (3-6 months) and 8 (32%) in the post-operative period at 12 months. Patients with CPP who undergo niche repair should be carefully selected as CPP does not seem to be a good indication for uterine scar repair in patients with concomitant adenomyosis and endometriosis.

Prevalence, definition, and etiology of cesarean scar defect and treatment of cesarean scar disorder: A narrative review

Background

Cesarean scar defects (CSD) are caused by cesarean sections and cause various symptoms. Although there has been no previous consensus on the name of this condition for a long time, it has been named cesarean scar disorder (CSDi).

Methods

This review summarizes the definition, prevalence, and etiology of CSD, as well as the pathophysiology and treatment of CSDi. We focused on surgical therapy and examined the effects and procedures of laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, and transvaginal surgery.

Main findings

The definition of CSD was proposed as an anechoic lesion with a depth of at least 2 mm because of the varied prevalence, owing to the lack of consensus. CSD incidence depends on the number of times, procedure, and situation of cesarean sections. Histopathological findings in CSD are fibrosis and adenomyosis, and chronic inflammation in the uterine and pelvic cavities decreases fertility in women with CSDi. Although the surgical procedures are not standardized, laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, and transvaginal surgeries are effective.

Conclusion

The cause and pathology of CSDi are becoming clear. However, there is variability in the prevalence and treatment strategies. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct further studies using the same definitions.

The Correlation between Chronic Endometritis and Tubal-Factor Infertility

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence and risk factors for chronic endometritis (CE) with tubal factors and the correlation between chronic endometritis and tubal factors among infertile populations.

METHOD

A total of 52 patients with chronic endometritis (CE group) who underwent laparoscopy and hysteroscopic surgery were recruited between July 2020 and December 2021. A total of 38 patients without chronic endometritis (non-CE group) were included as a control. Patients with endometriosis and intra-uterine abnormalities were excluded. Endometrial samples were collected during surgery for CD138 immunohistochemistry staining for the diagnosis of CE. Preoperative information (including age, reproductive health characteristics, previous medical and surgical history), intra-operative information (including the patency of the fallopian tube, the presence of hydrosalpinx, score and the grade of tubal lesion condition) and post-operative information (counts of CD138-positive HPF in the endometrial specimen) were collected.

RESULT

A multivariate analysis revealed that tubal factors with unilateral or bilateral occlusion were significantly higher in the CE group (OR 3.066, 95% CI 1.020-9.213, p = 0.046). The bilateral occlusion of fallopian tubes (OR 8.785, 95% CI 1.408-54.818, p = 0.020) rather than unilateral occlusion (OR 2.860, 95% CI 0.893-9.162, p = 0.077) was significantly associated with chronic endometritis. The presence of a hydrosalpinx on one side (OR 7.842, 95% CI 1.279-48.086, p = 0.026) or both sides (OR 9.450, 95% CI 1.037-86.148, p = 0.046) was significantly associated with chronic endometritis. The comparison of CD138-positive HPF counts among the tubal occlusion patients without hydrosalpinx, patients with unilateral hydrosalpinx and patients with bilateral hydrosalpinx were as follows: 1 HPF (50.00% vs. 12.50% vs. 11.11%, p = 0.051), 2 HPF (38.89% vs. 25.00% vs. 22.22%, p = 0.615), ≥3 HPF (11.11% vs. 62.50% vs. 66.67%, p = 0.005). The stage of tubal condition was positively correlated with CD138-positive HPF counts in women with chronic endometritis (r = 0.460, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CE was closely related to the blockage of fallopian tubes and hydrosalpinx. The severity degree of the fallopian lesion condition was associated with inflammation of the endometrium.

Prevalence of and risk factors for chronic endometritis in patients with intrauterine disorders after hysteroscopic surgery

OBJECTIVE

To identify the prevalence of and risk factors for chronic endometritis (CE) in patients with intrauterine disorders and the therapeutic efficacy of hysteroscopic surgery in the treatment of CE without antibiotic therapy.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Hospital specializing in reproductive medicine.

PATIENT(S)

The study population consisted of 350 women with infertility, of whom 337 were recruited, who underwent hysteroscopic surgery between November 2018 and June 2021. Eighty-nine consecutive patients without intrauterine disorders were also recruited as controls.

INTERVENTION(S)

Endometrial samples were collected during the surgery for CD138 immunostaining for the diagnosis of CE. In women diagnosed with CE, endometrial biopsy was performed without antibiotic use in the subsequent menstrual cycle.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Prevalence of and risk factors for CE in intrauterine disorders and therapeutic effects of hysteroscopic surgery on CE.

RESULT(S)

The prevalence of CE with ≥5 CD138-positive cells in women with no intrauterine disorder and with endometrial polyps, myomas, intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), and septate uterus was 15.7%, 85.7%, 69.0%, 78.9%, and 46.2%, respectively. A multivariate analysis revealed that CE was diagnosed significantly more often in the endometrial polyp (odds ratio, 27.69; 95% confidence interval, 15.01-51.08) and IUA groups (odds ratio, 8.85; 95% confidence interval, 3.26-24.05). The rate of recovery from CE with surgery in women with endometrial polyps, myomas, IUA, and septate uterus was 89.7%, 100%, 92.8%, and 83.3%, respectively.

CONCLUSION(S)

Endometrial polyp and IUA were risk factors for CE. Most CE cases with intrauterine disorders were cured with hysteroscopic surgery without antibiotic therapy, regardless of the type of intrauterine abnormalities.