Vaginal myomectomy

[Vaginal myomectomy: Feasibility and evaluation of the risk of postoperative adhesion]

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this series are to evaluate the results of vaginal myomectomy and to assess the postoperative adhesion risk.

METHODS

It was a prospective observational study of fifty patients. All patients underwent a vaginal myomectomy, followed six months after laparoscopy to assess and treat postoperative adhesions.

RESULTS

Myomectomies were performed via an anterior, posterior and mixed colpotomy in 42 %, 54 % and 4 % of the cases, respectively. Laparoconversion was necessary in three cases (6 %). Laparoscopic evaluation was performed in 24 patients (48 %). adhesions were present in 14 cases (58.33 %); the adhesions did not affect the Fallopian tubes and ovaries.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal myomectomy was feasible, not limited to single myomectomy this which is in agreement with previously published series. Post adhesion risk seems weaker and does not concern the appendices, but this requires to be confirmed.

Vaginal myomectomy for a thirteen-centimeter anterior myoma

Vaginal myomectomy is an uncommon but advantageous approach for large interstitial uterine fibroids. Myomectomy is performed via laparotomy and laparoscopy; however, in selected cases, vaginal myomectomy has been proven to be a safe and an effective surgical procedure. We report the case of a 38-year-old para one woman with complaints of chronic lower abdominal pain. Preoperative workup revealed a thirteen-centimeter interstitial uterine myoma in the anterior wall. Successful myomectomy was performed via the vaginal route. We will share the preoperative images, operative technique, and postoperative images.

Vaginal myomectomy is a safe and feasible procedure: a retrospective study of 46 cases

AIM

The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility and safety of vaginal myomectomy via posterior colpotomy in a series of consecutive procedures performed by one surgeon.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study in a tertiary care university hospital, involving 46 patients with symptomatic myomas and uteruses smaller than 16 gestational weeks and with no signs of pelvic disease. After a presurgical study, the patients underwent vaginal myomectomy. Characteristics of patients, position and size of myomas, operative data, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and length of hospital stay were recorded.

RESULTS

Forty-four women underwent vaginal myomectomy and conversion to laparotomy was required in two cases (4.3%). Two patients suffered from infertility and one of these achieved pregnancy after the procedure. The median size of myomas was 50 mm (range 16-81). In two cases a culdoscopy was performed with a flexible fiberoptic gastroscope to better evaluate size and localization of myomas. Thirty-two patients underwent vaginal myomectomy under general anesthesia and 12 under locoregional anesthesia. The median vaginal operating time was 70 min (range 30-120). The estimated hemoglobin loss was 0.70 g/dL (range 0.40-3.35 g/dL). No severe intraoperative complications occurred. The median duration of hospital stay was 1 day (range 1-6).

CONCLUSIONS

Vaginal myomectomy is a safe and feasible surgical procedure if performed by a well-trained, experienced surgeon.

Natural Orifice Surgery (NOS)-the next step in the evolution of minimally invasive surgery

Endoscopy, which was introduced in the 20(th) century, changed the outcome of surgery by reducing the need for analgesia and shortening hospital stay. Any new surgical method should improve safety and outcome. At the beginning of the 21(st) century, the use of natural orifice surgery is a promising progress. The transgastric and transdouglas approaches are currently being investigated and evaluated. The transgastric approach still has a long way to go due to objective problems such as infections, stomach acidity, and the optimal way to ensure the safe closure of gastrotomy. The transdouglas approach, however, is already starting to establish itself and it seems that with the construction of designated instruments it will prevail in the 21(st) century.

Subtotal hysterectomy and myomectomy - vaginally

Vaginal subtotal (or supracervical) hysterectomy and vaginal myomectomy are elegant procedures rarely carried out by the average gynaecologist. Both techniques, however, are easily learned, and in view of the proven advantages of vaginal surgery over abdominal or laparoscopic approaches, they are worthy of a wider application. Subtotal hysterectomy may be preferred to excision of the entire uterus in certain circumstances, and may be carried out vaginally. Vaginal myomectomy allows for a more thorough myomectomy and stronger uterine repair than a laparoscopic procedure, as well as avoiding abdominal wounds. It may represent the optimal approach where fibroids are favourably sited. We first set out the case for subtotal hysterectomy and then describe the development of vaginal subtotal hysterectomy and vaginal myomectomy. We discuss the evidence supporting their use and indications, and then describe techniques for both vaginal procedures.

The uterus and fertility

OBJECTIVE

To review the current understanding of the role the uterus plays in embryo implantation and to outline congenital anomalies and acquired diseases that impact normal uterine function.

DESIGN

The publications related to the embryo implantation, Mullerian anomalies, uterine polyps, uterine synechiae, and myomas were identified through Medline and reviewed.

CONCLUSION(S)

Congenital anomalies and acquired diseases of the uterus may negatively impact on the complex processes of embryo implantation. Hysteroscopic surgery to correct uterine septa, intrauterine synechiae, and myomas that distort the uterine cavity may benefit women with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. The effect of endometrial polyps on fertility is uncertain, but their removal, once identified, is justifiable. Complex congenital anomalies such as unicornuate uterus and uterus didelphys may negatively affect fertility and pregnancy outcome, and surgical treatment may benefit select patients.

[The natural orifice surgery concept. Vision and rationale for a paradigm shift]

BACKGROUND

During the 20th Century, laparoscopic surgery achieved high standards and significantly reduced morbidity. In order to make surgery simpler and safer, a new concept, natural orifice surgery (NOS), has recently been introduced. The approach to the abdominal cavity may be transoral-transgastric, transvaginal-transdouglas or transanal-transrectal. This article describes the logic behind this approach and the expected challenges.

METHODS

In order to realize this goal, we founded the first European based working group on NOS. This group concentrates on the development of transdouglas procedures in women by using the transdouglas endoscopic device (TED). This is a wide, multi-channel instrument, which will enable surgery to be performed via a single entry.

RESULTS

Simulation of various intra-abdominal operations, such as staging, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, myomectomy und ovarectomy, using TED has already been carried out. Practical studies are planned in the near future.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility of NOS has been demonstrated in various experimental studies. We believe that this technique will create a spectrum of innovative and high quality operations and will improve patient safety.

Transvaginal myomectomy with screw traction by colpotomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the enucleation of uterine leiomyomas by traction method via colpotomy.

METHODS

Ten women with menorrhagia, pelvic pain, or secondary infertility associated with single uterine myomas underwent transvaginal myomectomy with screw traction by colpotomy. The feasibility of the procedure, operative complications, postoperative recovery, pregnancies, and relief of symptoms were the main outcome measures.

RESULTS

Traction myomectomy was completed vaginally in all patients. The mean operating time was 71 min and average blood loss 385 ml. The mean size of a single myoma was 6.7 cm (range 5.6-8.0 cm) and weight 153 g. One patient developed a transient hematoma. All women reported relief of their symptoms after a mean follow-up of 24 months. Three patients had a term delivery postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Traction myomectomy by colpotomy is a feasible approach for selected patients wishing to preserve their ability to conceive. A single well-lined myoma of 5-8 cm diameter and possible to reach via colpotomy is a suitable subject for the procedure, which proved a viable surgical approach.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal subtotal hysterectomy

BACKGROUND

A novel approach in combined laparoscopic and vaginal procedures through the posterior cul-de-sac for subtotal hysterectomy is introduced.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-one women with menometrorrhagia, symptomatic adenomyosis, or uterine myomas were enrolled in this study. After laparoscopic dissection of bilateral round ligaments and adnexa, a guiding suture brought the uterine fundus down through the posterior cul-desac into the vagina via a posterior colpotomy. Subtotal hysterectomy and hemostasis of the cervical stump were then performed transvaginally by conventional techniques and equipment.

RESULTS

Mean operative time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 111.2 +/- 28.8 minutes, 252.4 +/- 147.9 mL, and 3.2 +/- 0.9 days, respectively. No patients developed serious complications, but 1 patient had a postoperative stump infection and was treated with 2 combined antibiotics, uneventfully.

CONCLUSION

A combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach in performing subtotal hysterectomy through the posterior cul-de-sac is an alternative to a purely laparoscopic approach.

Alternative medical and surgical options to hysterectomy

The range of alternatives to hysterectomy includes 'expanded' oral medical regimens, the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS), a wide range of endometrial ablative techniques, and-where fibroids are the primary pathology-myomectomy and uterine artery embolization. Since research has shown that hysterectomy is a highly effective treatment, these alternatives must be assessed against the recognized high satisfaction rates and improved quality of life reported following hysterectomy. Additional issues that would also need to be addressed include complication rates, side-effects, and cost-effectiveness. For women with prolonged abnormal uterine bleeding, recent research suggests that hysterectomy is significantly superior to an expanded medical treatment regimen for health-related quality-of-life measures. Satisfaction with treatment, and health-related quality of life and psychosocial well-being, are reportedly similar between hysterectomy and the LNG-IUS, but the latter has the advantage of reduced cost. Endometrial ablation reduces menstrual blood flow, but its benefits relative to hysterectomy lessen over time. No large-scale studies have adequately compared uterine artery embolization or myomectomy to hysterectomy. Perhaps the most telling finding from recent research with respect to the place of alternative therapies to hysterectomy is that the existence or advent of these alternatives has not reduced hysterectomy rates, but merely increased treatment options and interventions for excessive menstrual loss.

Vaginal myomectomy using posterior colpotomy: feasibility in normal practice

BACKGROUND

Myomectomy is classically performed via laparotomy. Endoscopic surgery is limited for some indications. Vaginal myomectomy is a surgical procedure that has recently been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, reproducibility and complication rate of vaginal myomectomy via posterior colpotomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed from November 1998 to February 2001 in three departments of gynaecology.

RESULTS

Forty-five patients were involved, 17 (37.8%) of whom underwent laparoscopy before vaginal myomectomy for evaluation or treatment of a second pelvic disorder. Myomectomy was performed vaginally in 40 (89%) of the 45 patients. Peroperative laparotomy was required in five patients (11%), either because vaginal myomectomy proved impossible (four cases) or because of rectal injury (one case). One patient needed supplementary laparotomy on day 8 for the treatment of a pelvic abscess.

CONCLUSION

Posterior vaginal myomectomy seems to be a feasible and reproducible surgical procedure. The success rate of vaginal myomectomy in this study was over 80%. Further randomised studies are needed to compare this procedure with laparotomy and laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopic myomectomy

Hysteroscopic myomectomy is a minimally invasive technique that eliminates the need for a laparotomy and is associated with lower morbidity than abdominal myomectomy. Its beneficial effects are reflected by the improvement in menstrual pattern, fertility rate, and overall patient satisfaction. It is usually performed as outpatient surgery but occasionally requires an overnight stay. Most patients return to full activity within 48 hours. To exploit the full potentials of this procedure, appropriate case selection and surgical expertise are essential. It should be considered as first-line conservative surgical therapy for the management of symptomatic intracavitary fibroids.

Laparoscopic-Assisted Vaginal Myomectomy Through an Anterior Approach

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach through the anterior cul-de-sac in dealing with fundal and/or anterior wall uterine myomata.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seven women with symptomatic fundal and/or anterior wall uterine myomata were enrolled in this study. After laparoscopic identification of the location of the myomata, a guiding suture brought the dominant myoma down through the anterior cul-de-sac into the vagina via an anterior colpotomy. Resection and suturing were then performed transvaginally.

RESULTS

Mean +/- standard deviation (SD) operative time, blood loss, and the length of hospital stay were 88.1 +/- 27.8 minutes, 278.6 +/- 131.8 mL, and 2.9 +/- 0.7 days, respectively. No patients developed serious complications, and only four transient macroscopic hematuria occurred intra- and postoperatively.

CONCLUSION

Although transient hematuria may occur, a combined laparoscopy and vaginal approach in dealing with fundal and/or anterior wall uterine fibroids through the anterior cul-de-sac is an alternative to pure laparoscopic myomectomy.

Operative morbidity and reproductive outcome in secondary myomectomy: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

This prospective study was designed to evaluate the operative morbidity and reproductive outcome in patients who had secondary myomectomy for recurrent symptomatic uterine fibroids.

METHODS

A total of 58 women were subjected to a secondary myomectomy via the abdominal route. The operative morbidity such as blood loss, presence of adhesions and febrile index were estimated and the pregnancy outcome over a 2-4 year period of follow-up.

RESULTS

The mean age and standard deviation (+/- SD) of the women was 35 (+/- 2.4) years. Nineteen patients (33%) had a postoperative temperature vertical line 100 degrees F and the estimated blood loss ranged from 159-2500 ml (median 700 ml). Seven patients (12%) required blood transfusion and one had a hysterectomy due to haemorrhage. Nine women (15.5%) became pregnant but only five (56%) had live births. Those with successful pregnancies tended to be younger with a mean age of 31.8 (+/- 2.6) years versus 35 (+/- 1.8) years, (P = 0.08, non-significant) and had fewer uterine leiomyomata; median with range values, 2 (1-6) versus 7 (6-15). The variables which best predicted the postoperative likelihood of pregnancy were; age, presence of tubal adhesions and the number of uterine fibroids.

CONCLUSION

This prospective study showed a high operative morbidity and a poor fertility outcome after a repeat myomectomy. The factors affecting successful outcome in a logistic regression model were age, tubal adhesions and number of uterine fibroids.

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal myomectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined laparoscopic and vaginal approach in dealing with uterine myomas.

DESIGN

Retrospective case study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Tertiary care major teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-one women with symptomatic fundal and/or posterior wall uterine myomas.

INTERVENTION

Laparoscopic-assisted vaginal myomectomy performed by one of the authors from July 1996 to December 1998.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Mean +/- SD operating time, blood loss, and length of hospital stay were 79.19+/-18.31 minutes, 150.00+/- 103.28 ml, and 3.10+/-0.75 days, respectively. No patients developed serious complications, and only two minor complications occurred.

CONCLUSION

After laparoscopic inspection and location of uterine myomas, dealing with posterior and fundal uterine myomas by the vaginal route makes hemostasis and uterine repair easier than by purely laparoscopic approach.

Myomectomy: a retrospective study to examine reproductive performance before and after surgery

The aim of this retrospective study was to establish the impact of myomectomy on pregnancy outcome with particular reference to its effect on the incidence of pregnancy loss. Myomectomy was performed using microsurgical procedures upon 51 women who had intramural or subserosal fibroids and wished to conceive. Overall, the conception rate following myomectomy was 57%. Multiple regression analysis showed that age was the only factor which influenced conception rate: </=35 years, 74% (23/31); >/=36 years, 30% (6/20; P < 0.005). The pregnancy loss rate prior to myomectomy was 60% (24/40), which was reduced to 24% (8/33) after myomectomy (P < 0.001). There was no instance of premature labour or scar rupture among 25 live births. This retrospective study suggests that myomectomy for intramural and subserosal fibroids may significantly improve the reproductive performance of women presenting with infertility or pregnancy loss.

The excision of uterine fibroids by vaginal myomectomy: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety of the excision of uterine fibroids by vaginal myomectomy.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

A gynecology department of a university teaching hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Women with menorrhagia, pelvic pain, symptoms of pressure, or subfertility attributable to moderate-sized uterine fibroids who otherwise would have required abdominal or laparoscopic myomectomy.

INTERVENTION(S)

Vaginal myomectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

The feasibility of vaginal surgery, operative complications, postoperative recovery, and relief of symptoms.

RESULT(S)

Myomectomy was completed vaginally in 32 (91.4%) of 35 patients and none required hysterectomy. The overall operating time was 78 minutes, the estimated operative blood loss was 313 mL, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 4 days. Pelvic hematomas developed in 4 patients, and one colpotomy required resuture. Seventy-four percent of the women reported relief of their symptoms at 3 months' follow-up. Three patients have had full-term pregnancies since the operation.

CONCLUSION(S)

Myomectomy can be performed by the vaginal route in selected cases with low morbidity and a good short-term success rate. Unlike open myomectomy, it requires no skin incision, and unlike laparoscopic myomectomy, it can be used in patients who have numerous, relatively large, and intramural fibroids.

Indications and alternatives to hysterectomy

Hysterectomy is the commonest major operation performed by gynaecologists and is the definitive cure for many of it's indications which include dysfunctional uterine bleeding, fibroids, utero-vaginal prolapse, endometriosis and adenomyosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, pelvic pain, gynaecological cancers and obstetric complications. It is a successful operation in terms of relieving women of their presenting symptoms and high levels of satisfaction are reported by patients. However, it has a high risk of complications, involves a prolonged convalescence, is expensive and to some women represents a loss of femininity. It should only be employed after trying conservative treatments first if appropriate. If this fails, currently only endometrial ablation and myomectomy are valid alternatives to hysterectomy. If ultimately hysterectomy is required, there is considerable evidence that patient care can be improved by increasing the proportion of operations that are done vaginally and laparoscopically and decreasing the number of laparotomies.