Name: introduction of intracapsular rotary-cut procedures (ircp): a modified hysteromyomectomy procedures facilitating fertility preservation
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Duration: 5 min 46 s
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation at JoVE.com

All the procedures in the following protocol were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital for application on patients on December, 15, 2012.
1. Patient Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Use the following inclusion criteria: abnormal uterine bleeding; fibroids compressing surrounding organs and causing urinary, digestive, or sexual symptoms; infertility; fibroid is larger than 4 cm while the patient is preparing for pregnancy.</li>
	<li>Use the following exclusion criteria: suspected malignancy; suspected fibroid degeneration; pedunculated, cervical, or intra-broad ligamentous fibroids; preoperative use of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analogues; acute systemic inflammation or pelvic inflammatory disease; patient is currently pregnant, within puerperium, or within three months after abortion; severe coagulation disorders; any other contraindications for general anesthesia or laparoscopy.</li>
	<li>Conduct a pelvic palpation and ultrasound examination to determine the location, number, and size of the fibroids.</li>
	<li>Inform the patient of the benefits and risks of surgery and obtain written consent, discussing the risks of excessive bleeding and blood transfusion, conversion to laparotomy, tumor cell dissemination during the operation, and postoperative infection.</li>
	<li>Perform the surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Administer to each patient a prophylactic antibiotic dosage of 2 g of cefamandole intravenously 30 min before induction of anesthesia.</li>
</ol>
2. Pre-IRCP Preparation
<ol>
	<li>After standard skin sterilization, establish the ports by standard techniques: a 10 mm umbilical port, and 5 mm and 10 mm ancillary ports in the lower abdomen. Connect the 5 mm port with a plastic tube for vacuum drainage, which can suck the smoke during surgery.</li>
	<li>During the surgery, have an anesthesiologist carefully monitor vital signs of the patient.</li>
	<li>Maintain the intraabdominal pressure and gas flow rate at 13 kPa and 12 L/min, respectively.</li>
</ol>
3. Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedure (IRCP)
<ol>
	<li>Inspect the pelvis carefully to confirm the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Inject an ischemic solution (6 U pituitrin and 20 U oxytocin diluted in 10 mL of saline) into the myometrium around the fibroids with a 10 mL syringe.</li>
	<li>Determine the incision position on the most-protruding site of the fibroid and incise longitudinally by a monopolar hook electrode at low wattage (30 W), ensuring the length is no longer than half of the fibroid diameter. Open the pseudo-capsule by a longitudinal cut to expose the fibroid surface (Figure 1A).</li>
	<li>Hold the fibroid with the laparoscopic forceps and pull it outward, keeping a certain tension to expose the boundary between the fibroid and the pseudo-capsule (Figure 1B).</li>
	<li>Perform multiple rotary cuts on the fibroid (Figure 1C1) with a monopolar electrical knife in depths of 5&#8211;10 mm, shrinking the diameter of the tumor (Figure 1C2) and ensuring not to cut any pieces of the fibroid off.
	<ol>
		<li>Meanwhile, keep pulling outward to facilitate further exposure of the gap between the fibroid and the pseudo-capsule. Remove the smoke by vacuum drainage to keep a clear field.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Repeat the cutting-pulling procedures on the fibroid in the manner described above with 10 mm intervals, ensuring that each cut is at a certain distance with the prior cut, until the longest dimension of the fibroid is outside the incision. Then, the fibroid will be squeezed out by contraction of the pseudo-capsule and myometrium (Figure 1D). Avoid pulling too hard and blunt dissection to protect fibers and vessels of the pseudo-capsule.</li>
	<li>Gently pull the fibroid outward, and the pseudo-capsule should slip off to the base of the fibroid. Continue the cuts on the fibroid until the base of the fibroid is exposed and isolate it from its pseudo-capsule (Figure 1E). Use bipolar electrocautery forceps to coagulate and cut off the blood vessels, always at 30 W. After removal of the fibroid, only a shallow residual cavity is left (Figure 1F).</li>
	<li>Close the residual cavity in a single layer with a 30 cm 1-0 polyglyconate unidirectional barbed thread. Begin the running suture at 5 mm outside of the incisal edge with 1 cm increments. Make sure that the stitching passes through the bottom of the residual cavity, and leave no dead space. 
	NOTE: Generally, a single-layer suture is enough to close the residual cavity (Figures 1G and 1H). Occasionally, the fibroid was over 12 cm in diameter and occupied more than 2/3 of the myometrium. In these cases, a &#34;folding suture&#34; can be adopted, in which the myometrium on one side of the incision can be sutured on top of the other side to close the residual cavity and strengthen the myometrium.</li>
	<li>After suturing, enlarge the 10 mm port to a 15&#8211;20 mm port for the introduction of the morcellator. Morcellate the fibroids with a reusable morcellator.</li>
</ol>
4. Postoperative Management
<ol>
	<li>Document the intra- and post-operative parameters carefully, including the diameters of the fibroids (represented by the diameter of the largest one in cases of multiple fibroids), operation time (from the beginning of incision to the end of suturing), blood loss (calculated by vacuum drainage), and rate of conversion to laparotomy.</li>
	<li>Follow up patients by pelvic examination and ultrasound as well as phone interviews.</li>
	<li>Evaluate the outcomes of IRCP by comparison with those of traditional LM around the same period. Perform statistical analysis by SPSS software and consider p &#60; 0.05 as statistically significant.</li>
</ol>

<ol>
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Y., Leyland, N., Special, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+management+of+uterine+leiomyomas.">The management of uterine leiomyomas.</a> Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada. 37 (2), 157-178 (2015).</li><li>Lethaby, A., Vollenhoven, B. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Fibroids+(uterine+myomatosis,+leiomyomas).">Fibroids (uterine myomatosis, leiomyomas).</a> BMJ Clinical Evidence. , (2011).</li><li>Liu, F., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+epidemiological+profile+of+hysterectomy+in+rural+Chinese+women:+a+population-based+study.">The epidemiological profile of hysterectomy in rural Chinese women: a population-based study.</a> BMJ Open. 7 (6), e015351 (2017).</li><li>Bhave Chittawar, P., Franik, S., Pouwer, A. 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The study was funded by the Shenzhen Municipal Government (JCYJ20150601090833370 and SZSM201412010), Shenzhen, China.

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive system, affecting 20&#8211;25% of all women1 and causing abnormal uterine bleeding, recurrent miscarriage, pelvic pain, premature birth, and infertility in 10&#8211;30% cases2. As most patients with uterine fibroids are asymptomatic, the actual incidence may be higher than recognized1. Management of uterine fibroids are generally based on various factors including the age and symptoms of the patient, size and location of the fibroids, patient desire to preserve the uterus, techniques and experience of the gynecologists, and accessibility of technical equipment17. Technically, hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for symptomatic uterine fibroids. As reported, uterine fibroids accounted for most cases of hysterectomy from 1990 to 1997 in the United States18. According to a cross-sectional study conducted from 2009 to 2011 in China, the major indication for hysterectomy is still uterine fibroids in rural regions of China, accounting for 70.67% of all cases19. For patients who desire pregnancy, however, myomectomy is an alternative that can be performed by laparotomy or laparoscopy. A systemic review of nine randomized controlled trials has demonstrated that LM is associated with less subjectively reported postoperative pain, lower postoperative fever occurrence, and shorter hospital stays compared to open myomectomy; furthermore, there was no difference in recurrence risk20. Also, LM resulted in less adhesion formation9. Because of its superiority, LM is the most frequent choice for patients who desire preservation of uterus and subsequent pregnancy, especially for subserous or intramural fibroids.
In recent years, researchers have achieved a better understanding about the vascular structure surrounding uterine fibroids, namely the pseudo-capsule. It is believed that the pseudo-capsule is a part of myometrium compressed by the tumor and is contains abundant collagen fibers, blood vessels, and neurofibers21. The integrity of the pseudo-capsule is important for blood supply and uterine healing after myomectomy. Therefore, the widely accepted principle is to perform an intracapsular myomectomy. During this procedure, the fibroids are stretched and extracted directly from the pseudo-capsule. Since detachment of the fibroids is performed inside the pseudo-capsule, it causes decreased blood loss22. Tinelli7 has postulated that laparoscopic intracapsular intramural and subserous myomectomy spares the intact &#64257;brovascular network surrounding the myoma, reducing bleeding and damage to the myometrium, which can also maximize the potential for future fertility and minimize risk of uterine rupture during pregnancy. However, the risk of massive bleeding, difficulty of suturing, and demands of the required techniques are major limitations of traditional LM. Based on this, we developed the modified myomectomy procedure, IRCP.
In an earlier article on the evaluation of IRCP published by our team, we have demonstrated that IRCP was associated with smaller incision, less time of suturing, less intraoperative blood loss, and reduced decline of hemoglobin, compared to traditional LM16. The results of this study were consistent with the previous data, confirming the advantages of ICRP over traditional LM. Meanwhile, the full-term live birth rate was higher in the IRCP group than the LM group, suggesting that IRCP facilitated fertility preservation. Researchers have illustrated that previous laparoscopic myomectomy with adequate suturing of the myometrium was not a contraindication for vaginal delivery23. The reported rate of vaginal birth after traditional LM was 67.0%7, but in our study, the rate of vaginal birth was much lower than reported.
The past decades have witnessed a remarkable increase of the caesarean section rate in mainland China24, which has resulted from various factors, including patient concerns about pain and uneasy doctor-patient relationships. Also, some women believe that a caesarean section is safer for the fetus. Thus, for women with previous history of myomectomy, obstetricians tend to be more cautious and are more likely to recommend scheduled caesarean sections because of the concerns about uterine rupture25. Uterine rupture is a rare but devastating complication during post-myomectomy pregnancy, especially in the third trimester26,27. In spite of the extreme low incidence, it may cause unfavorable outcomes for the mother and fetus. Reported risk factors included excessive use of electrical equipment and inadequate suturing28. No case of uterine rupture was observed in our study. By IRCP, the application of electrical equipment is limited, and suturing is less technically demanding due to the shallower residual cavity, which may contribute to a lower risk of uterine rupture; however, more evidence is needed.
As discussed, the advantages of laparoscopic IRCP are clear in comparison to traditional LM. First, a smaller incision of the uterus is made. Traditional LM requires an incision over half of the fibroid diameter. For multiple fibroids with unregular shapes, the incision may be equal to the diameter of the fibroid, which may cause severe damage to the pseudo-capsule. IRCP, however, enables the fibroid to be removed from an incision that is no more than half of its diameter, protecting the integrity of the pseudo-capsule as much as possible. Second, IRCP causes less bleeding. Traditional LM causes bleeding due to damage to the blood vessels of the pseudo-capsule. Specifically, blunt dissection of the fibroid and its pseudo-capsule usually leads to blood vessel breakage and massive bleeding. IRCP significantly lessens bleeding, as it avoids blunt dissection. Instead, IRCP protects the vessels with rotary-cuts on the fibroid, which has no blood vessels and eases handling of the blood vessels at the base of the fibroid. IRCP achieves detachment of the fibroid by shrinking its diameter and contraction of the surrounding myometrium. The blood vessels at the base of the fibroid can be coagulated by bipolar electrocautery forceps, resulting in less blood loss. Third, a smaller and shallower residual cavity was left. Traditional LM is based on blunt dissection on the muscle layer of the pseudo-capsule, which causes fracture of the muscle fibers to form a residual cavity equal to the fibroid size after it is removed. IRCP enables removal of the fibroid in its pseudo-capsule without damage to the muscle fibers. Therefore, the fairly protected muscle layer can contract after the fibroid is removed, leaving a smaller and swallower residual cavity. Although both traditional LM and IRCP emphasized removing the fibroid within its pseudo-capsule, the residual cavity is much smaller and shallower in IRCP due to to injection of ischemic solutions, better contraction of the myometrium, and a smaller incision. Lastly, IRCP makes suturing easier; as IRCP requires smaller incisions in the uterus, it enables the achieving of smaller and swallower residual cavities and little bleeding, making it easy to suture with no dead space remaining. Usually, a single-layer suture is enough to close the residual cavity, and no layered suture is needed. Also, it is less technically demanding for the surgeon.
Still, we acknowledge that there are still some limitations of IRCP. For example, IRCP is not suitable for pedunculated subserous fibroids or submucous ones. Also, it remains to be determined whether IRCP should be applied to degenerated fibroids. Red degeneration, cystic degeneration and fatty degeneration all lead to softer texture of the tumor and impaired contraction of the myometrium. In this case, it is not easy to detach the fibroid from its pseudo-capsule by IRCP. Besides, as a moderated morcellation procedure, IRCP may result in potential dissemination if malignancy exists. However, with a careful pre-operative evaluation for risk of malignancy and by strictly following the procedures to perform inside of the pseudo-capsule, this risk can be minimized. In addition, it is difficult to operate when the major part of the fibroid is still inside the pseudo-capsule, and it requires patience. However, when most of the fibroid is outside the incision, it will slip out spontaneously.
Eventually, we concluded that IRCP significantly shortens operation time and reduces intraoperative bleeding. This procedure also better protects the integrity of the pseudo-capsule and myometrium by shrinking the diameter of the fibroid and facilitating uterine healing, which is of fundamental importance for subsequent pregnancy and vaginal delivery. It is worthwhile to adopt IRCP in young patients who desire maintenance of fertility. IRCP is especially suitable for cervical and intra-ligamentous fibroids. Although fibroids in unusual locations are not illustrated in the current article, we have achieved successful experience in managing cervical and intra-ligamentous fibroids with IRCP. As the surgery is performed inside the pseudo-capsule, it effectively avoids injury to uterine blood vessels and ureters. Usually, the pseudo-capsule of intra-ligamentous fibroids is looser, so it is easier and safer to perform IRCP. As for cervical fibroids, we have successfully performed IRCP on 9 patients with large cervical fibroids, which will be illustrated in detail in later reports.

Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumors observed in gynecologic practice. The incidence is estimated to be about 20&#8211;25% worldwide1. Most uterine fibroids are asymptomatic but sometimes cause abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, and adverse reproductive outcomes, thus diminishing the quality of life of women2,3. Management of fibroids depends on individual situations and includes options such as surgery, medication, and revisit observation4. A hysterectomy is an important method to treat uterine fibroids and is a radical surgery that can prevent recurrence3,5. Myomectomy, however, is becoming popular as doctors are paying more attention to the fertility preservation of patients at reproductive ages, especially during the era of the two-child policy in China6.
As Tinelli and his colleagues have described, in the procedure of laparoscopic myomectomy (LM)7, the visceral peritoneum is incised in the midline longitudinally by monopolar scissors or a crochet needle electrode, proceeding at a certain depth into the myometrium to identify the pseudo-capsule. The pseudo-capsule is opened longitudinally by monopolar scissors or a hook electrode at a low wattage (30 W) to expose the fibroid. Then, the fibroid is hooked by a myoma screw for gentle enucleation with help from an irrigator cannula that is inserted in the space between the pseudo-capsule and fibroid. Hemostasis of the small vessels is made to free the base of the myoma and connective bridges from the pseudo-capsule. The myometrium is then closed in a single layer for subserous fibroids and as double layers for intramural fibroids.
Although LM is widely applied around the world, there are still some limitations of this procedure. Since LM is more technically demanding than laparotomy, it should be applied to selected cases with relatively smaller sizes and numbers of fibroids8,9. It remains a great challenge to remove intramural fibroids greater than 8 cm or subserous ones greater than 12 cm with laparoscopy10. Published data have shown that transfusion-requiring bleeding and postoperative hematomas significantly increased when applying LM to removal of intra-broad ligamentous fibroids11. Other researchers believe that excessive bleeding, prolonged operation time, and potential dissemination of cells when applying morcellation are concerning problems with LM12,13. The risk of during-pregnancy uterine rupture after LM is reported to be higher than abdominal myomectomy due to the technical difficulties of suturing14. The safety of pregnancy succeeding LM remains controversial15. As postoperative healing of the myometrium is very important for patients who need to maintain fertility either clinically or by request, LM procedures need to be more applicable, which can be accomplished by reducing the technical difficulties and promoting uterine healing after the surgery.
In order to minimize the damage to the patient&#39;s fertility, here we present a modified myomectomy procedure, the intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP)16. This procedure shortens the incision on uterine wall as much as possible and reduces the technical difficulties of LM. Also, it helps to protect fibers and blood vessels of the pseudo-capsule that plays an important role in uterine healing after myomectomy, ultimately reducing the risk of postoperative hematoma and uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancy. After being reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital on December 15, 2012, we began the application of IRCP and evaluation of the outcomes of IRCP by comparison with traditional LM.

<table><tbody><tr><td>laparoscopy</td><td>Stryker Corporation</td><td>&amp;nbsp;X 800</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>morcellator</td><td>Kangji Medical</td><td>&amp;nbsp;KJ-301A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>30 cm 1-0 polyglyconate unidirectional barbed thread</td><td>Covidien</td><td>V-Loc 180</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

introduction of intracapsular rotary-cut procedures (ircp): a modified hysteromyomectomy procedures facilitating fertility preservation

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids. For patients desiring pregnancy, laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy (LM) is an alternative surgery option. Although LM is widely accepted to treat fibroids, it is technically demanding with risk of excessive bleeding and difficult suturing, especially in cases with large fibroids or tumors in unusual locations. Therefore, we developed an intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP) as a modification of laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy, with the intention to minimize risks of LM and help uterine healing. A summary of the improvements to the IRCP is described: 1) making an incision at the site of the fibroid with a length of one-third to one-half of the fibroid&#39;s diameter at a depth reaching the fibroid&#39;s surface; 2) holding the fibroid stably and making rotary cuts on the fibroid at a depth of 0.5&#8211;1 cm within its pseudo-capsule while pulling it outward slightly, making sure not to cut off any pieces of the fibroid; and 3) repeating the cutting-and-pulling until the longest dimension of the fibroid is outside the incision. The multiple cuts are to minimize the diameter and extend the length of the fibroid. When the multiple cuts cause half of the fibroid body to &#34;shrink&#34;, the fibroid is squeezed out by contraction of the surrounding myometrium. Evaluation of the outcomes of IRCP showed that the time of enucleation and suturing, intraoperative bleeding, and decline of hemoglobin were significantly lower in the IRCP group than the LM group. As for reproductive outcomes, the full-term live birth rate of the IRCP group was significantly higher than that of LM group. However, there was no difference in delivery modes between the two groups. In conclusion, IRCP significantly benefits fertility preservation by minimizing damage to the uterus, protecting myofibers of the pseudo-capsule, and resulting in a shallower residual cavity, which eases stitching and causes less bleeding. It is worthwhile to adopt IRCP in younger patients who desire preservation of their fertility.

IRCP was performed on 41 patients with uterine fibroids and traditional LM was performed on 72 patients from 2013 to 2016. 9 cases (12.5%) in the LM group were converted to laparotomy because of massive bleeding, difficulty in enucleation, or suturing, while laparoscopy was performed successfully in all cases in the IRCP group. The percentage of conversion to laparotomy was significantly higher in the LM group (p = 0.025). Excluding the 9 cases converted to laparotomy, the average age of patients in the IRCP group (n = 41) and LM group (n = 63) were 38.6 &#177; 5.9 years and 38.1 &#177; 6.2 years, respectively, suggesting no difference between the two groups (p = 0.632). As is shown in Table 1, the mean diameters of the fibroids were also comparable between the two groups (p = 0.265). However, the time of enucleation and suturing, intraoperative bleeding, and decline of hemoglobin were all significantly lower in the IRCP group than the LM group (p = 0.015, p = 0.014, p = 0.024). Postoperatively, none of the 113 cases experienced fever, urinary infections, postoperative hematomas, or other complications.
After discharged, the patients were followed up by outpatient visits and telephone interviews. When evaluating reproductive outcomes, only those who desired fertility after surgery were included. In the IRCP group, all patients were successfully followed up. Among them, 31 (75.6%) patients achieved full-term births, including 2 vaginal births and 29 caesarean sections. On the other hand, in the LM group, 56 (88.9%) patients were successfully followed up, and the rate of full-term live birth was 23.2% (13/56), consisting of 1 vaginal birth and 12 caesarean sections. The full-term live birth rate of the IRCP group was significantly higher than that of the LM group (p = 0.000). However, no difference existed between the delivery modes in the two groups (p = 1.000). In addition, there was no uterine rupture observed in either group during follow-up.
<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td></td>
			<td>LM group (n=63)</td>
			<td>IRCP group (n=41)</td>
			<td>t</td>
			<td>P</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>age (year)</td>
			<td>38.1&#177;6.2</td>
			<td>38.6&#177;5.9</td>
			<td>0.480</td>
			<td>0.632</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>diameter (cm)</td>
			<td>6.7&#177;2.1</td>
			<td>7.2&#177;2.3</td>
			<td>1.120</td>
			<td>0.265</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>time of enucleation and suture (min)</td>
			<td>56.8&#177; 32.4</td>
			<td>42.4&#177; 26.9</td>
			<td>2.5</td>
			<td>0.015</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>intraoperative bleeding (ml)</td>
			<td>103.1&#177;150.4</td>
			<td>43.1+38.5</td>
			<td>2.5</td>
			<td>0.014</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>decline of hemoglobin (g/L)</td>
			<td>18.0&#177;10.3</td>
			<td>13.4+9.5</td>
			<td>2.3</td>
			<td>0.024</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>
Table 1: Comparison of perioperative outcomes between two groups. The average age of patients and diameter of fibroids were comparable between the two groups. However, the time of enucleation and suturing, intraoperative bleeding, and decline of hemoglobin were all significantly lower in the IRCP group than in LM group.
<img alt="Figure 1" class="xfigimg" src="/files/ftp_upload/58410/58410fig1v2.jpg" /> 
Figure 1. Steps of intracapsular rotary-cut procedures (IRCP). (A) longitudinal incision was applied on the uterine wall that the fibroid located at, using monopolar electrical knife, with an incisive length of 3 cm (1/3 of the fibroid diameter). (B) The fibroid was held with forceps and pulled outward to keep a certain tension to expose the boundary of the fibroid with its pseudo-capsule. (C1) Multiple rotary-cut was performed on the fibroid by monopolar electrical knife with careful protection to the fibers and vessels of pseudo-capsuled. (C2) The fibroid were shaped from spheroid to lobulated during multiple rotary-cut. (D) Repeat rotary-cut, the longest dimension of the fibroid is exposed to the incision on the muscle layers of its capsule, pushed out fast by the pressure created from the contraction of its pseudo-capsule and myometrium. (E) Continue the semiring cuts on the fibroid in the same manner until the basis of the fibroid is exposed and isolated from its pseudo-capsule. (F) Removed the fibroid (left) and shallower residual cavity in uterine incision (right). (G) Single layer suture on the uterine incision. (H) Postoprative uterine.

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation at JoVE.com

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

Here, we present a protocol for performing an intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP), a modified laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy that promotes fertility preservation.

Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures (IRCP): A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors in the female reproductive system. A hysterectomy is the most effective treatment for symptomatic fibroids. For ...

introduction-intracapsular-rotary-cut-procedures-ircp-modified

Nanyang Technological University

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

9.7K Views.  Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, China. Here, we present a protocol for performing an intracapsular rotary-cut procedure (IRCP), a modified laparoscopic intracapsular myomectomy that promotes fertility preservation.

Video: Introduction of Intracapsular Rotary-cut Procedures IRCP: A Modified Hysteromyomectomy Procedures Facilitating Fertility Preservation

A Novel Technique of Rescuing Capsulorhexis Radial Tear-out using a Cystotome

Part 1 : Purpose: To demonstrate a capsulorhexis radial tear out rescue technique using a cystotome on a virtual reality cataract surgery simulator and in a human eye. Part 2 : Method: Steps: When a capsulorhexis begins to veer radially towards the periphery beyond the pupillary margin the following steps should be applied without delay. 2.1) Stop further capsulorhexis manoeuvre and reassess the situation. 2.2) Fill the anterior chamber with ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). We recommend mounting the cystotome to a syringe containing OVD so that the anterior chamber can be reinflated rapidly. 2.3) The capsulorhexis flap is then left unfolded on the lens surface. 2.4) The cystotome tip is tilted horizontally to avoid cutting or puncturing the flap and is engaged on the flap near the leading edge of the tear but not too close to the point of tear. 2.5) Gently push or pull the leading edge of tear opposite to the direction of tear. 2.6) The leading tearing edge will start to do a 'U-Turn'. Maintain the tension on the flap until the tearing edge returns to the desired trajectory. Part 3 : Results: Using our technique, a surgeon can respond instantly to radial tear out without having to change surgical instruments. Changing surgical instruments at this critical stage runs a risk of further radial tear due to sudden shallowing of anterior chamber as a result of forward pressure from the vitreous. Our technique also has the advantage of reducing corneal wound distortion and subsequent anterior chamber collapse. Part 4 : Discussion The EYESI Surgical Simulator is a realistic training platform for surgeons to practice complex capsulorhexis tear-out techniques. Capsulorhexis is the most important and complex part of phacoemulsification and endocapsular intraocular lens implantation procedure. A successful cataract surgery depends on achieving a good capsulorhexis. During capsulorhexis, surgeons may face a challenging situation like a capsulorhexis radial tear-out. A surgeon must learn to tackle the problem promptly without making the situation worse. Some other methods of rescuing the situation have been described using a capsulorhexis forceps. However, we believe our method is quicker, more effective and easier to manipulate as demonstrated on the EYESi surgical simulator and on a human eye. Acknowledgments: List acknowledgements and funding sources. We would like to thank Dr. Wael El Gendy, for video clip. Disclosures: describe potential conflicting interests or state We have nothing to disclose. References: 1. Brian C. Little, Jennifer H. Smith, Mark Packer. J Cataract Refract Surg 2006; 32:1420 1422, Issue-9. 2. Neuhann T. Theorie und Operationstechnik der Kapsulorhexis. Klin Monatsbl Augenheilkd. 1987; 1990: 542-545. 3. Gimbel HV, Neuhann T. Development, advantages and methods of the continuous circular capsulorhexis technique. J Cataract Refract Surg. 1990; 16: 31-37. 4. Gimbel HV, Neuhann T. Continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. (letter) J Cataract Refract Sur. 1991; 17: 110-111.

Capsulorhexis is an important step in phacoemulsification surgery. A surgeon creates a continous curvilinear tear on the anterior lens capsule by controlling the tearing vector forces. A peripherally extended tear is a serious complication. This video demonstrates a novel technique of rescuing capsular radial tear out using a cystotome.

Part 1 : Purpose:   To demonstrate a capsulorhexis radial tear out rescue technique using a cystotome on a virtual reality cataract surgery simulator and ...

Renal Capsule Xenografting and Subcutaneous Pellet Implantation for the Evaluation of Prostate Carcinogenesis and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

New therapies for two common prostate diseases, prostate cancer (PrCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), depend critically on experiments evaluating their hormonal regulation. Sex steroid hormones (notably androgens and estrogens) are important in PrCa and BPH; we probe their respective roles in inducing prostate growth and carcinogenesis in mice with experiments using compressed hormone pellets. Hormone and/or drug pellets are easily manufactured with a pellet press, and surgically implanted into the subcutaneous tissue of the male mouse host. We also describe a protocol for the evaluation of hormonal carcinogenesis by combining subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation with xenografting of prostate cell recombinants under the renal capsule of immunocompromised mice. Moreover, subcutaneous hormone pellet implantation, in combination with renal capsule xenografting of BPH tissue, is useful to better understand hormonal regulation of benign prostate growth, and to test new therapies targeting sex steroid hormone pathways.

We describe the manufacture of compressed hormone pellets, as well as subcutaneous surgical implantation into mice. This strategy can be combined with the growth of cell and tissue xenografts under the renal capsule of athymic nude mice to evaluate hormonal carcinogenesis and regulation of benign prostate growth.

New therapies for two common prostate diseases,  prostate cancer (PrCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), depend  critically on experiments ...

Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Using Z-Scores for Follicle Density

Z-Scores for Assessing Ovarian Reserve in Young Patients Undergoing Fertility Preservation

Women are born with a non-renewable pool of ovarian follicles, referred to as the ovarian reserve. This reserve consists of primordial follicles in the ovaries and can be affected by many factors, such as genetic and endocrine disorders, medical interventions, and endocrine disruptors. Fertility preservation is recommended when gonadotoxic treatments are necessary. The preferred options for women are oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. However, in very young, sexually immature patients, ovarian tissue cryopreservation is the only option. Knowing the follicular density of cryopreserved tissue samples is essential in fertility counseling for young patients. This protocol demonstrates the use of Z-scores for cortical follicle density as a tool to evaluate the quality of ovarian tissue in girls and young women aged 25 years and below who are undergoing fertility preservation. Follicle density in patient samples is compared to age-normalized reference standards, developed by Hassan et al. to estimate possible deviations from the standard. The follicle density is measured through histological quantification. For this, a small piece of ovarian cortical tissue (~2 mm x 2 mm x 2 mm) is fixed in either Bouin&#39;s or formaldehyde solution, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 4 &#181;m thickness, stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and digitized using a slide scanner. Follicular stages present in the cortex range from primordial to primary follicles. The cortical area was 1 mm from the surface epithelium on histological sections. Follicle density is calculated using a modified formula presented by Schmidt et al., and the Z-score is determined using the reference mean and standard deviation. The Z-score indicates how much the measured value deviates from the reference mean, determining&#160;reduced (&#60;-1.7 Z-score) ovarian reserve. With this method, follicle densities can be used as a valuable measure of ovarian reserve for young patients requiring fertility preservation.

Author Spotlight: Advancing Fertility Assessment with Z-Score-Based Follicle Density Evaluation in Cryopreserved Ovarian Tissue

The present protocol describes a method for assessing ovarian reserve in patients under 25 years old who require fertility preservation through ovarian tissue cryopreservation. This method involves: (1) histological assessment of ovarian reserve in cortical samples, (2) comparison to a reference dataset, and (3) calculation of Z-scores.

Women are born with a non-renewable pool of ovarian follicles, referred to as the ovarian reserve. This reserve consists of primordial follicles in the ...

Developmental Biology

OP-IVM: Combining In vitro Maturation after Oocyte Retrieval with Gynecological Surgery

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery. OP-IVM is suitable for patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery who have the need for fertility preservation (FP) or infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). In the operating room, patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery are first anesthetized and receive ultrasound-guided immature follicle aspiration (IMFA) treatment. As the subsequent gynecological surgery is performed, the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are examined, and the immature COCs are transferred into the IVM medium and cultured for 28-32 hours in the IVF laboratory. After assessment, mature oocytes in the MII stage will be selected and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for FP or fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for IVF-ET. By combining IVM with gynecological surgery, immature oocytes that would have been discarded can be saved and used for assisted reproductive technology (ART). The procedure, significance and critical aspects of OP-IVM are described in this article.

In vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery and serves as an extension of conventional IVM applications for fertility preservation.

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte ...

Fertility Preservation Through Oocyte Vitrification: Clinical and Laboratory Perspectives

Preserving female fertility is crucial in a multifunctional healthcare system that takes care of patients' future quality of life. Oocyte cryopreservation is recognized by several international scientific societies as the gold standard for fertility preservation in postpubertal women, for both medical and non-medical indications. The main medical indications are oncologic diseases, gynecologic diseases such as severe endometriosis, systemic diseases compromising the ovarian reserve, and genetic conditions involving premature menopause. This paper describes the whole clinical and laboratory work-up of a fertility preservation treatment by outlining recommendations for objective and evidence-based counseling. Furthermore, it focuses on the effectiveness of the procedure and describes the most appropriate strategies to fully exploit the ovarian reserve and maximize the number of oocytes retrieved in the shortest possible time. The evaluation of the ovarian reserve, the definition of an ideal stimulation protocol, as well as oocyte retrieval, denudation, and vitrification procedures have been detailed along with approaches to maximize their efficacy, efficiency, and safety.

Oocyte cryopreservation is recognized by several international scientific societies as the gold standard for fertility preservation in postpubertal women. Appropriate clinical and laboratory strategies ensure maximum efficacy, efficiency, and safety of fertility preservation treatments.

Preserving female fertility is crucial in a multifunctional healthcare system that takes care of patients' future quality of life. Oocyte cryopreservation ...

Fertility Preservation in Patients with Severe Ovarian Dysfunction

Ovarian function progressively declines during aging and in some pathophysiological conditions including karyotype abnormality, autoimmune diseases, chemo- and radiation-therapies, as well as ovarian surgeries. In unmarried women with severe ovarian dysfunction, fertility preservation is important for future pregnancies. Although oocyte cryopreservation is an established method for fertility preservation, these patients could only preserve a limited number of oocytes even after ovarian hyperstimulation, leading to repeated stimulations to ensure sufficient oocytes to guarantee future pregnancy. To solve this issue, we have recently developed a drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) procedure, which enable us to stimulate early stages of ovarian follicles to develop to the preantral follicle stage. These preantral follicles can respond to the unique protocol of gonadotropin stimulation, resulting in increased number of retrieved oocytes per ovarian stimulation for cryopreservation. The drug-free IVA comprised from the surgical approach and ovarian stimulation. We removed a part of cortex from one or both ovaries from patients under laparoscopic surgery. The ovarian cortical tissues were cut into small cubes to disrupt the Hippo signaling pathway and stimulate the development of early stage follicles. These cubes were grafted orthotropically into remaining ovaries as well as beneath the serosa of both Fallopian tubes. We have already published the surgical procedure of the drug-free IVA and the protocol of subsequent ovarian stimulation, but herein we present the details of laboratory methods required for drug-free IVA.

We present details of laboratory procedures for drug-free in vitro activation (IVA) of ovarian follicles for patients with severe ovarian dysfunction. This method could increase the number of retrievable oocytes per ovarian hyperstimulation and benefit fertility preservation for those patients.

Ovarian function progressively declines during aging and in some pathophysiological conditions including karyotype abnormality, autoimmune diseases, ...

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts to spare normal ovarian cortex. Optimization of tubal anatomy is another frequent consideration. Fertility-sparing laparoscopic techniques at the time of cystectomy for ovarian endometrioma seek to limit iatrogenic surgical damage to the ovarian cortex and strategically assess and respond to genital tract patency. Surgical candidates frequently desire relief from endometriosis-associated pain while also seeking to optimize spontaneous or assisted conception rates. Operative benefits include potential for surgical and histopathologic diagnosis of endometriosis, evaluation of genital tract patency, and treatment of visualized lesions. Resection of ovarian endometrioma nonetheless poses significant risks, including surgical injury, blood loss, post-surgical decline in ovarian reserve and post-operative inflammation with adhesion formation, both of which may impair folliculogenesis.
We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with known endometriosis and continued pain refractory to medical management who opted for surgical management of her disease tailored toward optimizing her chances at future conception. Using this case as an example, we describe techniques and considerations for diagnostic laparoscopy, adhesiolysis, ovarian cystectomy, chromopertubation, and salpingectomy with a focus on maintaining a fertility-preserving approach.

This protocol presents techniques to laparoscopically excise ovarian endometrioma, to perform adhesiolysis with sparing electrosurgical application, and to employ intraoperative chromopertubation to assess for genital tract patency. This systematic approach will facilitate optimal endometriosis management, guide concomitant adnexal surgeries, and enhance post-surgical fertility outcomes.

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts ...

Fertility Sparing Procedure using Carbon Dioxide Fiber Laser Vaporization of Ovarian Endometrioma

The surgical management of endometrioma is still a matter of debate. Cystectomy, which is recognized as the standard technique, seems to be associated with a potential reduction in the ovarian reserve due to the inadvertent removal and thermal damage of healthy ovarian tissue. New ablative techniques with reduced tissue penetration depth and less thermal spread to the surrounding parenchyma may represent a viable alternative to cystectomy. For these reasons, the aim of this manuscript is to demonstrate the ablation of the endometrioma capsule using a CO2 fiber laser technique and discuss the clinical outcomes. Once the cyst has been drained and washed, a biopsy is taken. After cyst eversion, vaporization of the inner surface of the cyst is performed using a CO2 fiber laser. The technique is simple and reproducible as even young surgeons without any surgical experience were more confident in performing laser CO2 vaporization instead of cystectomy. The positive effects of CO2 technology are reported in a randomized controlled trial, where the postoperative changes in the antral follicular count (AFC) and antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels were compared between patients who had their endometrioma excised (cystectomy) and those who had undergone endometrioma vaporization with CO2 laser. The patients treated with CO2 laser showed significantly increased AFC without a reduction in serum AMH levels as compared to the cystectomy group, in which both parameters were significantly reduced. The postoperative pregnancy rate was also assessed, and comparable pregnancy rates were found after both treatments. On the contrary, patients treated with the CO2 fiber laser technique had more favorable in-vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes compared to cystectomy.
In conclusion, the CO2 fiber laser technique may represent a viable alternative to cystectomy in the surgical treatment of endometrioma in terms of ovarian preservation, pregnancy rates, and IVF outcomes. Moreover, it has the advantage of being independent of the surgeon's skills and personal experience.

In this protocol, CO2 fiber laser technique is demonstrated for the surgical treatment of ovarian endometriosis, which represents a viable alternative in terms of fertility preservation with the major advantage of not being dependent on the surgeon's skills and personal experience.

The surgical management of endometrioma is still a matter of debate. Cystectomy, which is recognized as the standard technique, seems to be associated ...

Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, we propose that a concomitant laparoscopic oocyte retrieval for cryopreservation is performed. Oocyte retrieval is pursued at the beginning of the laparoscopy. Right and left 5 mm trocars are positioned, through which a 17 G ovum aspiration needle is used for puncture of the right and left ovaries, respectively. To facilitate exposure of the follicles, the ovaries are mobilized and held with laparoscopic forceps.
When aspirating multiple follicles near each other, the needle tip is retained in the ovary to reduce the number of times that the ovarian cortex is transfixed and due to the inherent risk of bleeding. Subsequent steps are unchanged compared to the Davydov laparoscopic modified technique for vaginoplasty. Prior to surgery, controlled ovarian stimulation is performed with a gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist protocol, and the concomitant procedure of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty is scheduled 36 h after the final follicular maturation trigger. Follicular fluid is collected in the same 10 mL sterile tubes used during transvaginal oocyte retrieval and transferred in a warming block (37 &#176;C) to the assisted reproduction laboratory, where mature (metaphase II) oocytes are vitrified.
In this case, a series of 23 women with MRKH, oocytes were successfully retrieved and cryopreserved in all patients; vaginoplasty was subsequently conducted without modifications, and the inpatient and outpatient postoperative care (day of urinary catheter removal, day of hospital discharge, dilator use, and comfort at follow-up) remained unaffected. One postoperative complication occurred in one patient (fever developing on day 5 post surgery and intraperitoneal fluid detection on transabdominal ultrasound) and resolved after conservative treatment. Rather than performing surgical vaginoplasty and delaying oocyte retrieval in MRKH patients, this approach combines both procedures in a single laparoscopy, thereby minimizing surgical invasiveness and anesthesiologic risks.

A dedicated team can offer Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser patients the option to perform controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation at the time of laparoscopic vaginoplasty.

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, ...

Preventing Posterior Capsular Opacification Through IOL Rotation in Cataract Surgeries

Rotating the Intraocular Lens to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification in Cataract Surgeries

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of extracapsular cataract surgery, which is caused by the proliferation and migration of lens epithelial cells and can affect long-term visual outcomes significantly. The most effective treatment for PCO is neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy; however, this treatment is associated with posterior segment complication and can break the stability of capsular bag, affecting the position and function of trifocal or toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Advances in surgical procedures, IOL design, and pharmacy have reduced the rate of PCO in recent years, concentrating on the inhibition of proliferative lens epithelial cells (LECs). This protocol aimed to clear LECs more thoroughly during phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The first several steps, including clear corneal incision, continuous circular capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, hydrodelineation, and phacoemulsification, were completed as conventional procedures. After placing the IOL into the capsular bag, rotation of the IOL by at least 360&#176; was performed using an irrigation/aspiration tip or a hook, with slight stress on the posterior capsule. Some residuals occurred in the originally transparent capsular bag after rotation of the IOLs. Then, these materials and the viscoelastic were cleared completely using an irrigation/aspiration system. A clear posterior capsule was observed after the surgery in patients undergoing this method. This method of rotating IOLs is a simple, effective, and safe way to prevent PCO by clearing residual LECs and can be carried out without extra tools or skills.

Author Spotlight: Enhancing Visual Outcomes in Cataract Surgery: A Novel Technique to Prevent Posterior Capsular Opacification Through IOL Rotation 

The present protocol describes removing residual epithelial cells by rotating the intraocular lens in extracapsular cataract surgery without extra tools for preventing posterior capsular opacification.

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is a common postoperative complication of extracapsular cataract surgery, which is caused by the proliferation and ...