Pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic cryomyolysis of uterine myomas: report of nine cases

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy course and outcome after laparoscopic cryomyolysis. DESIGN: Open, one-arm, observational clinical pilot study. (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: University-affiliated public hospital. PATIENTS: Nine women who underwent laparoscopic cryomyolysis, with nine pregnancies observed. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic cryomyolysis was performed by penetrating along the long axis of the myoma and provoking freezing at temperature -197 degrees C. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: After laparoscopic-directed cryomyolysis, pregnant women were evaluated by physical and ultrasonographics examinations. The median time elapsed between cryomyolysis and pregnancy was 14 months (range 7-39 months). At the beginning of pregnancy, the mean volume of myomas was 30.4 mL (range 1.8-124.6 mL). During the first 20 gestational weeks, the mean increase in volume of the nine cryo-treated myomas was 71.1% (range 21.8%-97.7%); the volume of two myomas remained stationary, and two new myomas appeared. Two patients had early miscarriage. Seven pregnancies had a regular course. Four women delivered vaginally, and three by cesarean section. There were no complications in pregnancy, postpartum, and puerperium. No cases of uterine rupture were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this series of nine pregnancies after laparoscopic cryomyolysis are promising. Laparoscopic cryomyolysis does not compromise a good pregnancy outcome and vaginal delivery. These preliminary data need to be confirmed by larger studies.     

Pregnancy outcomes and deliveries after laparoscopic myomectomy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy outcomes and deliveries after laparoscopic myomectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: General hospital. PATIENTS: Three hundred fifty-nine women. INTERVENTIONS: Laparoscopic myomectomy and laparoscopic and/or hysteroscopic treatment of associated pathologies. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Five patients (1.39%) were lost to follow-up. Seventy-two women were pregnant at least once after laparoscopic myomectomy, for a total of 76 pregnancies. Four women conceived twice and four are pregnant as of this writing. One multiple pregnancy occurred. Twelve pregnancies resulted in first-trimester miscarriage, one in an ectopic pregnancy, one in a blighted ovum, and one in a hydatiform mole. One patient underwent elective first-trimester termination of pregnancy. Thirty-one women had vaginal delivery at term and 26 were delivered by cesarean section. No case of uterine rupture or dehiscence occurred. CONCLUSION: Our technique of laparoscopic myomectomy appears to allow safe vaginal delivery.     

Pregnancy outcomes and deliveries following laparoscopic transsection of uterine vessels: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To assess pregnancy outcomes and deliveries after laparoscopic uterine artery transsection (LTUV) in symptomatic women with fibroids. SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Endoscopic Training Center, Baby Friendly Hospital, Kladno, Czech Republic. DESIGN: One hundred and fifty three patients underwent laparoscopic transsection of uterine vessels during a 4-year period. RESULTS: Nine of the 21 women desiring pregnancy conceived spontaneously and one after anovulation treatment. The average age of the women was 32.4 years, and the range was 26-39 years. Two women had vaginal delivery at term and one delivered vaginally at 31 weeks secondary to premature preterm rupture of membrane (PROM). Four others delivered at term by cesarean section. One woman with placenta previa was delivered by cesarean section 3 weeks before term. Mean birth weight was 3199 g (range 1710-3910 g). One spontaneous abortion was reported in the first trimester of pregnancy. One case of undesired pregnancy occurred. An extrauterine pregnancy was reported in this woman. CONCLUSION: LTUV is a minimally invasive operative procedure, that preserves the uterus and ovarian blood supply and allows for the achievement of pregnancy in women with symptomatic fibroids. Fetal growth and umbilical Doppler findings remained normal in all cases. An increased risk for preterm delivery and cesarean section was found in this small series.     

Combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection for conservative management of cervical pregnancy

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection may eliminate unexpected and uncontrolled massive uterine bleeding without compromising future fertility in women with cervical pregnancy. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Tertiary-care university hospital. PATIENTS: Three women. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Three cases of cervical pregnancy were diagnosed by ultrasound at 6, 7, and 9 weeks' gestation. After treatment, all three women experienced intermittent vaginal bleeding, but none required transfusion. Levels of b-human chorionic gonadotropin returned to normal within 7 weeks, and patients resumed normal menstruation within 11 weeks after treatment. One woman conceived an intrauterine pregnancy 3 months after restoration of normal menstruation, and was delivered at term. CONCLUSION: The combination of laparoscopic bilateral uterine artery ligation and intraamniotic methotrexate injection appears to be effective in preventing unexpected massive uterine bleeding in patients with cervical pregnancy, and does not compromise future fertility.     

Fertility outcome: long-term results after laparoscopic myomectomy

From 1991 to 1998 ,29 patients desiring a pregnancy underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic myomas measuring 5.4 ± 3.6 cm (mean ± SD) (median 5; range 1-9). The overall rate of intrauterine pregnancy was 65.5% (19 pregnancies; two patients had two pregnancies each). Results were analyzed in relation to different preoperative clinical conditions. Out of nine patients with other infertility factors associated with uterine myomas ,three (33.3%) became pregnant; out of 10 infertile patients with no other associated infertility factors ,seven (70%) became pregnant; out of 10 patients to whom myomectomy was performed for the rapid growth of the tumor or for myoma encroaching on the cavity ,nine (90%) had a pregnancy. Nine patients (73.4%) had a Cesarean section (one twice) ,four (26.6%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery ,one patient had a serious placental failure at the 28th week ,and four patients (19%) miscarried. Two pregnancies are still in progress (one in a patient with previous miscarriage). Out of 21 pregnancies ,the viable term delivery rate was 57.14%. No uterine ruptures were observed. The pregnancy rate after laparoscopic myomectomy was similar to that reported in other studies after laparotomic myomectomy. It is concluded that laparoscopic myomectomy is a reliable procedure even in the presence of multiple or enlarged myomas. Moreover ,our pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome seem to indicate that both desire for pregnancy and infertility prior to surgery should not be exclusion criteria for the laparoscopic approach.     

Fertility outcome: long-term results after laparoscopic myomectomy.

From 1991 to 1998, 29 patients desiring a pregnancy underwent laparoscopic myomectomy for symptomatic myomas measuring 5.4 +/- 3.6 cm (mean +/- SD) (median 5; range 1-9). The overall rate of intrauterine pregnancy was 65.5% (19 pregnancies; two patients had two pregnancies each). Results were analyzed in relation to different preoperative clinical conditions. Out of nine patients with other infertility factors associated with uterine myomas, three (33.3%) became pregnant; out of 10 infertile patients with no other associated infertility factors, seven (70%) became pregnant; out of 10 patients to whom myomectomy was performed for the rapid growth of the tumor or for myoma encroaching on the cavity, nine (90%) had a pregnancy. Nine patients (73.4%) had a Cesarean section (one twice), four (26.6%) had spontaneous vaginal delivery, one patient had a serious placental failure at the 28th week, and four patients (19%) miscarried. Two pregnancies are still in progress (one in a patient with previous miscarriage). Out of 21 pregnancies, the viable term delivery rate was 57.14%. No uterine ruptures were observed. The pregnancy rate after laparoscopic myomectomy was similar to that reported in other studies after laparotomic myomectomy. It is concluded that laparoscopic myomectomy is a reliable procedure even in the presence of multiple or enlarged myomas. Moreover, our pregnancy rate and pregnancy outcome seem to indicate that both desire for pregnancy and infertility prior to surgery should not be exclusion criteria for the laparoscopic approach.     

Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors

Aims:   To evaluate reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors.
Methods:   A retrospective study was carried out in 30 infertile women with intramural myomas measuring ≥50 mm in diameter and treated using laparoscopy.
Results:   The overall rate of spontaneous intrauterine pregnancy was 50.0% (15 patients). Of 13 patients with infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas, three (23.1%) became pregnant, whereas 12 of 17 patients (70.6%) with no other associated infertility factor became pregnant. No uterine ruptures were observed. All pregnancies were spontaneous and 13 occurred within 1 year of the operation. In the 10 patients who gave birth by Cesarean section, no adhesions were found on the myomectomy scar.
Conclusions:   On the basis of these results, laparoscopic surgery for myomas appears to offer comparable results to laparotomy. In infertile patients with intramural myoma, pregnancy rates are affected by the presence of other infertility factors associated with the uterine myomas. (Reprod Med Biol 2006; 5 : 31–35)     

Determinants of pregnancy rate and obstetric outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy for infertility

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of myomectomy on infertility and to assess the factors influencing reproductive outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care center. PATIENT(S): One hundred and three infertile women with uterine leiomyoma who had had infertility >2 years and a follow-up time >12 months were enrolled. Follow-up was complete for 88 patients, including 28 (31.8%) with primary infertility and 44 (50%) with unexplained infertility. The mean (+/-SD) age of the patients was 36.1 +/- 2.1 years. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic myomectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Pregnancy rate according to patient and fibroid characteristics. RESULT(S): Forty-two patients became pregnant (40.7%). The mean (+/-SD) delay in conception was 7.5 +/- 2.6 months. Nearly 80% of the women conceived spontaneously. Of 44 pregnancies in 42 women, 36 live newborns were delivered. No dehiscence of uterine scar occurred. The pregnancy rate was significantly higher in women <35 years of age or <3 years of infertility. Women with unexplained infertility had higher pregnancy rate than did women with multifactorial infertility (P<.001). No difference was noted in pregnancy rates according to fibroid characteristics. CONCLUSION(S): Fertility and pregnancy after laparoscopic myomectomy depend primarily on patient age, duration of infertility before myomectomy, and existence of associated infertility factors.     

The role of laparoscopic myomectomy in women of reproductive age

Laparoscopic surgery has gained wide popularity for the treatment of uterine fibroids in women of reproductive age. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety of the present surgical technique in order to preserve fertility and to achieve a satisfactory uterine repair so as to obtain an uncomplicated, full-term pregnancy. Between March 1988 and April 2001, 1170 uterine myomata were laparoscopically removed in 635 patients. The number of myomata removed from each patient varied from one to nine. The main steps of the surgical technique are described. No serious complication occurred. All the myomata proved to be benign. A second look was performed in 121 patients, and in two cases adhesions were found. A total of 105 patients achieved pregnancy (one triplet and three twin) and 91 delivered. No uterine rupture or scar dehiscence was observed. Out of 148 patients who were infertile with one or more myomata larger than 30 mm, 74 achieved pregnancy, 63 spontaneously and 11 after IVF.     

Laparoscopic myomectomy and pregnancy outcome in infertile patients

OBJECTIVE: To assess outcomes and pregnancy-related complications after laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile patients. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: Tertiary care advanced laparoscopic center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-eight infertile patients with at least one uterine leiomyoma of >5 cm in diameter. INTERVENTION(S): Laparoscopic myomectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Occurrence of pregnancy, delivery rate, and pregnancy-related complications. RESULT(S): The average size of the myomas removed was 6 cm (range, 4-13.3 cm). None of the procedures were converted to laparotomy. The postoperative rate of intrauterine pregnancy was 64.3% (n = 18), including 1 of 2 patients who underwent concomitant hysteroscopic myomectomy. Four patients had spontaneous abortions and 14 delivered viable term neonates. Six women had a vaginal delivery without complications and 8 had a cesarean section. No antepartum or intrapartum complications were reported. CONCLUSION(S): Laparoscopic myomectomy can be offered to patients who want to have children and who refuse to undergo an abdominal myomectomy. Patient selection as well as meticulous surgical technique are the key factors in achieving a successful outcome.     

Report of 7 Uterine Rupture Cases After Laparoscopic Myomectomy: Update of the Literature

The objective of this article is to report 7 previously unpublished uterine rupture cases in pregnancy after laparoscopic myomectomy and to update the medical literature. All cases were reported to the Board of Endoscopic Gynecologic Surgery (Athens, Greece) from 1998 to 2011. Myomas were single in 85.7% of patients, subserosal or pedunculated in 85.7%, and ≤5 cm in 71.4%. Bipolar diathermy was the sole method used for hemostasis in 28.6%, and could be characterized as excessive in 85.7%. A 2-layer closure with stitches of the myometrium was performed in just 14.3% of cases. Mean (SD) time between surgery and pregnancy was 1.4 (0.5) years. Uterine rupture occurred at 34 weeks of gestation or later in 85.7%, and during labor in 14.3% of cases. All women survived. Fetal demise was reported in 1 twin pregnancy (both fetuses) with rupture at 24 weeks of gestation. Laparoscopic myomectomy should be performed by adequately trained and experienced surgeons. Excessive use of diathermy for hemostasis should be avoided, and multiple-layer suturing should always be used for repairing the myometrial defect in cases of intramural and subserosal myomas with deep intrusion.     

Pregnancy after embolization of uterine myoma: report of 12 cases

Objective: To treat uterine myomas with embolization, to look for pregnancy-induced myoma recurrences, and to assess pregnancy course and outcome after embolization.

Design: Observational clinical study.

Setting: University of Paris VII hospital.

Patient(s): Nine women had embolization for symptomatic myoma, with 12 pregnancies observed.

Intervention(s): Embolizations were highly selective and performed bilaterally through the uterine arteries with polyvinyl alcohol.

Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnant women were evaluated by physical and sonographic examinations.

Result(s): Before embolization, the mean uterine volume was 450 cm³, and in six patients polymyomas were present. The median age at embolization was 40 years; the median delay before pregnancy was 9 months; and the median age at first pregnancy outcome was 41 years. Five early miscarriages occurred. The seven other pregnancies were uneventful, although three premature births and one case of late toxemia occurred unrelated to previous embolization. Three women delivered vaginally and four by cesarean section. Neither myoma recurrence nor abnormality in uterine function was observed.

Conclusion(s): The results of this first series of 12 pregnancies after myoma embolization are promising. If these preliminary results are confirmed, embolization could be a major breakthrough in the management of myoma and could replace conventional medical and surgical treatments.     

Three cases of laparoscopic myomectomy performed during pregnancy for pedunculated uterine myomas

Purpose

Laparoscopic myomectomy during pregnancy is indicated when symptoms related to uterine myomas persist despite pharmacologic therapy; however, currently there is very little information concerning its safety.

Methods

We report three cases of antepartum laparoscopic myomectomy performed to manage complicated myomas requiring surgical intervention.

Results

In particular, we report for the first time in literature the laparoscopic removal of two myomas in a patient during a single surgery performed in the 19th week of pregnancy followed by additional multiple myomectomy at the time of the cesarean section. All surgeries were without complication.

Conclusions

Our experience suggests that laparoscopic myomectomy may be performed safely during pregnancy; even more studies are needed to establish the exact rate of adverse events.     

Childbirth and myoma treatment by uterine artery occlusion: do they share a common biology?

When the uterine arteries are bilaterally occluded, either by uterine artery embolization or by laparoscopic obstruction, women with myomas experience symptomatic relief. After the uterine arteries are occluded, most blood stops flowing in myometrial arteries and veins, and the uterus becomes ischemic. It is postulated that myomas are killed by the same process that kills trophoblasts: transient uterine ischemia. When the uterine arteries are bilaterally occluded, either by uterine artery embolization (UAE) or by laparoscopic obstruction, women with myomas experience symptomatic relief. After the uterine arteries are occluded, most blood stops flowing in myometrial arteries and veins, and the uterus becomes ischemic. Over time, stagnant blood in these arteries and veins clots. Then, tiny collateral arteries in the broad ligament (including communicating arteries from the ovarian arteries) open, causing clot within myometrium to lyse and the uterus to reperfuse. Myomas, however, do not survive this period of ischemia. This is unique organ response to clot formation and ischemia. What allows the uterus to survive a relatively long period of ischemia while myomas perish? Childbirth appears to be the predicate biology. Following placental separation, the uteroplacental arteries and the draining veins of the placenta are torn apart at their bases in the junctional zone of the myometrium and bleed directly into the uterine cavity. Left unchecked, every woman would bleed to death in less than 10 minutes after placental delivery. Most women do not bleed to death because vessels in the uterus clot after placental delivery. During pregnancy, clotting and lytic factors in blood increase many fold. Following delivery, uterine contractions continue, intermittently, periodically slowing the velocity of flowing blood through myometrium. The combination of slowed blood flow, elevated clotting proteins, and torn placental vessels (known as Virchow's triad) causes blood in myometrial arteries and veins to clot. Fibrinolytic enzymes later lyse clot in arteries and veins not associated with placenta perfusion, and the uterus is reperfused. Remnant placental tissue - primarily uteroplacental arteries and veins - does not survive this period of ischemia. Placental tissue dies and over weeks is sloughed into the uterine cavity. At the same time, residual endometrial tissue grows under the sloughing placental tissue thus re-establishing the endometrial lining. It is postulated that myomas are killed by the same process that kills trophoblasts - transient uterine ischemia.     

Reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile women

OBJECTIVE: To assess reproductive outcome after laparoscopic myomectomies for interstitial and/or subserosal myomas in infertile women with or without associated infertility factors. STUDY DESIGN: In this observational study, 91 women with infertility for one year and at least one interstitial and/or subserosal myoma > 20 mm were treated with laparoscopic myomectomy. All patients were mailed questions about fertility and pregnancy outcome. Cumulative pregnancy rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method. The log rank test and Cox's model were used for comparing the spontaneous pregnancy rate in patients with and without associated infertility factors. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 35 +/- 4 years. The mean duration of infertility was 44 +/- 33 months. Twenty-five patients (27.5%) had no associated infertility factors, and 66 (72.5%) had one or more. The mean size of the largest myomas was 45 +/- 19 mm. The mean number of myomas removed was 2.0 +/- 1.4. Eighty-six patients had laparoscopic myomectomy (94.5%), and five had laparoscopically assisted myomectomy (5.5%). There were no conversions to laparotomy. Ten patients were lost to follow-up (11.0%). Among the 91 patients treated surgically, 81 (89.0%) of them were evaluated. Forty-three (53.1%) conceived, resulting in a total of 51 pregnancies. The two-year overall cumulative conception rate was 51.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 39.2-63.2%). The two-year spontaneous pregnancy rate was 43.9% (95% CI, 32.1-55.7%). This rate was 69.9% (95% CI, 50.3-89.5%) for patients with no associated factors and 31.5% (95% CI, 18.4-44.6%) for patients with associated factors (P < .001). This result was not affected by adjusting for age or duration of infertility. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic myomectomy seems to be a good procedure for patients with myomas and no other infertility factors. In cases with associated infertility factors, the need for myomectomy has to be studied.     

Uncomplicated full term pregnancy after da Vinci-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy

Laparoscopic surgery with the assistance of the da Vinci robotic system has been recently introduced in gynaecology, as this new technology provides three-dimensional vision and easier suture capability. This study reports, for the first time, the case of an uncomplicated full term pregnancy after laparoscopic myomectomy with the assistance of the da Vinci robotic system. The patient was a 35-year-old woman presenting with secondary infertility and a single 3 cm, predominantly intramural, fundal myoma. Following surgery, she conceived with minimal intervention therapy and delivered a healthy term infant by Caesarean section. The successful outcome suggests that this advancement can restore reproductive capacity with improved suturing capability of the uterine wall. More studies are needed to establish indications and outcome of the technique according to the number, size and location of fibroids.     

Pregnancy outcome after laparoscopic electromyolysis

Laparoscopic myolysis, a procedure designed to shrink uterine myomas by coagulating their blood supply, is an alternative to myomectomy or hysterectomy in women who do not contemplate childbearing. Three patients conceived within 3 months after myolysis against the surgeon's advice. In two of these women the uterus ruptured at 32 and 39 weeks' gestation, respectively, associated with death of the 32-week fetus. The third patient had an uneventful elective cesarean section at 39 weeks' gestation. Until the risk of uterine rupture after myolysis has been accurately compared with that after myomectomy, women should not undergo myolysis if they wish to conceive. Should pregnancy occur after myolysis, caution and intensive surveillance of mother and fetus must be applied, and cesarean section should be performed at earliest signs and symptoms of uterine rupture and at term before onset of labor.     

Gasless laparoscopic myomectomy. Indications, surgical technique and advantages of a new procedure for removing uterine leiomyomas

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and reliability of gasless laparoscopic myomectomy (GLM) using a new subcutaneous lifting system (Laparotenser, Lucini L&T, Milan, Italy) for removing subserosal and intramural leiomyomas. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 279 women with at least 1 symptomatic subserosal or intramural myoma measuring > 30 mm underwent GLM between April 1997 and July 2001. All procedures were performed by the same surgeons using the same technique. RESULTS: GLM was successful in all 279 patients. The mean size of the myomas were 5.9 cm. Their average number per patient was 3.1. The mean operating time was 73 minutes. Forty-eight patients subsequently carried a pregnancy to term. No cases of uterine rupture during pregnancy or labor were observed. CONCLUSION: GLM is a feasible, reliable and safe procedure for removing intramural and subserosal myomas. It appears to offer several advantages over laparoscopy with pneumoperitoneum. In addition, the largest and multiple medium-sized myomas can be removed rapidly and safely.     

Directed laparoscopic cryomyolysis for symptomatic leiomyomata: one-year follow up

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of laparoscopic cryomyolysis as a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of symptomatic uterine myomas in menstruating women. DESIGN: Open, one-arm pilot study (Canadian Task Force classification II). SETTING: University-affiliated public hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty patients with symptomatic uterine myomas were treated with directed cryomyolysis. All had reported abnormal bleeding and/or pelvic pain/pressure and/or urinary frequency. Myoma diameters varied from 4 to 10 cm. INTERVENTION: One-year follow-up after laparoscopic-directed cryomyolysis. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Laparoscopic cryomyolysis was performed using the Her Option Cryoablation Unit (American Medical Systems, Minneapolis, MN). Patients were evaluated 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Power color Doppler ultrasound was performed preoperatively and postoperatively to demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique in reducing or eliminating the primary blood supply to the myomas, as well documenting regression of the myomas. All patients reported a high rate of satisfaction with the treatment including absence of symptoms 12 months after surgery, with no bleeding and no myoma-related symptoms, comparable with patients who underwent hysterectomy. Mean shrinkage of myoma volume increased until 9 months after surgery (59.5% +/- 13.2%), reaching a steady mean-volume reduction of approximately 60% (61.9% +/- 11.9%) 12 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Directed laparoscopic cryomyolysis appears to be an effective and safe technique for providing rapid symptom relief and at least 12 months' effectiveness in the treatment of symptomatic uterine leiomyomas.     

Uterine rupture at 33rd week of gestation after laparoscopic myomectomy with signs of fetal distress. A case report and review of literature

Objective

We describe a case of uterine rupture (UR) during pregnancy after laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) and discuss the risk factors of UR.