Laparoscopically assisted Adenomyomectomy Using the Double/Multiple-Flap Method with Temporary Occlusion of the Bilateral Uterine Artery and Utero-Ovarian Vessels in Comparison with the Double/Multiple-Flap Only Method

Introduction Adenomyomectomy is the most conservative surgical treatment for adenomyosis. However, the surgical efficacy of this treatment and the best approach to use are still debated. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using the double/multiple-flap method combined with temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine artery and the utero-ovarian vessels to treat symptomatic adenomyosis. Patients We recruited 155 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis and divided them into group A (n = 76) and group B (n = 79), with each group treated using a different surgical approach. All eligible women were informed of the potential complications, benefits, and alternatives of each approach before they were assigned into one of the two groups. In group A, we performed laparoscopic adenomyomectomy with the double/multiple-flap method while in group B, we performed a double/multiple-flap adenomyomectomy combined with temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine artery and utero-ovarian vessels. Over a 24-month follow-up period, we evaluated operating time, intraoperative blood loss, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, anti-Mullerian hormone levels, uterine volume, and relief of menorrhagia. Results There were no significant differences between groups A and B with respect to VAS scores, relief of menorrhagia and uterine volume at 3 months, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months after surgery (p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement of these parameters after surgery compared with preoperative values (p < 0.05). Blood loss in group B was significantly lower than in group A (p < 0.001) while there was no significant difference in operating times (p > 0.05). Levels of AMH did not differ significantly between the groups throughout the follow-up period (p > 0.05). Conclusion Laparoscopic adenomyomectomy with temporary occlusion of the bilateral uterine artery and the utero-ovarian vessels offers a feasible surgical option to treat symptomatic adenomyoma. Key words: adenomyomectomy, bilateral uterine artery, utero-ovarian vessels, double/multiple flap, temporary occlusion