Endometriosis-associated infertility: surgery and IVF, a comprehensive therapeutic approach

Surgical treatment of deep endometriosis: Impact on spontaneous conception

Deep endometriosis (DE) is the most severe form of endometriosis and is commonly associated with infertility. Surgical treatment of DE appears to increase chances of spontaneous conception in appropriately selected patients wishing to conceive. Identifying, however, the exact impact of DE, and its surgical removal, on natural conception is highly challenging. The surgical approach should be favoured in symptomatic patients with pregnancy intention. Limited data from infertile patients suggest that outcomes may not differ from patients without known infertility. Complex DE surgery carries a risk of serious complications, therefore, it should be performed in centers of expertise. Such complications may, however, not have a significant negative impact on fertility outcomes, according to limited available data. Data on obstetric outcomes of spontaneous conceptions after DE surgery are too scarce. In asymptomatic, infertile patients the debate between primary surgery or Artifial Reproductive Technology is ongoing, until randomized studies report their results.

Discoid excision for colorectal endometriosis associated infertility: A balance between fertility outcomes and complication rates

OBJECTIVE

The objective of our study was to study the impact of discoid excision for deep endometriosis (DE) with colorectal involvement on fertility outcomes.

METHODS

49 patients with a desire for pregnancy treated with discoid excision for colorectal endometriosis in our endometriosis expert center between January 2015 and August 2020 were selected from our prospectively maintained database. Indications for surgery were either infertility and / or pelvic pain. Postoperative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Fertility outcomes, both spontaneous and post-ART pregnancies, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 49 patients who underwent discoid excision exclusively (no other digestive resection) with a desire to conceive, 25 had a pregnancy after surgery and 24 did not. Double discoid excision was performed in 6.1 % of the cases (3/49). A colpectomy was performed in 12.2 % of the patients (6/49), and a protective stoma in 12.2 % (6/49). Fenestration of endometriomas was performed in 28.6 % of the patients (14/49), and parametrectomy in 40.8 % (20/49). The postoperative complication rate was 24.5 % (12/49) including 10.2 % (5/49) grade I, 12.2 % (6/49) grade II, and 2 % (1/49) grade III. Prior to surgery, 28 (57.1 %) patients had infertility including 13 (52 %) that successfully conceived following surgery and 15 (62.5 %) that remain infertile. Spontaneous pregnancy was achieved in 60 % (15/25) of infertile patients' prior surgery. The live-birth rate in patients conceiving spontaneously was 75 % (12/16).

CONCLUSION

Our results support that discoid excision is safe and associated with good fertility outcomes. Whether first-line surgery using discoid excision is superior to first-line ART remains to be determined.

Fertility Preservation in Women with Endometriosis

Several mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of endometriosis-related infertility. For patients considering surgery, the risk of iatrogenic injury is among the most important factors in the context of fertility preservation, along with age and individual reproductive goals. In the case of endometrioma excision, evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the negative impact of surgery on ovarian reserve, with significant reductions in antimullerian hormone (up to 30% in unilateral versus up to 44% in bilateral endometriomas). The surgical endometriosis patient should be thoroughly counseled regarding fertility preservation and discussion should include tissue, embryo, and oocyte cryopreservation options. For the latter, data support cryopreservation of 10-15 oocytes in women ≤35 years and over 20 for those >35 years for a realistic chance to achieve one or more live births. When performing surgical interventions for endometriosis, reproductive surgeons should employ fertility-conserving surgical methods to reduce the likelihood of postoperative iatrogenic diminished ovarian reserve.

Impact of Ovarian Endometrioma and Surgery on Reproductive Outcomes: A Single-Center Spanish Cohort Study

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicular count (AFC) decrease in women with ovarian endometrioma (OMA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF). In addition, these parameters drop even further when women with OMA undergo surgery. In this study, the primary aim was to compare the reproductive variables in IVF-treated women with and without endometriosis. The secondary aim was to explore if the reproductive variables were modified by endometrioma surgery. In this retrospective study, 244 women undergoing IVF were enrolled at the Hospital Universitario La Paz (Madrid, Spain). Women were categorized as OMA not surgically treated (OMA; n = 124), OMA with surgery (OMA + S; n = 55), and women with infertility issues not related to OMA (control; n = 65). Demographic and clinical variables, including age, body mass index (BMI), and reproductive (AMH, AFC, number of extracted oocytes, and transferred embryos) and obstetrical data (biochemical pregnancy and fetal heart rate at 6 weeks) were collected. Adjusted logistic regression models were built to evaluate reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. The models showed that women with OMA (with and without surgery) had significantly decreased levels of AMH and AFC and numbers of cycles and C + D embryos. Women with OMA + S had similar rates of pregnancy to women in the control group. However, women with OMA had lower biochemical pregnancy than controls (aOR = 0.08 [0.01; 0.50]; p-value = 0.025). OMA surgery seems to improve pregnancy outcomes, at least until 6 weeks of gestation. However, it is important to counsel the patients about surgery expectations due to the fact that endometrioma itself reduces the quality of oocytes.

Fertility Preservation in Endometriosis: Does Patient Symptomatology Affect the Extent of the Ovarian Response?

This study is to identify factors and patient symptomatology affecting ovarian response in women with endometriosis who seek fertility preservation. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to May 2020 at a tertiary university-affiliated medical center. We included patients who were treated in the endometriosis clinic and underwent fertility preservation. Patients completed an online questionnaire that was cross-referenced with electronic charts. An analysis related to patient data and fertility preservation cycles and a mediation analysis were performed. The mean patient age at time of fertility preservation was 35.2 (± 4.9) years. The mean accumulated number of oocytes vitrified per patient was 16.7 (± 12.1) oocytes. The correlation coefficient assessed between the number of oocytes vitrified per cycle and AMH was significantly positive at +0.472, p = 0.006. The examined reported symptoms were lethargy, chronic pelvic pain, dyschezia, dyspareunia, bowel-associated symptoms, and urinary tract symptoms. The number of oocytes vitrified correlated with the number of reported symptoms and clinical characteristics at - 0.497, p = 0.0001, and - 0.442, p = 0.0001, respectively. In a mediation analysis, the potential causality of surgical intervention in the relationship between the number of symptoms and ovarian response was - 0.300 (95% CI [0.15, 1.905], p = 0.05), and the calculated proportion of mediation was estimated to be 17%. We observed a significant negative association between the number of clinical symptoms and the quantity of vitrified oocytes. This relationship was only partly associated with prior surgical intervention. AMH was found to have the highest correlation with treatment success in patients with endometriosis undergoing fertility preservation.

Role of SIRT1 and Progesterone Resistance in Normal and Abnormal Endometrium

CONTEXT

Progesterone resistance, a known pathologic condition associated with a reduced cellular response to progesterone and heightened estrogen responses, appears to have a normal physiologic role in mammalian reproduction. The molecular mechanism responsible for progesterone resistance in normal and abnormal endometrium remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the roles of sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) in normal endometrium as well as endometrium associated with infertility and endometriosis, as an epigenetic modulator associated with progesterone resistance.

METHODS

SIRT1 expression was examined by Western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry in mouse uterus and human endometrium. Mice with uterine specific Sirt1 overexpression were developed to examine SIRT1's role in endometrial function and endometriosis development. EX-527, a SIRT1 inhibitor, and SRT1720, a SIRT1 agonist, were also used to evaluate SIRT1 effect on endometriosis.

RESULTS

In normal healthy women, endometrial SIRT1 is expressed only during menses. SIRT1 was dramatically overexpressed in the endometrium from women with endometriosis in both the epithelium and stroma. In mice, SIRT1 is expressed at the time of implantation between day 4.5 and 5.5 of pregnancy. Overexpression of SIRT1 in the mouse uterus leads to subfertility due to implantation failure, decidualization defects and progesterone resistance. SIRT1 overexpression in endometriotic lesions promotes worsening endometriosis development. EX-527 significantly reduced the number of endometriotic lesions in the mouse endometriosis model.

CONCLUSIONS

SIRT1 expression and progesterone resistance appears to play roles in normal endometrial functions. Aberrant SIRT1 expression contributes to progesterone resistance and may participate in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. SIRT1 is a novel and targetable protein for the diagnosis as well as treatment of endometriosis and the associated infertility seen in this disease.

Infertility management according to the Endometriosis Fertility Index in patients operated for endometriosis: What is the optimal time frame?

INTRODUCTION

The Endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) is a validated score for predicting the postoperative spontaneous pregnancy rate in patients undergoing endometriosis surgery. However, the practical use of the EFI to advise patients about postoperative fertility management is unclear.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All patients participating in the ENDOQUAL study-a prospective observational bi-center cohort study conducted between 01/2012 and 06/2018-who underwent surgery for infertility were asked to complete a questionnaire collecting time and mode of conception. Statistical analysis was performed with the Fine and Gray model of competing risks and analysis of fertility according to the EFI.

RESULTS

Of the 234 patients analyzed, 104 (44.4%) conceived postoperatively including 58 (55.8%) spontaneous pregnancies. An EFI of 0-4 for spontaneous pregnancies was associated with a lower cumulative pregnancy incidence compared to an EFI of 5-10 (52 versus 34 pregnancies respectively, Subdistribution Hazard Ratio (SHR) = 0.47; 95% CI [0.2; 1.1]; p = 0.08). An EFI of 0-4 was associated with a higher cumulative pregnancy rate for pregnancies obtained by artificial reproduction technology (ART), compared to an EFI of 5-10 (12 versus 6 pregnancies respectively, SHR = 1.9; CI95% [0.96; 3.8]; p = 0.06). Fecundability decreased from 12 months for EFI 0-4 and from 24 months for EFI 5-10.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis suggests that patients with an unfavorable EFI (≤4) have more ART pregnancies than patients with a favorable EFI (≥5) and should be referred for ART shortly after surgery. Patients with a favorable EFI may attempt spontaneous pregnancy for 24 months before referral.

Appropriate surgical management of ovarian endometrioma: excision or drainage?

Endometriosis negatively impacts the lives of countless women around the world. When medical management fails to improve quality of life often women are left making a decision whether or not to proceed with surgery. With endometriomas, patient's surgical options include complete surgical removal or drainage via laparoscopy. Here, we review the literature to discuss both techniques, excision and drainage of endometriomas, and what the research supports for endometrioma management.

Impact of Surgery for Deep Infiltrative Endometriosis before In Vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to compare reproductive outcomes in patients who underwent surgery for deep infiltrative endometriosis (DIE) before in vitro fertilization (IVF) with those in patients who underwent IVF without a previous surgery for DIE, to analyze data according to different types of surgery (complete or incomplete) or subgroups of patients (DIE with or without bowel involvement), and to assess surgical and IVF complications and data regarding safety concerns.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic literature search from January 1980 to November 2019 with no language restriction was performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. The search strategy used the following Medical Subject Headings terms: "in vitro," "fertilization," "IVF," "assisted reproduction," "colorectal," "endometriosis," "deep," "infiltrating," "deep infiltrative endometriosis," "intestinal," "bowel," "rectovaginal," "uterosacral," "vaginal," and "bladder."

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION

We included studies that compared reproductive outcomes in women with infertility with DIE who received IVF with or without a previous surgery for DIE lesions. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan v.5.3; Cochrane Training, London, United Kingdom). The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed using the method recommended by Cochrane Collaboration.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS

The systematic search retrieved 150 articles; 98 studies were potentially eligible, and their full texts were reviewed. Of these, 12 studies met our inclusion criteria, and 5 presented data suitable for inclusion in a meta-analysis; however, 2 of the studies provided overlapping data, and only the larger study was finally included. No randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were found. The pregnancy rate per patient was 1.84 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.28-2.64), the pregnancy rate per cycle was 1.84 (95% CI, 1.26-2.70), and the live birth rate per patient was 2.22 (95% CI, 1.42-3.46) times more likely for operated patients than for nonoperated ones. The addition of data from the incomplete surgery groups also showed a higher pregnancy rate per patient for surgery before IVF (odds ratio [OR] 1.63; 95% CI, 1.16-2.28). The results favor previous surgery in DIE with digestive involvement (OR 2.43; 95% CI, 1.13-5.22) and also in DIE without digestive involvement (OR 1.55; 95% CI, 0.61-3.95). A qualitative analysis of the complications of surgery and IVF showed a partial or complete lack of information on these issues as well as high heterogeneity in the reported data. None of these studies is an RCT; therefore, all have a high risk of selection and allocation bias, except for 1 study that statistically controlled the latter risk by using propensity scores. Funnel plots showed no asymmetry.

CONCLUSION

The results were very consistent for all the studied outcomes, showing a statistically significant benefit for surgery before IVF, although they should be confirmed with RCTs. In addition to the reproductive outcomes, safety data should also be reported to obtain a complete assessment of the risks and benefits.

Live-Birth Outcomes and Congenital Malformations After Progestin-Primed Ovarian Stimulation in Maternal Endometriosis

Purpose

In patients who had advanced endometriosis, we use different protocols including GnRH agonist, GnRH antagonist and progestin-primed ovarian stimulation (PPOS) protocols to assess live-birth congenital malformations delivered after in vitro fertilization (IVF) and vitrified embryo transfer cycles.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study is conducted by us. It includes 1495 live-born infants in maternal endometriosis. From January 2010 to January 2017, we brought into infants who underwent either gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist long protocol, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist protocol or PPOS. We chose neonatal outcomes and congenital malformations as our major measures.

Results

Neonatal outcomes, as well as congenital malformations, were considered as the main measures, and gestational age, birth weight, birth length, multiple births and early neonatal death are included. All groups were comparable. The GnRH antagonist group (1.41%) and the GnRH antagonist protocol group (1.8%) had the same incidence of live-birth defects as the PPOS groups (1.33%) were similar. There were no apparent differences when it came to congenital malformations among the three groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that infertility-time factors as well as multiple births combined to add the risk of congenital malformations; the adjusted odds were 1.143 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.988–1.323) and 3.253 (95% CI: 1.359–7.788). Besides, no association was found among various ovarian stimulations as well as congenital birth defect programs, maternal age, body mass index, parity or infant sex.

Conclusion

This study suggests that, in contrast to conventional ovarian stimulation, PPOS neither has any effect on neonatal outcomes in IVF adverse effects nor does it elevate the rate of congenital malformations in late endometriosis. However, randomized controlled trials of the long-term outcomes of children born after PPOS protocols for maternal endometriosis are needed and the follow-up studies were conducted to confirm this result.

Spontaneous pregnancy rate following surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis in infertile women: The impact of the learning curve

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether the surgical learning curve impact the spontaneous pregnancy rate in infertile patients undergoing removal of deep infiltrating endometriosis MATERIAL AND METHODS: Single center retrospective study including the first 50 consecutive infertile women suffering from deep infiltrating endometriosis and referred to a single surgeon. All patients underwent laparoscopic removal of deep endometriosis lesions. The study population was stratified in two subgroups, namely the early group (including the first 25 cases) and the late group (comprising the 25 subsequent cases). Pregnancy and live birth rates, surgical morbidity and clinical recurrence rate were compared between study groups.

RESULTS

Overall, spontaneous pregnancy rate (40 % in the early group versus 56 % in the late group, p = 0.25), live birth rate (40 % versus 44 %, p = 0.77) and clinical recurrence rate (16 % versus 4%, p = 0.16) did not significantly differ between the study groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ASRM stage, EFI score, and body mass index were the only significant prognostic factors of postoperative spontaneous fertility.

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection of deep infiltrating endometriosis in infertile women is associated with high spontaneous pregnancy and live birth rates. The surgeon's learning curve does not impact postoperative fertility outcomes.

Endometrioma and reproductive issues: a well-informed patient may be the driver for change

Endometriosis affects a great proportion of women during their reproductive years and may impair female fertility in several ways. Ovarian endometrioma (OE) is the most frequent phenotype and growing evidence suggest an endometrioma-mediated damage to the ovary, ovarian reserve and oocyte quality. Traditionally, surgery has been the first-line treatment in cases of OE. Great advances in assisted reproduction and fertility preservation techniques opened new possibilities towards a more conservative approach. Herein we discuss multiple mechanisms responsible for the deterioration of the reproductive capacity in cases of OE as well as the pros and cons of different treatment options. The management of endometrioma-related subfertility remains controversial and it will depend on patient's intentions and priorities. In the "internet era" patients tend to be hyper-informed and more participative, but they are often misguided and misinformed. Thus, doctors should be able to convert these individuals into well-informed patients in order to facilitate the process of shared decision making, which is extremely relevant in the context of OEs.

Obstetrical complications and outcome in patients with endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that has a profound impact on the quality of life of women, due to the associated chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia and infertility. However, even getting long-awaited pregnancy (often after assisted reproductive technologies), patients with endometriosis have a high risk of obstetric complications, such as miscarriage, preterm birth, preeclampsia, placental abnormalities, hemorrhage in labor, birth of small for gestational age infants, stillbirth and higher cesarean section rate. In addition, during pregnancy acute complications of endometriosis may occur, such as spontaneous hemoperitoneum, which is rare but life-threatening conditions that in most cases require surgical intervention. The mechanisms of the observed complications in pregnant women with endometriosis are not fully understood. This review presents literature data and personal considerations on the effect of endometriosis on pregnancy outcome and the occurrence of complications, as well as their possible underlined mechanisms. Based on this, we proposed ways to reduce the risk of obstetric complications in pregnant women with a history of endometriosis.

Do ovarian endometriomas affect ovarian response to ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI?

RESEARCH QUESTION

Does the presence of ovarian endometriomas affect ovarian response to ovarian stimulation after adjusting for age and ovarian reserve markers?

DESIGN

This retrospective cross-sectional study compared the ovarian response between patients with ovarian endometriomas and women with other infertility factors undergoing their first ovarian stimulation for IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). An age-specific nomogram model for the number of oocytes retrieved was built for both groups, and ovarian response was compared after adjusting for age, gonadotrophin dose, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and antral follicle count (AFC).

RESULTS

A total of 923 patients were included: 101 women with at least one ovarian endometrioma, and 822 patients with other infertility factors. Comparisons of the nomograms for the number of oocytes retrieved demonstrated that response was significantly lower for women with endometrioma when the results were adjusted for age the z-score for the number of oocytes retrieved (-0.49 ± 0.71 versus -0.20 ± 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.47 to -0.12) and also after adjustment for the total dose of gonadotrophins and AMH values (z-score mean difference -0.338; 95% CI -0.54, -0.14). When the z-score was adjusted for gonadotrophin dose and AFC, the number of oocytes retrieved was comparable between the two groups (z-score mean difference -0.038; 95% CI -0.34 to 0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

Ovarian response after ovarian stimulation for IVF/ICSI in women with endometriomas is significantly lower than in controls after adjusting for age, gonadotrophin dose and AMH. Dose and protocol selection for ovarian stimulation in patients with endometrioma should be based on AFC rather than AMH, as the latter may be overestimated.

Endometriosis fertility index for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy after endometriosis surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Results of studies that have assessed the accuracy of the endometriosis Fertility Index (EFI) for predicting non-assisted reproductive technology (ART) pregnancy are inconsistent.

OBJECTIVE

We intended to evaluate the accuracy of EFI for the prediction of non-ART pregnancy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Embase, Medline, Scopus and Web of Science were searched up to 5 October 2019.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included studies that used EFI to predict non-ART pregnancy in women with surgically documented endometriosis.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A total of 5547 studies were identified, from which we included 17 studies on 4598 women in the meta-analysis. Eight studies were classified as good quality, and the rest were considered to be of fair quality. Only five (29.41%) studies used appropriate approaches to account for potential confounders. Pooled effect sizes with corresponding 95% CI were calculated using random-effects model.

MAIN RESULTS

The cumulative non-ART pregnancy rate at 36 months was 10% (95% CI: 3, 16%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 0-2, which significantly increased to 69% (95% CI: 58, 79%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 9-10. Compared with women with an EFI of 3-4 (18%, 95% CI: 12, 24%; P < 0.001), the combined cumulative non-ART pregnancy rates were 44% (95% CI: 26, 63%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFT of 5-6 and 55% (95% CI: 47, 64%; P < 0.001) for women with an EFI of 7-8. Paired comparison by the chi-square test showed a significant difference between all categories (P < 0.001). The odds ratio (OR) for EFI was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.17, 1.49, P < 0.001) and the summary area under the curve (AUC) was 72% (95% CI: 65, 80%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The current findings highlighted the good performance of the EFI score in predicting the non-ART pregnancy rate. However, these findings should be considered with caution because of the substantial heterogeneity between studies.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Review findings show the merits of Endometriosis Fertility Index as having a prognostic ability for non-assisted reproductive technology pregnancy.

Bowel Endometriosis: Current Perspectives on Diagnosis and Treatment

Endometriosis is a chronic condition primarily affecting young women of reproductive age. Although some women with bowel endometriosis may be asymptomatic patients typically report a myriad of symptoms such as alteration in bowel habits (constipation/diarrhoea) dyschezia, dysmenorrhoea and dyspareunia in addition to infertility. To date, there are no clear guidelines on the evaluation of patients with suspected bowel endometriosis. Several techniques have been proposed including transvaginal and/or transrectal ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and double-contrast barium enema. These different imaging modalities provide greater information regarding presence, location and extent of endometriosis ensuring patients are adequately informed whilst also optimizing preoperative planning. In cases where surgical management is indicated, surgery should be performed by experienced surgeons, in centres with access to multidisciplinary care. Treatment should be tailored according to patient symptoms and wishes with a view to excising as much disease as possible, whilst at the same time preserving organ function. In this review article current perspectives on diagnosis and management of bowel endometriosis are discussed.

Effect of Endometrioma cystectomy on cytokines of follicular fluid and IVF outcomes

Background

Endometriosis patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) treatment suffer from lower success rates. The success of IVF-ET is related to the receptivity of the uterus and the quality of embryos, and it is well known a patient’s endometriosis does not impair the receptivity. Whether endometrioma should be removed surgically before IVF remains controversial. Studies have shown that endometrioma removal decreases peritoneal inflammation, but little information is available regarding the alteration in the cytokines of follicular fluid. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of endometrioma cystectomy on the outcome of IVF and the levels of intrafollicular inflammatory cytokines and to investigate correlations between cytokine concentrations and IVF outcomes.

Method

A total of 41 women with endometriosis-associated infertility undergoing IVF were recruited; 13 patients (surgery group, S group) had surgery to remove the endometrioma before enrollment, and 28 patients (non-surgery group, NS group) were untreated before IVF. The follicular fluid from a dominant follicle was collected during oocyte retrieval, and the concentrations of sixteen soluble cytokines known to be involved in ovarian function were measured.

Results

Among the soluble molecules examined in this study, chemokines and growth factors and a few are inflammatory cytokines were found in the follicular fluid of patients with endometriosis. In addition, the expression levels of chemokines, growth factors, and most inflammatory cytokines did not differ between the S and NS groups, but interleukin (IL)-18 levels were significantly lower in the NS group. However, the levels of IL-18 in the FF did not correlate with IVF cycle parameters. The implantation and clinical pregnancy rates were similar between the two groups, but the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level was lower in the S group than in the NS group.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that endometrioma surgery may potentially reduce the ovarian reserve and has little impact on the success rate of IVF. Ovarian endometriomas are not associated with cytokine profiles in FF from infertile women, and they are not likely to affect the quality of the oocyte and embryo as a result of an inflammatory mechanism.

Predicting the likelihood of a live birth for women with endometriosis-related infertility

OBJECTIVE

Endometriosis affects 10% of women in reproductive age and alters fertility. Its management is still debated notably the timing of surgery and ART in infertility. Several tools have been created to guide the practitioner and the couple yet many limitations persist. The objective is to create a nomogram to predict the likelihood of a live birth after surgery followed by assisted reproductive technology (ART) for patients with endometriosis-related infertility.

STUDY DESIGN

All women in a public university hospital who attempted to conceive by ART after surgery for endometriosis-related infertility from 2004 to 2016 were included. We created a model using multivariable linear regression based on a retrospective database.

RESULT

Of the 297 women included, 171 (57.6%) obtained a live birth. Age, duration of infertility, number of ICSI-IVF cycles, ovarian reserve and the revised American Fertility Society (rAFS) score were included in the nomogram. The predictive model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.79) and was well calibrated. The external validation of the model was achieved with an AUC of 0.71 (95% CI, 0.69-0.73) and calibration was good. The staging accuracy according to AUC criteria for the nomogram compared to the currently used Endometriosis Infertility Index to predict live births were 0.77 (95% CI, 0.75-0.79) and 0.60 (95% CI: 0.57-0.63), respectively.

CONCLUSION

This simple tool appears to accurately predict the likelihood of a live birth for a patient undergoing ART after surgery for endometriosis-related infertility. It could be used to counsel patients in their choice between spontaneous versus ART conception, or oocyte donation.

Pregnancy Rates After Surgical Treatment of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis in Infertile Patients With at Least 2 Previous In Vitro Fertilization or Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Failures

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the postoperative probabilities of pregnancy in patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) and ≥2 previous in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) failures.

DESIGN

Retrospective study using data prospectively recorded in the North-West Inter Regional Female Cohort for Patients with Endometriosis (CIRENDO) database.

SETTING

University tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS

Infertile patients under the age of 43 years, having undergone ≥2 previous IVF or ICSI failures, who were surgically managed for DIE.

INTERVENTIONS

Complete excision of DIE.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The pregnancy rate after surgery was assessed. One hundred and four infertile patients had surgery in 7 different centers participating in the database. Seventy-seven women intended to get pregnant postoperatively. Four patients who got pregnant by oocyte donation were excluded, resulting in a sample of 73 women. The mean patient age was 31.9 years (standard deviation [SD], 4.1), and the mean length of history of infertility was 48.4 months (SD, 26.5). Stage III and IV endometriosis were recorded in 83.6% of patients. The mean postoperative follow-up was 46.6 months (SD, 20.5). The postoperative pregnancy rate was 43.8% with a mean time from surgery to pregnancy of 11.1 months. 21.8% of pregnancies were spontaneous, 31.2% were obtained by IVF, 21.8% by frozen embryo transfer, 18.7% by IVF-ICSI, and 3.1% by intrauterine insemination. Multivariate analysis revealed that ovarian surgery, age ≥35 years old, and stage II endometriosis was associated with the probability of conception.

CONCLUSION

Infertile women with ≥2 IVF-ICSI failures may be referred for surgery as it appears related to reasonable postoperative pregnancy rates, particularly when endometriomas surgery is either not required or not performed. Surgery for DIE does not routinely delay conception, as it usually occurs during the year following surgery.

Fertility Preservation in Women With Endometriosis

Infertility affects 30% to 50% of women with endometriosis. Women with endometriosis are at risk of decreased ovarian reserve, both because of the pathophysiology of the disease and iatrogenic injury resulting from surgical intervention. Fertility preservation must occur at multiple levels, including careful selection of surgical candidates, avoidance of repeat procedures, and meticulous surgical technique. Fertility preservation with oocyte or ovarian tissue cryopreservation may be considered on an individual basis for women with endometriosis, particularly those at risk of bilateral ovarian injury, such as women with bilateral endometriomas.

Effect of Maternal Advanced Endometriosis on Risk of Congenital Malformations for Infants Born After in vitro Fertilization and Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer: Analysis of 28,600 Newborns

Background: Endometriosis is one of the most challenging diseases for doctors helping infertile women conceive, which has become a common method to help maternal endometriosis-associated infertility. Women with advanced endometriosis possess a higher risk of several adverse outcomes both during pregnancy and at the time of delivery. Whether endometriosis gives rise to a higher occurrence of congenital abnormalities in infants via in vitro fertilization and frozen-thawed embryo transfer (IVF-ET) remains unknown. Methods: Data collected on 22,865 women undergoing IVF using a freeze-all strategy from 2007 to 2017 were analyzed to estimate the rate of congenital malformations. We used an adjusted OR to compare the fertility outcomes of women with advanced endometriosis to the control group. Results: We studied 1,495 infants born from women with advanced endometriosis and 27,105 infants born from endometriosis-free women. There was a 1.557-fold risk that the infants with advanced maternal endometriosis would develop a congenital malformation (adjusted OR: 1.557, 95% CI: 1.03-2.35). Compared with singletons, twins were 1.957 times more likely to experience an adverse outcome (OR: 1.957, 95% CI: 1.561-2.455). When analyzing specific categories of birth defects, the proportion of circulatory system defects was higher than the other categories of birth defects in total (0.56%), followed by musculoskeletal system defects (0.15%). Conclusions: Maternal advanced endometriosis might increase the risk of congenital malformations for infants born after IVF-ET. The organ system most frequently affected by congenital malformations was the cardiovascular system, followed by the musculoskeletal system.

Live Birth Rate after Surgical and Expectant Management of Endometriomas after In Vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Critical Appraisal of Current Guidelines and Previous Meta-Analyses

Controversy exists regarding surgical management of endometriomas in infertile women before in vitro fertilization (IVF) because growing evidence indicates that surgery may impair the ovarian response. The objective of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare surgical and expectant management of endometriomas regarding IVF outcomes. Prospective and retrospective controlled studies were found via the Cochrane Library, Embase, and MEDLINE databases. Thirteen studies (1 randomized controlled trial and 12 observational studies, N = 2878) were pooled, and similar live birth rates were observed in the surgically and expectantly managed groups (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56-1.22; p = .98). The clinical pregnancy rates (odds ratio = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.66-1.05; p = .86), the number of mature oocytes retrieved, and the miscarriage rates were not statistically different between study groups. However, the total number of oocytes retrieved was lower in the surgery group (mean difference = -1.51; 95% CI, -2.60 to -0.43; p = .02). Findings suggest that surgical management of endometriomas before IVF therapy yields similar live birth rates as expectant management. However, future properly designed randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Endometriosis and in vitro fertilisation

The aim of the present review was to discuss a matter of concern in the clinical field of obstetrics/gynecology, namely the potency of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the management of endometriosis-associated infertility. Endometriosis is a medical condition affecting one tenth of women in their fertile years, and accounts for up to 50% of infertile women. Thus, such high prevalence has established the necessity for investigating the effectiveness of available techniques in eradicating the disease and constraining infertility as well as the accompanying pain symptoms of endometriosis. The underlying mechanisms connecting endometriosis with low fecundity have been extensively studied, both in terms of genetic alterations and epigenetic events that contribute to the manifestation of an infertility phenotype in women with the disease. Several studies have dealt with the impact of IVF in pregnancy rates (PRs) on patients with endometriosis, particularly regarding women who wish to conceive. Results retrieved from studies and meta-analyses depict a diverse pattern of IVF success, underlining the involvement of individual parameters in the configuration of the final outcome. The ultimate decision on undergoing IVF treatment should be based on objective criteria and clinicians' experience, customized according to patients' individual needs.

Surgery and Endometriosis

Care of the endometriosis patient today can be complex and difficult. Once medical management has been exhausted and symptoms persist patients desire further treatment options. This chapter takes an evidence-based approach at discussion of patient surgcical options for treatment of endometriosis symptoms. Surgical techniques, success rates, patient satisfaction, and risks must be discussed and understood at depth before planning patient surgical intervention. This chapter provides reference to current surgical management options and symptom relief following those interventions.

[Deeply infiltrating endometriosis and infertility: CNGOF-HAS Endometriosis Guidelines]

Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is a severe form of the disease, defined by endometriotic tissue peritoneal infiltration. The disease may involve the rectovaginal septum, uterosacral ligaments, digestive tract or bladder. Deeply infiltrating endometriosis is responsible for disabling pain and infertility. The purpose of these recommendations is to answer the following question: in case of deeply infiltrating endometriosis associated infertility, what is the best therapeutic strategy? First-line surgery and then in vitro fertilization (IVF) in case of persistent infertility or first-line IVF, without surgery? After exhaustive literature analysis, we suggest the following recommendations: studies focusing on spontaneous fertility of infertile patients with deeply infiltrating endometriosis found spontaneous pregnancy rates about 10%. Treatment should be considered in infertile women with deeply infiltrating endometriosis when they wish to conceive. First-line IVF is a good option in case of no operated deeply infiltrating endometriosis associated infertility. Pregnancy rates (spontaneous and following assisted reproductive techniques) after surgery (deep lesions without colorectal involvement) varie from 40 to 85%. After colorectal endometriosis resection, pregnancy rates vary from 47 to 59%. The studies comparing the pregnancy rates after IVF, whether or not preceded by surgery, are contradictory and do not allow, to date, to conclude on the interest of any surgical management of deep lesions before IVF. In case of alteration of ovarian reserve parameters (age, AMH, antral follicle count), there is no argument to recommend first-line surgery or IVF. The study of the literature does not identify any prognostic factors, allowing to chose between surgical management or IVF. The use of IVF in the indication "deep infiltrating endometriosis" allows satisfactory pregnancy rates without significant risk, regarding disease progression or oocyte retrieval procedure morbidity.

The effect of surgical management of endometrioma on the IVF/ICSI outcomes when compared with no treatment? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

To assess the impact of surgical management of endometrioma on the outcome of assisted reproduction treatment (ART).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Setting

Department of reproductive medicine at teaching university hospital, UK.

Patients

Subfertile women with endometrioma undergoing ART.

Interventions

Surgical removal of endometrioma or expectant management.

Main outcome measures

Clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy rate, live birth rate, number of oocytes retrieved and number of embryos available and ovarian response to gonadotrophins.

Results

An extensive search of electronic databases for articles published from inception to September 2016 yielded 11 eligible studies for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted comparing surgery versus no treatment of endometrioma. There were no significant differences in pregnancy rate per cycle, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate between women who underwent surgery for endometrioma and those who did not.

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests that women with endometriosis-related infertility have similar cycle outcomes to other patients going through ART. It is pertinent for clinicians to assess the risks of surgical intervention on ovarian reserve prior to initiating therapy.

Should we consider integrated approach for endometriosis-associated infertility as gold standard management? Rationale and results from a large cohort analysis

PURPOSE

To evaluate reproductive and maternal-fetal outcomes after integrated approach for endometriosis-associated infertility (EAI).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed reproductive and maternal-fetal outcomes of 277 women affected by EAI, subdividing patients in two groups: in the first one (surgery group), we included all women who underwent laparoscopic surgery for EAI; in the second one (integrated group), we included women who failed to conceive spontaneously after surgery within 6-12 months and underwent in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF). We evaluated delivery rate (DR), maternal and neonatal outcomes of the first pregnancies, and, finally, the type (spontaneous or IVF) of subsequent pregnancies.

RESULTS

We did not find significant difference regarding DR between surgery and integrated groups. We found significantly lower birth weight (p < 0.001) and gestational age at delivery (p < 0.001) in integrated group respect to surgery group; conversely, we found higher rate of preterm birth (p < 0.001), small for gestational age (p = 0.003), and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (p < 0.001) respect to surgery group. Finally, 92 women became pregnant for the second time: 8% were spontaneous and 20% were IVF pregnancies.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest the integrated approach as gold standard treatment for carefully selected patients (young, good ovarian reserve, partner with normal semen parameters) affected by EAI. As consequence, IVF should be reserved as the secondary treatment for women who fail to conceive spontaneously after surgery within 6-12 months, since it is able to increase DR significantly.

Surgery versus Expectant Management in Patients with Endometrioma who Seek Pregnancy

Ovarian endometriomas are a common finding in both infertile and non-infertile women. For non-infertile women planning to seek pregnancy in the presence of an ovarian endometrioma, expectant management is a reasonable option, since reassuring data on spontaneous pregnancy rates for non-infertile patient cohorts have been reported. In case of infertile patients, on the other hand, spontaneous pregnancy rates without treatment are disappointing, and surgery, assisted reproductive technology (ART), or a combination of the two, may be suggested. Surgery should be the preferred approach in case of associated pain. Spontaneous pregnancy rates of over 50% have been reported after surgery in infertile patients. If pregnancy does not occur after 12 months, or earlier for older age groups, patients may be referred to ART. Clinical decisions in the scenario of infertility-associated endometriosis are difficult, since many issues have not been properly addressed in randomized clinical trials. The treatment decision should therefore be based on a sound clinical evaluation, tailored to each patient, after careful consideration of various parameters, such as age and ovarian reserve of the patient, previous treatments for the disease, the presence of associated pain, and associated infertility factors.

Endometriosis Fertility Index for Predicting Pregnancy after Endometriosis Surgery

BACKGROUND

The endometriosis fertility index (EFI) has a predictive value for pregnancy after surgery. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) is a good treatment to infertility. This study aimed to provide external validation of EFI, assess the factors affecting the ability of EFI to predict cumulative spontaneous pregnancy rates (PRs), and propose reasonable advice for treatment by evaluating the effect of infertility management combining surgery and IVF-ET.

METHODS

This retrospective study enrolled 345 endometriosis-related infertile women after laparoscopic surgery from January 2012 to January 2016. Among them, 234 patients tried to conceive naturally and were divided into six groups according to their different EFI scores. Of the 345 patients, 307 with an EFI score ≥5 were divided into non-IVF-ET group (n = 209) and IVE-ET group (n = 98) to compare the cumulative PRs. Cumulative PRs' curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier product limit estimate and the differences were evaluated by log-rank test. Independent predictive factors for pregnancy were assessed using the Cox regression model.

RESULTS

Significant differences in spontaneous PRs among different EFI scores were identified (χ2=29.945, P< 0.05). The least function score was proved to be the most important factor for EFI (χ2 = 6.931, P< 0.05) staging system. In patients with an EFI score ≥5 after 12 months from surgery, the cumulative PRs of those who received both surgery and IVF-ET were much higher than the spontaneous PRs of those who received surgery alone (χ2=4.160, P= 0.041).

CONCLUSIONS

The EFI is a reliable staging system to predict the spontaneous PR of patients. The least function score was the most influential factor to predict the spontaneous PR. Patients with an EFI score ≥5 after 12 months from surgery are recommended to receive IVF-ET to achieve a higher PR.

To operate or not to operate on women with deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) before in vitro fertilization (IVF)

Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can cause infertility and pelvic pain. There is little evidence of a clear connection between DIE and infertility, and the absolute benefits of surgery for DIE have not been established. This paper aimed to review the current literature on the effect of surgery for DIE on fertility, pregnancy, and IVF outcomes. Clinicians should bear in mind that a comprehensive clinical history is useful to identify patients at risk for endometriosis, although many women remain asymptomatic. Imaging can be useful to plan surgery. The effect of surgery on the fertility of women with DIE remains unanswered due to the heterogeneous nature of the disease and the lack of trials with enough statistical power and adequate follow-up. Surgery is not recommended when the main goal is to treat infertility or to improve IVF results. Decisions should be tailored according to the individual needs of each woman. Patients must be provided information on the potential benefits, harm, and costs of each treatment alternative, while the medical team observes factors such as presence of pelvic pain, patient age, lesion location, and previous treatments. In this scenario, management by a multidisciplinary endometriosis team is a key step to achieving successful outcomes.

[Deep infiltrative endometriosis without digestive involvement, what is the impact of surgery on in vitro fertilization outcomes? A retrospective study]

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of complete removal of endometriosis in case of deep infiltrative endometriosis without digestive involvement, on in vitro fertilization outcomes.

METHODS

Retrospective monocentric study. We included infertile women with deep infiltrative endometriosis without colorectal involvement that underwent IVF. Women were divided in two groups, following their history: "surgery" when they underwent complete endometriosis resection before IVF and "without surgery" when they underwent IVF without endometriosis removal. We analysed IVF outcomes considering pregnancy rates per cycle and cumulative pregnancy rates per patient.

RESULTS

We included 72 patients: 35 in the "surgery" group and 37 in the "without surgery" group. Women in the two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics (age, body mass index, anti-Müllerian hormone, antral follicular count), endometriosis localizations and in vitro fertilization parameters. Cumulative pregnancy rates per patient were similar in both groups (40 % in the "surgery" group and 41 % in the "without surgery" group; P=1). Clinical pregnancy rate per cycle were also comparable groups (24 % in the "surgery" group and 28 % in the "without surgery" group; P=0.67). Surgery performed was comparable in women that became pregnant and in women that did not. Age was lower in women that became pregnant (P=0.01) and there were more pregnancy obtained in women under 35 years.

CONCLUSION

In women with deep infiltrative endometriosis without digestive involvement, in vitro fertilization outcomes were not impacted by surgery. Therapeutic choice between IVF or surgery as first-line treatment remains thus questionable and shall be guided by other influencing factors, such as pain symptomatology, age, tubal permeability, ovarian reserve, partner's sperm characteristics and woman's choice.

A 10-Year Study of Endometriosis in an Indigenous Black African Population

Background

Endometriosis is a debilitating disease in women of child-bearing age.

Objective

To describe the pattern of presentation, stage of endometriosis and biophysical profile of patients with endometriosis.

Method

A retrospective study of 61 consecutive infertile patients between June 2003 and November 2014.

Results

The means (±SD) of age (years) and of body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) of the patients were 34.1 (4.3) and 25.8 (5.0), respectively. A relatively high percentage (43, 70.5%) of the women were in the age range of 31-40 years; had normal BMI (27, 44.3%); were nulliparous (53, 86.9%) and were of primary infertility (40, 65.6%). The mean (±SD) age at menarche, of cycle length, of the duration of flow and of years trying to conceive were 12.9 (1.7) years, 29.1 (2.7) days, 4.7 (1.1) days and 5.2 (3.8) years, respectively. A high proportion of them (37, 60.7%) presented with severe endometriosis. The main symptoms at presentation was dysmenorrhea (47, 73.8%). Of the 32 (52.5%) with associated utero-tubal factor, 20 (62.5%) were in severe stage of endometriosis. Among women with endometriosis, those with primary infertility were over three times more likely to present with menorrhagia than those with secondary infertility (χ² = 4.70; p value = 0.03; OR = 3.33; 95% CI = 1.10, 10.12). Only 3 (4.9%) had diagnosis of endometriosis in first-degree relative. Dysmenorrhea was a strong predictor of severe endometriosis.

Conclusions

There may be some trends in the biophysical profile of infertile women with endometriosis which may influence diagnosis and management.

The benefit of adenomyomectomy on fertility outcomes in women with rectovaginal endometriosis with coexisting adenomyosis

Study Objective:

To evaluate the effect of removal of coexisting adenomyosis on fertility outcomes in women with rectovaginal endometriosis.

Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

A general hospital.

Patients:

A total of 190 women who underwent laparoscopic nodule excision surgery for rectovaginal endometriosis between April 2007 and December 2012.

Interventions:

Surgical excision of the rectovaginal endometriosis and coexisting uterine adenomyosis. Statistical analysis for fertility outcomes.

Measurement and main results:

A total of 119 women desired postoperative pregnancy. Coexisting adenomyosis was found in 21% of the women. The overall clinical pregnancy rate was 41.2%. The only determining factor associated with a successful pregnancy was “age at surgery”. Clinical pregnancy rates with or without adenomyosis were 36.0% and 42.6%, respectively. We found no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rates between the groups.

Conclusion:

There is a possibility that surgical removal of coexisting adenomyosis positively effects fertility outcomes in women with rectovaginal endometriosis. However, it is also important to note that the age at surgery was a critical factor for successful pregnancy.

A comparative analysis of arterial blood flow in unexplained infertility, tubal infertility and fertile groups

We aimed to compare ovarian (O), uterine (U) and spiral (S) artery (A) resistance of patients diagnosed as fertile, unexplained infertility (UI) and tubal factor infertility (TFI) in the peri-implantation period and independent from the impact of the treatment. UI (n = 70), TFI (n = 75) and fertile (n = 72) patients' ovarian, uterine and spiral artery pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI) and the endometrial thickness, serum estradiol and progesterone levels were compared. The specificity and sensitivity values were calculated according to determined cutoff values. Both TFI and control groups' UA PI values were significantly lower than the UI group's PI values. The highest UA RI values were found in UI group and the lowest values were in the control group. UI and TFI groups' OA PI/RI values were significantly higher than the control group. Both the control and TFI groups' SA PI/RI values were significantly lower than UI group's PI/RI values. UI patients' uterine and spiral arteries PI values >1.86 and >0.85, RI values >0.80 and >0.53 can be used as a valuable test showing reduced uterine perfusion. Ovarian artery PI values  >0.96 and RI values  >0.58 can be used as tests showing decreased ovarian perfusion in patients with TFI. In these patients, embryo cryopreservation can be considered.