A randomized study comparing triptorelin or expectant management following conservative laparoscopic surgery for symptomatic stage III-IV endometriosis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of adjuvant treatment with gonadotropin-releasing-hormone agonist (GnRHa) following conservative surgical treatment of endometriosis. STUDY DESIGN: Sixty patients in the reproductive age (mean age 28.6 years), with symptomatic stages III and IV endometriosis following laparoscopic surgery and without previous hormonal treatment were enrolled in a prospective, randomized, controlled trial to compare the effects of 3-month treatment with triptorelin depot-3.75 i.m. (30 patients) versus expectant management using placebo injection (30 patients). RESULTS: Six patients (one in triptorelin group and five in placebo group) were lost at follow-up, the remaining 54 were suitable for analysis. Pelvic pain persistence or recurrence, endometrioma relapses and pregnancy rate were evaluated during a 5-year follow-up. The results of 29 cases treated with triptorelin and 25 that received placebo did not show significant differences in pain recurrence (P=1, RR=0.94, 95% CI=0.57-1.55), endometrioma relapse (P=0.67, RR=1.29, 95% CI=0.66-2.50), and pregnancy rate in infertile women (P=0.80, RR=0.81, 95% CI=0.37-1.80). Curves of time of pain recurrence and pregnancy during 5-year follow-up did not show significant differences between the two groups (P=0.79 and P=0.51, respectively, using Mantel-Haenzsel logrank test). CONCLUSION: Triptorelin treatment after operative laparoscopy for stage III/IV endometriosis does not appear to be superior to expectant management in terms of prevention of symptoms recurrence and endometrioma relapse, and has no influence on pregnancy rate in endometriosis-associated infertility.     

Surgical Decision Regret in Women Pursuing Surgery for Endometriosis or Chronic Pelvic Pain

Study ObjectiveTo identify incidence of decision regret associated with surgery for endometriosis or chronic pelvic pain (CPP).DesignSurvey study.SettingAcademic medical center.PatientsAll patients undergoing excisional surgery for endometriosis or CPP between January 2016 and June 2019.InterventionsThe women were contacted to complete 2 validated questionnaires: the Decision Regret and Patient Global Impression of Improvement scales.Measurements and Main ResultsA total of 253 patients were contacted, and 154 patients responded (60.8% response rate) to the survey. A total of 137 women (90%) agreed or strongly agreed that having excisional surgery was the right decision; 134 women (87%) indicated that they would choose to have surgery again.The survey responders did not differ from nonresponders in age (years, 33.9 vs 35; p = .25), robotic route of surgery (83.1% vs 78.8%; p = .66), or performance of hysterectomy (27.3% vs 26.3%; p = .85). The responders were more likely to have stage III/IV endometriosis (50.6% vs 29.3%; p <.01), more previous surgeries for endometriosis (median surgeries, 1 vs 0; p = .01), higher complication rate (8.4% vs 2.0%; p = .03), and pathology test results more frequently positive for endometriosis (87.7% vs 77.8%; p = .03).Overall, 25 patients (16.3%) reported some level of regret after excisional surgery for endometriosis or CPP. Regret was not associated with a lower Patient Global Impression of Improvement score (odds ratio [OR] 4.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81–23.7), age (OR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.93–1.04), time since surgery (OR 1; 95% CI, 0.97–1.04), number of previous surgeries (OR 1.08; 95% CI, 0.9–1.31), negative pathology test results (OR 2.82; 95% CI, 0.95–8.32), hysterectomy (OR 1.23; 95% CI, 0.45–3.32), or complications (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.22–5.16).ConclusionMost women who pursue excisional surgery for endometriosis or CPP are satisfied with their decision. Regret was not associated with patient-reported lack of improvement, negative pathology test results, hysterectomy, or complications. Gynecologic surgeons should engage in shared decision-making with patients and feel comfortable offering surgical evaluation and management to patients with endometriosis or CPP when clinically indicated.     

Cancer risk after hospital discharge diagnosis of benign ovarian cysts and endometriosis

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate whether patients with benign ovarian cysts, functional ovarian cysts, or endometriosis have an increased risk of developing gynecologic cancer. METHODS: The Swedish Hospital Discharge Register was used to identify a cohort of women discharged from hospital with the diagnoses of ovarian cyst (n = 42217), functional ovarian cyst (n = 17998), or endometriosis (n = 28163). To each case, three controls were matched. The National Swedish Cancer Register matched all incident cancers diagnosed among cases and controls. From the Fertility Register, the date of birth of children born to the cases and controls were obtained. RESULTS: Women with endometriosis had an increased risk for ovarian cancer (OR 1.34; 95% CI 1.03-1.75), but no association was found between ovarian cysts or functional cysts and ovarian malignancy, including all ages. Young women (15-29 years old) discharged from hospital for ovarian cysts and functional cysts showed an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer later in life (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.9 and OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.5-2.0), as well as women with ovarian cysts who had undergone ovarian cyst resection or unilateral oophorectomy (OR 8.8; 95% CI 5.2-15). The risk of developing ovarian cancer was inversely related to parity. Mean age at diagnosis was significantly lower in all three study groups. CONCLUSION: In this study women with endometriosis and young women who had undergone surgery with removal of an ovarian cyst had an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.     

Surgical Management of Adnexal Masses in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe incidence of adnexal masses in pregnancy is 1% to 6%. Although surgery is often indicated, there are no definitive management guidelines. We aimed to investigate the optimal approach to surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy on the basis of a meta-analysis of previous studies.Data SourcesWe performed a systematic review using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception to July 17, 2020.Methods of Study SelectionThere were no restrictions on study type, language, or publication date. Comparative and noncomparative retrospective studies that reviewed operative techniques used in surgery of adnexal masses in pregnancy were included. Meta-analyses were performed to assess outcomes. This study was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42019129709).Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsComparative studies were identified for laparoscopy vs laparotomy and elective vs emergent surgery (11 and 4, respectively). Elective surgery is defined as a scheduled antepartum procedure. For laparoscopy vs laparotomy, the mean maternal ages and gestational ages at time of surgery were similar (27.8 years vs 27.7 years, p = .85; 16.2 weeks in laparoscopy vs 15.4 weeks in laparotomy, p = .59). Mass size was larger in those undergoing laparotomy (mean 8.8 cm vs 7.8 cm, p = .03). The most common pathologic condition was dermoid cyst (36%), and the risk of discovering a malignant tumor was 1%. Laparoscopy was not associated with a statistically increased risk of spontaneous abortion (SAB) or preterm delivery (PTD) (odds ratio [OR] 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–3.52; p = .31 and OR 0.95; 95% CI, 0.47–1.89; p = .88, respectively). The mean length of hospital stay was 2.5 days after laparoscopy vs 5.3 days after laparotomy (p <.001). The decrease in estimated blood loss in laparoscopy was not statistically significant (94.0 mL in laparotomy vs 54.0 mL in laparoscopy, p = .06). Operative times were similar in laparoscopy and laparotomy (80.0 minutes vs 72.5 minutes, p = .09). Elective surgery was associated with a decreased risk of PTD (OR 0.13; 95% CI, 0.04–0.48; p = .05). Noncomparative studies were identified for laparoscopy and laparotomy. Laparotomy had more SABs and PTDs than laparoscopy (pooled proportion = 0.02 vs 0.07 and pooled proportion = 0.02 vs 0.14, respectively).ConclusionLaparoscopy for the surgical management of adnexal masses in pregnancy is associated with shorter length of hospital stay and similar risk of SAB or PTD. Elective surgery is associated with a decreased risk of PTD.     

腹腔镜术后应用促性腺激素释放激素激动剂对Ⅰ期子宫内膜异位症不孕患者生育能力的影响

目的 探讨Ⅰ期子官内膜异佗症(内异症)不孕患者腹腔镜术后应用促性腺激素释放激素激动剂(GnRH-a)辅助治疗对生育能力的影响.方法 选择2006年1月-2008年6月于北京大学人民医院经腹腔镜证实为Ⅰ期内异症(即微小病变内异症)并排除其他不孕因素的不孕患者102例,经宫腔镜检查及腹腔镜盆腔内异症病灶电凝术后,根据患者意愿分为GnRH-a组60例和财照组42例,GnRH-a组于腹腔镜术后肌内注射GnRH-a 1-2次,每次3.6 mg;对照组不采用GnRH-a治疗.所有患者术后随访24个月,比较两组患者的妊娠结局及生育能力(定义为每月每100例中妊娠的例数,以百分率表示).结果 GnRH-a组的总临床妊娠率为78%(47/60),高于对照组[55%(23/42)],差异有统计学意义(χ~2=6.376,P=0.012);GnRH-a组的流产率为19%(9/47),对照组为13%(3/23),两组间比较,差异尤统计学意义(χ~2=0.089,P=0.465).GnRH-a组及对照组术后月生育能力分别为6.17%和3.26%,两组间相对危险度(RR)比值为1.9(95%CI:1.1～3.0).结论 Ⅰ期内异症患者经腹腔镜治疗后应用小剂量GnRH-a可提高术后妊娠率及生育能力.     

Endometriosis and Ectopic Pregnancy: A Meta-analysis

ObjectiveTo systematically review and perform a meta-analysis of the risk of ectopic pregnancy in endometriosis.Data SourcesMEDLINE (OVID), Embase (OVID), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Library to April 1, 2019. Inclusion criteria were cohort or case-control studies from 1990 onward. Exclusion criteria were cohort studies without controls, case reports or series, or no English full-text.Methods of Study SelectionA total of 1361 titles/abstracts were screened after removal of duplicates, 39 full-texts were requested, and, after 24 studies were excluded, there were 15 studies in the meta-analysis.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsData were extracted using standardized spreadsheets with 2 independent reviewers, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. We performed random effects calculation of weighted estimated average odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed with the I² metric and funnel plots/Egger's test, respectively. The Ottawa-Newcastle Quality Assessment Scale was used with a cutoff of ≥7 for higher quality. There were 10 case-control studies (17 972 ectopic pregnancy cases and 485 266 nonectopic pregnancy controls) and 5 cohort studies (30 609 women with endometriosis and 107 321 women without endometriosis). For case-control studies, endometriosis was associated with increased risk of ectopic pregnancy with an OR of 2.66 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.14–6.21, p = .02). For cohort studies, the OR was 0.95 (95% CI = 0.29–3.11, p = .94), but after post hoc analysis of the studies with a Ottawa-Newcastle score ≥7, the OR was 2.16 (95% CI = 1.67–2.79, p <.001). For both case-control and cohort studies, there was high heterogeneity among studies (I² = 93.9% and I² = 96.6%, Q test p <.001) but no obvious evidence of systematic bias in the funnel plot, and Egger's test results were not significant (p = .35, p = .70), suggesting no strong publication bias. There were insufficient data to make any conclusions with respect to anatomic characteristics of endometriosis (e.g., stage) or mode of conception (e.g., assisted reproductive technology vs spontaneous).ConclusionPossible evidence of an association between endometriosis and ectopic pregnancy was observed (OR = 2.16–2.66). However, these results should be considered with caution, owing to high heterogeneity among studies. Continued research is needed to delineate the pregnancy implications of endometriosis.     

Increased rate of endometriosis and spontaneous abortion in an in vitro fertilization program: no correlation with epidemiological factors.

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data concerning endometriosis and spontaneous abortion (SAB). The aim of the present study was to evaluate if there was any association between endometriosis and SAB. Moreover, we investigated risk factors in women with endometriosis and SAB. METHODS: The medical files of 457 married women with endometriosis and 200 infertile women without endometriosis were studied retrospectively. All cases were diagnosed by laparoscopy. Data concerning demographic variables and menstrual characteristics were recorded from 226 women with endometriosis, which were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 126 cases with endometriosis and SAB, and Group 2 comprised 100 parous women with endometriosis and without SAB. Statistical comparisons between groups were made using the chi(2) test and odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: The proportion of SAB was significantly higher in women with endometriosis than in infertile women without endometriosis (126/457 (27.6%) vs. 36/200 (18.0% ); OR = 1.7, 95% CI 1.1 = 2.6; p = 0.01). The frequency of nulligravid women was significantly higher in women with endometriosis than in the control group (OR = 1.9, 95% CI 1.4 - 2.81; p = 0.001). Mean age, age at onset of endometriosis, race, height, weight, body mass index, medical history of allergies, and family histories of endometriosis and cancer were similar in women with endometriosis and SAB and in parous women with endometriosis but without SAB. Moreover, the two groups were similar in age at menarche, length of cycle, duration and amount of flow, and the severity of disease. The incidence of infertility was significantly higher in women with SAB (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest but do not prove that the risk of SAB is increased in women with endometriosis. The epidemiological risk factors of endometriosis are not associated with an increase in the abortion rate.     

Idiopathic bleeding during the second half of pregnancy as a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate pregnancy outcome in women suffering from idiopathic vaginal bleeding (IVB) during the second half of pregnancy. METHODS: A comparison between patients admitted to the hospital due to bleeding during the second half of pregnancy and patients without bleeding was performed. Patients lacking prenatal care as well as multiple gestations were excluded from the analysis. Stratified analyses using the Mantel-Haenszel technique and a multiple logistic regression model were performed to control for confounders. RESULTS: During the study period, 173,621 singleton deliveries occurred at our institute. Of these, 2077 (1.19%) were complicated with bleeding upon admission during the second half of pregnancy. After excluding cases with bleeding due to placental abruption, placenta previa, cervical problems, etc., 67 patients were classified as having IVB (0.038%). Independent risk factors associated with IVB, using a backward, stepwise multivariable analysis were oligohydramnios (OR=6.2; 95% CI 3.1-12.7; p < 0.001), premature rupture of membranes (OR=3.4; 95% CI 1.8-6.2; p < 0.001), intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR, OR 5.6; 95% CI 2.5-12.2; p < 0.001), and Jewish ethnicity (OR=1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.5; p=0.036). These patients subsequently were more likely to deliver preterm (<37 weeks, 56.7% vs. 7.3%; mean gestational age of 33.6+/-5.7 weeks vs. 39.2+/-2.1 weeks; p < 0.001) and by cesarean delivery (CD, 35.8% vs. 12.1%, OR=4.0; 95% CI 2.4-6.6; p < 0.001). Higher rates of low Apgar scores (<7) at 1 and 5 minutes were noted in these patients (OR=10.3; 95% CI 5.9-17.8; p < 0.001 and OR=17.8; 95% CI 7.1-44.5; p < 0.001, respectively). Moreover, perinatal mortality rate among patients admitted due to idiopathic bleeding was significantly higher as compared to patients without bleeding (9.6% vs. 1.2%, OR=8.4; 95% CI 3.3-21.2; p < 0.001). However, when controlling for preterm delivery, using the Mantel-Haenszel technique, the association lost its significance. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic vaginal bleeding during the second half of pregnancy is a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcome, mostly due to its significant association with preterm delivery. Careful surveillance, including fetal monitoring, is suggested in these cases in order to reduce the adverse perinatal outcome.     

Risk factors for conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of an ectopic pregnancy

Objective: To identify risk factors for conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent laparoscopy for treatment of ectopic pregnancy, during a 32-month period (6/1999–2/2002), at the University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital. We identified 229 patients; 201 had a successful laparoscopy (non-converted group) and 28 who were converted to laparotomy (converted group).Variables analyzed between the two groups were demographic data, patient-related risk factors available to the surgeon prior to the surgery (previous laparotomy, previous laparoscopy, history of PID, history of endometriosis, diameter of ectopic pregnancy as measured by ultrasound, amount of free fluid on ultrasound, BMI), and surgeons’ experience. Results: Out of the 229 laparoscopies, 28 were converted to laparotomy (12.2%). The rate of conversion was significantly higher for less experienced compared to experienced surgeon (OR=6.1, 95% CI=2.35–15.88). Significantly more women had a BMI>30 kg/m² in the converted group compared to the non-converted group (42% vs. 14%; OR=4.28, 95% CI=1.7–10.75) and the converted group had significantly higher rate of large free fluid reported on ultrasound compared to the non-converted group (21.42% vs. 7.46%; OR =3.38, 95% CI=1.04–10.61). Conclusion: Less experienced surgeon, BMI>30 kg/m², and large amount of free fluid on ultrasound increase the risk of conversion to laparotomy during laparoscopic management of ectopic pregnancy.     

Laparoscopic Treatment of Endometrial Cancer: Systematic Review

The objective of this review was to assess the efficacy and safety of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy for treatment of endometrial cancer. Trials were identified by searching the Cochrane Gynecological Cancer Collaborative Review Group Trial Register, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, the China Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Whole Article Database, Wan Fang Data, and VIP Information, from January 1991 to May 2012, as well as the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library, issue 5, 2012). We also hand searched unpublished and gray literature, reference lists of identified studies, gynecologic cancer handbooks, and conference abstracts. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing laparoscopic surgery with laparotomy for treatment of all stages of endometrial cancer were selected. Data extraction was performed independently by 2 review authors who assessed study quality and extracted data. The whole articles were assessed for method quality by using the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group method quality criteria. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the I² statistic, which estimates the percentage of heterogeneity between trials. The outcomes were pooled statistically when no clinical heterogeneity was apparent. For time to event data, hazard ratios were pooled using the generic inverse variance facility of RevMan 5. Random effects models were used for all meta-analyses. The search yielded 9 eligible RCTs (1361 laparotomy and 2255 laparoscopy). There was no significant difference between laparoscopic and laparotomic approaches to endometrial cancer in 3-year overall survival (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.49 to 1.71; p = .77), 3-year disease-free survival (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.80; p = .89), recurrence at 3-year follow-up (OR, 1.11; 95% CI, 0.60 to 2.06; p = .74), and pelvic node yield (mean difference [MD, 0.45; 95% CI, ?0.41 to 1.32; p = .30). The benefits of laparoscopic surgery vs laparotomy were shorter length of hospital stay (MD, ?3.42; 95% CI, ?3.81 to ?3.03; p < .01), and lower rates of postoperative complications (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.52 to 0.73; p < .01). Disadvantages were higher rates of intraoperative complications (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.05 to1.74; p = .02) and longer duration of surgical procedures (MD, 32.73; 95% CI, 16.34 to 49.13; p < .01). We conclude that, compared with laparotomy, laparoscopic surgery seems to be beneficial in women with endometrial cancer, in particular insofar as postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. However, more well-designed RCTs are needed to assess the long-term clinical outcomes, in particular the quality of life.     

Uterine side effects of treatment with tamoxifen

OBJECTIVE: To assess a causal the relationship between endometrial lesions and tamoxifen therapy in patients with breast cancer. DESIGN: Prospective longitudinal study and cross-sectional study. SETTING: Cancer prevention unit at Basurto Hospital, Bilbao. POPULATION AND METHODS: Three populations of breast cancer were studied: 43 before the beginning of tamoxifen; 78 after 5-72 months of tamoxifen, and 34 before tamoxifen and after 12-24 months of tamoxifen treatment (PAIRED GROUP). All of them were systematically studied with CO(2) diagnostic hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy by the same clinician. RESULTS: Before tamoxifen, the following endometrial lesions were detected: endometrial polyps 9.3%; endometrial cysts 16.3%; synechiae 11.6%. In the paired group the ingestion of tamoxifen shows a direct causal effect with a significant increase in endometrial polyps (11.8% vs. 29.4%; OR=13; CI=7.9-18.1), in endometrial cysts (17.7% vs. 55.9%; OR=7.5; CI=5. 9-9.1) and in synechiae (14.7% vs. 35.5%; OR=8; CI=4.7-11.3). In the group under tamoxifen for 5-72 months, one endometrial carcinoma was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer patients have a number of endometrial lesions before undergoing any hormonal therapy. Tamoxifen significantly increased benign endometrial lesions, usually after less than one year of treatment. No cases of endometrial carcinoma was found in our series of 34 patients with 1-2 years of tamoxifen treatment, and 1/78 in patients with 5-72 months of tamoxifen.     

Surgical treatment of deep endometriosis and risk of recurrence

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of recurrence of deep endometriosis after conservative surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis (Canadian Task Force classification II-3). SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. PATIENTS: One hundred fifteen symptomatic patients operated on in our department from 1996 through 2002 with postoperative follow-up of at least 12 months. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent conservative surgery for deep infiltrating endometriosis. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Risk factors for recurrence of symptoms and clinical findings and for repeated surgery were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. During follow-up, we observed 28 patients with pain recurrence and 15 patients with recurrent clinical findings, and 12 patients required reoperation for deep endometriosis. Recurrence rates of pain and clinical findings during 36 months were 20.5% and 9%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that only age was a significant predictor of pain recurrence (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.81-0.99, p<.05), enhancing the risk in younger patients. Recurrence of clinical signs of deep endometriosis was predicted by obliteration of the pouch of Douglas (OR 1.46, 95% CI 1.16-16.2, p<.05). Reoperation for deep endometriosis was predicted only by the incompleteness of first operation (OR 21.9, 95% CI 3.2-146.5, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that age, obliteration of the pouch of Douglas, and surgical completeness may have a significant influence on the recurrence of the disease.     

Benign gynecologic conditions among participants in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to report on the benign gynecologic conditions occurring among women with an intact uterus at enrollment in the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project. STUDY DESIGN: The incidence rates of several benign gynecologic conditions were determined and risks were compared among women receiving tamoxifen and those receiving placebo, based on risk ratios (RRs) with 95% CIs. Comparisons included stratification by menopausal status, body mass index, and history of estrogen use. RESULTS: Compared with women taking placebo, premenopausal women taking tamoxifen had a greater incidence of endometrial polyps (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.55-2.41), leiomyomas (RR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.14-1.55), endometriosis (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.35-2.70), ovarian cysts (RR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.20-1.78), and gynecologic surgical procedures, including hysterectomy (RR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.29-1.88). Postmenopausal women taking tamoxifen also had an increased incidence of endometrial polyps (RR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.76-3.24), leiomyomas (RR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.04-1.80), endometriosis (RR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.29-5.58), and gynecologic surgical procedures, including hysterectomy (RR = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.60-3.13), compared with women taking placebo. All women taking tamoxifen also had an increased incidence of simple endometrial hyperplasia without atypia (overall RR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.64-2.60) compared with those taking placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results strongly support the estrogen agonist role of tamoxifen as the causative factor for the increased risk of endometrial polyps, leiomyomas, endometriosis, and endometrial hyperplasia among women taking this agent.     

Recurrence Rate after “One-Step” CO2 Fiber Laser Vaporization versus Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma: A 3-Year Follow-up Study

Study ObjectiveTo assess postoperative recurrence rates in patients with endometriomas managed by either “one-step” CO₂ fiber laser vaporization or cystectomy.DesignRetrospective study with prospective recording of data.SettingUniversity hospital.PatientsOne hundred twenty-five patients with symptomatic endometriomas.InterventionsPatients underwent a standardized laparoscopic stripping technique (group 1) or cyst vaporization with CO₂ fiber laser (group 2). After surgery, patients were incorporated in a prolonged surveillance program with periodic clinical follow-up to check for recurrence of the cyst and/or recurrence of symptoms. Endometrioma recurrence was defined as an ovarian cyst (>10 mm) with a typical aspect arising on the operated ovary identified by transvaginal ultrasound.Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary endpoint was the comparison of recurrence rates between the 2 groups. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of endometriosis-related pain recurrence in the 2 groups. Other endpoints selected for analysis included the identification of risk factors for the recurrence of endometrioma and of endometriosis-related symptoms. The mean follow-up was 29 ± 13 months (range, 13–49). Recurrence of ovarian endometriosis was recorded in 6.3% of patients (n = 4) treated with cystectomy and in 4.9% of patients (n = 3) managed with CO₂ fiber laser (p = .74). Recurrence of endometriosis-related pain was observed in 5 patients (7.8%) in group 1 and in 6 patients (9.8%) in group 2 (p = .67). Mean endometrioma diameter > 5 cm at the time of surgery was identified as the only independent poor prognostic indicator for cyst recurrence (p = .008; odds ratio [OR], 2.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19–3.32). Moreover, the presence of deep endometriosis at surgery (p = .032; OR, 4.60; 95% CI, 1.14–18.57) and discontinuation of hormonal treatment (p = .015; OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.25–8.06) were independent poor prognostic indicators for pain recurrence.ConclusionThis study suggests that one-step CO₂ fiber laser vaporization may be effective for endometrioma treatment because it is associated with recurrence rates comparable with those occurring after cystectomy, with the advantage of being an ovarian tissue-sparing technique.     

Recurrence after Surgery for Colorectal Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe recurrence rate after colorectal surgery for endometriosis is up to 50% at 5 years. The aim of the current review and meta-analysis was to assess recurrence associated with shaving, disc excision, and segmental resection for endometriosis with colorectal involvement.Data SourcesA systematic review was performed by searching the PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for publications before February 28, 2019, using the terms “colorectal endometriosis” and “recurrence” in English. The outcome measure was histologically proven recurrence 1 year after the index surgery.Methods of Study SelectionStudies rated as good or fair by a study quality assessment tool were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the quality of the studies; discrepancies were discussed, and if a consensus was not reached, a third reviewer was consulted.Tabulation, Integration, and ResultsOf 156 relevant published trials, 41 were systematically reviewed and 4 were included in the meta-analysis. The risk of recurrence was higher after rectal shaving than after both segmental resection (odds ratio [OR], 5.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.33–13.12; I² = 0%; p = .001) and disc excision for histologically proven recurrence (OR, 3.83; 95% CI, 1.33–11.05; I² = 0%; p = .01). This difference was not significant when comparing disc excision with segmental resection (OR, 2.63; 95% CI, 0.8–8.65; I² = 0%; p = .11).ConclusionThe current analysis shows that the risk of recurrence is lower when segmental resection or disc excision is performed than when rectal shaving is performed. This finding is important when deciding the most appropriate surgical management.     

Does ovulation induction affect the pregnancy rate after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of ovulation induction after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis in an infertile population. DESIGN: An observational prospective study in which infertility cases were treated with laparoscopic surgery was followed up (mean 11 months), either by treatment (ovulation induction) or no further treatment (expectant management) and the outcomes recorded. In both groups pregnancies were compared by Cox's regression survival model. SETTING: Gazi University Hospital, Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Ankara, Turkey. PATIENTS: Infertile women with different stages of endometriosis who were treated by laparoscopic surgery, with a mean duration of infertility of 80.7 (+/-50 [SD]) months. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were treated by cauterization of the foci, adhesiolysis, endometrioma stripping, and distal tubal reconstruction according to their lesions. Postoperatively, patients had either ovulation induction (clomiphene, hMG) therapy or no further treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Cumulative pregnancy rate of infertile women after laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis with or without ovulation induction. RESULTS: A total of 36 out of 128 patients became pregnant after laparoscopy, with a 34% cumulative pregnancy rate. In the ovulation induction group, relative risk (chance) of pregnancy was 1.42 (1.02-2.05, 95 % CI) when the duration of infertility was less than 5 years. In this lower risk group, the overall cumulative pregnancy rate was 46%--56% and 27% for the ovulation induction and expectant management groups, respectively. In the expectant management group, per cycle fecundity was 0.021, whereas it was 0.066 and 0.174 (p = 0.001) in the clomiphene citrate- and hMG-treated patients, respectively. Expectant management significantly increased the likelihood of pregnancy compared to ovulation induction in previous pregnancy, stage 1 or 2 endometriosis, and no male infertility groups (p = 0.04-0.009). CONCLUSION: After laparoscopic treatment of endometriosis, ovulation induction has a positive effect only if done with hMG and the duration of infertility was less than 5 years (P<.05).     

宫腔镜切除术治疗子宫内膜息肉的效果及影响术后自然妊娠状态的因素分析

目的：探讨宫腔镜切除子宫内膜息肉（endometrial polyp,EP）的疗效及影响术后自然妊娠状态的因素。方法：选取2013年2月-2014年11月在天津市咸水沽医院妇产科宫腔镜电切治疗的60例EP合并不孕患者为研究对象。术后3、6、18个月随访患者的阴道不规则出血、EP复发率、自然妊娠率,并分析影响患者术后自然妊娠的因素。结果：术后阴道不规则出血发生率为3.33%,EP复发率为1.67%。术后3个月累积自然妊娠率为28.33%,术后6个月累积自然妊娠率为50%,术后18个月累积自然妊娠率为65.00%。单因素分析结果显示,不同年龄EP患者宫腔镜术后自然妊娠率差异有统计学意义（P＜0.01）;不同不孕年限、不孕类型及息肉大小的EP患者宫腔镜术后自然妊娠率比较差异无统计学意义（P＞0.05）。多因素分析显示,年龄＞30岁是EP患者宫腔镜切除术后自然妊娠率的影响因素（OR=11.00,95%CI：4.108~29.454,P=0.000）;原发性不孕、不孕年限＞3年、息肉＞1 cm或多发则不是EP患者术后自然妊娠率的影响因素（P＞0.05）。结论：对于EP合并不孕的患者,宫腔镜治疗具有良好的治疗效果,且患者年龄越小术后自然妊娠的成功率越高。     

Oral contraceptive use and risk of endometriosis. Italian Endometriosis Study Group.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the association between use of oral contraception and risk of pelvic endometriosis. DESIGN: We compared use of oral contraception in women with and without endometriosis. PARTICIPANTS: Eligible for the study were women with primary or secondary infertility (n = 393) or chronic pelvic pain (n = 424), requiring laparoscopy, consecutively observed between September 1995 and January 1996 in 15 obstetrics and gynaecology departments in Italy. RESULTS: Out of the 817 women included in the study, 345 had a diagnosis of endometriosis; 164 (47.5%) women with endometriosis and 139 (29.4%) without the disease reported ever using oral contraception. In comparison with never users the estimated odds ratios (OR) of endometriosis were 1.8 (95% CI 1.0-3.3) in current users and 1.6 (95% CI 1.1-2.4) in ex-users. No clear relation emerged between duration of oral contraceptive use and risk of endometriosis. In comparison with never users, the OR was 1.8 (95% CI 1.1-3.0) for women reporting their last use of oral contraception < 5 years before interview and 1.5 (95% CI 0.9-2.5) for those reporting their last use > or = 5 years before interview. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that oral contraception is associated with an increased risk of endometriosis but this finding is based on a selected population and cannot generalised to all women with endometriosis.     

Prognostic factors for complete debulking in advanced ovarian cancer and its impact on survival. An exploratory analysis of a prospectively randomized phase III study of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Gynaekologische Onkologie Ovarian Cancer Study Group (AGO-OVAR)

BACKGROUND: No residual tumor as result of primary surgery in advanced ovarian cancer is known as one of the most important prognostic factors. PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of different prognostic factors for surgical outcome and to evaluate the impact of surgical outcome on survival. METHODS: Surgical data as well as survival data were documented throughout the multi-center prospective randomized phase III trial (OVAR-3) of the AGO-OVAR and were used for this exploratory analysis. In this study 798 patients with FIGO IIB-IV were first operated then randomized and homogenously treated with cisplatin/paclitaxel or carboplatin/paclitaxel. Only patients with complete surgical data (n=761) entered this analysis. RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed a significant decrease of probability for complete debulking without any macroscopic residual tumor for higher pre-operative tumor load (OR 0.32; 95% CI 0.17-0.61), higher FIGO stage (OR 0.22; 95% CI 0.13-0.39), worse performance status (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.38-0.86), advanced age (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.65-0.94) and presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis (OR 0.17; 95% CI 0.10-0.28). Surgery in centers with surgeons who performed comprehensive surgical debulking including retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy and peritoneal stripping was associated with higher rates of complete debulking compared to surgery in other centers (32.8% vs. 22.9%, p=0.007). This resulted in a markedly improved overall survival (p=0.045). This effect was held true after adjustment for prognostic factors (HR 0.77, 95% CI 0.63-0.94, p=0.012). CONCLUSION: Post-operative residual tumor is one of the most important independent prognostic factor for survival. Our results suggest an advantage for aggressive primary surgery and complete debulking. This surgical goal was achieved more often in experienced centers.     

Oral contraceptive pills for endometriosis after conservative surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

To assess the effects of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for endometriosis in women after conservative surgery, we performed a search of PubMed, Embase, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Scidirect, Chinese VIP, CNKI and WANGFANG database. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of OCPs in postoperative medical therapy for endometriosis were collected. Articles published as of January 2013 with no language restriction were identified using defined keywords, and 15 studies comprising 1850 patients were included. There was a significantly higher rate of total endometriosis remission [OR?=?2.55, 95% CI (1.68, 3.86), p?<?0.00001] and a lower rate of recurrence [OR?=?0.31, 95% CI (0.22, 0.45), p?<?0.00001] in the OCPs group compared with surgery alone. There appears to be no statistical difference in pregnancy rates between the OCPs group as compared with surgery alone or other hormonal drug treatments in infertility patients. As for the rate of recurrence and complete remission, there were no statistical differences among OCPs and gestrinone, mifepristone or GnRH-a groups. However, OCPs users had less side effects that were more mild as compared with patients using other hormonal treatments.