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Examines the fine needle aspiration cytological samples from patients suffering from irregular perimenopausal uterine bleeding. Application of aspiration cytology; Comparison on the fluid content in the pelvic between women with benign endometrial findings and patients with adenocarcinoma; Influence of endometrial curettage on the cell content of the cytological specimens.

An abstract of the conference paper "Correlation of ultrasound examination and hysteroscopy in patients after instrumental revision of uterine cavity after delivery," by L. Hrazdirova and colleagues is presented.

Introduction: This was a single-center pilot study that sought to describe an innovative use of 4DryField® PH (premix) for preventing the recurrence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis in patients with Asherman's syndrome (AS)., Material and Methods: Twenty-three patients with AS were enrolled and 20 were randomized (1:1 ratio) to intrauterine application of 4DryField® PH ( n  = 10) or Hyalobarrier ® gel ( n  = 10) in a single-blind manner. We evaluated IUAs (American Fertility Society [AFS] score) during initial hysteroscopy and second-look hysteroscopy one month later. Patients completed a follow-up symptoms questionnaire three and reproductive outcomes questionnaire six months later., Results: The demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as severity of IUAs, were comparable in both groups. The mean initial AFS score was 9 and 8.5 in the 4DryField ® PH and Hyalobarrier ® gel groups, respectively ( p = .476). There were no between-group differences in AFS progress (5.9 vs. 5.6, p = .675), need for secondary adhesiolysis (7 vs. 7 patients, p  = 1), and the follow-up outcomes., Conclusion: 4DryField ® PH could be a promising antiadhesive agent for preventing the recurrence of IUAs, showing similar effectiveness and safety to Hyalobarrier ® gel. Our findings warrant prospective validation in a larger clinical trial., Clinical Trial Registry Number: ISRCTN15630617.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and reproductive outcomes of patients treated with myomectomy who were histologically diagnosed with uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP)., Methods: Patients who were diagnosed with STUMP and underwent a myomectomy at our institution between October 2003 and October 2019 were identified. Variables of interest obtained from the institution's database included patient age, relevant medical history, pre-operative appearance of the tumor on ultrasound, parameters of the surgical procedure, histopathological analysis of the tumor, post-operative clinical course, and course of follow-up, including reinterventions and fertility outcomes., Results: There were a total of 46 patients that fulfilled the criteria of STUMP. The median patient age was 36 years (range, 18-48 years) and the mean follow-up was 47.6 months (range, 7-149 months). Thirty-four patients underwent primary laparoscopic procedures. Power morcellation was used for specimen extraction in 19 cases (55.9% of laparoscopic procedures). Endobag retrieval was used in nine patients and six procedures were converted to an open approach due to the suspicious peri-operative appearance of the tumor. Five patients underwent elective laparotomy due to the size and/or number of tumors; three patients had vaginal myomectomy; two patients had the tumor removed during planned cesarean section; and two underwent hysteroscopic resection.There were 13 reinterventions (five myomectomies and eight hysterectomies) with benign histology in 11 cases and STUMP histology in two cases (4.3% of all patients). We did not observe any recurrence as leiomyosarcoma or other uterine malignancy. We did not observe any deaths related to the diagnosis. Twenty-two pregnancies were recorded among 17 women, which resulted in 18 uncomplicated deliveries (17 by cesarean section and one vaginal), two missed abortions, and two pregnancy terminations., Conclusions: Our study found that uterus-saving procedures and fertility-preservation strategies in women with STUMP are feasible, safe, and seem to be associated with a low risk of malignant recurrence, even while maintaining the mini-invasive laparoscopic approach., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© IGCS and ESGO 2023. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. Published by BMJ.)

Introduction: This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of hysteroscopy in the management of symptoms related to endometrial polyps and submucous leiomyomas in women using a levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)., Material and Methods: Twenty-three LNG-IUS users presenting with endometrial polyps and/or submucous leiomyomas and irregular uterine bleeding were recruited for hysteroscopic examination and surgery. Intrauterine pathology was investigated and treated by hysteroscopic resection with the LNG-IUS in situ , and the effect of the procedure on symptoms was evaluated after three to six months., Results: Intrauterine pathology was successfully resected by hysteroscopy in 23 (100.0%) out of 23 cases. Following hysteroscopy, 18 (78.3%) women reported amenorrhea, one (4.3%) regular spotting, three (13.0%) irregular spotting and one (4.3%) patient resumed normal menstrual cycle. We conclude that 19 (82.6%) patients were postoperatively asymptomatic. All procedures were uncomplicated and 4 (17.4%) were carried out without general anesthesia as office procedures., Conclusion: Endometrial polyps and submucous leiomyomas can develop in LNG-IUS users, and this can cause irregular uterine bleeding. Hysteroscopic resection of these pathologies is a feasible method in the clinical management of symptoms.

Study Objective: Women with adenomyosis may show a lower pregnancy rate and a higher miscarriage rate than healthy women. There is also a general agreement that leiomyomas, either submucosal or intramural, negatively affect fertility, when compared with women without myomas. Some of these women may benefit from adenomyomectomy, however this cytoreductive procedure is considered invasive and technically challenging especially in severe diffuse cases. The study aimed to compare the clinical and reproductive outcomes of patients who underwent adenomyomectomy with those of patients who underwent intramural myomectomy., Design: A retrospective study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Center of Gynecological Endoscopy and Minimally Invasive surgery, First Faculty of Medicine, General University Hospital in Prague., Patients: A total of 55 women who underwent surgical resection of uterine adenomyosis and 55 patients who underwent myomectomy for intramural uterine myomas were included in this study. All study participants wished to retain and possibly improve their reproductive potential., Interventions: Between 2004 and 2019, 110 women underwent laparoscopic or open uterus-sparing surgery for clinically significant uterine adenomyosis (group A) or myomas (group B), respectively., Measurements and Main Results: Two groups of women who underwent different fertility-saving procedures were compared. Although all women entering the study had declared their wish to conceive, only 28 patients in group A (group A1) and 24 women in group B (group B1) finally aimed toward pregnancy. The mean age and follow-up period was 35.0 years and 76.81 months, respectively, in group A and 34.8 years and 72.5 months, respectively, in group B. The pregnancy and delivery rates were 75.0% and 46.4%, respectively, in group A1 vs 96.0% and 70.8%, respectively, in group B1, with no significant differences between the 2 groups. The open surgical approach was significantly more frequently employed in group A (47.3% vs 16.4%; p <.01)., Conclusion: In this study, women who underwent surgery involving the uterine muscularity, including myomectomy or adenomyomectomy, had comparable reproductive outcomes, with no significant differences., (Copyright © 2021 AAGL. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The aim was to compare the surgical experience and the clinical results of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM) with or without pre-treatment with ulipristal acetate (UPA)., Material and Methods: Fifty-four women who underwent LM for intramural myomas and were pre-treated with three months of UPA were matched with 54 patients with the same procedure but no hormonal pre-treatment. All operations were performed by one team. The technical features of the procedures were reviewed and evaluated by two other laparoscopists, unaware of the eventual use of UPA. The clinical, histological, and reproductive outcomes of each patient were assessed and the results of both groups were compared., Results: The groups did not significantly differ in operation time, intra-operative blood loss, drop in hemoglobin concentration, number of complications, pregnancy rate, and delivery rate. Women pre-treated with UPA had significantly longer hospital stays, higher numbers of histologically abnormal leiomyomas, and higher rates of fibroids peri-procedurally assessed as soft and disintegrating. The other four technical parameters of LM were comparable in both groups., Conclusions: The surgeons performing LM in women pre-treated with UPA should be aware of the abnormal texture of enucleated myomas. Nevertheless, this does not negatively affect the other surgical and clinical outcomes of these patients.

The levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) is widely used and recommended as a reliable contraceptive. It also acts by opposing the effects of estrogen on the endometrium, thereby preventing development of endometrial hyperplasia and its possible malignant transformation. This case describes a 52-year-old multiparous amenorrhoeic patient who was seen in the gynecology outpatient department for a routine control 46 months after the insertion LNG-IUS as contraception. Hysteroscopy with a target biopsy following suspicious ultrasound scan confirmed well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Ultrasound scan prior to inserting LNG-IUS revealed normal 5 mm thin endometrium with the sharp edges. Uterine bleeding before the LNG-IUS insertion was regular and not excessive and the woman has remained amenorrhoeic after the LNG-IUS insertion. We present a case of the growth of a polyp-shaped endometrial carcinoma in a LNG-IUS asymptomatic user.

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of hysteroscopic intervention in the management of symptoms related to the displaced levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS)., Material and Methods: One hundred and thirteen patients with displaced LNG-IUS presenting with irregular uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or asymptomatic displacement were recruited for hysteroscopic examination. Displaced LNG-IUS was relocated by hysteroscopic intervention and the effect on symptoms and LNG-IUS position was followed., Results: The displaced LNG-IUS was successfully relocated by hysteroscope in 112 (99.1%) of 113 cases. Following LNG-IUS relocation, 71 (79.8%) patients of 89 with preoperative irregular uterine bleeding had amenorrhea or vaginal spotting, and 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients with preoperative pelvic pain became asymptomatic. LNG-IUS expulsion was recorded in two patients 7 and 21 days after hysteroscopy., Conclusion: Displaced LNG-IUS can cause clinical symptoms (e.g. irregular bleeding, pain). Hysteroscopic relocation of displaced LNG-IUS is a feasible method in the management of these symptoms. Risk of spontaneous expulsion associated with hysteroscopy is low., (© 2013 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2013 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Fumarate hydratase (FH) is a key enzyme of the Krebs cycle. Germline mutations in the FH gene encoding fumarate hydratase cause autosomal dominant syndromes multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC). Few data have been published on the role of FH gene mutation in development of uterine fibroids outside the context of multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata /HLRCC. We report two FH gene mutations, one novel and one previously described, in two young patients with sporadic uterine fibroids and decreased fumarate hydratase activity in lymphocytes. In patient 1, a novel heterozygous mutation c.892G>C was found. In patient 2 we detected heterozygous mutation c.584T>C. Both the patients had a negative family history for renal cancer and cutaneous leiomyomatosis. None of the relatives, however, underwent renal imaging at the time of writing. FH mutation carriers may be easily identified by analysis of fumarate hydratase activity in blood lymphocytes. We suggest performing fumarate hydratase activity or FH mutation screening in women with onset of uterine fibroids in their 20s and family history of uterine fibroids or other HLRCC-associated malignancies., (© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Aim: Several atypical hysteroscopy findings have been described in association with uterine artery embolization (UAE). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the types and frequency of these findings in the largest published series of patients., Material and Methods: Premenopausal patients after bilateral UAE for symptomatic intramural fibroid underwent subsequent hysteroscopic examination 3-9 months following UAE. The uterine cavity was examined with focus on specific post-embolization changes. Biopsy of endometrium was obtained and evaluated together with a biopsy of abnormal foci if present., Results: UAE was performed in a total of 127 women with an average size of dominant fibroid 63.1 mm in diameter and an average patient age of 35.1 years. Even though the majority of patients were asymptomatic at the time of hysteroscopy (78.0%), the post-embolization hysteroscopic examination was normal in only 51 patients (40.2%). The most frequent abnormalities included tissue necrosis (52 women, 40.9%), intracavitary myoma protrusion (45 women, 35.4%), endometrium 'spots' (22.1%), intrauterine synechiae (10.2%) and 'fistula' between the uterine cavity and intramural fibroid (6.3%). Histopathological examination showed normal, secretory or proliferative endometrium in 83.5% patients. Necrosis and/or hyalinization prevailed in the results of biopsy of abnormal loci (45 cases, 35.4%)., Conclusion: Frequency of abnormal hysteroscopic findings several months after UAE for primary intramural myomas is high. Alarmingly high is the percentage of patients with a histopathologically verified necrosis. Performing hysteroscopy in selected patients after UAE is necessary before eventual surgical re-intervention, especially in women with reproductive plans., (© 2012 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2012 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

We investigated the frequency of pathology, especially intrauterine adhesions, after instrumental evacuation within 24 h of delivery in a prospective observational intervention study on 100 women where a 'see and treat' hysteroscopy was performed after three to four months. There were two possible etiology groups: intrauterine adhesions [classified according by European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) grades I-IV] and residual tissue (classified as minimal and considerable). Adhesions were found in 18% of patients, as follows: ESGE I-II in 13% and ESGE III-IV in 5%. Residual tissue was present in 33%, as follows: minimal in 23% and considerable in 10%. There were 6% who had both mild adhesions and minimal residual tissue, while 43% of the women had normal intrauterine findings. Of the women, 32% were symptomatic (spotting, bleeding). Only residual tissue correlated with symptoms (r=0.376; p<0.001). There is a high prevalence of acquired intrauterine pathology (57%) in women who require early instrumental evacuation., (© 2012 The Authors Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica© 2011 Nordic Federation of Societies of Obstetrics and Gynecology.)

Myomectomy is associated with a high risk of de-novo adhesion formation that may decrease fertility. The purpose of this study was to compare the reproductive outcome of patients after laparoscopic or open myomectomy who underwent second-look (SL) hysteroscopy and laparoscopy including adhesiolysis with patients with no SL intervention. A total of 170 patients underwent open or laparoscopic myomectomy at one centre. All patients were recommended SL. Reproductive results were analyzed in 12 and 24 months intervals following myomectomy. Out of 170 post-myomectomy patients 96 signed informed consent with SL (group A) and 74 withheld (group B). The cumulative pregnancy rate in the 24-months follow-up was: 61.4% and 66.7% (p = 0.535) in group A and group B respectively. Adhesions of adnexa were observed and lysed in the overall of 34.0% of patients at the time of SL. Intrauterine synechiae were present in 1.56% of patients at the SL hysteroscopy. No case of uterine rupture during pregnancy or delivery was recorded. Our results show that the pregnancy rate of patients after myomectomy who underwent SL hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is similar to that of patients with no SL procedure. Adhesiolysis performed during SL does not seem to improve the reproductive outcome of post-myomectomy patients.

Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age. The cause of development of uterine fibroids is still unknown, however recent cytogenetic and genetic studies led to advancement in understanding of etiology of these tumors. In accordance with the latest findings up to 40% of uterine fibroids bear some chromosomal abnormalities. The most common are aberration of chromosomes 6, 7, 12 and 14. Uterine fibroids have been linked to mutations of fumarate hydratase (FH) gene. Germline mutations in FH gene cause autosomal dominant syndromes MCUL1 (multiple cutaneous and uterine leiomyomata) and HLRCC (hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer), characterized by multiple uterine and cutaneous leiomyomata and renal cancer. This paper reviews recent findings in the role of genetic in etiology of uterine fibroids.

Objective: The evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of hysteroscopic management of residual trophoblastic tissue and to verify the miniinvasivity with the second-look hysteroscopy., Design: Prospective study., Setting: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty od Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Prague., Methodology: From 11/2007 to 6/2011, 58 patiens with abnormal uterine bleeding longer than 6 weeks after delivery or abortion underwent ultrasound examination with fading of hyperechogenic content larger than 15mm in AP projection. There was the bipolar resectoscopic system used under general anestesia. Second-look office hysteroscopy was recommended to all patiens 4-6 weeks after a primary procedure., Results: Median operative time was 15 (7-36) minutes, median time of hospitalisation was 7.1 hours. In four patients was necessary to divide the procedure into two phases (after 14 days). There was no serious uterine bleeding or inflamation in our study group. Only one serious surgical complication was registered: an uterine perforation in patient after 2 cesarean sections, there was the laparoscopic suture provided. The second-look hysteroscopy was provided in 45 patients (77.6%). There was normal intrauterine finding in 16 (35.6%) patients, in 29 patients (64.4%) a small residual trophoblastic tissue was resected. There was no secondary intrauterine adhesive process described., Conclusion: Hysteroscopic resection is a safe and efficient operative technique, which is suitable for management of larger trophoblastic tissue left after delivery or abortion.

Aim. To determine if hormonal treatment induces apoptosis in uterine fibroids. Methods. Immunohistochemical examination of fibroid tissue, using avidin-biotin complex and cleaved caspase-3 antibody for detecting apoptosis, was performed in premenopausal women who underwent 12-week treatment with oral SPRM (6 patients with 5 mg and 5 patients with 10 mg of ulipristal acetate per day) or gonadoliberin agonist (GnRHa, 17 patients) and subsequent myomectomy or hysterectomy for symptomatic uterine fibroids. Ten patients with no presurgical hormonal treatment were used as controls. Results. Apoptosis was present in a significantly higher proportion of patients treated with ulipristal acetate compared to GnRHa (P = 0.01) and to patients with no hormonal treatment (P = 0.01). In contrast to an AI of 158.9 in SPRM patients, the mean AI was 27.5 and 2.0 in GnRHa and control groups, respectively. No statistical difference in the AI was observed between the two groups of patients treated with ulipristal acetate (5 mg or 10 mg). Conclusion. Treatment with ulipristal acetate induces apoptosis in uterine fibroid cells. This effect of SPRM may contribute to their positive clinical effect on uterine fibroids.

Hysteroscopic examination of the uterine cavity revealed that patients previously treated for intramural myoma(s) by uterine artery embolization had a significantly higher incidence of abnormal findings compared with patients treated by laparoscopic occlusion of uterine arteries (59.5% vs. 2.7%). In particular, there was a higher incidence of necrosis in the uterine cavity of patients subjected to uterine artery embolization (43.2%) compared with patients after surgical uterine artery occlusion (2.7%)., (Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A prospective study was conducted on the incidence of intrauterine pathology after missed abortion diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy was performed in 100 women four to 12 weeks after a dilatation and curettage for missed abortions. Uterine malformations were found in 12 patients, intrauterine adhesions in seven and submucous myoma in two cases. As a side finding four cases of asymptomatic retained products of conception were found. Most cases of the intrauterine pathology were treated instantly by hysteroscopy, "see and treat" regimen was preferred. Post-missed abortion-hysteroscopy is a simple and useful method for early diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired intrauterine pathology.

Background: Paraaortic lymph nodes represent the second level in the lymphatic spread of cervical cancer. Recent studies have confirmed the association of HPV DNA in pelvic lymph nodes in early-stage disease with metastatic involvement and a less favourable prognosis., Objective: The aim of our study was to detect 13 high-risk genotypes of HPV in paraaortic nodes harvested from patients with FIGO IB2-IIIB tumours and correlate findings with histopathology., Study Design: The study involved patients with advanced cervical cancer who had undergone low paraaortic lymphadenectomy. The cytobrush technique was used for perioperative sample collection from the tumour and fresh lymphatic tissue. Patients with non-HPV related cancers were used as a control group., Results: The study involved 24 cervical cancer patients. High-risk HPV DNA was found in the primary tumour of all cases and in PALN in 16 (67%) cases. The most frequent genotype was HPV 16, both in the tumour and in the paraaortic lymph nodes (83% and 54%, respectively). Metastatic involvement of paraaortic lymph nodes was identified in 8 cases (33%), which all were also HPV DNA positive. No HPV DNA was detected in PALN in any of 22 control group cases., Conclusions: Using the cytobrush technique, the presence of at least one HR HPV genotype in the primary tumour was identified in all the patients. The metastatically involved paraaortic lymph nodes always contained the DNA of at least one HPV genotype present in the primary tumour. Determination of clinical significance of HR HPV DNA presence in histologically negative lymph nodes requires further follow-up of the cohort., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To describe a case of successful pregnancy after IVF-ET in a patient with previous thermal ablation of the endometrium by uterine balloon therapy (UBT)., Design: Case report., Setting: University hospital., Patient(s): Polymorbid patient who received UBT and became pregnant after IVF-ET., Intervention(s): UBT, IVF-ET, and caesarean section., Result(s): After UBT, the patient underwent IVF-ET and gave birth to a healthy newborn at 36 weeks' gestation with a birth weight 2900 g and placenta accreta., Conclusion(s): Patients who wish to become pregnant after endometrial ablation should undergo preconception consultation and hysteroscopic examination., (Copyright 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare principle, advantages, disadvantages, and risks of conservative (i.e. uterus saving) methods of treatment of uterine fibroids, which are focused on elimination or reduction of their perfusion. To contribute to better understanding of this dynamic topic between gynecologists, especially in the field of appropriate indication criteria., Design: Review article., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Charles University and General Faculty Hospital, Prague., Methods: Analysis of literature and our clinical experience., Conclusions: Within the last decade the spectrum of treatment of uterine fibroids has broaden with methods causing ischemia of fibroids. These include the minimally invasive surgical therapy (laparoscopic occlusion of uterine arteries /LUAO/ and Doppler assisted laparoscopic myolysis) and radiological catheterization treatment (uterine artery embolization, UAE). Compared to foreign countries where UEA is mainly used in perimenopausal women, we focus on the group of patients with further fertility plans. It is necessary to stress that in spite of the number of affirmative experiences with the new techniques of uterine fibroid treatment in both the indication groups (women with or without further fertility plans) these methods still remain an alternative to standard surgical treatment, because both myomectomy and hysterectomy can be performed by minimally invasive techniques in the majority of women. This review is also focused on the specific risks of the particular methods as well as on their mechanism of action which may dramatically differ despite of some analogies.

Aim: To assess the safety of minimally invasive and hysteroscopic diagnosis and treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding and intrauterine abnormalities in patients after organ transplantation., Methods: After kidney, pancreas, or liver transplantation, patients who presented with menorrhagia, submucosal myoma or thickened endometrium on ultrasound were diagnosed and treated using a hysteroscopic system Versascope, Bipolar Resectoscopic System and intrauterine system ThermaChoice., Results: Twenty patients were included in this study and were aged 37-63 years (average +/- standard deviation: 48.8 +/- 5.86). The follow up was between 3 and 122 months (44.8 +/- 31.91). All hysteroscopic procedures were performed under general anesthesia, using local anesthetics (paracervical block) or short-term i.v. anesthesia, plus antibiotics. The procedures lasted 5 to 15 min (9.4 +/- 2.44). Five patients presented with minimal blood loss (< or =100 mL) and the rest had no blood loss. The hysteroscopic procedures had no adverse effects on the function of transplanted organs and there were no associated postoperative complications. Uterine bleeding was successfully regulated in all patients., Conclusion: Minimally invasive procedures and hysteroscopy of organ-transplanted patients provide a safe solution for the treatment of menorrhagia, submucosal myoma and thick endometrium in postmenopausal patients.

Objective: To find the consequences of laparoscopically assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for sexual functions in preoperatively asymptomatic women., Design: Prospective study., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital in Prague., Material and Methods: In 100 women without subjective complaints hysterectomy was performed for benign uterine pathology. In all the women the uterus weighted less than 250 g, there were no salpingooophorectomies and no perioperative complications. Women were alternativelly assigned for LAVH (n = 50) or TLH (n = 50). Clinical documentation and questionnaires about sexual functions were evaluated in 87 women (in 40 women after LAVH and in 47 after TLH) 18 months after surgery or later., Results: According to our findings the type of surgery did not influence the frequency of sexual activity after surgery, there was no change in sexual manners using during coitus as well as no change in preferred way how to reach the sexual arousal (clitoridally, vaginally or combined). The type of surgery did not influence frequency, quality and duration of orgasm. From all the evaluated parameters there were only two significantly different: the presence of postoperative sexual activity (positive answer in all women from LAVH group and only in 85% women from TLH group, F test, p = 0.009) and the frequency of sexual satisfaction (in terms of both increase and also decrease in TLH group chi2 8,376, p = 0.015)., Conclusion: The type of laparoscopic hysterectomy (LAVH or TLH) does not significantly affect the sexual functions (frequency of sexual satisfaction, type of sexual arousability, intensity and duration of orgasm) in preoperatively asymptomatic women.

Objective: To evaluate the effectivness of a global method of endometrium ablation--Thermachoice (Gynecare; Johnson & Johnson) baloon therapy in treatment of excessive uterine bleeding. Our 10-year-long-experience is presented., Design: Retrospective study., Settings: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, First faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General Teaching Hospital, Prague., Methodology and Results: 109 patients were treated in our depatment from November 1997 till the end of the year 2007. The pacients were contacted personally, over the phone and by sending questinnaires. 92 women (84.4%) were included into the evaluation group after twelve month and after 5 years there were 54 women. The group was mostly formed by seriously polymorbid patients. The average age was 41.6 years. In the twelve-month-follow-up there were 38 percent amenorrheic, five years later there were 63 percent of them. 13 women (14%) ended with hysterectomy--two pacients without any connection with the operation. In 3 cases there was a therapeutic cycle failure, because the acquired intrauterine pressure was not reached. In one case of the monstrous obese woman, after a longer period form the operation there was a carcinoma of the endometrium found out. Two women after the termoablation became pregnant: the first one non-voluntarily, she decided for the arteficial abortion and then the hysterectomy, the second one, despite the fact, that she had been fully informed, underwent the IVF therapy and at the age of 37 she delivered by the Cesarian section in the 36-week-old pregnancy the healthy girl weighing 2900 gramms. With one patient--a young woman the operation was combined with uterine artery embolisation (UAE)--and that is why she was excluded. 51.5% of all operations were perfomed without general anestesia. There was no serious complication in the observed group., Conclusion: The big advantage of the second generation ablation methods is the possibility to realise the operation without the general anestesia and with the minimum discomfort for the patient. Another favourable circumstance was the shorter determined operating time and lower percentage of complications in comparison with the first generation methods. The big benefit is mainly for the seriously polymobid pacients.

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) represents radiological treatment of uterine fibroids. It is highly effective and safe mainly in premenopausal patients with symptomatic fibroids and represents an alternative to hysterectomy in a group of women not suitable for minimally invasive surgical treatment (LAVH) and women desiring uterus sparing therapy. The future of UAE lies in optimal selection of patients based on volume-shrinkage prediction and fertility outcome. The second group is represented by methods based on direct fibroid tissue destruction using specific energy under MRI or UZ guidance. The common aim of these two groups is the volume shrinkage as well as the symptomatic relief. The second group is represented by radiofrequency ablation, focused ultrasound surgery, interstitial laser ablation and cryotherapy. Based on their non-surgical, percutaneous approach these can be classified as minimally-invasive methods. The second group of methods is suitable only for patients with the absence of any desire for child bearing due to the absence of their long-term outcome data.

Objective: To assess the reproductive outcomes after laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion (LUAO) and uterine artery embolization (UAE) in women with symptomatic fibroids., Design: Prospective, clinical multicentric study., Setting: Endoscopic center in the department of obstetrics and gynecology at a hospital in the Czech Republic., Patient(s): Thirty-eight pregnant women after LUAO and 20 pregnant women after UAE., Intervention(s): Laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion and UAE., Main Outcome Measure(s): Pregnancy, abortion, preterm delivery, and live-birth rates., Result(s): Pregnancies after uterine embolization had a statistically significantly higher rate for spontaneous abortion (56%) than did pregnancies after surgical uterine artery occlusion (10.5%). The risk of malpresentation (20%) and the rate for cesarean section (80%) after UAE similarly were higher than was the risk after laparoscopic occlusion; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Also, there were no significant differences between the groups in preterm deliveries (15.3% in the LUAO group vs. 20% in the UAE group)., Conclusion(s): Pregnancies of women who were treated with uterine embolization were at significantly increased risk for spontaneous abortion when compared with pregnancies of women treated with LUAO.

Objective: To present our clinical experience with a case of myomectomy of very big myoma during the second trimestr of pregnancy and to analyse current articles with this topics. Two myomectomies in one pregnancy (in the second trimestr and during the cesarian section) are presented., Design: Review article, case report., Results: A case report of 36-years-old nulliparous woman with 2 big fibroids in pregnancy is presented. The pregnancy was troubleless until 20th week, than she was hospitalized with suddenly appeared pain in epigastrium. A big necrotisis of fibroid was found during the examination. The clinical situation of the pacient rapidly deteriorated - in 24 hours the pain increased and ileus appeared. The operation due to vital indication was carried out with maximal effort to preserve the pregnancy. The 2200g-weigh-myoma was removed abdominally and the pregnancy continued without another complication. The cesarian section was done in 38-week-old pregnancy and a healthy child was delivered. The second big fibroid on the back of the uterus was found during the cesarian section, myomectomy and large adhesiolysis was done. The pacient was hospitalized during the puerperium again with reapperance of ileus. The therapy of ileus was conservative. A case report presents a rare ocurence of big myomectomy during the second trimestr of pregnancy which was complicated by recidivans ileus due to large adhesive process in abdominal cavity., Conclusion: The prevalence of fibroids in pregnancy is between 2 and 4%, only 10 procents of this pregnancies are complicated, the necrosis of fibroid during the pregnancy is one of the most difficult cases.

Objective: To sum up the knowledge of etiology and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids., Type of Study: Review., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague. SUBJECT OF STUDY: A summary of what is known about development of uterine fibroids., Conclusion: In this overview of etiology and pathogenesis of uterine fibroids we have attempted to ananlyze the literature and present prevailing evidence and opinions.

We report a case of an 86-year-old female with a tubulo-squamous polyp of the vagina. Grossly, the polyp measured 2 x 1.5 x 1 cm. Histologically, it was composed of well-circumscribed nests of squamous cells with bland nuclei. Some of the squamous nests showed central spaces filled with necrotic debris. Small tubules were present at the periphery of some of the nests, and there were a few tubules unassociated with the squamous nests. Furthermore, several larger mucinous glands, some with apparent squamous metaplasia, were present. The stroma was fibrous and rather hypocellular. Surface of the polyp was covered by intact squamous epithelium, which was not connected with the underlying lesion. The recently described tubulo-squamous vaginal polyp represents a distinctive entity. To the best of our knowledge, only one study describing a series of ten cases has been reported in the literature to date.

The aim of this study was to assess whether uterine artery Doppler velocimetry [pulsatility index (PI) and resistance index (RI)] and thickness of the endometrium (TE) are able to predict 3-year clinical outcome after endometrial ablation (EA) for dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB). This was a prospective, observational study of 29 women of whom 22 were amenorrhoeic (A) and 7 eumenorrhoeic (E) at the end of the first postoperative year. The PI, RI and TE were measured prior to and 1, 6 and 12 months after EA. Statistical analyses were performed using BMDP statistical software, discriminant analysis, ANOVA and T test. Using the calculated classification function (CF) with the three parameters PI, RI and TE measured 12 months after FEAT, we were able to accurately (100%) specify which of the women will have A or E in 3 years. The predictive value of PI, RI and TE has been confirmed clinically in a minimum 3-year follow-up of outcome (ranging from 36 to 72 months [mean 55]). All A and E women have stayed in the same group (A or E) during the minimum of 3 years. In conclusion we found that PI, RI and TE measured prior to EA cannot predict the outcome, however these measurements performed 1 year after FEAT can predict the duration of A or E in the 3-year follow up.

The purpose of this study was to compare the midterm results of a radiological and surgical approach to uterine fibroids. One hundred twenty-one women with reproductive plans who presented with an intramural fibroid(s) larger than 4 cm were randomly selected for either uterine artery embolization (UAE) or myomectomy. We compared the efficacy and safety of the two procedures and their impact on patient fertility. Fifty-eight embolizations and 63 myomectomies (42 laparoscopic, 21 open) were performed. One hundred eighteen patients have finished at least a 12-month follow-up; the mean follow-up in the entire study population was 24.9 months. Embolized patients underwent a significantly shorter procedure and required a shorter hospital stay and recovery period. They also presented with a lower CRP concentration on the second day after the procedure (p < 0.0001 for all parameters). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rate of technical success, symptomatic effectiveness, postprocedural follicle stimulating hormone levels, number of reinterventions for fibroid recurrence or regrowth, or complication rates. Forty women after myomectomy and 26 after UAE have tried to conceive, and of these we registered 50 gestations in 45 women. There were more pregnancies (33) and labors (19) and fewer abortions (6) after surgery than after embolization (17 pregnancies, 5 labors, 9 abortions) (p < 0.05). Obstetrical and perinatal results were similar in both groups, possibly due to the low number of labors after UAE to date. We conclude that UAE is less invasive and as symptomatically effective and safe as myomectomy, but myomectomy appears to have superior reproductive outcomes in the first 2 years after treatment.

Aim: Uterine artery embolization for fibroids is a controversial issue for women with incomplete reproductive plans. Ovarian failure and uterine infection are the most dreaded complications of this procedure. The purpose of the present study was to assess the types and the frequency of intrauterine abnormalities and the histological features of the endometrium after embolization., Methods: Uterine artery embolization was performed on 51 women (average age 34.5 years) with intramural fibroid/s larger than 4 cm. Hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy was performed from 3 to 9 months later in the luteal phase of the cycle., Results: Despite all women having no major symptoms prior to hysteroscopy, only 19 (37%) had completely normal hysteroscopic findings. There was intrauterine protrusion of fibroid/s in 19 cases (37%), yellowish coloration of the endometrium in 14 (28%), intrauterine or cervical adhesions in seven (14%), and communication between the myoma and the uterine cavity in five cases (10%). A normal, functional endometrium was histologically verified in 44 women of 49 (90%) who could be evaluated. Regressive changes (necrosis or hyalinization) of leiomyoma or of indefinite origin were found in 17 patients and embolization particles in five, including one patient with microspheres inside the endometrial vessel. No case of Asherman syndrome or endometrial atrophy was observed., Conclusion: The frequency of abnormal hysteroscopic findings after embolization is surprisingly high. The clinical significance, reversibility, and impact on fertility of abnormal hysteroscopic findings after embolization remain unclear. Regardless, hysteroscopy should be strongly recommended to all patients after uterine fibroid embolization, prior to conception.

Objective: To give a systematic comment on uterine artery embolization for the treatment of uterine fibroids., Design: Expert comment., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague., Methods: The analysis of results of the group of patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization in our facility in the years 2001-2005., Results: Opinions of the multidisciplinary team, specialized in complex therapy of uterine fibroids were summarized. On the base of experience with more than 110 patients treated with uterine fibroid embolization we worked up practical comments on indications, cover and implementation of the procedure, and on suggested studies pre and post-procedurally with regard to expected effect and possible complications., Conclusion: Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive procedure with large symptomatic potential in therapy of post-fertile females with leiomyomas. The indication of such therapy for pregnancy planning women is controversial and needs thorough individual consideration about benefits and risks of embolization and its comparison with standard therapy (myomectomy). Organizing of the whole procedure (preoperative studies, equipment and experience of interventional radiologist, pain management, handling with complications) is challenging and should be performed by specialized teams and centers.

Objective: To evaluate bulk limits of intrauterine pathology for "see and treat" hysteroscopy., Type of Study: A retrospective observational study., Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague and General Teaching Hospital Prague., Methods: 200 mg of Indomethacin was administered to the patients by rectum 2 hours before procedure. "See and treat" procedures were performed with "Versascope" in awake patients without any peroperatively admistered analgesia or anaesthesia. As a "see and treat" were managed 796 endometrial polyps, 125 submucous myomas, as well as 62 cases of intrauterine synechias., Conclusions: endometrial polyps up to 1,5 cm, pedunculated submucous myomas up to 1,0 cm as well as fibroid adhesiones obliterated no more than 1/3 of uterine cavity can be managed as "see and treat" procedures with a high compliance of the patients.

Objective: The authors demonstrate the case of left adnexal torsion caused by 2 benign teratomas in its ovarian and tubal location., Design: Case report., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Teaching Hospital, Charles University, Prague., Case: 24-years old woman underwent laparoscopy for several days lasting pain in lower abdomen and ultrasound finding of semicystic mass in the left adnexal region with suspicion of teratoma. The benign teratoma of the left ovary together with a torsion of the left Fallopian tube distended by teratoma was revealed during surgery. Left side salpingectomy and enucleation of the ovarian teratoma has been performed. This surprising finding was confirmed by histopathological examination., Conclusion: The acute gynaecological torsion event may be caused not only by torsion of uterine fibroid or enlarged tumorous ovary but rarely also by a teratoma of the Fallopian tube.

Objective: To compare the clinical results of surgical and endovascular treatment of uterine myomas in young women., Study Design: In a university-affiliated, tertiary care center a prospective trial was conducted. Sixty-three women, wishing to retain fertility, with intramural fibroid(s) larger than 4 cm, were randomly selected either for uterine artery embolization or myomectomy. Invasiveness, efficacy, and complications of both procedures were compared., Results: Thirty embolizations and 33 myomectomies (15 laparoscopic, 18 open) were performed. The mean follow-up was 17 months. In embolized patients, there was a significantly shorter procedure length (p<0.0001), hospital stay (p<0.001) and disability period (p<0.0001), lower CRP (p<0.001) and higher hemoglobin (p<0.0001) concentrations the 2nd day after procedure. But there was a higher incidence of re-interventions (p<0.01) and a lower rate of total symptomatic relief (p<0.1). The groups did not significantly differ in: technical success rate, febrile morbidity, FSH levels 6 months after the procedure, and complication rates., Conclusions: Although the reproductive outcomes of uterine artery embolization and myomectomy cannot be evaluated at the moment, our first results indicate that both methods are clinically successful in the majority of cases and are not connected with significant number of serious complications.

Objective: Sum up the knowledge about office hysteroscopy., Type of Study: Review of literature and our own 5 years of experience., Setting: Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague and General Teaching Hospital Prague, Prague., Methods: Compilation of data from scientific literature and 5 years of our own experience with office hysteroscopy., Conclusions: Hysteroscopy provides optical evaluation of uterine cavity. Most of the benign intrauterine organics pathologies could be managed in an outpatient setting with a vaginoscopic approach without any anaesthesia and analgesia. Using that approach we can recommend to perform endometrial target biopsy, resection of endometrial polyps up to 1.5 cm and pedunculated submucous myomas up to 1 cm as well as resection of filmy intrauterine adhesions. Method is comfortable for well managed patients and practically complication-free.

Objective: To analyze clinical and reproductive outcomes of patients after laparoscopic (LM) or open (OM) myomectomy., Design: Prospective clinical trial., Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st Faculty of Medicine and General Faculty Hospital, Charles University, Prague., Methods: Women under the age of 40 with intramural fibroid larger than 4 cm were indicated for myomectomy. LM was performed when laparoscopy revealed solitary or 2 fibroids smaller than 8 cm; otherwise the OM was carried out. The patients were followed at 6 months intervals., Results: 80 myomectomies with extirpation of 121 myomas was performed from January 2002 to April 2005. The average age was 33.5 years, average size of dominant fibroid 56 mm. 38% of women suffered from infertility; the mean follow-up was 15.6 months. We performed LM in 56 cases (70%). From 24 open procedures 18 were elective and 6 converted from laparoscopy. In 18 patients some of the fibroid--ischemization procedures (uterine arteries embolization or laparoscopic dissection, or laparoscopic myolysis) preceded myomectomy. In the group with LM there was significantly lower peri-procedural blood loss, lower count of leucocytes and CRP concentration the 2nd day after surgery, shorter stay in the hospital, shorter interval between surgery and conception, and lower incidence of early complications than in women with OM. Fibroid related symptoms fully disappeared in 76% of patients. 20 women from 38 that have already tried to conceive have achieved 22 gestations so far: 9 deliveries (2 preterm; 3 vaginal, 6 Cesarean), 6 miscarriages, 1 ectopic and 6 ongoing pregnancies at the moment., Conclusion: In the hands of surgeons experienced in operative laparoscopy the enucleation of intramural uterine fibroids is safe, symptomatically effective, mostly low invasive procedure with good reproductive prognosis.