Laparoscopic Myomectomy with Temporary Bilateral Uterine Artery Occlusion Compared with Traditional Surgery for Uterine Myomas: Blood Loss and Recurrence

Impact of definitive uterine artery occlusion on ovarian reserve markers in laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized controlled trial with 2-year follow-up

STUDY QUESTION

Does definitive occlusion of uterine arteries have a short- or long-term impact on ovarian reserve markers in reproductive-age women undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy?

SUMMARY ANSWER

Preventive definitive uterine artery occlusion (UAO) during laparoscopic myomectomy reduces intraoperative blood loss but does not impact serum AMH levels after short- and long-term follow-up in reproductive-age women.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

Uterine leiomyomas are the most common benign tumours in women of reproductive age. For symptomatic women willing to retain their uterus, especially for a future pregnancy, the current gold standard is surgical myomectomy for subserous/intramural leiomyoma. Temporary or definitive occlusion of uterine arteries can be performed to control bleeding during surgery but its impact on ovarian reserve markers is still unclear. A single randomized trial with a 1-year follow-up demonstrated that temporary bilateral UAO during laparoscopic myomectomy slightly decreased AMH levels at postoperative day 2 but has no significant impact at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

We conducted a randomized controlled trial with a 2-year follow-up evaluating the effect of definitive occlusion of uterine arteries on ovarian reserve markers via sequential measures of AMH levels and AFC by ultrasound assessment. The study included 58 women with symptomatic leiomyoma type FIGO 3 to 6 scheduled for laparoscopic myomectomy between July 2015 and October 2021. Patient allocation was disclosed to the surgeon just before starting the procedure; women were blinded to group allocation throughout the study.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Patients were randomized in two groups: the UAO group (laparoscopic myomectomy with preventive occlusion of uterine arteries) (n = 29 women) and the no-UAO group (laparoscopic myomectomy without occlusion of uterine arteries but with intra-myometrial injection of vasoconstrictive agents) (N = 29 women). Serum AMH levels and AFC were evaluated at baseline (T0) and followed at 1 month (T1), 3 months (T3), 6 months (T6), 12 months (T12), and 24 months (T24) after surgery. Intraoperative blood loss, evolution of uterine bleeding and pain symptoms, and leiomyoma recurrence were also evaluated as secondary outcomes. Pregnancies and live births were monitored.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

Women in both groups did not differ in their baseline characteristics in terms of age, body mass index, ethnicity, parity, wish to become pregnant, hormonal treatment, leiomyoma number and size, baseline haemoglobin levels, uterine bleeding symptoms, baseline serum AMH levels, and AFC. The mean operative time was similar between both groups. Mean blood loss during surgery was on average 138 (±104) ml in the UAO group versus 436 (±498) ml in controls (P < 0.001). In the UAO group, 0% had an intraoperative blood loss >500 ml versus 32.1% in the no-UAO group (P < 0.01). Regarding clinical symptoms, most patients in both groups had decreased menstrual flow at the last follow-up visit (24 months) compared to baseline and improvement of dysmenorrhea followed the same trend with a reduction in pain levels in both groups. The risk of leiomyoma recurrence was similar between both groups. Serum AMH levels did not differ between the groups at any time (T1, T3, T6, T12, and T24) and non-inferiority of preventive occlusion was demonstrated with a non-inferiority margin of [-3.5 pmol/l]. Differences between means and 95% CI (in parentheses) were as follows: at T1 -0.11 (-2.14 to 2.40), at T3 -0.25 (-2.36 to 2.21), at T6 0.81 (-2.69 to 3.84), at T12 -0.95 (-3.15 to 1.33), and at T24 1.18 (-1.95 to 3.82). AFC did not differ between the groups at any time, however, non-inferiority of preventive occlusion could not be demonstrated, presumably due to a large variability in this measurement.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Our sample size was calculated to detect a clinically relevant difference of at least two-thirds of the SD in serum AMH levels, but we cannot exclude that a larger sample size might have revealed a smaller impact on serum AMH.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

Preventive UAO during laparoscopic myomectomy does not compromise ovarian reserve markers and can be used safely to improve perioperative bleeding control in women of reproductive age. Incorporating UAO as a preventive measure during laparoscopic myomectomy may enhance the safety of the procedure.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)

Funded by the Department of Paediatrics, Gynecology and Obstetrics of the Geneva University Hospitals. There are no competing interests to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02563392.

TRIAL REGISTRATION DATE

9 July 2015.

DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT

July 2015.

The impact of bilateral transient occlusion of uterine and utero-ovarian arteries on surgical blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The primary perioperative concern during laparoscopic myomectomy is the risk of significant intraoperative blood loss, which can lead to hypovolemia, necessitate blood transfusion, and result in postoperative anemia. To address this issue, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the impact of temporarily clamping the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries on operative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search across various databases to identify eligible clinical trials from inception to May 2024, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). In the intervention group, temporary bilateral clamping of the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries was performed during laparoscopic myomectomy, while the control group underwent laparoscopic myomectomy without arterial clamping. A meta-analysis was carried out on the gathered data using Revman software. The primary outcomes examined were blood loss and change in hemoglobin, with secondary outcomes including operation time and length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Three RCTs, involving a total of 275 patients, met our inclusion criteria. The intervention group showed significantly lower operative blood loss and a smaller reduction in hemoglobin compared to the control group. There was no notable difference in operation time between the two groups. Moreover, patients in the experimental group experienced a significantly shorter hospitalization duration than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The temporary bilateral occlusion of the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries is an effective method for reducing surgical blood loss, hemoglobin decline, and hospital stay duration during laparoscopic myomectomy. However, additional studies are needed to validate these findings.

Evidence-Based Practice for Minimization of Blood Loss During Laparoscopic Myomectomy: An AAGL Practice Guideline: The Practice Guideline Committee of AAGL

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of pre-operative medical adjuncts and intra-operative interventions for reducing blood loss during laparoscopic (conventional or robotic-assisted) myomectomy.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analyses of the relevant literature were performed to develop evidence-based guideline recommendations.

SETTING

Published literature.

PATIENTS

Patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.

INTERVENTIONS

Pre-operative medical adjuncts and intra-operative interventions for reducing blood loss.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The primary outcome was surgical blood loss. Secondary outcomes were change in hematocrit or hemoglobin and blood transfusion. Additional outcomes included length of procedure, intra- and post-operative complications, conversion to laparotomy, reoperation, readmission, and length of stay. A total of 75 studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and formed the basis for this practice guideline. Evidence-based recommendations were developed regarding the use of pre-operative medical adjuncts including gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist and progesterone), as well as intra-operative vasoconstrictors, uterine artery occlusion, electrosurgical devices and barbed suture.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic review and multiple meta-analyses identified moderate evidence supporting the use of 3-month administration of leuprolide acetate prior to myomectomy and intra-operative use of misoprostol, epinephrine, vasopressin, oxytocin, and uterine artery occlusion for reducing blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy.

Surgical impact of bilateral transient occlusion of uterine and utero-ovarian arteries during laparoscopic myomectomy

The objective of this article is to compare the amount of intraoperative blood loss during laparoscopic myomectomy when performing bilateral transient clamping of the uterine and utero-ovarian arteries versus no intervention. It´s a randomized controlled prospective study carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ramón y Cajal University Hospital and HM Montepríncipe-Sanchinarro University Hospital, Madrid, Spain, in women with fibroid uterus undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Eighty women diagnosed with symptomatic fibroid uterus were randomly assigned to undergo laparoscopic myomectomy without additional intervention (Group A) or temporary clamping of bilateral uterine and utero-ovarian arteries prior to laparoscopic myomectomy (Group B). Estimated blood loss, operating time, length of hospital stay, and postoperative hemoglobin values were compared in both groups. The number of fibroids removed was similar in both groups (p = 0.77). Estimated blood loss was lower in the group of patients with prior occlusion of uterine arteries (p = 0.025) without increasing operating time (p = 0.17) nor length of stay (p = 0.17). No patient had either intra or postoperative complications. Only two patients (2.5%) required blood transfusion after surgery. We conclude that temporary clamping of bilateral uterine arteries prior to laparoscopic myomectomy is a safe intervention that reduces blood loss without increasing operative time.

Minimizing blood loss in laparoscopic myomectomy with temporary occlusion of the hypogastric artery

Introduction

Uterine leiomyomas are common benign pelvic tumors. Currently, laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) is the preferred treatment option for women in the fertile age group with symptomatic myomas. The authors hypothesize that combining LM with a bilateral temporary occlusion of the hypogastric artery (TOHA) using vascular clips minimizes uterine blood flow during surgery and can significantly reduce surgery-associated blood loss.

Materials and methods

This single-center, prospective randomized study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Municipal Emergency Clinical Hospital Timisoara, Romania. Patients aged between 18 and 49 who preferred laparoscopic myomectomy and wished to preserve fertility were included, provided they had intramural uterine leiomyomas larger than 4 cm in diameter that deformed the uterine cavity. The study analyzed data from 60 laparoscopic myomectomies performed by a single surgeon between January 2018 and December 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to either: "LM + TOHA" group (29 patients), and "LM" group (31 patients). The study's main objective was to evaluate the impact of TOHA on perioperative blood loss, expressed as mean differences in Hb (delta Hb).

Results

Delta Hb was statistically lower in the "LM + TOHA" group compared to "LM" group, with mean ± standard (min-max): 1.68 ± 0.67 (0.39-3.99) vs. 2.63 ± 1.06 (0.83-4.92) g/dL, respectively (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant higher need for postoperative iron perfusion in the "LM" group, specifically 0 vs. 12 patients (p < 0.001), and lower postoperative anemia in "LM + TOHA" group (p < 0.001). Necessary artery clipping time was 10.62 ± 2.47 (7-15) minutes, with no significant impact on overall operative time: 110.2 ± 13.65 vs. 106.3 ± 16.48 (p = 0.21). There was no difference in the length of hospitalization or 12-month post-intervention fertility.

Discussion

Performing bilateral TOHA prior to laparoscopic myomectomy has proven to be a valuable technique in reducing surgery-associated blood loss, while minimizing complications during surgery, with no significant increase in the overall operative time.

Clinical trial registration

ISRCTN registry, (www.isrctn.com), identifier ISRCTN66897343.

The effect of temporary uterine artery ligation on laparoscopic myomectomy to reduce intraoperative blood loss: A retrospective case–control study

Objective

Study Design

Results

Conclusions

•

The surgical technique for laparoscopic myomectomy is introduced.

•

Temporary uterine artery ligation decreases the volume of intraoperative blood loss.

•

Temporary uterine artery ligation is less invasive than permanent occlusion.

•

Temporary uterine artery ligation does not require the use of any special devices, such as clips.

Each Uterus Counts: A narrative review of health disparities in benign gynaecology and minimal access surgery

INTRODUCTION

Health disparities exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic have prompted healthcare professionals to investigate disparities within their own specialty. Racial and ethnic disparities in obstetrics are well documented but inequities in gynaecology are less well known. Our aim is to review the literature on two commonly performed procedures, hysterectomy and myomectomy, and one condition, ectopic pregnancy, to evaluate the prevalence of racial, ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in benign gynaecology and minimal access surgery.

METHODS

A narrative review of 33 articles identified from a Pubmed using the following search criteria; "race"; "ethnicity"; "socioeconomic status"; "disparity"; "inequity"; and "inequality". Case reports and papers assessing gynaecological malignancy were excluded.

RESULTS

Despite minimal access surgery having fewer complications and faster recovery than open surgery, US studies have shown that black and ethnic minority women are less likely than white women to have minimally invasive hysterectomies and myomectomies. Uninsured women and patients on Medicaid are also less likely to receive minimally invasive procedures. Contributing factors include fibroid size, geographic location and access to hospitals performing minimal access surgery, and the discontinuation of power morcellation. Ethnic minority women who receive minimally invasive myomectomy have been shown to have a higher risk of complications and prolonged recovery. Black and ethnic minority women also have a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from ectopic pregnancy and are more likely to receive surgical than medical management.

CONCLUSION

Extensive study from the US has demonstrated disparities in access to minimally invasive gynaecological surgery, whereas in the UK the data is infrequent, inconsistent and incomplete. Little is known about the influence of patient preference and counselling as well as institutional bias on health equity in gynaecology. Further research is necessary to identify interventions that mitigate these disparities in access and outcomes.

Laparoscopic Major Vascular Injuries in Gynecologic Surgery for Benign Indications: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To identify the incidence, location, etiology, and mortality of major vascular injuries in gynecologic laparoscopy for benign indications.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, and MEDLINE was conducted.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

One thousand ninety-seven studies were screened for inclusion with 147 full-text articles reviewed. Sixty-six studies published between 1978 and 2016 met inclusion criteria, representing 197,062 surgeries. Articles that were included reported the incidence of major vascular injuries during gynecologic laparoscopy for benign indications. Exclusion criteria included surgery for gynecologic malignancy, duplicated data, case series and reports, manuscripts not in English, and studies published only as abstracts.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Injuries to the aorta, inferior vena cava, iliac (common, external, or internal), and inferior epigastric vessels were recorded, as were injuries denoted as major but not otherwise specified. A total of 179 major vascular injuries were reported with an incidence of 0.09% (95% CI 0.08-0.10). The inferior epigastric vessels were the most commonly injured vessel (0.04%, 95% CI 0.03-0.05), comprising 48% (95% CI 40-55) of all injuries. The majority of injuries occurred during abdominal entry (82%, 95% CI 76-89), and the remainder occurred during surgical dissection (18%, 95% CI 11-24). Most injuries were recognized intraoperatively (93%, 95% CI 87-100), and approximately half (55%, 95% CI 46-63) required laparotomy for repair. Only two of the 179 major vascular injuries resulted in death, for an overall mortality rate from vascular injuries of 0.001% (95% CI 0.000-0.004).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of major vascular injury during gynecologic laparoscopy found in this review is very low, and the vast majority of injuries did not result in death. Laparoscopy remains a safe surgical technique in relation to vascular injuries when performed for benign gynecologic disease.

Comparison of safety and efficacy between laparoscopic myomectomy and traditional laparotomy for patients with uterine fibroids and their effect on pregnancy rate after surgery

The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the safety and efficacy between laparoscopic myomectomy and traditional laparotomy for patients with uterine fibroids and determine their effect on the pregnancy rate after surgery. In total, 86 cases with uterine fibroids were selected among patients who were admitted in the Zhangqiu District Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital during the period of April, 2016 to April, 2017. Patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy were enrolled in group A (n=42), and those who underwent traditional laparotomy were placed in group B (n=44). The general linear data and the operative indicators were compared. The VAS scores, serum IFN-γ, IL-6, VEGF levels and clinical efficacy of the two groups were also compared one week after surgery. Postoperative pregnancy rates and complications in both groups were also compared. No significant differences were observed in general data between the two groups (P>0.05). The intra-operative blood loss in the group A was lower than that in group B (P<0.05), the average time of operation, hospital stays (days), and anal exhaust time in group A were shorter than those in group B (P<0.05). The pain degrees at 3, 6 and 18 h after surgery for patients in the group A were significantly lower than those of the group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference IL-6 and VEGF levels in the serum between groups A and B before and after surgery (P>0.05); however, the level of IFN-γ expression, one week after surgery, in group B was significantly higher than that in group A (P<0.05). The pregnancy rate in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), and the incidence rate of complications in group A was significantly lower than that in group B (P<0.05). Results presented in the present study suggested that compared to traditional laparotomy, laparoscopic myomectomy is a more advantageous method in terms of safety, efficacy and pregnancy rate after surgery.

Non-hysteroscopic Myomectomy and Fertility Outcomes: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review of the literature to identify best practices for nonhysteroscopic myomectomy for women with myomas who desire future fertility. The focus areas included factors associated with conception and pregnancy outcomes after myomectomy, impact of surgical route (laparotomic, laparoscopic, and the incorporation of robot assistance), and preoperative findings and surgical techniques that have an impact on reproduction.

DATA SOURCES

Librarian-led electronic searches of the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were performed from inception to February 2020. A targeted reference review was performed to update the original searches.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

The participants were women of reproductive age with myomas who underwent myoma removal surgery through laparotomic or laparoscopic approaches. The fertility outcomes included markers for ovarian reserve, clinical pregnancy rates, and pregnancy outcomes. We performed quality assessment using National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools and developed clinical recommendations graded according to the strength of the evidence.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The initial search identified 2163 studies, of which 51 met the inclusion criteria. These consisted of 11 studies that focused on the factors associated with conception or pregnancy outcomes after myomectomy, 10 studies that examined the route of nonhysteroscopic myomectomy, and 30 that were related to intraoperative techniques and findings. Overall, younger age, lower myoma number, and distortion of the endometrial cavity were associated with improved reproductive outcomes after myomectomy. The route of nonhysteroscopic myomectomy and intraoperative uterine artery occlusion did not significantly affect pregnancy rates or outcomes. Adhesion barriers present a possible target for further research.

CONCLUSION

This study provides insights into patient selection and intraoperative techniques for nonhysteroscopic myomectomy. Further research with well-designed clinical trials is needed to highlight the relationships between myoma characteristics (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics type, location, and size) and reproductive outcomes.

Reproductive Outcomes Following Uterine Artery Occlusion at the Time of Myomectomy: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

This investigation sought systematically to review and meta-analyze evidence on reproductive outcomes following uterine artery occlusion (UAO) at myomectomy. Databases searched included PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov. Eligible studies included observational and randomized controlled trials in which patients underwent abdominal, laparoscopic, or robotic myomectomy and in which at least one measure of clinical pregnancy rate, live birth rate, or ovarian reserve was reported. The primary outcome was live birth rate. Secondary outcomes included clinical pregnancy rate, miscarriage rate, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve. Twelve articles involving 689 women were included in the systematic review. The intervention group underwent UAO at laparoscopic or abdominal myomectomy (UAO+M) (n = 470). The control group underwent myomectomy alone (n = 219). Seven articles involving 420 women were included in the meta-analysis (201 underwent UAO+M; 219 underwent myomectomy alone). Live births occurred in 54 of 201 (27%) women in the UAO+M group and in 74 of 219 (34%) women in the control group. Clinical pregnancies occurred in 73 of 201 (36%) women in the UAO+M group and in 102 of 219 (47%) control subjects. There was no difference in live birth rates (odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI 0.56-1.43; P = 0.51; 7 studies, 420 patients) or clinical pregnancy rates (odds ratio 0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.24; P = 0.33; 7 studies, 420 patients) between the UAO+M and control groups. Data on miscarriage rates, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and measures of ovarian reserve precluded meta-analysis. In conclusion, UAO at myomectomy is not associated with reductions in live birth or clinical pregnancy rates. Before routine use can be recommended in women desiring future fertility, more research is required on reproductive outcomes and effects on ovarian reserve.

Effects of uterine artery occlusion during myomectomy on ovarian reserve: Serial follow-up of sex hormone levels, ultrasound parameters and Doppler characteristics

AIM

To evaluate the influence of uterine artery occlusion at myomectomy (UAO + M) on ovarian reserve based on serum sex hormone levels, ultrasound and color Doppler examinations.

METHODS

In this cohort study, nine women with symptomatic uterine myomas underwent UAO + M were recruited. Each woman was assessed preoperatively and 3, 6 months postoperatively, through a serial of hormonal, ultrasound parameters and Doppler examination for ovarian stromal blood flow. The data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) or follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels before and 3, 6 months after UAO + M. The ovarian volume, antral follicle count (AFC) and ovarian stromal blood flow had significant changes in the right ovary. Ovarian volume and AFC significantly reduced at 3 months and recovered at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.046, P = 0.019, respectively). Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity significantly decreased at 3 months and leveled off at 6 months (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). Resistance index significantly increased at 3 months and decreased at 6 months (P = 0.037). A similar trend in ultrasound and Doppler findings was observed in the left ovary, but no statistical significance was found.

CONCLUSION

UAO + M had no detrimental effect on ovarian reserve 6 months postoperatively based on AMH and FSH levels. AFC, ovarian volume and stromal blood flow were transiently decreased in 3 months and recovered in 6 months.

Abdelazim and AbuFaza technique for temporary bilateral uterine occlusion to decrease the blood loss during myomectomy: Case reports

The standard treatment of symptomatic fibroids is hysterectomy for women completed their childbearing and myomectomy for women desire future fertility. Myomectomy associated with life-threatening bleeding and emergency blood transfusion. The two studied cases were unmarried presented with multiple fibroid uterus of 28 and 24 weeks' gestation. Both the studied women refused hysterectomy because of their fertility potential. Myomectomy was done with removal of two big myomas (10×12 cm and 7×8 cm), three moderate size myomas (5×5 cm, 4×4 cm and 3×4 cm) and four small size myomas for the first case and removal of one big myoma (8×6 cm), four small size myomas for the second case. The hemoglobin difference was 0.6 and 0.4 gms% for the first and the second case; respectively and no blood transfusion was required for them. This report represents the outcome of Abdelazim and AbuFaza technique for temporary bilateral uterine occlusion to decrease the blood loss during myomectomy.

An integrated serum and urinary metabonomic research of Rhizoma Curcumae-Rhizoma Sparganii drug pair in hysteromyoma rats based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhizoma Curcumae and Rhizoma Sparganii (RCRS), a celebrated traditional Chinese medicine drug pair, has been used to treat hysteromyoma (HY).

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to identify the endogenous biomarkers of RCRS against HY.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HY rat model was established by injecting intramuscularly estradiol benzoate and progesterone injection from inner thigh in sequence. Body weight, uterus morphological indexes, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining experiments were used to evaluate the efficacy of RCRS (The rats were treated with RCRS extract, which was made by soxhlet reflux method. The rats were administrated intragastrically with 2 mL of RCRS extract). UPLC-Q-TOF-MS based metabonomics was adopted to analyze the serum and urine biomarkers from HY rats before and after RCRS treatment. Principle component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were utilized to identify differences of metabolic profiles in rats among the four groups.

RESULTS

16 potential biomarkers from serum and 18 potential biomarkers from urine in both positive and negative mass spectrometry detection modes were identified, primarily related to Linoleic acid metabolism and Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism. RCRS drug pair has therapeutic effects on rats with HY via the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a useful method to get insight into the integrated metabonomic mechanism of RCRS drug pair on HY rats.

Combined Laparoscopic Uterine Artery Occlusion and Myomectomy versus Laparoscopic Myomectomy: A Direct-Comparison Meta-Analysis of Short- and Long-Term Outcomes in Women with Symptomatic Leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE

To ascertain the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion (LUAO) during laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) on intra- and postoperative morbidity and to assess its impact on leiomyoma recurrence rates.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Database were searched for relevant references from inception until December 2018, in line with PRISMA guidelines.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

Two authors screened for study eligibility and extracted data. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OSs) comparing short- and long-term morbidity of LM with or without LUAO were included. The modified Jadad score and the methodologic index for nonrandomized studies were used to evaluate the quality of RCTs and OSs, respectively.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

Twelve studies encompassing 750 LM and 873 LUAO-LM cases were included in the meta-analysis. The studies were of moderate quality. LUAO-LM appears to significantly decrease intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemoglobin drop, and blood transfusion rate. A trend toward shorter hospital length of stay was demonstrated, whereas no significant difference in operation duration was observed. The combined procedure seemingly contributes to lower recurrence rate. No LUAO-related complications were reported. Moderate to high heterogeneity was observed for few outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This is the first meta-analysis to date to provide a convincing overview of efficacy and safety of LUAO-LM. Although a medium risk of bias warrants some caution with interpretation of the results, LUAO-LM seemingly improves intra- and postoperative outcomes in women with symptomatic leiomyomas.

Application of a 'Baseball' Suture Technique in Uterine Myomectomy Following Laparoscopic Enucleation of Uterine Leiomyoma (Fibroid)

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a ‘baseball’ suture technique for uterine myomectomy incision closure in laparoscopic surgical enucleation of uterine leiomyoma (fibroid).

Material/Methods

The study included 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with a ‘baseball’ suture technique, compared with 20 patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy with a standard suture method. Clinical characteristics, perioperative and follow-up data were compared between the two groups.

Results

For the study group, compared with the standard or control group, had a significantly reduced operation time (60.15±9.97 min vs. 71.85±9.74 min) and suturing time (18.05±4.71 min vs. 28.35±3.13 min) (both p<0.05), significantly less intraoperative blood loss (93.25±19.62 ml vs. 121.50±24.87 ml) (p<0.05) and significantly less reduction in postoperative hemoglobin levels (8.9±1.97 g/L vs. 11.15±2.23 g/L) (p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in duration of the use of the indwelling drainage tube, drainage volume, or time to recovery of gastrointestinal function (all, p>0.05). Following surgery, blood transfusion was given to one patient in the study group and two patients in the control group. One patient from each group had a fever. There was no significant difference in pregnancy outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusions

The ‘baseball’ suture technique for closure of the uterine incision is a safe and effective method for use in laparoscopic myomectomy. However, the long-term recovery outcomes require further study.