Single-layer vs double-layer uterine closure during cesarean delivery: 3-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial (2Close study)

Evidence-based cesarean delivery: intraoperative management following placental delivery until skin closure (part 9)

This expert review provides recommendations for the cesarean delivery technique after placental delivery to skin closure. After placental delivery sponge curettage may be omitted as it has not been shown to decrease the risk of retained products of conception. Uterine irrigation and mechanical cervical dilation cannot be recommended. Either intra-abdominal or extra-abdominal repair of the hysterotomy is acceptable, with some possible benefits, such as decreased postoperative pain and nausea/vomiting with intra-abdominal repair. There is insufficient evidence to recommend one uterine closure technique over the other with regards to suture type, continuous versus interrupted, locking or non-locking, and one versus two-layer closure. Double-layer uterine closure has been shown to be more beneficial with regards to residual myometrial thickness, and full thickness bites (including the endometrium) should be considered. Glove change by the surgical team is recommended after placental delivery and before closure of the abdominal wall. The following techniques are not recommended: intra-abdominal irrigation, use of adhesion prevention barriers, peritoneal closure, and rectus muscle reapproximation. Based on non-cesarean delivery evidence, fascial closure bites should be at least 5 × 5 mm, with monofilament suture for vertical incisions. As an adjunct to postoperative pain control, surgeons may consider wound infiltration with local anesthesia, either supra- or subfascial. Before closure, subcutaneous irrigation may be performed using saline solution, and routine use of subcutaneous drains is not recommended. Although closure of the subcutaneous layer can be considered in all patients, it should occur when the depth is ≥2 cm. A monofilament absorbable suture, such as poliglecaprone, should be used to close the cesarean skin incision. There is no level 1 evidence evaluating the potential benefit of additional skin adhesive or sterile strips after suture skin closure. If a dressing is preferred over the skin incision, the following approaches may be considered: a dialkylcarbamoyl chloride-impregnated dressing if available or a standard gauze dressing is appropriate. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy can be considered in patients with obesity. Vaginal seeding during cesarean delivery is not recommended. El resumen está disponible en Español al final del artículo.

Prediction of vesicouterine adhesions by transvaginal sonographic sliding sign technique: validation study

OBJECTIVE

Adhesions between the uterus, bladder and anterior abdominal wall are associated with clinical sequelae, including chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia, and can also yield complications during surgery. The transvaginal sonographic (TVS) sliding bladder sign is a minimally invasive diagnostic tool to evaluate the presence of vesicouterine adhesions. This study aimed to determine the predictive value and intra- and interobserver variation of the TVS sliding bladder sign in the assessment of vesicouterine adhesions.

METHODS

This was a prospective observational double-blind diagnostic accuracy study conducted at the Amsterdam University Medical Center. Patients scheduled for gynecological laparoscopic surgery for a benign disorder between January 2020 and December 2022 were included consecutively. All patients underwent preoperative TVS, including a dynamic sliding bladder sign examination in our outpatient clinic. Videoclips of the TVS scans were stored for offline assessment and used as an index test. The recordings of both TVS and laparoscopy were evaluated for diagnostic characteristics of vesicouterine adhesions by independent assessors, who were blinded to the clinical situation in addition to the laparoscopic findings when assessing recordings of TVS and vice versa. The presence of adhesions on laparoscopy was used as the reference standard. The positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), specificity and sensitivity of the sliding bladder sign were calculated. In addition, inter- and intraobserver variability of the sliding bladder sign on TVS were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 116 included women, 57 had a negative sliding bladder sign on TVS, while on laparoscopy, 51 women had mild and 28 had severe vesicouterine adhesions. A negative sliding bladder sign had a PPV of 94.7% (95% CI, 88.9-100%) for the presence of any vesicouterine adhesions, and a positive sliding bladder sign had a specificity of 91.9% (95% CI, 83.1-100%). For severe adhesions, the negative sliding bladder sign had a sensitivity of 89.3% (95% CI, 77.8-100%) and a positive sliding bladder sign had a NPV of 94.9% (95% CI, 89.3-100%). When using Cohen's kappa coefficient, inter- and intraobserver agreement between assessors was good.

CONCLUSIONS

Sliding bladder sign evaluation using TVS is a reliable diagnostic tool for the prediction of vesicouterine adhesions on laparoscopy. A negative sliding bladder sign indicates the presence of vesicouterine adhesions, while a positive sliding bladder sign makes the presence of severe adhesions unlikely. Establishing vesicouterine adhesions by TVS may optimize preoperative planning, and can be used for future studies to evaluate the relationship between symptomatology and vesicouterine adhesions and, subsequently, the effect of adhesion-prevention interventions. © 2024 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Reproductive surgery remains an essential element of reproductive medicine

Background

Reproductive surgery has long been neglected and is perceived to be simple surgery that can be undertaken by all gynaecologists. However, given the ever-expanding knowledge in the field, reproductive surgery now comprises surgical interventions on female reproductive organs that need to be carefully planned and executed with consideration given to the individuals symptoms, function of the organ and fertility concerns.

Objectives

To discuss the different perspectives of reproductive surgeons and other gynaecological surgeons, e.g., gynaecological oncologists, and advanced minimally invasive surgeons, regarding diagnosis and management of pelvic pathology that affects reproductive potential. Furthermore, to highlight the gaps in knowledge and numerous controversies surrounding reproductive surgery, while summarising the current opinion on management.

Materials and Methods

Narrative review based on literature and the cumulative experience of the authors.

Main outcome measures

The paper does not address specific research questions.

Conclusions

Reproductive surgery encompasses all reproductive organs with the aim of alleviating symptoms whilst restoring and preserving function with careful consideration given to alternatives such as expectant management, medical treatments, and assisted reproductive techniques. It necessitates utmost technical expertise and sufficient knowledge of the female genital anatomy and physiology, together with a thorough understanding of and respect to of ovarian reserve, tubal function, and integrity of the uterine anatomy, as well as an up-to-date knowledge of alternatives, mainly assisted reproductive technology.

What is new?

A holistic approach to infertile women is only possible by focusing on the field of reproductive medicine and surgery, which is unattainable while practicing in multiple fields.

The Novel Parallel Closure Technique Compared to Single-Layer Closure of the Uterus After Primary Cesarean Section Decreases the Incidence of Isthmocele Formation and Increases Residual Myometrial Thickness

Background Isthmocele or a scar defect is a relatively common consequence of cesarean section resulting in menstrual disturbances and infertility and may compromise the myometrial integrity of the uterus in women contemplating subsequent vaginal birth. Several preventive measures have been suggested, including the modification of surgical techniques used for the closure of the uterine incision. The current study aimed to compare the incidence of isthmocele and assess residual myometrial thickness in women who underwent single versus parallel layered closure to approximate the endo-myometrial layer during cesarean section. Methodology This retrospective study evaluated data of women undergoing their first cesarean section under elective conditions (n = 497) where the uterine incision was closed using a single (n = 295) or a parallel layer (n = 202) technique. Patients were evaluated twice, at 3-6 months and 18 months postpartum, with a transvaginal ultrasound noting the presence or absence of an isthmocele and measurement of the residual myometrial thickness. Results Regardless of the closure technique, 64 (12.9%) women had an ultrasound-diagnosed isthmocele. Significantly fewer patients in the parallel-layer closure group presented with an isthmocele both at 3-6 (13.6 vs. 6.9%; p = 0.019) and 18 months (16.3 vs. 7.8%; p = 0.009) postpartum. Residual myometrium was significantly thicker in the parallel-layer closure group (8.0 vs. 13.2 mm at 3-6 months postpartum; p = 0.000 and 7.2 vs. 12.3 mm at 18 months postpartum; p = 0.004). For all patients, a retroverted position of the uterus at 3-6 months follow-up examination significantly increased the frequency of isthmocele (36/395 (9.1%) with an anteverted uterus and 18/102 (17.6%) with a retroverted uterus; p = 0.002). In patients with a single-layer closure, a retroverted uterus at the 3-6-month follow-up was associated with an isthmocele in 29.5% (18/61) of patients, while no isthmocele was recorded when the uterus was retroverted in the parallel-layer closure group (0/41) (p = 0.001). At 18 months postpartum, of the 64 patients with an isthmocele, 26 (40.6%) presented with abnormal uterine bleeding mainly in the form of postmenstrual spotting. Of the 26 patients with abnormal bleeding, 23 were in the single-layer and three were in the parallel-layer closure group. Conclusions The parallel-layer closure when compared to a single-layer closure of the uterine incision in patients undergoing primary cesarean section decreased the incidence of isthmocele formation and increased residual myometrial thickness. More patients in the single-layer closure group had menstrual cycle disturbances at 18 months postpartum.