Differential diagnosis of septate and bicornuate uterus by sonohysterography eliminates the need for laparoscopy

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether sonohysterography can differentiate septate from bicornuate uterus. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Outpatient infertility clinic of a university hospital. PATIENT(S): Twenty patients with history of recurrent pregnancy loss and hysterosalpingographic diagnosis of septate or bicornuate uterus. INTERVENTION(S): Sonohysterography was done in all patients. Laparoscopy was performed to confirm diagnosis in 10 patients and was not done in 10 patients. All patients with septate uterus underwent hysteroscopic metroplasty; simultaneous laparoscopy was done in women who had diagnostic laparoscopy. Abdominal metroplasty was performed in patients with bicornuate uterus. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Shape of the uterine cavity after surgery and pregnancy outcome. RESULT(S): The shape of the uterine cavity was normal in seven cases in each group and almost normal in six other patients after surgery. There were two pregnancy losses after metroplasty, one in a woman who had laparoscopy and one in a woman who did not have laparoscopy. One case of bicornuate uterus occurred in each group. CONCLUSION(S): Sonohysterography can differentiate septate and bicornuate uterus and may eliminate the need for laparoscopy to diagnose these uterine anomalies.     

Septate uterus: nosographic overview and endoscopic treatment

To comment on the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of the septate uterus, with special reference to hysteroscopic metroplasty and its effect on reproductive outcome, we searched publications in PubMed and Embase. Original articles, meta-analysis, reviews, and opinion articles were selected. The studies suggest that the prevalence of the septate uterus is increased in women with repeated pregnancy loss and infertility. Reliable diagnosis depends on accurate assessment of the uterine fundal contour and uterine cavity by means of magnetic resonance and three-dimensional ultrasound. Pertinent published data comparing pregnancy outcome before and after hysteroscopic metroplasty indicated a marked improvement after surgery. Magnetic resonance and three-dimensional ultrasound represent the gold standard for diagnosis of septate uterus. Hysteroscopic metroplasty with its simplicity, minimal postoperative sequelae, and improved reproductive outcome is the gold standard for treatment, not only in patients with recurrent pregnancy loss and premature labor but also in patients with infertility, especially if in vitro fertilization is being contemplated.     

Possible role of endometriosis in the aetiology of spontaneous miscarriage in patients with septate uterus

A recent study found a significant correlation between endometriosis and non-obstructive forms of Müllerian anomalies. Other studies described an increased miscarriage rate in patients with endometriosis. This study assessed the effect of endometriosis on pregnancy outcome in a group of patients with endometriosis and septate uterus. Spontaneously achieved pregnancies were taken into consideration. The outcome of 179 infertile women who underwent surgery for septate uterus was analysed in a retrospective study. Stage I or II endometriosis was found by laparoscopy in 36 patients. The pregnancy outcomes, before and after metroplasty, of the group of 36 patients with septum and endometriosis were compared with the pregnancy outcomes of 143 patients with septate uterus with no endometriosis. Before metroplasty the incidence of pregnancy loss was 67% in patients without endometriosis and 75% in patients with endometriosis and the difference was not significant. After metroplasty, no significant differences have been found between the two groups, suggesting that endometriosis could be an occasional finding not influencing pregnancy outcome.     

Hysteroscopic metroplasty improves gestational outcome in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the reproductive outcome in women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) associated with septate uterus after hysteroscopic metroplasty compared with patients who did not undergo surgery. DESIGN: Longitudinal evaluation (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University of Rome, Tor Vergata-affiliated endoscopic unit. PATIENTS: Forty-eight consecutive women with septate uterus and RSA were enrolled in the study. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopic metroplasty. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Reproductive outcome in terms of term pregnancy was significantly improved after hysteroscopic metroplasty compared with controls (76% vs. 20%). No differences were found in the prevalence of preterm delivery between groups (4% vs. 5%). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that hysteroscopic septum incision can improve pregnancy outcome in patients with RSA associated with septate uterus.     

Light-Guided Hysteroscopic Resection of Complete Septate Uterus With Preservation of Duplicated Cervix

The objective of the present study, performed at a tertiary university hospital, was to propose a novel method of hysteroscopic resection of complete septate uterus with preservation of duplicated cervix. The retrospective study included 5 women with complete septate uterus and cervical duplication and who also experienced infertility with or without pregnancy loss. All patients underwent bougie-guided or light-guided hysteroscopic perforation of the uterine septum above the endocervix, followed by septum resection. The success rate of complete uterine septum perforation under bougie guidance was 60% (3 of 5 procedures), and of light guidance was 100% (2 procedures). After hysteroscopic septum resection, 2 of 5 women achieved pregnancy within 3 months and delivered uneventfully at term. It is concluded that light guidance is superior to bougie guidance for hysteroscopic perforation of complete septate uterus with preservation of the duplicated cervix.     

宫腔镜电切术治疗完全中隔子宫双宫颈阴道纵隔64例生殖预后分析

目的 探讨宫腔镜下子宫中隔电切除术对完全中隔子宫、双宫颈、阴道纵隔患者的治疗效果。方法 2004年9月至2013年8月浙江大学医学院附属妇产科医院完全中隔子宫、双宫颈、阴道纵隔住院患者64例,均行宫腔镜下子宫中隔电切除术及阴道纵隔切除术,分为反复流产组（26例）和不孕组（38例）,电话或门诊随访妊娠结局。结果 反复流产组25例妊娠,累计妊娠31次,自然流产率由术前83.1%（54/65）下降为41.9%（13/31）,足月产率、早产率和活产率分别为35.5%（11/31）、19.3 %（6/31）和54.8%（17/31）,与术前比较差异均有统计学意义（P<0.05）;不孕组18例妊娠,妊娠率47.4%（18/38）,其中12例足月分娩。研究对象中早产及足月产共32例,早产率28.1%（9/32）,足月产率71.9%（23/32）。研究对象胎盘粘连、植入发生率21.9%（7/32）,产后出血发生率25.0%（8/32）。结论 宫腔镜下子宫中隔电切除术可提高完全中隔子宫、双宫颈、阴道纵隔患者的妊娠率及生殖预后。     

Faut-il attendre les accidents obstétricaux pour sectionner les cloisons utérines ?

ObjectiveTo assess reproductive outcome of women affected by septate uterus after surgical correction.Patients and methodsIt is a retrospective study. The setting is a French university hospital. Surgery was performed on 66 patients between 2000 and 2010. Hysteroscopic metroplasty was performed in every group once the diagnosis was made. There were two groups: 35 patients affected by septate uterus had past history of miscarriages, preterm and term deliveries. Thirty-six patients had never been pregnant.ResultsIn the group of 35 patients with a previous obstetric history, the rate of miscarriages was 57.1% before surgery and 10% after surgery. There was a significant gain of live birth ratio of 55% among women being pregnant after surgery compared to women being pregnant before surgery. For patients with no pregnancy before surgery, obstetrical results are the following ones: miscarriages 25.9%, preterm deliveries 11% and term deliveries 59.3%.Discussion and conclusionHysteroscopic septoplasty is an easy technique with few complications in our study. Hysteroscopic septoplasty is strongly recommended after recurrent miscarriages or premature deliveries. We use to propose surgery to every patient affected by septate uterus, even if they have never been pregnant.     

Uterine anomaly and recurrent pregnancy loss

Women with recurrent pregnancy loss have a 3.2 to 6.9% likelihood of having a major uterine anomaly and a 1.0 to 16.9% chance of having an arcuate uterus. Bicornuate and septate uterine have a negative impact on reproductive outcomes and are associated with subsequent euploid miscarriage. The impact of an arcuate uterus on pregnancy outcome remains unclear. There are no definitive criteria to distinguish among the arcuate, septate, and bicornuate uteri. The American Fertility Society classification of Müllerian anomalies is the most common standardized classification of uterine anomalies. According to estimates, 65 to 85% of patients with bicornuate or septate uteri have a successful pregnancy outcome after metroplasty. However, 59.5% of the patients with such anomalies have a successful subsequent pregnancy without surgery, with a cumulative live birthrate of 78.0%. There is no case-control study to compare live birthrates in women who had surgery compared with those who did not. Strict criteria to distinguish between the bicornuate and septate uterus should be established. Further study is needed to confirm the benefits of metroplasty.     

Septate uterus and habitual abortion: a case report illustrating successful outcome of pregnancy after second metroplasty

A case is reported of a woman with septate uterus who suffered failure of the first metroplasty. This measure was undertaken before any pregnancy; thereafter she had 12 consecutive miscarriages, and repeated hysterograms showed the presence of broad septum. A second metroplasty was performed 12.5 years after the first, and after two miscarriages she conceived and delivered a viable male infant after 32 weeks gestation. The thorough investigations, the indications and the correct technique for metroplasty are discussed, as well as the value of cervical cerclage in patients with malformed uterus. The strict indications and successful choice of technique in metroplasty are stressed as leading to good results after metroplasty.     

Reproductive outcome of septate uterus after hysteroscopic metroplasty

We evaluated the reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic metroplasty in the patients with septate uterus. The reproductive performance of 361 patients with septate uterus during the follow-up period of 18 months after the surgery was analyzed retrospectively for a period of 10 years. A total of 180 (49.8%) pregnancies were achieved after metroplasty during the follow-up period of 18 months. Of the 180 pregnancies 117 (57.2%) reached to term and 34 (18.8%) ended in preterm delivery and the remaining 29 (16%) resulted in abortion. Of the preterm babies 18 (52.9%) were able to live. We obtained 135 (75%) live babies totally. Hysteroscopic metroplasty improves the reproductive performance of septate uterus significantly especially in the cases with recurrent pregnancy loss and should be considered highly as a corrective approach for such patients.     

Uterine anomalies and pregnancy outcome following resectoscope metroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To compare reproductive outcome in women with uterine anomalies and women with a normal uterus, and evaluate the effect of resectoscope metroplasty. METHODS: The pregnancy outcomes, past and present, of 105 women with congenital uterine anomalies were compared with those of 182 women with a normally shaped uterus. The outcomes of 25 women with septate and bicornuate uteri before and after resectoscope metroplasty were also analyzed. The chi(2) and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Uterine anomalies were associated with higher rates of spontaneous abortion, preterm delivery, intrauterine growth retardation, breech presentation, and cesarean delivery (P<0.001). The highest incidence of early spontaneous abortion was noted among women with septate uteri, and the highest incidence of preterm labor was noted among women with arcuate or bicornuate uteri. Among women with arcuate uteri, significantly lower gestational age and birth-weight were observed compared with any other type of adverse outcome. Compared with their previous pregnancies, the abortion rates were lower and delivery rates were higher in women who conceived following hysteroscopic metroplasty (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Resesctoscope metroplasty significantly improved pregnancy outcome in women with uterine anomalies.     

Hysteroscopic treatment of septate uterus with Neodymium-YAG laser.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of Neodymium-YAG (Nd-YAG) laser for hysteroscopic transection of the septate uterus to improve pregnancy outcome. DESIGN: Patients treated for recurrent pregnancy loss and/or infertility were evaluated for before versus after treatment pregnancy outcomes. SETTING: All patients were referred to a University Reproductive Endocrine and Infertility practice from 1986 through 1990. PATIENTS, PARTICIPANTS: Nineteen patients underwent hysteroscopic transection of uterine septa after exclusion of other factors that may cause recurrent fetal wastages and/or infertility. They were allowed to conceive 8 weeks after surgery after a postoperative hysterosalpingogram. Fourteen women attempted conception during a time span of 11 to 42 months; 3 patients declined to conceive, and 2 were lost to follow-up. INTERVENTIONS: Hysteroscopic transection of the uterine septum with a Nd-YAG laser was performed in all patients. The Nd-YAG laser delivered via a 600-microns bare fiber or an 800-microns sculpted fiber through operative hysteroscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To evaluate the success and complications of this new laser technique. RESULTS: (1) Thirteen patients conceived; 10 delivered a live infant at term; (2) 87% of the postoperative pregnancies were considered successful as compared with 11% preoperative; (3) complications included a small perforation of the uterus (no treatment needed) and development of uterine adhesions (1 case only). CONCLUSIONS: Hysteroscopic metroplasty with the Nd-YAG laser is a valuable alternative new technique for the treatment of uterine septum.     

Reproductive prognosis after abdominal metroplasty in bicornuate or septate uterus: a life table analysis

Summary. Reproductive prognosis after abdominal metroplasty was assessed in 73 women with a septate and 71 with a bicornuate uterus who underwent metroplasty at the First Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinic of the University of Milan between 1972 and 1985. The overall cumulative 5-year delivery rates were respectively 70% and 73% in women with septate and bicornuate uterus, rising constantly with time. The number of previous miscarriages did not affect the reproductive prognosis: the 5-year probability of giving birth was 64% and 75% in the women with septate uterus and respectively fewer than two or two or more previous miscarriages, and the corresponding values were 66% and 73% in the bicornuate uterus subgroup. The miscarriage rate (about 20%) was similar with both types of malformation.     

Reproductive prognosis after abdominal metroplasty in bicornuate or septate uterus: a life table analysis

Reproductive prognosis after abdominal metroplasty was assessed in 73 women with a septate and 71 with a bicornuate uterus who underwent metroplasty at the First Obstetric and Gynecologic Clinic of the University of Milan between 1972 and 1985. The overall cumulative 5-year delivery rates were respectively 70% and 73% in women with septate and bicornuate uterus, rising constantly with time. The number of previous miscarriages did not affect the reproductive prognosis: the 5-year probability of giving birth was 64% and 75% in the women with septate uterus and respectively fewer than two or more previous miscarriages, and the corresponding values were 66% and 73% in the bicornuate uterus subgroup. The miscarriage rate (about 20%) was similar with both types of malformation.     

Assessment of hysteroscopic role in management of women with recurrent pregnancy loss

Objectives: To assess the hysteroscopic value in the management of intrauterine lesion in women with recurrent pregnancy loss.

Methods: This study was done in Ain Shams Maternity Hospital after the approval of the research Ethics Committee, during the period between August 2014 and December 2015 where 200 nonpregnant women with a history of three or more consecutive unexplained first and second trimester miscarriages before 20?weeks were recruited from recurrent miscarriage clinic. A written informed consent was obtained from all women before participation.

Results: This current study was conducted in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital during the period between August 2014 to May 2015 a total of 200 women with history of recurrent miscarriage were included in the study. Regarding the results of this study the mean age was 30.5(5.7), the mean number of previous abortion 3(3–5) the mean number of the first trimesteric abortion was 2 with range (2–2) the mean number of second trimesteric abortion was 2 with range (1–2). In this study, 88% of patients were nullipara. It was also found that hysteroscopic findings were found in 58.5%. Uterine anomalies was present in 21%, including septate uterus and intrauterine adhesion (IUAs) were present in 12.5%. Endometrial polyps were present in 8.5%, bicornute uterus in 4.5%, unicornuate uterus in 4.5% while submucous myomas were present in 7.5%. It was found that 48.5% need hysteroscopic intervention including 21% need septectomy 12.5% need adhesiolysis, 6.5% need myomectomy while 8.5% need polypectomy. The study found that no statistically significant difference between patients with normal hysteroscopic finding and patients with abnormal hysteroscopic finding as regard age, time of previous abortion and number of previous abortion. But there was statistically significant difference as regard number of previous delivery and abnormal HSG.

Conclusions: It appears that hysteroscopy is a useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of the causes of recurrent miscarriage that can be performed safely without anesthesia in most cases. The prevalence of uterine anomalies in patients with recurrent miscarriages is 54.5%, septate uterus is the most common anomaly and for this reason uterine anomalies should be systematically assessed in patients with recurrent miscarriage.     

Outcome of pregnancy in women with uterine malformation: evaluation of 62 cases.

A retrospective analysis of the outcome of pregnancy in 62 women seen between 1971 and 1988, with a uterine malformation was carried out. Fifty-seven out of 62 cases with a uterine malformation conceived and there was a total of 127 pregnancies. On the other hand five women have an unexplained infertility of more than 2 years duration. The abortion rate among these 127 pregnancies was 36% premature delivery rate 22% and term delivery rate 42%. Cases with a complete septate uterus had the higher abortion rate. Metroplasty was done in three patients with a uterus bicornis and in six cases with a septate uterus. Cervical cerclage was done in 23 cases. Breech presentation was very frequent (46%). The cesarean section rate in the 81 cases whose pregnancy continued beyond the 28th week of pregnancy was 63%. Perinatal mortality rate was 37% and fetal survival rate 61%.     

The diagnosis and reproductive outcome after surgical treatment of the complete septate uterus, duplicated cervix and vaginal septum

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic management and the reproductive outcome after surgical repair of a rare reproductive malformation. STUDY DESIGN: Sixteen women with a complete septate uterus, double cervix, and a longitudinal vaginal septum were referred for evaluation. Presenting complaints were chiefly pregnancy loss in parous women (n=9) and dyspareunia in nulligravid women (n=7). The combination of hysterosalpingography, ultrasonography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging was used to correctly identify the anomaly in 15 of the 16 cases. Both hysteroscopic (n=11) and transabdominal (n=5) surgical techniques were used to repair the uterine septum. RESULTS: In no case was the correct diagnosis made before referral; the uterus didelphys was the most common misdiagnosis. The preoperative pregnancy loss was 81%. Postoperatively, 12 women conceived for a total of 17 pregnancies; there were 14 term live births or ongoing pregnancies in the third trimester (82%), with a first trimester spontaneous abortion rate of 18%. In 9 women who conceived after hysteroscopic surgery, term live births occurred in 9 of 12 (75%) conceptions. A modified Tompkins metroplasty was performed in 5 women with subsequent term live births or ongoing third trimester pregnancies in 5 of 5 (100%) patients. CONCLUSION: The identification of a duplicated cervix and a vaginal septum is consistent with several uterine malformations, which leads to frequent misdiagnosis and errors in management. Significant pregnancy wastage, obstetric complications, and dyspareunia are common, and surgical treatment is therefore advisable. Making the best choice between hysteroscopic or transabdominal metroplasty depends on the anatomic features of the cervix and the uterine cavity, but optimal patient management requires familiarity with both techniques.     

Accuracy of three-dimensional ultrasonography in differential diagnosis of septate and bicornuate uterus compared with office hysteroscopy and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging

Study ObjectiveTo estimate the accuracy of 3-dimensional (3-D) ultrasonography in the differential diagnosis of septate and bicornuate uterus compared with office hysteroscopy and pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).DesignProspective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsThirty-one patients referred with a suspected diagnosis of septate (n = 20) or bicornuate (n = 11) uterus.InterventionsAll patients underwent 3-D ultrasonography displaying the rebuilt coronal view of the uterus, office hysteroscopy, and pelvic MRI. Operative hysteroscopic assessment and treatment was performed in case of sonographically diagnosed septate uterus. Bicornuate uterus was confirmed by laparoscopy.Main Outcomes MeasuresConcordance between suspected diagnosis with 3-D ultrasonography, hysteroscopy, and pelvic MRI and final diagnosis.ResultsA septate uterus was diagnosed with 3-D ultrasonography in 29 patients and bicornuate uterus in 2 patients. Hysteroscopic transcervical section of the uterine septum was achieved in the 29 patients. Bicornuate uterus was laparoscopically confirmed in the 2 patients. Concordance between ultrasonography and operative hysteroscopy or laparoscopy was verified in all 31 cases. Twenty-five uterine septa and 5 bicornuate uteri were diagnosed by hysteroscopy (3 false-positive diagnoses of bicornuate uterus, 1 unfeasible hysteroscopy). Hysteroscopic diagnosis was correct in 27/30 patients. Twenty-four septate uteri and 7 bicornuate uteri were diagnosed by MRI (5 false-positive diagnoses of bicornuate uterus). Two complete septate uteri diagnosed by MRI were finally confirmed as incomplete septate uteri after 3-D ultrasonography and operative hysteroscopy. MRI diagnosis was correct in 24/31 patients.ConclusionTransvaginal 3-D ultrasonography appears to be extremely accurate for the diagnosis and classification of congenital uterine anomalies, more than office hysteroscopy and MRI. It may conveniently become the only mandatory step in the assessment of the uterine cavity in patients with a suspected septate or bicornuate uterus.     

Uterine factors and infertility

A literature review was performed to explore the available information regarding the association of uterine factors--intrauterine adhesions, uterine septa, uterine myomas and endometrial polyps--with infertility and reproductive loss. The literature was reviewed also to ascertain evidence that treatment of these abnormalities improves fertility. A MEDLINE search was performed to identify the relevant publications in the English-language literature. There is minimal published evidence to demonstrate that intrauterine adhesions lead to infertility or pregnancy loss, but the literature does contain several observational series that demonstrate successful fertility, with term pregnancy rates ranging from 32% to 87% following hysteroscopic division of intrauterine adhesions. The evidence supporting a direct link between a septate uterus and reproductive loss/infertility is derived from the results of metroplasty. Several case series demonstrated a reduction in the spontaneous abortion rate, from 91% to 17%, on average, after hysteroscopic metroplasty. Furthermore, following metroplasty, the mean pregnancy rate in previously infertile patients is 47%. Little has been written regarding the association of endometrial polyps and infertility. One study did demonstrate a pregnancy rate of 78% after hysteroscopic polypectomy as compared to 42% in infertile patients with normal endometrial cavities. The literature that associates myomas with infertility/reproductive loss is more extensive but quite controversial. Evidence from the in vitro fertilization literature suggests that only those myomas that distort the endometrial cavity impair fertility. Pregnancy rates approximating 50% are achieved with myomectomy by laparotomy, laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.     

Endometrial carcinoma in septate uterus detected 6 months after full-term delivery: case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Endometrial carcinoma associated with pregnancy is rare. We present the case of a 39-year-old woman with endometrial carcinoma in the septate uterus detected 6 months after normal delivery. CASE: The patient complained of vaginal bleeding from 32 weeks' gestation, and had a spontaneous vaginal delivery at 37 weeks. The bleeding continued after the delivery, but repeated endometrial cytology and biopsy did not reveal evidence of malignancy. An exploratory laparotomy was performed 6 months postpartum with suspicion of uterine myoma. A histological diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma was made based on examination of frozen sections from the hysterectomy specimen, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic/para-aortic lymphadenectomy were also performed. Histological examination revealed G3 endometrioid adenocarcinoma with squamous differentiation, which arose in the septum of the uterus and deeply invaded the myometrium. The patient received postoperative chemotherapy and is healthy with no evidence of disease 3 years after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although pregnancy-associated endometrial carcinoma is rare, careful examinations are needed when unexplained vaginal bleeding continued.