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Baldini GM, Lot D, Malvasi A, Di Nanni D, Laganà AS, Angelucci C, Tinelli A, Baldini D, Trojano G. Isthmocele and Infertility. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2192. [PMID: 38673465 PMCID: PMC11050579 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13082192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Isthmocele is a gynecological condition characterized by a disruption in the uterine scar, often associated with prior cesarean sections. This anatomical anomaly can be attributed to inadequate or insufficient healing of the uterine wall following a cesarean incision. It appears that isthmocele may impact a woman's quality of life as well as her reproductive capacity. The incidence of isthmocele can range from 20% to 70% in women who have undergone a cesarean section. This review aims to sum up the current knowledge about the effect of isthmocele on fertility and the possible therapeutic strategies to achieve pregnancy. However, currently, there is not sufficiently robust evidence to indicate the need for surgical correction in all asymptomatic patients seeking fertility. In cases where surgical correction of isthmocele is deemed necessary, it is advisable to evaluate residual myometrial thickness (RMT). For patients with RMT >2.5-3 mm, hysteroscopy appears to be the technique of choice. In cases where the residual tissue is lower, recourse to laparotomic, laparoscopic, or vaginal approaches is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Maria Baldini
- MOMO’ FertiLIFE, IVF Clinic, 76011 Bisceglie, Italy
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Dario Lot
- MOMO’ FertiLIFE, IVF Clinic, 76011 Bisceglie, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Doriana Di Nanni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Simone Laganà
- Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Paolo Giaccone” Hospital, Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Childcare, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Cecilia Angelucci
- Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy;
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, “Veris Delli Ponti” Hospital, and CERICSAL (Centro di RIcerca Clinico SALentino), “Veris delli Ponti Hospital”, 73020 Lecce, Italy;
| | | | - Giuseppe Trojano
- Department of Maternal and Child, Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- Madonna Delle Grazie Hospital ASM, 75100 Matera, Italy
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Wu Q, Wang X, Zhao W. Reproductive outcomes after in vitro fertilization in women with cesarean section scar diverticulum: A retrospective study. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2024; 50:699-708. [PMID: 38204292 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Some studies have suggested that cesarean section diverticulum may affect the pregnancy outcomes of assisted reproductive technology through a variety of mechanisms. This study aims to explore whether previous cesarean section and uterine scar diverticulum affect pregnancy outcomes after in vitro fertilization. METHODS This retrospective study included 954 infertile women with only one previous delivery who had in vitro fertilization treatment and underwent fresh embryo transplantation for the first time at our center between 2015 and 2019. We first divided the women into two groups by previous vaginal delivery (n = 557) or cesarean section delivery (n = 397), and the latter group included 88 women with cesarean diverticulum and 309 women without cesarean diverticulum. Baseline characteristics were compared and analyzed, and logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the different pregnancy outcomes among the above groups. RESULTS Although the live birth rate, clinical pregnancy rate, and mean embryo implantation rate after in vitro fertilization were significantly reduced in patients with previous cesarean section (live birth rate: 26.45% vs. 43.99%, adjusted OR: 0.602, CI: 0.447-0.810; clinical pregnancy rate: 35.26% vs. 49.91%, adjusted OR: 0.724, CI: 0.544-0.962; mean embryo implantation rate: 0.227 ± 0.378 vs. 0.243 ± 0.397, adjusted OR: 0.860, CI: 0.514-1.439), there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between the women with cesarean diverticulum and without cesarean diverticulum (p > 0.05) or between the two groups at different ages. The live birth and clinical pregnancy rates in the women with residual muscle thickness ≤2.2 mm or prolonged menstruation were reduced, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION This study showed reduced pregnancy and live birth rates after in vitro fertilization in patients with previous cesarean section, while uterine scarring did not adversely affect pregnancy and delivery outcomes after in vitro fertiliazation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Wang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Women's Hospital School of Medicine Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Wang L, Zhao C, Zhang Q. Impact of cesarean scar defect on reproductive outcomes after assisted reproductive technology. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38562032 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2023-0539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
In last twenty years, the cesarean section rate has been rising in China, leading to an increased prevalence of cesarean scar defect (CSD) and secondary infertility. CSD decreases receptivity of endometrium, induces adenomyosis and endometriosis, disrupts uterine micro-environment, causes difficulty of embryo transplant operation and further pregnancy complications. For women undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), CSD significantly reduces embryo implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate. CSD can be effectively treated by hysteroscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and transvaginal surgery to increase the pregnancy rate. This article reviews the research progress on the impact of CSD on the reproductive outcomes of ART, the potential factors and related treatment, to provide reference for CSD management in ART patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310007, China.
| | - Chenhan Zhao
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Hangzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310007, China.
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Vitagliano A, Cicinelli E, Viganò P, Sorgente G, Nicolì P, Busnelli A, Dellino M, Damiani GR, Gerli S, Favilli A. Isthmocele, not cesarean section per se, reduces in vitro fertilization success: a systematic review and meta-analysis of over 10,000 embryo transfer cycles. Fertil Steril 2024; 121:299-313. [PMID: 37952914 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Previous reviews have shown that a history of cesarean section (CS) is associated with a worse in vitro fertilization (IVF) prognosis. To date, whether the decline in the IVF chances of success should be attributed to the CS procedure itself or to the presence of isthmocele remains to be clarified. OBJECTIVE To summarize the available evidence regarding the impact of isthmocele on IVF outcomes. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases and clinical registers were searched until May 30, 2023. STUDY SELECTION AND SYNTHESIS Observational studies were included if they assessed the effect of isthmocele on IVF outcomes. Comparators were women with isthmocele and women without isthmocele with a previous CS or vaginal delivery. Study quality was assessed using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. MAIN OUTCOMES The primary outcome was the live birth rate (LBR). The effect measures were expressed as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and unadjusted odds ratios (uORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). The body of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group methodology. RESULTS Eight studies (n = 10,873 patients) were included in the analysis. Women with isthmocele showed a lower LBR than both women with a previous CS without isthmocele (aOR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53-0.72) and those with a history of vaginal delivery (aOR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.42-0.71). The LBRs in women with a previous CS without isthmocele and those with a history of vaginal delivery were similar (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.47-1.15). Subgroup analysis suggested a negative effect of the intracavitary fluid (ICF) in women with isthmocele on the LBR (uOR, 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.75), whereas the LBRs in women without ICF and those without isthmocele were similar (uOR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.61-1.45). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE We found moderate quality of evidence (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation grade 3/4) supporting a negative impact of isthmocele, but not of CS per se, on the LBR in women undergoing IVF. The adverse effect of isthmocele on IVF outcomes appears to be worsened by ICF accumulation before embryo transfer. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42023418266.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amerigo Vitagliano
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Ettore Cicinelli
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Paola Viganò
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sorgente
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Nicolì
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Andrea Busnelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele-Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano-Milan, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Raffaello Damiani
- 1(st) Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine (DIM), University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Sandro Gerli
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Favilli
- Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
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Yang G, Wang J, Chang Y, Chen Y. Comparison of clinical effectiveness and subsequent fertility between hysteroscopic resection and vaginal repair in patients with cesarean scar defect: a prospective observational study. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2023; 21:119. [PMID: 38082355 PMCID: PMC10712091 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-023-01169-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical effectiveness and pregnancy rate after hysteroscopic resection (HR) and/or vaginal repair (VR) in patients with cesarean scar defect (CSD). METHODS This prospective observational study enrolled 191 patients who received CSD surgery in the First affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between September 2019 to February 2022 (96 in HR and 95 in VR, respectively). Patient follow-up were performed three months after surgery in both groups by transvaginal ultrasound to confirm the presence of fluid in the niche, along with the resolution of prolonged menses at the same time. The primary outcome was the clinical effectiveness between HR and VR, identified by the resolution of prolonged menses. RESULTS The rates of niche-fluid disappearance (70.1% vs 60.2%, P = 0.176) and prolonged menses resolution (74.8% vs 80.0%, P = 0.341) were comparable for HR and VR. A subgroup analysis for niche size revealed that HR provides patients with small niche a more favorable rate of menstrual resolution compared to VR (size of niche ≤ 15 mm2, aOR = 3.423, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.073-10.918), but patients with large niche experience a lower rate of resolution compared to VR (size of niche > 25 mm2, aOR = 0.286, 95% CI 0.087- 0.938). During follow-up, 41 patients who wanted to conceive became pregnant. Kaplan-Meier estimates of the cumulative probability of pregnancy at 12 months and 24 months were 47.1% (95% CI: 34.5%, 58.8%) and 63.8% (95% CI: 52.5%, 72.9%), respectively. The median pregnancy time was 22 months (95% CI: 14.2, 29.8) after VR and 12 months (95% CI: 8.3, 15.7, Gehan-Breslow-Wilcoxon P = 0.021) after HR. Among patients with subsequent infertility, 31.6% achieved pregnancy by unassisted mode and 29.8% by IVF/ICSI. Moreover, among patients with previously failed IVF/ICSI treatment, 60% (12/20) obtained pregnancy, including 71.4% (10/14) after HR and 33.3% (2/6) after VR. CONCLUSIONS Hysteroscopic resection is as effective as vaginal repair at relieving symptoms of CSD-associated prolonged menses. Hysteroscopic resection is the modality of choice with an improvement in prolonged menses for small niche, while vaginal might be considered for a large niche. Furthermore, surgical intervention could improve the clinical pregnancy rate of CSD patients. All of these provide evidence for the individualized management of CSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoxia Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiamin Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yajie Chang
- Reproductive Medical Center, The Six Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuqing Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Zhongshan 2 Road, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases, Guangzhou, China.
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Klein Meuleman SJM, Min N, Hehenkamp WJK, Post Uiterweer ED, Huirne JAF, de Leeuw RA. The definition, diagnosis, and symptoms of the uterine niche - A systematic review. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol 2023; 90:102390. [PMID: 37506497 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Of all neonates, 21% are delivered by cesarean section (CS). A long-term maternal complication of an SC is a uterine niche. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current literature on imaging techniques and niche-related symptomatology. We performed systematic searches on imaging and niche symptoms. For both searches, 87 new studies were included. Niche evaluation by transvaginal sonography (TVS) or contrast sonohysterography (SHG) proved superior over hysteroscopy or magnetic resonance imaging. Studies that used SHG in a random population identified a niche prevalence of 42%-84%. Niche prevalence differed based on niche definition, symptomatology, and imaging technique. Most studies reported an association with gynecological symptoms, poor reproductive outcomes, obstetrical complications, and reduced quality of life. In conclusion, non-invasive TVS and SHG are the superior imaging modalities to diagnose a niche. Niches are prevalent and strongly associated with gynecological symptoms and poor reproductive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J M Klein Meuleman
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - N Min
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - W J K Hehenkamp
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - E D Post Uiterweer
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, Uterine Repair Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - J A F Huirne
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - R A de Leeuw
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Taggar A, Grow D. We created uterine imperfection, but when do we need to fix it? Fertil Steril 2023; 119:442-3. [PMID: 36641000 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
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