Uterine artery pseudoaneurysm caused by hysteroscopic surgery: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a case of uterine artery pseudoaneurysm(UAP)occurrence during hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy and its treatment via uterine artery embolization(UAE).CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old primigravid,primiparous patient was incidentally found to have an endometrial polyp during a health checkup,and underwent a hysteroscopic polypectomy at another hospital.Her cervix was dilated with a Laminken-R®device.After the Laminken-R®was withdrawn,a large amount of genital bleeding was observed.This bleeding persisted after the hysteroscopic polypectomy,and,as hemostasis became impossible,the patient was transferred to our hospital by ambulance.On arrival,transvaginal ultrasonography revealed a 3-cm hypoechoic mass with a swirling internal pulse on the right side of the uterus,and color Doppler ultrasonography showed feeder vessels penetrating the mass.Pelvic contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)confirmed the presence of a mass at this site,and vascular proliferation was observed within the uterine cavity.Consequently,UAP was diagnosed,and UAE was performed.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful,and 6 mo post-UAE,no recurrence of blood flow to the UAP was observed.CONCLUSION When abnormal genital bleeding occurs during hysteroscopic surgery,ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced CT can assist in the detection of early UAPs.

Abnormal uterine bleeding successfully treated via ultrasoundguided microwave ablation of uterine myoma lesions: Three case reports

BACKGROUND Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)is a minimally invasive treatment method for heavy menstrual bleeding.However,additional treatment is often required after recurrence of uterine myomas treated with MEA.Additionally,because this treatment ablates the endometrium,it is not indicated for patients planning to become pregnant.To overcome these issues,we devised a method for ultrasound-guided microwave ablation of uterine myoma feeder vessels.We report three patients successfully treated for heavy menstrual bleeding,secondary to uterine myoma,using our novel method.CASE SUMMARY All patients had a favorable postoperative course,were discharged within 4 h,and experienced no complications.Further,no postoperative recurrence of heavy menstrual bleeding was noted.Our method also reduced the myoma’s maximum diameter.CONCLUSION This method does not ablate the endometrium,suggesting its potential appli-cation in patients planning to become pregnant.

Managing Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease during pregnancy with steroid pulse therapy:A case report

BACKGROUND High-dose steroid administration is a common initial therapeutic approach for Vogt–Koyanagi–Harada disease(VKH).Nonetheless,administering substantial doses of steroids to pregnant women necessitates meticulous consideration due to the potential impacts on the mother and fetus.We present a case wherein steroid pulse therapy was administered to a patient who developed VKH during the late stages of pregnancy.CASE SUMMARY The patient was a 26-year-old nulliparous woman.At 33 weeks and 1 day of her pregnancy,she experienced a decline in visual acuity and noticed metamorphopsia in her left eye.Examination revealed bilateral serous retinal detachment,leading to VKH diagnosis.A collaborative effort involving the departments of ophthalmology,internal medicine,and neonatology was initiated.Steroid pulse therapy was administered at 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy under hospital supervision.Complications,such as threatened preterm labor and gestational diabetes,emerged,necessitating the initiation of oral ritodrine hydrochloride and insulin therapy.Then,serous retinal detachment was resolved,and visual acuity was restored.Labor pains initiated 32 days post-initiation of steroid pulse therapy(at 38 weeks and 4 days of gestation),culminating in a normal delivery.Mother and newborn experienced an uneventful puerperal course and were discharged from the hospital on the 5th day following delivery.CONCLUSION VKH management in pregnancy requires multidisciplinary coordination,emphasizing collaboration with ophthalmologists and specialists in internal medicine and neonatology.

Actual Use of Rigid Hysteroscope Intrauterine BIGATTI Shaver (IBS^®) with a Morcellator System

Hysteroscopic resection of endometrial lesions has recently gained popularities. We here report the usefulness and safety of hysteroscopic surgery using Intrauterine BIGATTI Shaver (IBS®). We performed this surgery for 6 patients: 4 endometrial polyps and 2 intrauterine myoma. The average operation time was 25.7 ± 13.2 minutes. Only a small amount of bleeding was noted in all cases. There were no surgical complications. Two out of four patients who desired childbearing became pregnant. Hysteroscopic surgery using IBS® can safely and reliably remove intrauterine protruding lesions under aspiration without using a heat source. Less endometrial damage may help preserve fertility.

Effectiveness of microwave endometrial ablation combined with hysteroscopic transcervical resection in treating submucous uterine myomas

BACKGROUND Hypermenorrhea is characterized by excessive menstrual bleeding that causes severe anemia and interferes with everyday life.This condition can restrict women’s social activities and decrease their quality of life.Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)using a 2.45-GHz energy source is a minimally invasive alternative to conventional hysterectomy for treating hypermenorrhea that is resistant to conservative treatment,triggered by systemic disease or medications,or caused by uterine myomas and fibrosis.The popularity of MEA has increased worldwide.Although MEA can safely and effectively treat submucous myomas,some patients may still experience recurrent hypermenorrhea postoperatively and may require additional treatment.AIM To investigate the efficacy of MEA combined with transcervical resection(TCR).METHODS Participants underwent cervical and endometrial evaluations.Magnetic resonance imaging and hysteroscopy were performed to evaluate the size and location of the myomas.TCR was performed before MEA using a hystero-resectoscope.MEA was performed using transabdominal ultrasound.The variables included operation time,number of ablation cycles,length of hospital stay,and visual analog scale cores for hypermenorrhea,dysmenorrhea,and treatment satisfaction at 3 and 6 mo postoperatively.The postoperative incidence of amenorrhea,changes in hemoglobin concentrations,and MEA-related complications were evaluated.RESULTS A total of 34 women underwent a combination of MEA and TCR during the study period.Two patients were excluded from the study as their histopathological tests identified uterine malignancies(uterine sarcoma and endometrial cancer).The 32 eligible women(6 nulliparous,26 multiparous)had a mean age of 45.2±4.3 years(range:36–52 years).Patients reported very severe hypermenorrhea(10/10 points on the visual analog scale)before the procedure.However,after the procedure,the hypermenorrhea scores decreased to 1.2±1.3 and 0.9±1.3 at 3 and 6 mo,respectively(P<0.001).The mean follow-up duration was 33.8±16.8 mo.Although 10 women(31.3%)developed amenorrhea during this period,none experienced a recurrence of hypermenorrhea.No surgical complications were observed.CONCLUSION Reducing the size of uterine myomas by combining MEA and TCR can safely and effectively treat hypermenorrhea in patients with submucous myomas.

Effectiveness of treating menorrhagia using microwave endometrial ablation at a frequency of 2.45 GHz

BACKGROUND Microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)is a minimally invasive treatment for menorrhagia.It has been covered by the national insurance in Japan since April 2012,and its demand has been increasing as the importance of women’s health has advanced in society.AIM To examine the efficacy of MEA as a treatment option for menorrhagia.METHODS In this study,we retrospectively analyzed 76 patients who underwent MEA between January 2016 and March 2020 in our department.MEA was performed in the lithotomy position,under general anesthesia,and with transabdominal ultrasound guidance,including the entire endometrial circumference while confirming endometrial coagulation.The Microtaze AFM-712 and the Sounding Applicator CSA-40CBL-1006200C were used for MEA,and the endometrium was ablated using a Microtaze output of 70 W and coagulation energization time of 50 s per cycle.The visual analog scale(VAS)was used to evaluate menorrhagia,menstrual pain,and treatment satisfaction.Additionally,the hemoglobin(Hb)levels before and after MEA and associated complications were investigated.RESULTS The average age of the patients was 44.8±4.0 years.While 14 patients had functional menorrhagia,62 had organic menorrhagia,of whom 14 had endometrial polyps,40 had uterine fibroids,and 8 had adenomyosis.The VAS score before MEA and 3 and 6 mo after the procedure were 10,1.3±1.3,and 1.3±1.3,respectively,for menorrhagia and 10,1.3±1.8,and 1.3±1.8,respectively,for menstrual pain,both showing improvements(P<0.001).The MEA Hb level significantly improved from 9.2±4.2 g/dL before MEA to 13.4±1.2 g/dL after MEA(P=0.003).Treatment satisfaction was high,with a VAS score of 9.6±0.7.Endometritis was observed in one patient after surgery and was treated with antibiotics.CONCLUSION MEA is a safe and effective treatment for menorrhagia.

Ultrasound-guided local ethanol injection for fertility-preserving cervical pregnancy accompanied by fetal heartbeat: Two case reports

BACKGROUND The incidence of cervical pregnancy is increasing due to the recent widespread application of assisted reproductive technology.Although hysterectomy has been a treatment option,high-sensitivity human chorionic gonadotropin testing and improved accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound imaging have increased possibility of uterine preservation.Dilation and curettage with methotrexate therapy and uterine artery embolization have been reported as treatments with fertility preservation;however,certain disadvantages limit their use.CASE SUMMARY In our two reported cases,we avoided massive bleeding and immediately resumed infertility treatment using ultrasound-guided local ethanol injection for cervical pregnancies with fetal heartbeats.CONCLUSION This treatment may be a new fertility-preserving option for cervical pregnancy.

New native tissue repair for pelvic organ prolapse:Medium-term outcomes of laparoscopic vaginal stump-round ligament fixation

BACKGROUND Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse(POP)is a new and widely used approach;however,ever since the United States Food and Drug Administration warned against the use of surgical mesh,repairs performed using patients’tissues[i.e.native tissue repair(NTR)]instead of mesh have attracted much attention.At our hospital,laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy(the Shull method)was introduced in 2017.However,patients with more severe POP who have a long vaginal canal and overextended uterosacral ligaments may not be candidates for this procedure.AIM To validate a new NTR treatment for POP,we examined patients undergoing laparoscopic vaginal stump–round ligament fixation(the Kakinuma method).METHODS The study patients were 30 individuals with POP who underwent surgery using the Kakinuma method between January 2020 and December 2021 and who were followed up for>12 mo after surgery.We retrospectively examined surgical outcomes for surgery duration,blood loss,intraoperative complications,and incidence of recurrence.The Kakinuma method involves round ligament suturing and fixation on both sides,effectively lifting the vaginal stump after laparoscopic hysterectomy.RESULTS The patients’mean age was 66.5±9.1(45-82)years,gravidity was 3.1±1.4(2-7),parity was 2.5±0.6(2-4)times,and body mass index was 24.5±3.3(20.9-32.8)kg/m2.According to the POP quantification stage classification,there were 8 patients with stage Ⅱ,11 with stage Ⅲ,and 11 with stage Ⅳ.The mean surgery duration was 113.4±22.6(88-148)min,and the mean blood loss was 26.5±39.7(10-150)mL.There were no perioperative complications.None of the patients exhibited reduced activities of daily living or cognitive impairment after hospital discharge.No cases of POP recurrence were observed 12 mo after the operation.CONCLUSION The Kakinuma method,similar to conventional NTR,may be an effective treatment for POP.

Efficacy of transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol for ectopic pregnancies with intrauterine implantation sites

BACKGROUND Cervical pregnancies,interstitial tubal pregnancies,and cesarean scar pregnancies,which are ectopic pregnancies with intrauterine implantation sites exhibit increasing trends with the recent widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies and increased rate of cesarean deliveries.The development of highsensitivity human chorionic gonadotropin testing reagents and the increased precision of transvaginal ultrasonic tomography have made early diagnosis possible and have enabled treatment.Removal of ectopic pregnancies using methotrexate therapy and/or uterine artery embolization has been reported.However,delayed resumption of infertility treatments after methotrexate therapy is indicated,and negative effects on the next pregnancy after uterine artery embolization have been reported.AIM To examine the efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided topical absolute ethanol injection in ectopic pregnancies with an intrauterine implantation site.METHODS In this study,we retrospectively examined the medical records of 21 patients who were diagnosed with an ectopic pregnancy with an intrauterine implantation site at our hospital,between April 2010 and December 2018,and underwent transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol to determine the treatment outcomes.We evaluated the treatment methods,treatment outcomes,presence of bleeding requiring hemostasis measures and blood transfusion,complications,and treatment periods.Successful treatment was defined as the completion of treatment using transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol alone.RESULTS There were 21 total cases comprising 10 cervical pregnancies,10 interstitial tubal pregnancies,and 1 cesarean scar pregnancy.All patients completed treatment with this method.No massive hemorrhaging or serious adverse reactions were observed during treatment.The mean gestation ages at the time of diagnosis were 5.9 wk(SD,±0.9 wk)for cervical and 6.9 wk(SD,±2.1 wk)for interstitial tubal pregnancies.The total ethanol doses were 4.8 mL(SD,±2.2 mL)for cervical pregnancies and 3.3 mL(SD,±2.2 mL)for interstitial pregnancies.The treatment period was 28.5days(SD,±11.7 d)for cervical pregnancies and 30.0±8.1 d for interstitial pregnancies.Positive correlations were observed between the bloodβ-human chorionic gonadotropin level at the beginning of treatment and the total ethanol dose(r=0.75;P=0.00008),as well as between the total ethanol dose and treatment period(r=0.48;P=0.026).CONCLUSION Transvaginal ultrasound-guided local injections of absolute ethanol could become a new option for intrauterine ectopic pregnancies when fertility preservation is desired.

Successful live birth following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis under laparoscopic observation for Asherman’s syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Asherman’s syndrome is characterized by reduced menstrual volume and adhesions within the uterine cavity and cervix,resulting in inability to carry a pregnancy to term,placental malformation,or infertility.We present the case of a 40-year-old woman diagnosed with Asherman’s syndrome who successfully gave birth to a live full-term neonate after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis under laparoscopic observation,intrauterine device insertion,and Kaufmann therapy.CASE SUMMARY A 40-year-old woman(Gravida 3,Para 0)arrived at our hospital for specialist care to carry her pregnancy to term.She had previously undergone six sessions of dilation and curettage owing to a hydatidiform mole and persistent trophoblastic disease,followed by chemotherapy.She subsequently became pregnant twice,but both pregnancies resulted in spontaneous miscarriages during the first trimester.Her menstrual periods were very light and of short duration.Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis with concurrent laparoscopy was performed,and Asherman’s syndrome was diagnosed.The uterine adhesions covered the area from the internal cervical os to the uterine fundus.Postoperative Kaufmann therapy was administered,and endometrial regeneration was confirmed using hysteroscopy.She became pregnant 9 mo postoperatively and delivered through elective cesarean section at 37 wk of gestation.The postpartum course was uneventful,and she was discharged on postoperative day 7.CONCLUSION Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis with concurrent laparoscopy enables identification and resection of the affected area and safe and accurate surgery,without complications.

LiNA OperaScope^(TM) for microwave endometrial ablation for endometrial polyps with heavy menstrual bleeding: A case report

BACKGROUND The procedure for microwave endometrial ablation(MEA)follows established MEA practice guidelines but requires hysteroscopic observation of the uterine lumen before and after MEA.When a luminal uterine lesion is recognized,its removal requires preoperative dilation of the cervix because the outer diameter of a conventional rigid hysteroscope is 8.7 mm.Recently,a fully disposable rigid hysteroscope(LiNA OperaScope^(TM))with a narrow diameter(4.4 mm)and forceps capable of extracting endometrial lesions has become available.CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of heavy menstrual bleeding(HMB)complicated by endometrial polyps where MEA was performed after removing endometrial polyps using the LiNA OperaScope^(TM) device.A 48-year-old woman with three prior pregnancies and three deliveries was referred to our hospital for further examination and treatment after being diagnosed with HMB 2 years earlier.The patient underwent MEA following endometrial polypectomy using LiNA OperaScope^(TM).After MEA,endometrial cauterization was again examined using the LiNA OperaScope^(TM),and the procedure was completed.No preoperative cervical dilation was performed.The patient’s clinical course was favorable,and she was discharged 3 h after surgery.One month after surgery,menstruation resumed,and both HMB and dysmenorrhea improved markedly from 10 preoperatively to 1 postoperatively,as assessed subjectively using the visual analog scale.The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful with no complic-ations.CONCLUSION LiNA OperaScope^(TM) can be a minimally invasive treatment for MEA of HMB with uterine lumen lesions.

Diagnosed corrected transposition of great arteries after cesarean section:A case report

BACKGROUND Corrected transposition of the great arteries(cTGA) is a cardiac malformation in which the ventricular and arterial-ventricular positions in the heart are doubly reversed.In general,this defect puts a load on the systemic circulation and causes heart failure,resulting in a poor prognosis.This article reports a case of cTGA detected in a patient with post-caesarean pregnancy who had undergone elective caesarean section and was experiencing an episode of acute heart failure.CASE SUMMARY This was the case of a 36-year-old gravida 3 para 1 woman.No problems were noted in the puerperal course following the previous pregnancy.The current pregnancy was also uneventful.An elective caesarean section was performed and the patient was discharged from the hospital 7 d after the operation.On postoperative day 18,the patient became aware of breathing difficulty and presented at a nearby clinic,where she was referred to our institution after bilateral pleural effusions were detected.She was then diagnosed with acute heart failure after noting the presence of a prominent pedal oedema and SpO_(2) 91%(supine position and room air);the patient was promptly hospitalised for close examination and treatment.Although chest computed tomography revealed the presence of cTGA,no other cardiac malformations were observed.Owing to improvements in both the pedal oedema and pleural effusions,the patient was discharged on day 9.CONCLUSION Close examination should be performed on the premise of congenital cardiac malformation when heart failure symptoms are noted during perinatal control.