Nd:YAG laser endometrial ablation: histological aspects of uterine healing.

Laser ablation of the endometrium performed under hysteroscopic control is a novel procedure for the conservative management of menorrhagia in cases of dysfunctional uterine bleeding. The effect this has on the uterine cavity and the mechanism of reepithelialisation and endometrial regeneration have been examined by means of histological examination of endometrial biopsies and four hysterectomy specimens obtained for various indications at varying time intervals after laser endometrial ablation. During the first 3 months, fragments of necrotic and granulation tissue are found surrounded by a limited polymorph response. By 3 months, the uterine cavity appears to be completely reepithelialised. After 6 months, areas of normal-appearing endometrium may persist, but in other areas there is an attenuated cuboidal surface epithelium closely applied, to the underlying myometrium. Stromal fibrosis reminiscent of Asherman syndrome is also apparent.     

Assessment of abnormal bleeding in menopausal women: an update

Peri and postmenopausal bleeding, with or without the use of hormone replacement therapy, is a common clinical problem. The exclusion of endometrial hyperplasia and carcinoma is the key issue in the evaluation of patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. Transvaginal ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness has become a routine procedure and an initial investigation in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding. There is debate as to whether a cut-off of 5 or 4 mm endometrial thickness should be employed. If the endometrial thickness is above these values, polyps have been diagnosed or the patient is presenting with recurrent bleeding, endometrial disease has to be excluded by histological assessment. Outpatient aspiration curettage has superseded dilatation and curettage, which was previously considered to be the gold standard for obtaining endometrial tissue, and provides the same sensitivity in detecting endometrial disease. Hysteroscopy allows visualisation of the uterine cavity and the opportunity for targeted biopsy and removal of endometrial polyps.     

Endometriosis cutánea: a propósito de un caso

Endometriosis consists of the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. This entity is relatively common in women of reproductive age. The most frequent location is the ovary but multiple sites have been described in the literature, including the skin. Cutaneous endometriosis is often related to previous abdominal and pelvic surgery and the site of occurrence is often a surgical scar. In women of reproductive age with a nodule in a surgical scar, a thorough history to determine if there is pain and a cyclical increase in size can guide the diagnosis. Treatment should always be resection for diagnostic confirmation, which is always histopathological.     

Office Hysteroscopy and Curettage — A Safe Diagnostic Procedure

In a series of 50 patients investigated by office hysteroscopy and curettage, satisfactory direct inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity was possible in all patients. In addition satisfactory endometrial specimens suitable for reliable histological evaluation were obtained in 98% of patients. No endometrium was obtained in 1 postmenopausal patient. Patients chosen for this form of investigation are those with an indication for diagnostic curettage who have no serious cardiovascular disease, are not bleeding or have light bleeding, and are willing to have an office procedure. Currently office curettage is done with a 5mm Karman catheter with an attached 10ml syringe for suction. Local analgesia is rarely used.     

Hysteroscopy and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of endometrial cancer

The main aim of investigating women with abnormal uterine bleeding is to exclude serious intrauterine pathology, particularly endometrial cancer. Endometrial assessment has traditionally been achieved by obtaining tissue for histological analysis utilising blind in-patient dilatation of the cervix and curettage of the endometrium under general anaesthesia. This procedure is now generally accepted as outmoded practice associated with unnecessary morbidity and cost and has been largely replaced by minimally invasive out-patient or 'ambulatory' diagnostic modalities. These modalities include transvaginal ultrasonography, out-patient hysteroscopy and miniature endometrial biopsy. The most controversial debate has centred on how best to image the uterine cavity with advocates of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography holding apparently implacable views. However, the concept of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography as competing tests may be misplaced, and perhaps they should be viewed as complementary diagnostic tools. To help us answer such questions requires an appraisal of the available evidence. In this way, a more rational approach to investigating women for endometrial cancer is possible based on the clinical and economic performance of hysteroscopy and ultrasonography. This review assesses the evidence and suggests approaches available to gynaecologists for the diagnostic work-up of women suspected to have endometrial cancer utilising hysteroscopy and ultrasonography.     

New evidence of the presence of endometriosis in the human fetus

The aetiology of endometriosis, a gynaecological disease defined by the histological presence of endometrial glands and stroma outside the uterine cavity, is still open to debate. Research has recently found evidence for endometriosis in human female fetuses at different gestational ages. This paper reports a new case of fetal endometriosis in a 25-week female fetus, deceased due to placental pathology, from a series of 13 female fetuses analysed at autopsy. The exact anatomical localization of this misplaced endometrium, as well as its histopathological and immunohistochemical characteristics are illustrated. The case suggests that endometriosis can be caused by dislocation of primitive endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity during organogenesis.     

Diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma using the Mi-MarkR helix sampling technique

The traditional Papanicolaou smear achieves only 20--60% diagnostic accuracy when applied to endometrial carcinoma. Consequently, various specially designed methods for the early detection of endometrial carcinoma have been tried out. The present study was a comparison of conventional curettage with a new technique, the Milan-Markley helix method (Mi-MarkR) for the obtaining of material from the uterine cavity for both cytological and histological evaluation. The material included 474 samples from 401 patients. The method is designed as an office procedure and is not intended to replace diagnostic curettage. It should be used as an additional diagnostic procedure in high-risk groups and in the follow-up of such patients. With cytological examination of the material the specificity was found to be 97.6% and the sensitivity 85.7%.     

Endometrial hyperplasia--hysteroscopy findings

Endometrial hyperplasia is considered to be a frequent cause of metrorrhagia. Traditionally diagnosis of this pathology was made on specimens obtained by uterine curettage or after hysterectomy performed for benign diseases. Recently, hysteroscopy has enabled to offer suggestive images of this pathology, in fact it allows to visualize directly the uterine cavity and to perform guided biopsies on the endometrial mucosa. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the hysteroscopy procedures in the diagnosis of the endometrial hyperplasia. 479 panoramic hysteroscopies were performed in a four-year period for different indications and we found endometrial hyperplasia in 129 patients. We compared the results with the histological findings. On the base be able the possible diagnose and the follow-up procedure for endometrial hyperplasia.     

Treatment of patients with sarcoma of the uterus

In the present series of 156 patients with sarcomas of the uterus the therapeutic modalities employed were evaluated. The 5-year survival rate of 51.3% was obtained for this series including 41.2% for leiomyosarcomas, 57.1% for endometrial stromal sarcomas, 50.0% for mixed mesodermal tumors and 40.0% for carcinosarcomas. The prognostic significance of the extent of disease, histological type and the age of patients is emphasised. Clinical features of uterine sarcomas specific for different histological types were shown: leiomyosarcomas were characterized by a rapid tumor growth while uterine bleeding in the background of neuroendocrine disturbances similar to those observed in endometrial carcinomas were related to endometrial stromal sarcomas and mixed mesodermal tumors. In respect to early diagnosis of sarcomas an ultrasonic pelvic examination and studies of aspirate specimens taken from the uterine cavity are recommended to be performed for the groups at high risk. An individual treatment policy was developed for each sarcoma patient depending on the histological type, the stage of disease and general condition of the patient. Surgical approach varied ranging from a total hysterectomy and adnexectomy, done for leiomyosarcomas, to an extended hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for mixed mesodermal tumors and endometrial stromal sarcomas. Postoperative distant and/or endovaginal radiation are indicated for all histological types of sarcomas excepting leiomyosarcomas. Application of adjuvant chemotherapy with carminomycin or adriamycin improves the results of treatment.     

Stammzellen im Endometrium

In recent years the concept of adult stem cells mediating cyclic endometrial regeneration has become increasingly accepted. This hypothesis is supported by the identification of endometrial expression of stem cell markers such as Oct-4, Musashi-1 and telomerase, and by demonstration of the multi-lineage differentiation potential of clonal endometrial cells. Adult stem cells only represent a small percentage of all stromal and glandular cells of the endometrium; therefore, identification of additional specific markers to further characterize these cells is needed. A dysregulation of stem cell function is implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative diseases of the endometrium, including endometriosis, the growth of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. An induced differentiation of these cells may prove to be a fruitful therapeutic concept in the near future. Apart from endometrial tissue stem cells, bone marrow-derived stem cells have been identified in the endometrium, in addition to menstrual blood-derived stem cells. The latter may expand therapeutic options in regenerative medicine, e. g. for patients suffering from myocardial infarction.     

Laparoscopic Blinded Endometrial Cavity Resection for Robert's Uterus

Study Objective

To demonstrate that laparoscopic excision of the endometrial tissue of a blind endometrial cavity in a patient with a Robert's uterus who did not consent to hysteroscopic surgery due to her virgin state and religious beliefs was an effective alternative treatment option for progressive dismenorrhea and pelvic pain.

Diagnosis of Endometrial Carcinoma by Histopathological Examination of the Endometrial Aspirate by the Curity-Isaacs Sampler

The Curity-Isaacs Endometrial Cell (CIEC) sampler was used for endometrial tissue and cell sampling in 230 patients before dilatation and curettage to determine the efficacy of its use as an outpatient endometrial sampler. Its use was found to be safe and without complication. It could be easily inserted into the uterine cavity in 92.0% of patients and did not cause undue discomfort in 88.9% of them. Using histopathological diagnostic techniques, there was 100% accuracy in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. However, it was found that diagnostic accuracy of endometrial hyperplasia was only 33.3%. It is suggested that the CIEC sampler could be used as a first-line diagnostic procedure to exclude endometrial carcinoma in patients with abnormal vaginal bleeding.     

Thermal endometrial ablation: a simple technique

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a technique for thermal endometrial ablation. METHOD: The study was carried out in three steps; step I on 10 fresh uterine specimens, step II on 14 intact uteri during hysterectomy and step III in five patients, two weeks prior to hysterectomy. A simple device comprising a Foley catheter No. 14F, a three way cannula and a 20 cc syringe was used for the procedure. The balloon of the catheter was inflated within the uterine cavity with boiling normal saline for 9 minutes. Uterine cavity and serosal temperature was recorded during the procedure. Thermal injury was assessed by gross and histological examination of the specimens. RESULTS: The mean maximum endometrial cavity temperature was 91 degrees C whereas serosal temperatures in steps I and II were 34 degrees C and 35.9 degrees C respectively. None of the balloons ruptured in any of the steps and there were no complications. In 13 of 14 specimens in step II, there was a zone of hyperemia with a depth of 3 to 7 mm. The corresponding histological picture was extensive hemorrhage and fragmentation of glands throughout the endometrium including the cornual regions. Consistent findings were noted in step III in which all but one showed extensive coagulative necrosis of the whole of endometrium with edema of the underlying myometrium. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between the volume of fluid injected and depth of hyperemia. CONCLUSION: This technique could be a simple, effective, inexpensive and safe alternative to hysteroscopic endometrial ablation.     

Second-generation endometrial ablation treatment: Novasure

The Novasure endometrial ablation system consists of a single-use device and a radiofrequency controller. It is a three-dimensional, triangular-shaped bipolar ablation device. The generator functions at 500 kHz and has a power cut-off limit set at a tissue impedance of 50 Ohms. The self-terminating procedure is based on tissue impedance or time. A cavity assessment system works to detect perforations in the uterine cavity. No pretreatment is necessary. Randomized controlled trials have shown that the Novasure system has an amenorrhoea rate of 44-56% at 1-year follow-up, and the 5-year results of a randomized trial will be published shortly. Prospective observational studies show even higher amenorrhoea rates of up to 58-75% up to 5-year follow-up. Hysterectomy rates in the prospective trial were very low (4%). In summary, the Novasure endometrial ablation system is an effective second-generation ablation technique, resulting in a high percentage of amenorrhoea.     

Endometriosis ureteral en paciente monorrena. Presentación del caso y revisión de la literatura

Endometriosis is defined as the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue outside the normal confines of the uterine cavity. Urinary tract involvement is uncommon, its incidence being about 5%.     

Comparison of saline infusion sonography and histological findings in the evaluation of uterine cavity pathologies

Aim  To evaluate the accuracy of saline infusion sonography for the diagnosis of endometrial cavity abnormalities in patients who presented with abnormal uterine bleeding. Methods  Eighty-three women suspected of having endometrial cavity abnormalities were evaluated using saline infusion sonography. The results of this technique were compared with the histological evaluation reports of these women either with hysteroscopy or laparotomy prospectively. Results  The positive predictive value (PPV) for endometrial polyps was 25%; the negative predictive value (NPV) was 93%; the sensitivity for endometrial polyps was 80% and the specificity was 87%. The PPV, the NPV, the sensitivity and the specificity for submucous fibroids were 65, 85, 81 and 89%, respectively. Conclusions  Saline infusion sonography was a reliable and accurate method for investigations of the endometrium and uterine cavity with good correlation, with histological results of more invasive procedures. It can be a good alternative technique for the evaluation of uterine cavity abnormalities where office hysteroscopy is not available.     

Uterine cavity assessment in infertile women: comparison of transvaginal sonography and hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in detecting uterine cavity abnormalities in infertile patients, with reference to hysteroscopy as the gold standard method. STUDY DESIGN: At the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Bari, 134 infertile women were investigated with both TVS and hysteroscopy. In all cases endometrial biopsy was performed. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for TVS, considering hysteroscopic diagnosis as the gold standard. Statistical analysis was performed by using McNemar test. RESULTS: There was one failed insertion of hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy diagnosed pathological findings in 58 out of 133 cases (44%). TVS was in agreement with 50 of the 58 (86%) of the pathological findings diagnosed at hysteroscopy. As a test for the detection of uterine cavity abnormalities, TVS in comparison with hysteroscopy had 84.5% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity, 98.0% positive predictive value and 89.2% negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: TVS is able to diagnose polyps, septum and submucous fibroids with quite significant accuracy, while hysteroscopy is indicated for their confirmation and removal. Thus, hysteroscopy provides both diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities, but TVS permits to proceed directly to operative hysteroscopy avoiding the need for a separate diagnostic procedure.     

Ultrasound examination before,during, and after office endometrial sampling

Office endometrial sampling is widely used as the first diagnostic test in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. Because office sampling is a blind procedure, the lesion causing the symptoms may be missed. The use of ultrasound before, during, and after office endometrial sampling improves relevant tissue yield. The measurement of the endometrial thickness informs if sampling is indicated. The evaluation of ultrasound features (without or with fluid instillation) may suggest a focal intracavitary lesion necessitating operative hysteroscopy. The knowledge of the uterine cavity length, shape, and flexion may avoid nonrepresentative sampling. The concordance between the tissue yield and the ultrasound findings reflects the reliability of the sampling. If not concordant, further diagnostic steps such as fluid instillation sonography or hysteroscopy are indicated. We conclude that integrating ultrasound in the diagnostic algorithm for uterine intracavitary pathology optimizes office endometrial sampling.     

Hysteroscopic surgery

Hysteroscopy and visually directed endometrial sampling have replaced blind curettage for the diagnosis of endometrial disease. Hysteroscopy can be used to detect endometrial cancer and various premalignant lesions, as well as to diagnose intrauterine polyps and submucous fibroids. It can also be used to locate lost intrauterine devices, assess the shape and size of the endometrial cavity during an infertility work-up and to visualise intrauterine septae and adhesions. If the hysteroscopist possesses special skills and training, it can be used to perform intrauterine sterilisation by occluding the tubal ostia. The ability to perform endometrial ablation as an alternative to hysterectomy in patients with menorrhagia has led to reduction in the number of hysterectomies performed. Long-term follow-up has confirmed the success of this procedure, but it is not without complications. The inherent dangers and complications of endometrial ablation and the considerable skill and training it requires has led to the development of numerous second-generation devices, which can involve balloons that are heated with circulating fluid, impedance-controlled endometrial ablation or surface electrodes, heated fluid running through the hysteroscope under direct vision or the use of microwaves or cryotherapy. This chapter reviews the techniques, potential complications and evidence for the effectiveness of the common diagnostic and therapeutic hysteroscopic procedures.