Measurement of beliefs about effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation

To explore gynaecologists' 'prior' beliefs on effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA), a structured survey was used to gather information on the distribution of their prior beliefs regarding the effects of LUNA on pelvic pain, both numerically [on a 10-point visual analogue scale] and by responses to a questionnaire. None of the 25 gynaecologists responding to the questionnaire stated that LUNA would increase pain, while two of the 25 gave numerical answers suggesting they believed that the intervention would worsen the pain. The most widely held 'prior belief', reflected in both questionnaire and numerical responses, was that LUNA would have a small beneficial effect on pain.     

腹腔镜子宫骶神经切断术治疗子宫内膜异位症疼痛的多中心前瞻性对照研究

目的:研究、评价腹腔镜子宫骶神经切断术(LUNA)治疗子宫内膜异位症疼痛的安全性和有效性。方法:应用多中心随机对照的前瞻性研究方法,收集82例中、重度痛经患者的临床资料,分析比较同时行LUNA对子宫内膜异位症保守手术后各种疼痛缓解率的影响,并评价手术的安全性。结果:71例患者纳入分析,LUNA组51例,对照组20例。LUNA组术后痛经缓解率90.2%,高于对照组的60.0%(P=0.02);LUNA组性交痛术后缓解率85.7%,高于对照组的50.0%(P=0.048);LUNA组慢性盆腔痛(CPP)缓解率100%,高于对照组的71.4%(P=0.041),差异均有统计学意义。手术安全性:LUNA组患者手术时间延长,术后肛门排气时间延长,但两组术中出血量、术后体温、住院时间、总住院费用以及手术费用均无统计学差异。所有研究对象均无手术并发症发生。结论:内异症保守手术同时行LUNA手术,术后2年内能有效的缓解内异症的各种疼痛。     

Investigation of the localization of nerves in the uterosacral ligament: determination of the optimal site for uterosacral nerve ablation

We select surgical treatment for cases for which severe dysmenorrhea persists following medical treatment. Many reports have described the use of neurectomies by cutting off pain conducting nerve pathways using laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) has been associated with a high success rate for pain control, but there are few reports of anatomical studies in the uterosacral ligament. Using an immunohistochemical method, we examined the number and types of nerve fiber bundles in the uterosacral ligaments and its surrounding tissue in cadavers. The greatest number of nerve fiber bundles was found at a distance of 16.5-33 mm and at a depth of 3-15 mm distal to the site of attachment of the uterosacral ligament to the uterine cervix. Furthermore, there were many more sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fiber bundles than sensory ones in the uterosacral ligament and its surrounding tissue. These results show the appropriate site of transection of uterosacral ligaments when performing LUNA.     

Successful treatment of deep dyspareunia and primary dysmenorrhea with laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) procedure

Deep dyspareunia, often described as pain resulting from pelvic thrusting during sexual intercourse, is relatively common and has many causes. To date, feasible surgical interventions for deep dyspareunia are very rare. The two procedures which have been mentioned in the literature for the treatment of deep dyspareunia were laparoscopic uterosacral ligament ablation (LUNA) and uterine ventrosuspension. We report the case of a young female patient, aged 32, gravida 3, parity 2, presenting with deep dyspareunia and primary dysmenorrhea for 4 years. She had both subjective and objective improvements for dyspareunia and primary dysmenorrhea following LUNA operation. Further large-scaled randomized controlled trial is mandatory to verify the surgical effect of LUNA operation for patients with deep dyspareunia.     

The efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) in the treatment of unexplained chronic pelvic pain: a randomized controlled trial

The aim of this work is to explore the efficacy , safety, and patients' satisfaction of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) in relief of pain in women with chronic pelvic pain in whom diagnostic laparoscopy reveals either no pathology or mild endometriosis (AFS score ≤5). The study was a prospective, single-blind, randomized trial with 12 months follow-up. It was conducted at the endoscopy unit of the Gynecology Department of El Minia University Hospital, Egypt. One hundred ninety Egyptian women consented to participate in the study. These eligible patients were randomized using computer-generated tables and were divided into two equal groups, including the control group (diagnostic laparoscopy with no pelvic denervation) and the study group (diagnostic laparoscopy plus LUNA). Diagnostic laparoscopy with or without laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation was done. There were no statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the efficacy and the overall success rate (between group I and group II, it was 77.64%, 76.47%, and 74.11% versus 79.06%, 75.58%, and 73.25% at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively) and the cumulative patients' satisfaction rate (it was 74.11%, 74.11%, and 71.76% versus 75.58%, 75.58%, and 72.09% at 3, 6, and 12 months between group I and group II, respectively; P ≤ 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups as regards the effectiveness of LUNA in the treatment of primary (spasmodic) and secondary (congestive) dysmenorrhea (P ≤ 0.05), while there was a statistically significant difference between both groups in the treatment of dyspareunia (P ≥ 0.05). LUNA can be a last alternative option in well-selected patients for control of chronic pelvic pain without endometriosis; however, its effectiveness may not extend to other indications. Also, preliminary experience in the treatment of primary deep dyspareunia presents a promising perspective on the management of deep dyspareunia, especially if it will involve a team of social, psychological, and gynecological specialists.     

Meta-analysis using individual patient data from randomised trials to assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain: a proposed protocol

Background  Currently, there are a number of clinical trials, but no international collaboration for collating research on effectiveness of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA) for alleviating chronic pelvic pain.
Objective  Meta-analysis was used by collecting individual patient data (IPD) from the existing trials, to provide a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of LUNA that will be generalisable in various clinical contexts.
Methods  IPD will be sought and collected from all relevant (both already finished and continuing) randomised trials identified through previous systematic reviews. After obtaining raw data and cleaning the database, analysis will be of all patients ever randomised based on the intention-to-treat principle using endpoints measured at 12 months following randomisation.
Proposal  We will update searches, contact all authors, obtain data in whatever form it can be provided, build a single database, produce results for individual studies, have them verified by original authors, explore of any heterogeneity and reasons behind it and finally pool all raw data in to a meta-analysis using appropriate statistical methods. The project will test the effectiveness of LUNA for women with chronic pelvic pain. It will also motivate collaborating primary investigators to undertake new primary studies to corroborate or improve upon the conclusions derived from the retrospective analysis.     

Laparoscopic uterosacral nerve ablation with and without presacral neurectomy in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea: a prospective efficacy analysis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic uterosacral nerve (LUNA) alone vs. LUNA plus presacral neurectomy (PN) in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-four patients were randomly allocated to LUNA alone or LUNA plus PN. Evaluation of severity of menstrual pain was based on multidimensional scoring. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were eligible for analysis (35 LUNA alone, 32 LUNA plus PN). Baseline demographic features were comparable between the 2 groups. There was no difference between them in the proportion of improvement in dysmenorrhea at 3 months of follow-up (69% for LUNA vs. 73% for LUNA plus PN, p = 0.923), and the results were maintained at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. More surgical complications were found in the LUNA plus PN group. CONCLUSION: For patients with primary dysmenorrhea, LUNA plus PN has no additive therapeutic advantage over LUNA alone, and more surgical complications may be encountered.     

Uterine prolapse after laparoscopic uterosacral transection. A case report.

Two cases of severe uterine prolapse are reported following laser uterosacral nerve ablation (LUNA). Both patients had a history of vaginal childbirth and subsequent development of secondary infertility and severe dysmenorrhea. It is suggested that this procedure be performed with caution on vaginally parous patients, and that it be reserved for use in patients who have adequate uterine support. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term incidence of uterine procidentia following this procedure.     

Laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation versus vaginal uterosacral ligament resection in postmenopausal women with intractable midline chronic pelvic pain: a randomized study

Objective

To assess and compare the laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation (LUNA) and the vaginal uterosacral ligament resection (VUSR) in postmenopausal women with chronic pelvic pain (CPP).

Study design

Eighty postmenopausal women with intractable and severe midline CPP were randomized to undergo LUNA or VUSR. Costs of two surgical procedures were assesses. Cure rate, severity of CPP, and deep dyspareunia were also evaluated after 6 and 12 months from surgery.

Results

The mean cost of LUNA resulted significantly higher in comparison with VURS (2078 ± 637 versus 1497 ± 297, P < 0.001). The cure rate was not significantly different between the two groups at 6 (33/40, 82.5% versus 35/40, 87.5% for groups A and B, respectively; P = 0.530; RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.78–1.13), and 12 months (27/36, 75.0% versus 28/38, 73.7%, for groups A and B, respectively; P = 0.901; RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.78–1.33) of follow-up. At same times, a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in severity of CPP and deep dyspareunia was observed in both groups with no difference between them.

Conclusions

Both LUNA and VUSR are equally effective surgical treatments in postmenopausal women with central CPP but VUNR is significantly cheaper than LUNA.     

Surgical treatment of primary dysmenorrhea with laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation

With approximately 25% of dysmenorrheic patients reporting no improvement with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, a study was devised to evaluate the effectiveness of a laparoscopic technique for the interruption of the uterosacral nerves. In a double-blind study of 21 patients with primary dysmenorrhea, 81% (9 of 11) reported significant relief from menstrual pain after the surgery. Performed as an outpatient procedure, laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation may alleviate dysmenorrheic complaints when other modalities have failed. Half the treated women reported continued relief of menstrual pain at 12 months. These results suggest that uterosacral nerve interruption may prove an effective alternative treatment for this menstrual disorder.     

The tensile strength of uterosacral ligament sutures: a comparison of vaginal and laparoscopic techniques

OBJECTIVE: To compare the tensile strength of two approaches for uterosacral ligament suturing using a cadaver model. METHODS: In 12 unembalmed cadavers, four polytetrafluoroethylene sutures were placed through the uterosacral ligaments. In each cadaver, two sutures were placed laparoscopically, and two more were placed vaginally. A single, experienced surgeon placed all laparoscopic sutures (n = 23), and another experienced surgeon placed all vaginal sutures (n = 22). A blinded team of investigators measured the distance from each suture to the ipsilateral ischial spine; determined whether any sutures incorporated ureters, viscera, or large vessels; and then passed the sutures through an apical vaginal incision. Using a hand-held tensiometer, progressive tensile load was then applied to these sutures along the axis of the vagina until they either broke or were completely dislodged from the ligaments. RESULTS: The average peak tension required to break or dislodge the sutures was 26.2 +/- 8.8 psi (laparoscopic) and 22.5 +/- 7.4 psi (vaginal) (P =.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.2, 8.6). The average force required for suture breakage (n = 28) was 28 +/- 7 psi, and the average force applied when ligament failure occurred (n = 17) was 18.5 +/- 6 psi (P <.001, 95% CI -13.8, -5.2). The average distance from a laparoscopic or vaginal suture to the ipsilateral ischial spine was 19.1 +/- 7 mm and 17.4 +/- 6 mm, respectively (P =.46, 95% CI -3.0, 6.4). None of the sutures from either technique were found to incorporate a visceral structure, ureter, or great vessel. CONCLUSION: These suturing techniques appear to be equal in tensile strength.     

子宫神经去除术治疗子宫腺肌症疼痛的临床观察

目的探讨子宫神经去除术（LUNA）治疗子宫腺肌症痛经及慢性盆腔痛的临床效果。方法对患有痛经、非经期盆腔痛或性交痛的子宫腺肌症患者进行LUNA手术。采用视觉模拟评分法对痛经、非经期盆腔痛及性交痛量化评分。结果对60例子宫腺肌症患者术后随访6～24个月，其痛经、非经期盆腔痛或性交痛的症状均有明显改善，手术前后三者的评分变化差异均有显著性（P〈0．01），但术后各阶段之间的比较差异无显著性（P〉0．05）。患者满意率术后3个月为76．92％，术后24个月为69．23％。结论LUNA对缓解子宫腺肌症引起的痛经及慢性盆腔痛具有一定的疗效。     

Uterovaginal fistula after laparoscopic excision of uterosacral endometriotic nodule

A uterovaginal fistula was reported after an uneventful laparoscopic excision of a left uterosacral endometriotic nodule in a young woman. Indirect thermal injury to the left ureter by the bipolar grasping forceps was the main cause of the injury. Contributing factors are analyzed and preventive measures pertinent to this case are discussed.     

Addition of laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation to laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels for women with uterine myomas and dysmenorrhea.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of laparoscopic uterine nerve ablation (LUNA) in women with dysmenorrhea caused by uterine myomas treated by laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels (LBCUV). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, longitudinal study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1). SETTING: Private practice, university-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty-five women with uterine leiomyomas and associated dysmenorrhea. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic bipolar coagulation of uterine vessels with or without LUNA. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Of 85 patients who entered the study, 41 were assigned to undergo LBCUV-LUNA (group A), which was successful in 40 (97.6%). In 44 women assigned to have LBCUV only (group B), 43 (97.7%) underwent successful surgery. Eighty women completed 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up (38 group A, 42 group B). The groups did not differ significantly in age, history of abdominopelvic surgery, intraperitoneal adhesions, endometriosis, concomitant surgery, and operating time. Seven (18.4%) of 38 women in group A and 12 (28.6%) of 42 in group B experienced lower abdominal pain postoperatively. Acceptable pain was defined as a score of zero or 1: 31 and 30 women in groups A and B reported scores of zero; 3 and 2 reported scores of 1; 4 and 8 reported scores of 2; zero and 2 reported scores of 3; and no patients reported scores of 4. The frequency and severity of postoperative pain were less in group A than in group B (both p <0.05). The efficacy of both methods was almost equal in shrinking the uterus and dominant myoma, and in improving menorrhagia and bulk-related symptoms. Dysmenorrhea improvement was 84.2% and 61.9% in groups A and B at 3 months and 92.1% and 73.8% at 6 months, respectively. This was more significant in group A than in group B (p <0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that LUNA may decrease postoperative ischemic pain and improve dysmenorrhea associated with uterine myomas treated by LBCUV.     

Adhesion formation after laparoscopic resection of uterosacral ligaments in women with endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To analyze the risk of postoperative adhesions in women who undergo laparoscopic surgical management of deep endometriosis infiltrating the uterosacral ligaments (USL). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: Forty-six women with deep endometriosis infiltrating the USL. INTERVENTION: Laparoscopic resection of all USL with deep endometriotic lesions and excision of all other endometriotic lesions, followed by second-look laparoscopy. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: At second-look laparoscopy, 15 patients (32.6%) had no adhesions at the site where the USL had been resected, 24 (52.2%) had filmy avascular adhesions, and 7 (15.2%) had dense or vascular adhesions. No patient had adhesions of the binding type. Only two factors, the revised American Fertility Association (rAFS) score at initial laparoscopy and surgical modality (unilateral resection of the right USL, unilateral resection of the left USL, bilateral resection of USL) had a statistically significant influence on the risk of postoperative adhesions occurring. After adjustment, the relation with initial rAFS stage and surgical modality remained significant in the stepwise logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: These encouraging results are particularly interesting for patients with infertility due to pelvic pain syndrome. Second-look laparoscopy should not be performed routinely after laparoscopic management of deep endometriosis infiltrating the USL. We propose that it be reserved for women with rAFS stages III and IV endometriosis, especially when lesions are located on the left side.     

A case of a mature cystic teratoma of the uterosacral ligament successfully treated by laparoscopic surgery

An asymptomatic tumor was found in the pelvic cavity of a 49-year-old woman during a routine examination. With a diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma of the right ovary, laparoscopic surgery was performed. The intraoperative finding showed the presence of a cystic tumor firmly attached to the uterosacral ligament in a position distant from the bilateral ovaries. Laparoscopic excision was performed, and the diagnosis of mature cystic teratoma of the uterosacral ligament was made histopathologically. This is the first report in the literature of successful laparoscopic treatment for a mature cystic teratoma of the uterosacral ligament.     

Current practice for the laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis: a national questionnaire survey of consultant gynaecologists in UK

OBJECTIVE: To determine current practice regarding laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. DESIGN: A prospective questionnaire survey. SETTING: The United Kingdom. POPULATION: All 1411 UK consultant gynaecologists identified from a Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists database. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was sent to all consultants with reply paid envelopes. A postal reminder was sent three months following the initial questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Current practice for the laparoscopic diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis and willingness to participate in a randomised trial. RESULTS: The response rate was 66% (893/1411). Diagnostic laparoscopy was performed by 87% (772/893) of respondents. Seventy-six percent of these (58/772) were confident to visually diagnose endometriosis and 6% (47/772) routinely verified the diagnosis histologically. Laparoscopic surgery was routinely undertaken by 41% (318/772) of respondents. Ablative therapy was the most frequently employed technique utilised [620/653 (95%)] and electrodiathermy was the most popular energy modality (80%). Among respondents expressing a preference, excision of disease was believed to be more effective, but less safe compared with ablation. One-third of respondents (273/893) were willing to enter patients into a randomised controlled trial to compare laparoscopic treatments for pelvic pain associated with endometriosis. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis associated with pelvic pain is routinely undertaken by a large number of UK consultant gynaecologists, but techniques used and beliefs about efficacy vary. In view of this division of opinion regarding the relative roles of laparoscopic treatment methods, a randomised trial comparing the efficacy and safety of these methods is urgently needed.