Errico Zupi

Randomized clinical trial of two laparoscopic treatments of endometriomas: cystectomy versus drainage and coagulation

OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of two laparoscopic methods for the management of endometriomas with regard to pain relief, pregnancy rate, and disease recurrence. DESIGN Prospective, randomized clinical trial. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PATIENT(S) Sixty-four patients with advanced stages of endometriosis. INTERVENTION(S) Patients were randomly allocated at the time of laparoscopy to undergo either cystectomy of the endometrioma (group 1) or drainage of the endometrioma and bipolar coagulation of the inner lining (group 2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Pain relief and pregnancy rate. RESULT(S) Thirty-two patients were enrolled in each group. The 24-month cumulative recurrence rates of dysmenorrhea, deep dyspareunia, and nonmenstrual pelvic pain were lower in group 1 than in group 2 (dysmenorrhea: 15.8% versus 52.9%; deep dyspareunia: 20% versus 75%; nonmenstrual pelvic pain: 10% versus 52.9%). The median interval between the operation and the recurrence of moderate to severe pelvic pain was longer in group 1 than in group 2 (19 months [range, 13.5-24 months] versus 9.5 months [range, 3-20 months]). The 24-month cumulative pregnancy rate was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (66.7% versus 23.5%). CONCLUSION(S) For the treatment of ovarian endometriomas, a better outcome with a similar rate of complications is achieved with laparoscopic cystectomy than with drainage and coagulation.

Ovarian cortex surrounding benign neoplasms: A histologic study

OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to assess the functional morphologic features of the ovarian cortex surrounding benign cysts. STUDY DESIGN Fifty-four specimens (13 mature teratomas, nine benign cystadenomas, and 32 endometriomas) were obtained from the area of maximum distention of the ovarian cortex overlying benign cysts from 48 patients. The type and number of follicles were scored on a semiquantitative scale (0 to 4). Alterations of the cortical stroma that were related to the primary tumor were investigated. The vascular network was assessed by means of monoclonal antibodies directed against endothelial cells (anti-VW, QBEND/10) and scored on a scale from 0 to 2. The chi 2 and Mann-Whitney U test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Morphologic patterns similar to those of the normal ovarian cortex were observed in the cortical tissue surrounding mature teratomas, benign cystomas, and endometriomas in 92%, 77%, and 19% (p < 0.01) of specimens, respectively, and a regular vascular network was observed in 84%, 78%, and 22% (p < 0.01). Although microscopic endometriosis was observed surrounding the endometrioma in the stroma of 82% of specimens, stromal alterations related to the ovarian tumor were absent in the cortex surrounding mature teratomas and cystadenomas. CONCLUSIONS The study shows that the ovarian cortex, which is stretched and thinned by the growth of a benign tumor, is not morphologically altered in the presence of teratomas or benign cystadenomas. Endometriomas are associated with microscopic stromal implants and reduced follicular number and activity.

Adenomyosis: Three-dimensional sonographic findings of the junctional zone and correlation with histology

To correlate with histopathological features the adenomyosis‐induced morphological alterations of the outer myometrium and the inner myometrium (‘junctional zone’, JZ) detectable on two‐ (2D) and three‐dimensional (3D) transvaginal ultrasound imaging (TVS), and to evaluate their diagnostic accuracy for adenomyosis.

A prospective randomized study to evaluate leuprolide acetate treatment before laparoscopic myomectomy: Efficacy and ultrasonographic predictors ☆ ☆☆ ★

OBJECTIVE Aims of our study were as follows: (1) to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the preoperative administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog before laparoscopic myomectomy and (2) to assess whether any ultrasonographic parameter of the fibroids (number, size, Doppler velocimetry, or echogenicity) was of prognostic value. STUDY DESIGN A prospective randomized study was performed on 67 patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids that were mainly intramural; these patients were undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy. Patients were randomized either to preoperative administration of two injections of a depot formulation of leuprolide acetate 28 days apart (group A, n = 35) or to direct surgery (group B, n = 32). In each group we studied the number, volume, and echogenicity of the larger fibroids; the resistance index of uterine arteries and of fibroid vessels; hematologic parameters; operative time; and blood loss. RESULTS The two groups did not differ significantly in basal ultrasonographic parameters and hematologic data. Postoperatively, the red blood cell count and the serum hemoglobin and iron levels were significantly (p < 0.05) lower in group B. Both blood loss (p < 0.01) and operative time (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in group A. However, the operative time was significantly longer when the main fibroid was markedly hypoechoic, probably because the increased softness of the tumor after leuprolide acetate pretreatment makes its enucleation much more cumbersome. CONCLUSION Our data confirm the therapeutic efficacy of preoperative administration of a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog before laparoscopic myomectomy in reducing the blood loss and in decreasing the operative time. This preoperative course of leuprolide acetate in hypoechoic fibroids, because of the further reduction of the density of the myomas, causes a significant (p < 0.05) increase in operative time.

Imaging for the evaluation of endometriosis and adenomyosis.

Endometriosis affects between 5 and 45% of women in reproductive age, is associated with significant morbidity, and constitutes a major public health concern. The correct diagnosis is fundamental in defining the best treatment strategy for endometriosis. Therefore, non-invasive methods are required to obtain accurate diagnoses of the location and extent of endometriotic lesions. Transvaginal sonography and magnetic resonance imaging are used most frequently to identify and characterise lesions in endometriosis. Subjective impression by an experienced sonologist for identifying endometriomas by ultrasound showed a high accuracy. Adhesions can be evaluated by real-time dynamic transvaginal sonography, using the sliding sign technique, to determine whether the uterus and ovaries glide freely over the posterior and anterior organs and tissues. Diagnosis is difficult when ovarian endometriomas are absent and endometriosis causes adhesions and deep infiltrating nodules in the pelvic organs. Magnetic resonance imaging seems to be useful in diagnosing all locations of endometriosis, and its diagnostic accuracy is similar to those obtained using ultrasound. Transvaginal ultrasound has been proposed as first line-line imaging technique because it is well accepted and widely available. The main limitation of ultrasound concerns lesions located above the rectosigmoid junction owing to the limited field-of-view of the transvaginal approach and low accuracy in detecting upper bowel lesions by transabdominal ultrasound. A detailed non-invasive diagnosis of the extension in the pelvis of endometriosis can facilitate the choice of a safe and adequate surgical or medical treatment.

Hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography compared with hysterosalpingography and laparoscopic dye pertubation to evaluate tubal patency.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To evaluate the advantages and accuracy of hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography (HyCoSy) in assessing tubal patency compared with hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and laparoscopic dye pertubation. DESIGN Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata. PATIENTS Twenty-three women with at least 1 year of infertility, and 15 women with a history of chronic pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), or with sonographic markers of adhesions. INTERVENTIONS HyCoSy, HSG, and laparoscopic dye pertubation. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS All patients underwent HyCoSy during the proliferative phase using air with saline as contrast medium, and HSG within 1 month of HyCoSy. Laparoscopy and dye pertubation were performed only in women with chronic pelvic pain, suspected endometriosis, PID, and sonographic markers of adhesions. In women undergoing all three procedures, HSG and HyCoSy had the same high concordance as laparoscopy, 86.7% and 86.7%, respectively. Three women in the infertility group became pregnant immediately after HyCoSy and dropped out of the study. In one woman, HyCoSy could not be performed because of cervical stenosis. Considering the total number of tubes (67), concordance between HyCoSy and HSG was 89.6%. CONCLUSION Transvaginal HyCoSy using a combination of air and saline appears to be an inexpensive, fast, and well-tolerated method of determining tubal patency. One of the most important advantages of this technique is, in our opinion, the possibility of obtaining information on tubal status and the uterine cavity at the same time as conventional ultrasound scan is performed.

Staging of Pelvic Endometriosis: Role of Sonographic Appearance in Determining Extension of Disease and Modulating Surgical Approach

Abstract Study Objective To estimate whether laparoscopic staging of endometriosis can be predicted by ultrasound findings. Design Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). Setting Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, University of Rome Tor Vergata. Patients One hundred twenty-one women with histologically confirmed sonographic diagnosis of endometriomas. Intervention Ultrasonographic staging and laparoscopic assessment. Measurements and Main Results All patients underwent transvaginal and/or transrectal sonographic evaluation of ovarian endometriomas and other sonographic markers (anatomic sites and their relation to abdominovaginal palpation, adhesions, deep or infiltrating nodules) to stage the disease before surgery. These results were compared with laparoscopic staging. Concordance between methods was 83.5%. Specificity and sensitivity of ultrasonographic staging of stages 3 and 4 disease were 86% and 82% and 76% and 91%, respectively. Conclusion Ultrasonographic findings can predict pelvic extension and stage of endometriosis.

Ultrasound mapping system for the surgical management of deep infiltrating endometriosis

OBJECTIVE To assess the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in defining size and location of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) with laparoscopic/histologic confirmation. DESIGN Prospective observational study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) One hundred four women with suspected DIE on the basis of TVS. INTERVENTION(S) Patients with DIE underwent TVS evaluation before laparoscopic surgery. An accurate mapping of the extent of the disease was recorded during TVS and at laparoscopy. This new mapping system was developed to assess the extent of endometriosis by measuring the size and depth of the lesions at the various pelvic locations. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Surgical and histologic confirmation of the ultrasonographic data to evaluate the presence and location of DIE and creation of a new mapping methodology for detecting DIE by TVS. RESULT(S) Depending on the different location of the lesions, the accuracy of TVS ranged from 76%-97%. The lowest sensitivity (59%) and accuracy (76%) were obtained for TVS in the diagnosis of vaginal endometriosis, whereas the greatest accuracy (97%) was shown in detecting bladder lesions and Douglas obliteration. CONCLUSION(S) This new ultrasound mapping system is accurate for detecting the extent of DIE and may be useful for preoperative planning and intraoperative management of symptomatic patients with DIE.

Long-term Effectiveness of Presacral Neurectomy for the Treatment of Severe Dysmenorrhea Due to Endometriosis

STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess the long-term effectiveness of presacral neurectomy (PSN) in women with severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis treated with conservative laparoscopic surgical intervention. DESIGN Randomized, controlled trial (Canadian Task Force classification I). SETTING University-affiliated department of obstetrics and gynecology. PATIENTS One hundred forty-one sexually active women of reproductive age. INTERVENTION Conservative laparoscopic surgery without (group A) or with (group B) PSN. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS At entry and 24-months after surgical procedures, cure rates; frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain; and quality of life were evaluated. At follow-up visit, the cure rate was significantly (P<0.05) higher in group B (83.3%) than in group A (53.3%). The frequency and severity of dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, and chronic pelvic pain were significantly (P<0.05) lower in both groups compared with baseline values, and only severity was significantly (P<0.05) lower in group B. A significant (P<0.05) improvement in quality of life was observed after surgery in both groups and was significantly (P<0.05) increased in group B compared with group A. CONCLUSION PSN improves long-term cure rates and quality of life in women treated with conservative laparoscopic surgery for severe dysmenorrhea due to endometriosis.

Bupivacaine plus epinephrine for laparoscopic myomectomy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine before laparoscopic myomectomy. METHODS: Sixty premenopausal women with uterine leiomyomata were enrolled in a randomized controlled design and intraoperatively treated with injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine (group A) or saline solution (group B) during laparoscopic myomectomy. Uterine size and volume, number of leiomyomata, hematological parameters, total operative time, enucleation time of each myoma, suturing time of the myomectomy, blood loss, degree of surgical difficulty, and postoperative pain were evaluated. Just before and after the injection of vasoconstrictive or saline solution, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were recorded in each subject. RESULTS: Blood loss, total operative and enucleation time, and degree of surgical difficulty was significantly (P < .05) lower in group A than in group B. No difference was observed between groups in suturing time of the myomectomy. The number of vials of pain medication used postoperatively was significantly (P < .05) lower in group A than in group B. No differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressure or heart rate was recorded between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: The injection of bupivacaine plus epinephrine during laparoscopic myomectomy is effective in reducing blood loss, total operative and enucleation time, degree of surgical difficulty, and postoperative pain. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I