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Objective: This review analyzes the preoperative treatments used before hysteroscopic myomectomy, trying to identify the main indications for each option. Methods: a comprehensive search of several databases was conducted from inception up to May 2021. The searched databases were MEDLINE, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus. The search strategy included the combinations of the following medical terms: Hysteroscopic myomectomy; Uterine fibroid, Hormonal therapy, preoperative. We selected clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in English to investigate hormone therapy before hysteroscopic myomectomy. We opted for a narrative synthesis of the results, summarizing the evidence provided by the most relevant studies to offer the reader a complete and synthetic overview of the topic. Findings in brief: The hormonal therapies preoperatively used to prepare the endometrium before a hysteroscopic procedure are gonadotropins releasing hormone (GnRH) analog, danazol, progestogen, and combined oral contraceptives. On the one hand, the efficacy of GnRH analogs and danazol administration before hysteroscopic surgery has been demonstrated by several studies, mainly related to the time of surgery and volume of distension medium absorbed. On the other hand, although the evidence is more limited, progestogens and combined hormonal contraceptives have proven a comparable efficacy in achieving adequate endometrial thinning. Conclusions: To date, no definitive data provide strong evidence towards one specific preoperative therapy before myomectomy hysteroscopy. Several variables should be considered using a specific medical therapy (including the different potential effects with a particular drug compared to the others in type 0, 1, or 2 myoma); this element further amplifies the heterogeneity of the available findings in the literature and does not allow to draw a firm conclusion about a best pharmacological management over the others.

Background: Third- and fourth-degree perineal tears are associated with significant discomfort and impact on women’s quality of life after labor. We reviewed the literature on risk factors for obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASIS), focusing on modifiable risk factors for OASIS to help obstetricians prevent them. Methods: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus using key search terms. We selected clinical studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses in English investigating antepartum and intrapartum factors associated with OASIS. Three researchers independently selected studies and documented outcomes. Results: We identified forty-two relevant articles for inclusion. Among antepartum factors, primiparity, neonatal birth weight, and ethnicity were associated with a higher risk of OASIS. Instrumental delivery, midline episiotomy, duration of the second stage of labor, persistent occiput posterior position, and labor augmentation were those intrapartum factors reported associated with OASIS. Conclusions: Multiple ante- and intrapartum factors are associated with a higher risk of OASIS. The actual modifiable factor is episiotomy during the second stage of labor. However, literature reporting episiotomy associated with a reduction in OASIS prevalence during instrumental delivery is limited. These results may help obstetricians recognize women at higher risk of developing severe perineal tears and recommend further investigation on the role of episiotomy in an operative delivery.