1. No category

Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
www.hysteroscopy.info
T
he summer season is here… and with the hot weather, summer camps and the
pleasure of having the kids at home for vacation, the arrival of the “fun sunny
season” has a different flavor inside the hospital. The beginning of summer,
specifically July 1st, sets the start of a new academic year in all the teaching
hospitals across the country (USA). This transition from the end of the current and
the beginning of the next academic year generates conflicting feelings in most of
us, academic physicians. We see with pride how our graduating chief residents
leave the hospital, taking with them all the clinical knowledge and surgical skills
that they obtained from us, as they are ready to take the challenge that is ahead of
them to initiate their career wherever life will take them… On the other hand, their
spot at the hospital will be replaced by a set of new faces that come with an empty
glass but full of enthusiasm to start their new life as Obstetrics and Gynecology
residents.
Seeing all the new residents wandering around the hospital, asking for
directions and ready to actively participate in taking care of our patients, remind us
as teachers that we have another challenge ahead of us; which is to provide the
new residents with all the available tools to become the best gynecologists that
they could be. It is here where, in mi opinion, we have the greatest chance to pass
our passion for hysteroscopy to the new generation of incoming residents.
This new generation of technically savvy young physicians who come with
gifted skilled hands that quickly learn to perform surgical procedures, probably as
a result of many hours spent playing videogames during their childhood, give us
the opportunity to teach them the art of hysteroscopy. I encourage all of us,
mentors, to have them understand the value of hysteroscopy, and to make the
hysteroscope an essential tool of their gynecologic practice. This new generation
must understand the concept that is promoted by Dr Bradley “the hysteroscope is
the stethoscope of the gynecologist” and should include hysteroscopy in their
armamentarium since the very beginning of their training.
So, lets all embrace the challenge. Lets take this opportunity to show the new
generation of gynecologists the real value of hysteroscopy, lets share with all of
them our passion, our enthusiasm for what we know is the future of gynecology.
Lets be generous and share with this new generation of
young physician all that we know about hysteroscopy. I
encourage all of you who like me, have a passion for
hysteroscopy, to become mentors, to spread the word, to take
the new residents under your wings and to create a new
generation of skilled hysteroscopists that will take the art of
hysteroscopy to a new level.
With all that… I wish you a “Happy New Academic Year”
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
WELCOME
HYSTEROSCOPY
PICTURES
1
2
Interview of the month
3
Highlights articles
5
Endometrial Polyps
6
What's your diagnosis?
9
Conundrums
10
Devices
14
Brief review
15
Original article
19
Jose “Tony” Carugno
1
www.hysteroscopy.info
TEAM COODINATOR
SPAIN
L. Alonso
EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
SPAIN
E. Cayuela
L. Nieto
Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
PICTURES
HYSTEROSCOPY
ITALY
G. Gubbini
A. S. Laganà
USA
J. Carugno
L. Bradley
MEXICO
J. Alanis-Fuentes
PORTUGAL
J. Metello
ARGENTINA
A. M. Gonzalez
VENEZUELA
J. Jimenez
SCIENTIFIC
COMMITTEE
A. Tinelli (ITA)
A. Úbeda (Spa)
A. Arias (Ven)
M. Rodrigo (Spa)
A. Di Spiezio Sardo (Ita)
E. de la Blanca (Spa)
A. Favilli (Ita)
M. Bigozzi (Arg)
S. Haimovich (Spa)
R. Lasmar (Bra)
A. Garcia (USA)
N. Malhotra (Ind)
J. Dotto (Arg)
I. Alkatout (Ger)
R. Manchanda (Ind)
M. Medvediev (Ukr)
All rights reserved.
The responsibility of the signed
contributions is primarily of the
authors and does not necessarily
reflect the views of the editorial
or scientific committees.
Hysteroscopic
Superficial vaginal
aspect of
endometriotic
simple endometrial
implant
Hyperplasia
Detailed
Overgrowth
aspect
which
of the
causes
cystic
area
increased
with retained
endometrial
blood
thickness
Endometrial hyperplasia is an overgrowth of endometrial glands, with different shapes
and sizes, which causes increased endometrial thickness. There is a higher proportion in the
gland/stromal ratio than observed in normal endometrium. Under the spectrum of
endometrial hyperplasia different pathologies that have the common feature of increasing
endometrial thickness. Some of these injuries have virtually no malignant potential while
others are clearly premalignant lesions. Tissue evaluation plays a key role in the diagnosis
of this entity.
The diagnosis of endometrial hyperplasia should be suspected in women with heavy and
frequent menstrual periods or in women with abnormal uterine bleeding, especially if they
have risk factors such as anovulation, polycystic ovaries, obesity or taking estrogen
therapy. Endometrial hyperplasia produces abnormal uterine bleeding in both
premenopausal and postmenopausal patients being the cause of 10% of abnormal uterine
bleeding and 15% of postmenopausal vaginal bleeding.
If you are interested in sharing your cases or have a hysteroscopy image that you
consider unique and want to share, send it to [email protected]
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
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INTERVIEW WITH...
The history of the hysteroscopy and Prof. Bettocchi are linked
forever. The vaginoscopic approach as well as his 5 mm
hysteroscope were the first step of the modern hysteroscopy.
How did you developed the vaginoscopy approach?
The vaginoscopic approach was developed in ’92 as an answer to my
experience abroad and to the need to overcome the shortage of anaesthetists
we used to have; actually in those days we still had to access the operating
theatres for the anaesthesia and due to the shortage of anaesthetists and the
growing number of patients, we decided to find a way to hysteroscopy and
finally strip down our patients’ discomfort. Back then, there were more and
more nuns accessing our institute and this fact motivated us even more to
find a non-invasive access to the cervical canal.
The first vaginoscopies were executed even before to develop an outpatient
procedure, when the hysteroscopies were still executed with CO2, so just
imagine how difficult it could be to do vaginoscopies with gas! Only during
the following years, with the new hysteroscopes, we could use the liquid and
so standarise the technique to make it reproducible.
Stefano Bettocchi
Associate Professor Dipartimento
di Ginecologia Ostetricia e
Neonatologia, I U.O. di
Ginecologia e Ostetricia,
Università degli studi di Bari
Italy
”Hysteroscopy is in the hands
of the youngest gynaecologists”
You have design some new devices for hysteroscopy, do you have any
other tool in mind?
Yes, actually we have many projects going on, but, actually, for the
company it is impossible to manage all them at the same time, so we are
now prioritising them and I hope you will see something new very soon.
Anyway, the latest innovations have been the Integrated Hysteroscope
(B.I.O.H.) and the amazing suction/irrigation device (pump) called
Hysteromat E.A.S.I.
There is a growing interest in hysteroscopy, what can we do to
promote the hysteroscopy?
Well, non-enthusiasts commonly consider hysteroscopy just a secondary
and minor procedure. So we shall first of all “convert” them and make them
to understand that they are in front of a very important and valuable
procedure. Furthermore, hysteroscopy is in the hands of the youngest
gynaecologists who consider this technique suitable for them against
laparoscopy; then we shall try to have an effect on the young blood!
This is the starting point of the
modern hysteroscopy
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
In your opinion, which is the best way to become a skilled hysteroscopist?
Definitely not the do-it- yourself. In fact many colleagues, due to the lack of skilled hysteroscopists, they rely just
on info they can obtain during some congresses and courses and on their own “attempts”; they try their own luck.
Well, we should make sure we have experts in each country so that we can have experts everywhere able to teach;
we can not limit the teaching task to super-experts coming from abroad.
Has hysteroscopy reached its limits?
I don’t think so. The clinical pathologies are well defined because we know the uterine cavity very well, but we
have to keep working on the improvement of the technology to solve even more rapidly and efficiently these
pathologies
“We should make sure we have experts in each country
so that we can have experts everywhere able to teach”
Please give us your future reflections in regards to hysteroscopy.
As I have just said, my reflections are not just based on pathologies, but on what we should do in order to
standardise these procedures and research new procedures for our daily activities.
“Passion can make the difference”
I personally think that this question can be of interest for too many people. Do you have any advice
for the young physician who is starting out in the world of surgery?
First of all, I would suggest him to be passionate: passion can make the difference. The young physician should
learn and listen to experts but, at the same time he should not be passive in the learning process. He should try to
be innovative also when he is onlyvrepeating activities he has learned or seen from experts. This is my own story, I
could have been a clone of my maestro, but I was always looking for new solutions in my reality.
So, do respect your teaching experts, but always look for something new discovering and sometimes overcoming
your limits!
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HIGHLIGHT ARTICLES
Published on different medias
Intrauterine adhesion prevention after hysteroscopy: a systematic review and metaanalysis.
Healy MW, Schexnayder B, Connell MT, Terry N, DeCherney AH, Csokmay JM, Yauger BJ, Hill MJ.
Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 May. [Epub ahead of print]
BACKGROUND: Despite years of studies evaluating prevention strategies for intrauterine adhesion formation after operative
hysteroscopy, it is still unclear which strategies are most effective.
OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of
postoperative prevention strategies on intrauterine adhesion formation following operative hysteroscopy.
STUDY DESIGN: Literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library databases.
Inclusion criteria were published randomized controlled clinical trials from 1989 to 2014 comparing any postoperative preventative
measures of intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopy. The main outcome measure was a reduction in postoperative intrauterine
adhesion. Heterogeneity of the studies was evaluated using a Q test and an I 2 index. Analyses were performed using a random-effects
model with outcome data reported as relative risk with 95% confidence interval.
RESULTS: Twelve studies were included in the systematic review. Eight studies compared similar treatment methods and were
included in the meta-analysis. Three studies evaluated hyaluronic acid gel, of which 2 reported a significant decrease in intrauterine
adhesion with treatment. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction of intrauterine adhesion when using hyaluronic acid
gel. Two studies evaluated polyethylene oxide-sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel, 1 of which demonstrated a decrease in intrauterine
adhesion with treatment. A meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of intrauterine adhesion with polyethylene oxide-sodium
carboxymethyl cellulose gel. However, these 3 studies demonstrating a benefit of the gels in preventing adhesion formation were all
conducted by the same research group. Other research groups have not confirmed these results. A sensitivity analysis excluding these
trials from this single group demonstrated no benefit to adhesion prevention with either gel formation. Three studies investigated oral
estrogen therapy after hysteroscopy and found no difference in intrauterine adhesion. A meta-analysis showed no decrease in
intrauterine adhesion with estrogen therapy after hysteroscopy. Data were lacking to perform metaanalyses on the use of intrauterine
balloon, intrauterine device, and other adhesion prevention barriers in preventing intrauterine adhesion.
CONCLUSION: There was a lack of definitive evidence to conclude that any treatment is effective in preventing posthysteroscopy
uterine adhesion formation. The available literature has significant heterogeneity and a high risk of bias, making any definitive
conclusions difficult.
Does adding endometrial scratching to diagnostic hysteroscopy improve pregnancy
rates in women with recurrent in-vitro fertilization failure?
Seval MM , Şükür YE, Özmen B, Berker B, Sönmezer M, Atabekoğlu C.
Gynecol Endocrinol. 2016 Jun 3:1-4. [Epub ahead of print]
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of additional endometrial scratching procedure during hysteroscopy on assisted reproductive
technology (ART) cycle outcomes in repeated implantation failure (RIF) patients without endometrial or uterine abnormalities on
hysteroscopic evaluation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three hundred and forty-five RIF patients who underwent ART at a university-based infertility clinic
between January 2011 and June 2015 were recruited in this retrospective cohort study. Uterine cavities of all included patients were
evaluated by diagnostic hysteroscopy 7-14 days prior to the subsequent ART cycle. Women without endometrial abnormalities were
allocated into two groups; the scratching group was consisted of patients who underwent endometrial scratching by using monopolar
electric energy with needle forceps during hysteroscopy, and the control group was consisted of patients who underwent only diagnostic
hysteroscopy.
RESULTS: The implantation rate was significantly higher in the scratching group than the control group (37.7% versus 24.5%; p = 0.04). Clinical and ongoing pregnancy rates were also found to be significantly higher in the scratching group than the control group
(37.7% versus 27.6%; p = 0.03; and 33.3% versus 23%; p = 0.03, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Endometrial scratching during diagnostic hysteroscopy seems to enhance implantation and as well pregnancy rates in
comparison to diagnostic hysteroscopy alone.
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
Endometrial Polyps:
Should they always be removed?
Alicia Úbeda
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction. Hospital Universitario Dexeus Quirón, Barcelona
The simplest answer to this clinical question would be a resounding yes. The concern is the possibility of malignancy
located in the polyp. However, the presence of cancer cells in endometrial polyps is very rare. Dockerti Ferris in 1944
established diagnostic criteria for adenocarcinoma originated in an endometrial polyp. First, the carcinoma must be limited
to a portion of the polyp, second, the base of the polyp should be free of cancer cells and third, the endometrium
surrounding the base of the polyp should be normal.
The recommended procedure is hysteroscopy polypectomy and the risk of encountering a malignant lesion should not be
the only criteria to value when deciding to offer polypectomy. Therefore, several questions arise when considering a
polypectomy:
1. What are the suggested clinical indications for endometrial polypectomy?
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, that causes discomfort to the patient, frequently described as "it is just not normal" by the
patients.
• Desire of future fertility: several authors claim that removing endometrial polyps, when present, improves the rates of
both spontaneous pregnancy and fertility rate when using assisted reproduction techniques.
a. Up to 4 times increase the success rate of IVF (Kodaman, 2016)
b. Reported 63% pregnancy rate after polypectomy (P <0.00001) (Bosteels, 2015; Cochrane)
c. Decreased expression of NF-κB1 p65 and NF-kB in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle (Bozkurt, 2015)
d. The location of the polyp may influence the surgical decision.
e. Hysteroscopic suspicion of atypia
f. Patient request.
Hysteroscopy Newsletter
Hysteroscopy Newsletter
Benign Polyp
Benign Polyposis
2. What is the rate of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in asymptomatic women with
endometrial lining less than 4mm?
It was reported a rate of 3.3% atypical endometrial hyperplasia and 2.9% of endometrial cancer (Yasa et al,
2016). These findings are more
frequent if the endometrial lining is greater than 15 mm (Famuvide et al, 2014). However, when a cut off is set at 8 mm, the
evidence is inconclusive for predicting the presence of endometrial cancer (Seckin, 2016) According Ates et al (2014) in
postmenopausal women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) there is increased risk of malignancy if the endometrial
lining is thicker than 6.5mm. Instead, in the absence of AUB, they found no value of measuring the endometrial thickness
on ultrasound as a screening method for endometrial cancer.
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
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Hysteroscopy Newsletter
Polypoid adenocarcinoma of the endometrium
Hysteroscopy Newsletter
Polypoid like endometrial tumor
3. What is the incidence of atypical endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer in patients with hysteroscopically
benign appearing endometrial polyps?
According to Ricciardi et al (2014), in 1,027 cases of patient who underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy, they found 2.7%
with atypical hyperplasia and 1.5% with endometrial cancer (total 4.2%). The risk was higher in postmenopausal patients and
in patients with AUB, and lower in premenopausal women with AUB and in asymptomatic postmenopausal patients .
Meanwhile, Ugglietti et al (2014) observed among 2,245 cases a risk of malignancy 0.3% in patients under the age of 50 years
but 11.8% in postmenopausal patients with AUB and as low as 3% in the absence of AUB.
In our experience in 2 different periods:
►Between October 1995 and May 2005, we performed 1986 hysteroscopic polypectomies. We found 6 cases of
cancer inside the polyp (0.3%) The mean age of the patient with cancer was 61 years old. (Range 50-71)
►In a later study of cases performed between 2010 and 2015, in 1998 hysteroscopic polypectomy we found 3 cases of
neoplasia inside the polyp (0.6%) (ages 45-53-77 years) and 9 cases of polypoid neoplasia configuration with a mean age 48
(ages 32-60 years).
4-Cost of hysteroscopy compared to expectant management
Several aspects must be considered when contemplating to have an expectant management of the patient with endometrial
polyps.
►What is the cost to the health system of serial ultrasound compared with one in office hysteroscopic procedure?
►What is the practicality of performing one hysteroscopic therapeutic procedure versus a series of diagnostic
ultrasounds?
►What is the total cost of a case of endometrial cancer if present?
Final comments:
The rationale for performing hysteroscopic polypectomy is supported by several factors: the age and symptoms of
women, future fertility, anxiety and fear of cancer. Scientific evidence indicates that the risk of malignancy is greater in
postmenopausal women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. If expectant management is contemplated, a good quality
ultrasound or sonohysterogram should be serially performed to monitor the polyps. Lastly, the capacity of performing in office
hysteroscopy will decrease cost and facilitate the procedure.
References:
Yasa C, Dural O, Bastu E, Ugurlucan FG, Nehir A, İyibozkurt AC. Evaluation of the diagnostic role of transvaginal ultrasound measurements of endometrial thickness to detect endometrial malignancy in postmenopausal
asymptomatic women. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2016 [epub ahead of print].
Kodman PH. Hysteroscopic polypectomy Undergoing IVF treatment for women: when is it necessary? Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2016; 28: 184-90.
Karakuş SS, Özdamar Ö, Karakuş R, Gün I, Sofuoğlu K, Muhcu M, Polat outcomes following hysteroscopic M. Reproductive resection of endometrial polyps of different location, number and size in Patients With J Obstet Gynaecol
infertility. 2016; 36: 395-8.
Seckin B, Cicek MN, Dikmen AU, Bostancı EI, Müftüoğlu KH. Diagnostic value of sonography for detecting endometrial pathologies in postmenopausal Women with and without bleeding. J Clin Ultrasound. 2016; 44: 339-46
Bosteels J, J Kasius, Weyers S, Broekmans FJ, Mol BW, D'Hooghe TM. Hysteroscopy for treating subfertility Associated With Suspected major uterine cavity abnormalities. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2015; 2: CD009461.
Bozkurt M, L Şahin, Ulaş M. Hysteroscopic polypectomy decreases NF-κB1 expression in the mid-secretory endometrium of Women with endometrial polyp .. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2015; 189:. 96-100.
Famuyide AO, Breitkopf DM, Hopkins MR, Laughlin-Tommaso SK. Asymptomatic postmenopausal women thickened endometrium in: risk .. J Minim malignancy Invasive Gynecol. 2014; 21: 782-6.
Ates S, Sevket O, S Sudolmus, Ozel A, Molla T, Dane B, Dansuk R. The value of transvaginal sonography in detecting endometrial pathologies in postmenopausal women bleeding .. With or Without Minerva Gynecol. 2014; 66: 33540.
Ricciardi E, Vecchione A, Marci R, Schimberni M, Frega A, Maniglio P, D Caserta, Moscarini M. Clinical factors and malignancy in endometrial polyps. Analysis of 1027 cases .. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 183:. 121-4.
Uglietti A, C Mazzei, Deminico N, Somigliana E, Vercellini P, Fedele L. Endometrial polyps detected at ultrasound and rate of Arch Gynecol Obstet .. malignancy. 2014; 289: 839-43.
Tresserra F, Labastida R., Pascual MA, Ubeda A, S. Dexeus endometrioid adenocarcinoma in endometrial polyp. Prog Obstet Gynecol. 2005; 48: 69-73
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
DID YOU KNOW...?
It is estimated that 88% of septum resections, 76% of synechiae
resections, and 40% of myomectomies will have postoperative
intrauterine adhesions.
Sugimoto first categorized the morphologic features of endometrial
adenocarcinoma by hysteroscopy
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Hysteroscopy Newsletter
WHAT'S YOUR
DIAGNOSIS?
Sometimes, when performing hysteroscopy, it is
important to pay attention to every corner of the
uterus, as Vasari stated «cerca trova», «he who
seeks finds»
Answer to the previous issue:
Detailed view of “micropolyps” in C.E.
Comprehensive Pocket
Atlas Of Hysteroscopy
W. Fried, R.M. Bernstein, E.Y.
Krim and L. Lipkin
Year 2010; 152 pages
Comprehensive Pocket Atlas of
Hysteroscopy is an essential resource
providing basic techniques involved
in
diagnostic
and
operative
hysteroscopy
for
practicing
clinicians and students. This
informative and visually appealing
guide also provides an overview of
the common pathology captured by
hundreds
of
actual
uterine
procedures.
Each
pathological
finding is presented in a clear, highquality photograph. This manual
serves as a quick reference with
authoritative guidance and includes a
CD-ROM that demonstrates real
time procedures.
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
Hysteroscopy Conundrums
Subseptate uterus with scissors
Look for us: hysteroscopy group in Linked In
I usually use scissors for the treatment of subseptate uterus. The size of the septum is
small, it takes not too much time and the technique is easy. What do you use?scissors?
laser? resectoscope? bipolar?
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Jul-Ago 2016 | vol. 2 | issue 4
Curiosities: Amniotic sheet
Intrauterine synechiae is the presence of fibrous adhesions inside the uterine cavity. In over 90% of cases, uterine adhesions
formation is caused by uterine curettage especially if performed during the postpartum period or surgical abortions. Uterine
curettage performed during these periods can damage the lining of the endometrium, allowing myometrial areas to contact
each other, forming intrauterine adhesions. Other less common causes include uterine surgery such as hysteroscopic
myomectomy or metroplasty and infectious endometritis, that rarely produces adhesions except when caused by tuberculosis.
Uterine adhesions were initially described by Asherman in 1950 as a result of filling defects at the level of the endometrial
cavity observed by hysterography, may become so extensive that could lead to a complete obliteration of the uterine cavity,
resulting in amenorrea.
If a patient with uterine sinequia becomes pregnant, the intrauterine synechia gets rodeated by amnion, which is seen on
ultrasound as a band inside the uterine cavity. These sonographic findings were originally described by Mahony who
described 7 cases. They created the term "Amniotic sheet” to describe the image in a cross-sectional sinequia seen
encompassed by the amnion. This image of an undulating band with an oval image at its free end, which is corresponding to
the sinequia, has also been called "The sperm sign."
The amniotic sheet is usually asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during the routine obstetric ultrasound. The
prevalence of amniotic sheet is reported between 0.14% and 0.75%. Previous interventions on the uterus appear to play an
important role in the formation of these structures. Finberg, described 28 cases of uterine synechiae among which 78% of
patients had a history of uterine curettage, in addition, this group had a significantly higher prevalence of cesarean sections.
Some authors propose the use of color Doppler to differenciate membranes exclusively of fetal origin (amniotic bands)
from amniotic sheet. These authors reported three cases in which upon using color Doppler they visualized a vessel inside
the adhesion with concordant arterial pulse similar to maternal heart rate, concluded that it was a tissue of maternal origin,
therefore a uterine synechiae.
Neither uterine synechiae nor the amniotic sheet post not any risk to the fetus, as they are covered by amnion and structures
that are not in contact with the fetus.
Hysteroscopy Newsletter
Hysteroscopy Newsletter
The sperm sign
Intrauterine adhesion
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CongresS
INTERNATIONAL
ESHRE 32nd Annual Meeting
Helsinki, Finland |Jul 3-6 |2016
23rd Annual Summer
Conference on Obstetrics &
Gynecology
South Carolina,USA |Ago 3-6|2016
Fertility Society of Australia
Annual Conference
ESGE 25th Annual Congress
Brussels, Belgium |Oct 2-5 |2016
Western Australia, Australia|Sep 4-7|2016
American Society for
Reproductive Medicine Annual
Meeting
Salt Lake City, USA |Oct 15-19|2016
Kongress der Deutschen
Gesellschaft für Gynäkologie
und Geburtshilfe
Stuttgart, Deutschland |Oct 19-22 |2016
APAGE and TAMIG Annual
Congress
Taipei, Taiwan |Nov 3-6|2016
The 24th World Congress on
Controversies in Obstetrics,
Gynecology & Infertility
RANZCOG 2016 Annual
Scientific Meeting
Perth, Australia |Oct 16-19 |2016
43 International Forum. Update
in Obstetrics, Gynecology and
Reproductive Medicine
Barcelona, Spain | Oct 26-28| 2016
63 Congreso Mexicano de
Ginecología y Obstetricia
Mérida, Mexico |Nov 6-10|2016
3rd International Conference on
Gynecology & Obstetrics
Dubai, EAU Nov 24-26 |2016
Amsterdam, Netherlands |Nov 10-13|2016
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HYSTEROSCOPY
DEVICES
Disposable Hysteroscopic Polyp Snare
The disponsable Hysteroscopic Polyp Snared (DHPS) is used to cut and coagulated polyps and fibroids for removal from the
uterus under direct vision. The Duckbill shape of open snare allows enhanced control and capture of pedunculated uterine
polyps.Main caracteristics are:
http://www.aqdmedical.com/about_us/
Snare and handle as a single unit
Disposable. Intended for one-time use
Can be used through the working channel of a rigid or flexible hysteroscope
Can be used with or without electrocautery
Handle accepts a 2 mm monopolar plug for connection to a power source
Ambulatory transcervical resection of polyps with the Duckbill polyp snare: a modality for
treatment of endometrial polyps.
J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2005 Jan-Feb;12(1):37-9.
Timmermans A1, Veersema S.
We performed a retrospective analysis of cases in which polypectomy was performed with the Duckbill polyp snare and a prospective
pain analysis in patients undergoing office-based hysteroscopy using a visual analog scale (VAS, range 0-10). The patients, both pre- and
postmenopausal, underwent office hysteroscopy for abnormal uterine bleeding. In all, 116 cases of endometrial polyps were diagnosed
and removed with the Duckbill polyp snare. This technique was easy to set up and allowed therapeutic hysteroscopy in a see-and-treat
fashion during office hysteroscopy. In 188 patients, pain was evaluated using a VAS. Polypectomy with the Duckbill snare was well
tolerated by patients, with a pain score of 4.8 compared with a pain score of 4.2 for diagnostic hysteroscopy. Therefore, we conclude that
the Duckbill polyp snare is useful for operative office hysteroscopy and is well tolerated by patients.
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www.hysteroscopy.info
Brief Review
Techniques for in-office hysteroscopic myomectomy
Dra. Cinta Vidal, H.U Juan Ramón Jiménez. Huelva. Spain
In recent years we are witnessing the emergence of different devices and surgical techniques for in office hysteroscopic
treatment of submucosal fibroid. In many cases the procedure can be performed without any anesthesia, allowing the use of
different types of energy through instrument of 4-5mm in diameter with a working channel of 5Fr such as Versapoint® with
bipolar energy or laser, and apply different techniques that allows even the excision deeper myomas. Still, currently 40% of
the hysteroscopic myomectomy are carried out in the operating room.
Important aspects for performing in office myomectomy are:
- Availability of hysteroscopes with working channels of small diameter.
- Complexity of fibroid: size, intra-myometrial component, location, etc. (Lasmar classification)
- Hysteroscopist skill level and experience: myomas type G1-G2 need for complete resection in a short operative time that
is only achieved by expert hysteroscopists
- Operating time: It is related to the size and location of the fibroid, the device used and the skill of hysteroscopist. Usually
the operative time varies between 15 to 30 minutes.
- Patient ability to tolerate the procedure.
Within all existing classifications for the prediction of success for hysteroscopic myomectomy, the Lasmar classification is
the most accurate. Even more if it is associated the concept continent/content proposed by Haimovich
Therefore, when addressing a myoma, the hysteroscopist must take into account:
- Surgical approach: Dictated by the complexity of the myoma
- Treatment Sequence:
ONE STEP “see and treat”
TWO STEPS. Diagnostic first and then treatment.
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The concept Continent/content take into consideration
the relation between the continent (uterine cavity) and
the content (Myoma).
The myoma inside the red uterus is similar in size to
that of the blue one, but the working space is quite
different.
Approach to fibroid type G0
Initially we recommend proceeding to cut the vascular pedicle and after removal of the fibroid, by extraction with
graspers used for fibroids of small size or morcellation, vaporizing, if larger. Some authors recommend leaving the
fragmets of the fibroid within the uterine cavity and its spontaneous expulsion after several menstrual cycles. Other authors
advise against it for bleeding and cramping pain until its spontaneous expulsion.
Approach to fibroids type G1-G2
Adequate excision of fibroid type G1-G2 requires total myomectomy and careful enucleation of the fibroid. The right
dissection plane is delineated by the pseudo-capsule which is an independent identity represented by a layer between the
myometrium and myoma. It consists of collagen fibers and a network of small blood vessels that form a vascular ring.
With the exception of pedunculated fibroids, the neurovascular pseudocapsule is responsible for blood supply to the
fibroid. When the correct plane of pseudocapsule is entered, there is loose connective tissue bridges and multiple
capillaries or small vessels. Dissection of this plane is easy and decreases blood loss during surgery. Another advantage of
entering this plane is the preservation of the integrity of the underlying myometrium, thus avoiding scars on it. The scars
on the myometrium affect subsequent fertility and contribute to the formation of post surgical adhesions. This factor is the
reason for the low rate of adhesions preserving the plane of dissection of the pseudo-capsule. Proper surgical technique for
submucosal fibroids should always keep the pseudo-capsule intact.
There are different techniques to address pseudocapsule:
- Bettochi technique (OPPIuM). This technique involves making an incision in the endometrial lining of the
fibroid with hysteroscopic scissors or bipolar electrode, in line with the reflection of fibroid uterine wall to the surface of
cleaving the fibroid with the capsule. This procedure promotes fibroid protrusion into the uterine cavity in the following
menstrual cycles, thereby facilitating subsequent surgery in the future, increasing the chance of success and reducing
complications.
- Myomectomy in toto. The technique is similar to the above but the incision made in the endometrial mucosa is
elliptical, achieving the same effect as the above.
- Haimovich technique. With enucleation of the psedo-capsule
- Mazzon technique. Also known as the “Coldloop” technique, which has a low complication rate of 2% and
allows successful myomectomy in one step of more than 80% of myomas. First, is to carry out the resection of the
intracavitary portion of the fibroid. This is followed by enucleation of the intramural component.
- Technique of hydromassage. Changing intrauterine distention pressures, achieves the same effect as with the
mechanical instrument, once resected intracavitary component is achieved.
In conclusion for adequate excision of fibroid with small intra-cavitary component, perform first an incision of the
endometrial mucosa with either technique above described. On the other hand, to excise fibroids with large intra-cavitary
component, first resect the intra-cavitary portion of the fibroid and then perform the enucleation of the intramural
component
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SURGICAL DEVICES
VERSAPOINT
The Versapoint® hysteroscopy with bipolar energy system is a minimally invasive procedure that allows the
treatment of uterine lesions in the outpatient setting without general anesthesia. It is a system that uses bipolar
electrosurgical energy with small caliber electrodes (1.7 mm) through the hysteroscope to visualize the uterine
cavity through an optical system connected to a camera. The hysteroscope may be as small as 5 mm diameter,
which would not require dilating the cervix. The VersaPoint® technology is based on the basic principles of
electrosurgery. It has been a breakthrough in hysteroscopic surgery, because although theoretically it is a
monopolar system, the arrangement of the electrodes allows it to behave like a circuit of bipolar energy offering
the versatility of the monopolar energy (cut and coagulation) and bipolar security. To this the small size of its
electrodes, which allows performing outpatient procedures that previously, could only be performed in the
operating room. The design of the electrodes is special in that the active electrode is located at the tip, and the
return electrode on the handle. They are placed in separate with an insulating line. The required distension
medium is normal saline, which does not alter the sodium concentration of cells as occurs with hypotonic
solutions such as sorbitol or glycine thus avoiding the risk of fluid overload. Also provides a low resistance path
that allows the energy generated to go back to the return electrode, without becoming part of the electrical circuit
the patient's body. Currently there are 5 bipolar electrodes available on the market, three electrodes with different
terminals for use with hysteroscopes with working channel of 1.6 to 2 mm each of which is designed for a specific
task: spring (for vaporization), Twizzle (for cut) and ball (to coagulate), and two electrodes which can only be
used with a resectoscope. (bipolar handle).
LASER
This device is capable of transforming other type of energy into electromagnetic radiation emitting light beams of
different wavelengths. According to the wavelength, it achieves different effects: cutting, coagulation,
vaporisation. The lasers most commonly used in hysteroscopy have been Neodymium large wavelength that has a
depth of penetration up to 10 mm that can be used for cutting and coagulating.
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MINIRESECTOSCOPE
The Gubbini Miniresectoscope of small diameter uses bipolar energy performing the same function as the
traditional
bipolar handle. There are different electrodes with different tips. (Ball, loop, blade)
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HYSTEROSCOPIC MORCELLATOR
Hysteroscopy newsletter
The morcellators
are mechanical devices of very recent appearance. They are a hysteroscopic system for the
removal of polyps and submucosal fibroids. They are equipped with a terminal side window and a mechanical
cutting blade, which rotates and oscillates at the same time. Two common brands available in the market are
HYSTEROscopy group
Truclear®
of 5.0 in diameter, ideal for in office use with a working speed of 750rpm and MyoSure ® with a larger
diameter 6.25 mm requiring local anesthesia but provides a faster working speed (6000rpm) thereby reducing
operating
time and thus avoids the complications inherent to the surgical time as fluid overload and poor tolerance
Hysteroscopy newsletter
of the procedure.
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Congress Committee Chair: Sergio Haimovich (Spa)
CoChairs:
Andrea Tinelli (Ita)
Luis Alonso (Spa)
Congress Committee:
Jose Alanis Fuentes (Mex)
Linda Bradley (USA)
Jorge Dotto (Arg)
Ricardo Lasmar (Bra)
Narendra Malhotra (Ind)
Osama Shawki (Egy)
Stefano Bettocchi (Ita)
Honorary Committee:
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Original Article
Treatment of hydrosalpinx before IVF
Jose Rios. Juan Lorente
Unidad de Reproducción Asistida. Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía. Córdoba. Spain
Tubal factor is one of the major indications for IVF and it is present in 30% of cases of infertility. Based on
hysterosalpingography, the incidence of hydrosalpinx (HS) ranges from 26% to 30% 1. The negative impact of hydrosalpinx
on IVF outcomes is well established today, and its deleterious effect has been seen in both, fresh embryo and frozen embryo
transfers.
Several surgical treatments, salpingectomy, salpingostomy, proximal tubal ligation and transvaginal aspiration of
hydrosalpingeal fluid, have been studied. Nevertheless, only salpingectomy, proximal tubal ligation and transvaginal
aspiration of hydrosalpingeal fluid have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Laparoscopic salpingectomy
in women with hydrosalpinges is currently the standard treatment, because it increases ongoing pregnancy rates following
IVF by 50% compared with no intervention 2, 5.
Transvaginal aspiration at the time of oocyte collection did not increase the rate of clinical pregnancy when compared with
no treatment 6.
Anyway, laparoscopic salpingectomy and laparoscopic proximal ligation are invasive procedures and involve surgical risks
In the last years, some authors have used hysteroscopic proximal tubal occlusion with Essure ® device (HTO-E) as an
alternative to laparoscopy in women with high surgical risk or with expected difficult surgery. This procedure is easy to
perform and slightly painful. It has a low complication rate and can be done in an outpatient basis.
In a recent article, our group has described our experience using Essure ® for HS treatment as well as in patients treated by
salpingectomy in the same period (from 2008 to 2015). This was a retrospective, non comparative study, with the purpose of
describing the outcomes of both groups to achieve a more comprehensive picture of our results when treating HS with either
HTO-E or laparoscopic salpingectomy.7
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There were no significant differences in the clinical features of both groups, except age that was significantly older in
Essure® group (36.12 ± 3.42 vs 32.47 ± 4.16, p= 0.003). During the study period (2008-2015), 31 patients with hydrosalpinx
were subjected to treatment with Essure®. Of these, 22 began a cycle of IVF. 13 embryo transfers were performed. The other
cases were cancelled due to low ovarian response. During the same period of time, 40 patients with unil- or bilateral HS
underwent laparoscopic salpingectomy. No complication occurred during surgical procedure in this group. 23 of them started
a cycle of IVF. Only 3 did not reach embryo transfer due to low ovarian response.
There was no case of late miscarriage in any group.
The results of our study suggest that women undergoing HTO-E show acceptable clinical pregnancy rate (33.3%)
and embryo implantation rate (16.3 %), considering patients features. However, abortion rates are remarkably high (57.1 %).
In order to a better assessment of these results, we have also included the outcomes of patients who underwent
salpingectomy during the same time period in our unit. This group of patients had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (70.6%)
and a higher implantation rate (34.1 %) with a lower abortion rate, very similar to women without HS who underwent
IVF/ICSI in our unit in the same period of time (18.2 % vs 21.0 % respectively). Live birth rate per patient was also higher
in patients who underwent salpingectomy (52.9% vs 14.3% in the Essure® group). Both groups aren’t comparable, so that
we cannot draw any firm conclusion, but our data suggest a slight trend to better outcomes and less abortion rate when HS is
treated by salpingectomy. This fact has been also reported in a recent meta-analysis by Barbosa et al 8, which included our
own data.
In the only RCT published to the date by Dreyer et al 9, 85 women with uni- or bilateral hydrosalpinx were
randomized to HTO (N=42) and laparoscopic salpingectomy (N=43) in an unblinded study. The ongoing pregnancy rate
following one IVF/ICSI cycle was 11/42 (26.2%) in the Essure® group compared with 24/43 (55.8%) in the laparoscopy
group (p=0.008). Miscarriage rate was not statistically different (2/27, 7.4% in the Essure® group vs 1/32, 3.1% in the
salpingectomy group). Live birth rate per patient was 29.6% with Essure® and 50% with salpingectomy. Differences in
ongoing pregnancy rates can be attributed to the differences in the implantation rate (18% compared with 41.7%). The
authors suggest that these differences may be caused by the presence of the Essure® device itself. They speculate that
Essure® may have a negative influence on the endometrial environment leading to lower endometrial receptivity and
subsequently lower implantation rates. Therefore, the conclusion of this study is that salpingectomy remains the procedure of
choice for women with hydrosalpinges who are planned for IVF/ICSI.
With all these data we can conclude that today, laparoscopic salpingectomy is the better option for patients with unior bilateral hydrosalpinx prior to an IVF cycle. Hysteroscopic occlusion with Essure® is an attractive alternative but it
should be reserved only for those patients with increased surgical risk.
REFERENCES:
1-Evers JLH. Female subfertility. Lancet. 2002.360. 151-9
2-Johnson N, van Voorst S, Sowter MC, Strandell A, Mol BWJ. Surgical treatment for tubal disease in women due to undergo in vitro fertilisation.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2010, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD002125.
3-Kontoravdis A, Makrakis E, Pantos K, Botsis D, Deligeoroglu E, Creatsas G). Laparoscopic proximal tubal occlusion (LPTO) and salpingectomy result in similar
improvement in IVF outcome in patients with hydrosalpinx. Fertil Steril 2006;86:1642–8
4-Moshin V, Hotineanu A. Reproductive outcome of the proximal tubal occlusion prior to IVF in patients with hydrosalpinx. Hum Reprod 2006;21:i193–i194
5-Vignarajan CP, Singh N. Salpingectomy versus proximal tubal occlusion for hydrosalpinges prior to in-vitro-fertilization (IVF) cycle -Is there a difference in
ovarian reserve or response to gonadotropins? Fertil Steril 2014;102:e136-e137.
6-Hammadieh N, Coomarasamy A, Ola B, Papaioannou S, Afnan M, Sharif K. Ultrasound-guided hydrosalpinx aspiration during oocyte collection improves
pregnancy outcome in IVF: a randomized controlled trial. Hum Reprod 2008;23:1113 – 1117
7-Lorente J, Ríos JE, Pomares E, Romero MI, Castelo-Branco C, Arjona JE. Essure a novel option for the treatment of hydrosalpinx: a case series and
literature review. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016;32(2):166-70
8-Barbosa M, Sotiriadis A, Papatheodorou SI, Mijatovic V, Nastri CO, Martins WP. High miscarriage rate in women submitted to Essure for
hydrosalpinx before embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol. 2016. [Epub ahead of print]
9-Dreyer K, Lier MCI, Emanuel MH, Twisk JWR, Mol BWJ, Schats R, Hompes PGA, Mijatovic V. Hysteroscopic proximal tubal occlusion versus laparoscopic
salpingectomy as a treatment for hydrosalpinges prior to IVF or ICSI: an RCT
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is an opened forum to all
professionals who want
to contribute with their
knowledge and even
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word-wide gynecological
community
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HYSTEROSCOPY
Editorial teaM
Progress in any area of the medical field, must have a good communication channel to allow all
professionals to be at the forefront of new techniques and procedures, and to promote sharing of
information among professionals to improve the different techniques and procedures.
Therefore, if we are talking about innovation, we must talk about the need to be globally
connected.
When doing a search in PubMed with the term "Hysteroscopy" we see the increasing number of
publications in recent years. The 291 papers published in 2015 shows a growing interest in
hysteroscopy, driven largely by the ability to make increasingly less invasive procedures and more
accurate diagnoses.
Nowadays, a common reflection arises between patients, with which most of us can relate: "They
are always wondering what's new?". It would be great if we, as gynecologists with an interest in
hysteroscopy, could know what is the current state of hysteroscopy in every part of the world?
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www.medtube.net
This growing interest in hysteroscopy, and the absence of a specialized journal in this field, was the
need that drove us to initiate this ambitious project. Our goal was clear: to create the first journal
dedicated exclusively to hysteroscopy, with free distribution over the Internet, so that we could easily
reach the largest number of hysteroscopists and thus contribute to the development and continuous
improvement of our specialty. Therefore, we invite the active collaboration of peers who shared the
same concerns, firmly believing in the present need to contribute to the dissemination of knowledge
and experience in hysteroscopy. Thus Hysteroscopy Newsletter was born!. A, bi-monthly
publication, advertisements free, ensuring the rigor of the publication; and with a website for
unlimited dissemination, and completely free to access. Social media networks and blogs have
contributed greatly to increase the dissemination and contact among professionals, facilitating
exchange of ideas, skills and knowledge from anywhere in the world and at any time.
Today, 16 months after starting this adventure, we can quantify the results. Neswletter discharges
have been increasing significantly every month; reaching more than 2700 downloads only during the
first 25 days of May. Our most active channel of distribution (web, YouTube, Linkedin, MedTube,
Facebook and Twitter) have more and more subscribers, more video views and more traffic, allowing
us to interconnect with other physicians and be able to reach every corner of the world. We are
excited to share with you that we have received visits to the site from 103 different countries!, Being
in the "Top 5 countries" USA (27.5%), Spain (10.8%), Mexico (3.9%), India (3.8%) and Canada
(3.5%),. Also, taking advantage of the interconnection network that has been generated with the
Newsletter, we have launched multicenter trials and other very interesting projects.
This is our current balance, a dream fulfilled, our passion. What does the future hold? 'Help us find
out, join the Hysteroscopy World !!
#WeLoveHysteroscopy
Laura Nieto
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