Myomectomy is the preferred surgical treatment for symptomatic women with uterine myomas who wish to preserve their fertility. The procedure may be associated with significant intraoperative blood loss, which predisposes to increased transfusion rates and morbidity. The objective of our systematic review and meta-analysis is to investigate whether intravenous (IV) use of tranexamic acid (TXA) may reduce blood loss during myomectomy. Three electronic databases were screened until June 2022. The eligible studies were assessed for risk of bias. Four randomized controlled trials that reported outcomes from a total of 310 women were finally included in the meta-analysis—155 patients received intravenous TXA while the remaining 155 received placebo injection with normal saline or water for injection. Total estimated blood loss was significantly lower in patients who received TXA before myomectomy compared to control (230 patients MD −227.09 mL 95% CI −426.26, −27.91, p = 0.03). This difference in favor of TXA group remained when intraoperative and postoperative blood loss was separately analyzed. Postoperative hematocrit values and hemoglobin levels did not differ among the two groups (180 patients MD 0.67% 95% CI −0.26, 1.59, p = 0.16 and 250 patients MD 0.17 mg/dL 95% CI 0.07, 0.41, p = 0.17, respectively). The number of patients that received blood transfusion was also not different (310 patients OR 0.46 95% CI −0.14, 1.49, p = 0.19). Total operative time was significantly prolonged in control group compared to TXA (310 patients MD −16.39 min 95% CI −31.44, −1.34 p = 0.03). Our data show that the IV use of TXA may significantly reduce intraoperative blood loss in patients undergoing myomectomy and contribute to reduced operative time.
Background/Objectives: Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is the process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal properties, which helps endometriotic cells migrate and invade. This study looks at the expression of E-CADHERIN, a critical epithelial marker, and miR-200b, an EMT regulator, in several types of endometriosis, including endometriomas and deep infiltrating endometriotic (DIE) nodules. Methods: We examined 19 individuals with endometriosis (9 with just endometriotic cysts and 10 with both DIE and endometriotic cysts) and 8 controls with benign gynecological abnormalities. Tissue samples were taken during laparoscopic surgery, and E-CADHERIN and miR-200b expression were measured using Real-Time PCR, with G6PD and U6 as controls. Results:E-CADHERIN expression was maintained in the eutopic endometrium of both ovarian and DIE types, but it was considerably reduced in endometriotic cysts, indicating heightened mesenchymal features. miR-200b was downregulated in the eutopic endometrium of ovarian endometriosis but upregulated in DIE. Endometriotic cysts in both groups had greater miR-200b expression than their corresponding eutopic endometrium. E-CADHERIN and miR-200b expression in DIE lesions was similar to that found in matched eutopic endometrium. Conclusions: The regulation of E-CADHERIN and miR-200b varies across ovarian and DIE lesions. The miR-200b-ZEB1 feedback loop is increased in DIE eutopic endometrium but downregulated in ovarian endometriosis. E-CADHERIN downregulation in endometriotic cysts indicates heightened mesenchymal dynamics, whereas DIE nodules have gene expression patterns similar to eutopic endometrium. These findings emphasize the distinct regulatory processes that govern endometriotic lesions.
Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess whether the addition of fractional CO2 laser therapy to standard pharmacologic treatment with Mirabegron, a β3-adrenoceptor agonist, enhances the clinical outcomes in the management of overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) in postmenopausal women. Materials and Methods: Τhis was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial including 50 postmenopausal women with moderate-to-severe OAB symptoms. Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive mirabegron 50 mg daily in combination with either active fractional CO2 laser therapy (Group A) or sham laser treatment (Group B). Both groups underwent three monthly sessions of vaginal laser treatment and were followed for a total of four months. Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and monthly visits (T0–T3), using validated instruments including the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire (OAB-q), King’s Health Questionnaire (KHQ), Urinary Distress Inventory (UDI-6), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), and 3-day voiding diaries. The trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03846895). Results: Significant symptom improvement was observed within both groups over time, with reductions in urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, and incontinence episodes, as well as improvements in quality-of-life scores. However, intergroup comparisons revealed no statistically significant differences in any primary or secondary outcomes. Both treatment modalities demonstrated similar effectiveness across all measured parameters. Conclusions: In this randomized controlled trial, the adjunctive use of fractional CO2 laser therapy did not offer additional clinical benefit beyond mirabegron monotherapy in the short-term management of OAB. These findings underscore the need for further investigation into tailored therapeutic strategies, particularly in populations with overlapping genitourinary syndrome of menopause or more refractory OAB symptoms.
We describe a useful technique, in laparoscopic cystectomy in‐a‐bag, for suspension and stabilization of endobag and adnexa using temporary sutures. It intends to create an isolated field to avoid spillage of the cyst content into the abdomen in case of rupture, thereby allowing the safe laparoscopic removal of ovarian masses.
Leiomyomas may develop at extra‐uterine locations and pose diagnostic dile mmas. This is a case of a fibroma originating from the left round ligament presenting as a symptomatic inguinal hernia.
Background/Objectives: To assess the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine device (LNG-IUD) compared to hysteroscopic resection for managing women with symptomatic cesarean scar defects (CSDs). Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search of four electronic databases was conducted to identify studies comparing LNG-IUD with hysteroscopic management for symptomatic CSDs. Studies reporting outcomes of bleeding and spotting days and effectiveness rates were included. Quality assessment was performed using the ROBINS-I and RoB-2 tools. Results: Three studies involving 344 patients met the inclusion criteria. At 6 months, LNG-IUD use significantly reduced total bleeding days (MD −4.13; 95% CI: −5.17 to −3.09; p < 0.00001) and spotting days (MD 1.90; 95% CI: 0.43 to 3.37; p = 0.01) compared to hysteroscopic treatment. By 12 months, LNG-IUD demonstrated superior effectiveness (OR 3.46; 95% CI: 1.53 to 7.80; p = 0.003), with fewer total bleeding days (MD −5.69; 95% CI: −6.55 to −4.83; p < 0.00001) and spotting days (MD 3.09; 95% CI: 1.49 to 4.69; p = 0.0002). Approximately 50% of LNG-IUD users experienced amenorrhea within 1 year. Conclusions: LNG-IUD offers a minimally invasive and effective alternative to hysteroscopic resection for women with symptomatic CSD and no desire for future pregnancies. Its role should be considered in clinical practice, but further research is needed to validate these findings and define its long-term benefits and limitations.