Hysteroscopic management of a uterine caesarean scar defect (niche) in women with postmenstrual spotting: a randomised controlled trial

Background Long-term complaints after caesarean section, such as postmenstrual spotting, dysmenorrhea, dyspareunia, or chronic pelvic pain, are frequently described in relation to the presence of a niche. A post-caesarean niche is defined as an indentation in the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar. Two independent prospective cohort studies reported that the presence of a niche after caesarean section increases the risk of postmenstrual spotting for more than 2 days from 15 to 30%. Postmenstrual spotting may be caused by a mechanical outflow problem, with the retention of menstrual blood in a niche, or by the accumulation of blood because of impaired uterine contractions at the site of the niche. Additionally, newly formed fragile vessels in the niche may play a role in the formation of blood or fluid in the niche and uterine cavity. Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a hysteroscopic niche resection versus no treatment in women with postmenstrual spotting and a uterine caesarean scar defect. Methods This trial is a randomised controlled trial that provides evidence for the (cost) effectiveness of hysteroscopic resection of a niche versus expectant management in women with niche related postmenstrual spotting. It was carried out on 28 cases divided into two equal group. The study was conducted at Ain Shams University on the women reporting postmenstrual spotting after a caesarean section. The primary outcome was the number of days of postmenstrual spotting 6 months after randomization. Secondary outcomes were spotting at the end of menstruation, intermenstrual spotting, dysuria, sonographic niche measurements, quality of life, women’s satisfaction, sexual function, and additional therapy. Outcomes were measured at 3 months and, also at 6 months after randomization. Results The results of this study show a significant improvement in interventional group after 3 months more than the control group in bleeding micturition characteristics which includes total days of spotting, spotting end of menstruation, intermenstral spotting, discomfort from spotting, dysmenorrhea and daily pain during micturition, after 6 months the two group improved but the interventional group was significantly higher than control group. Regarding the radiological assessment it was found that there was a significant improvement in intervention group more than the control group after 3 months, also the control group improved after 6 months also, but the intervention groups was significantly higher than the control group. The quality of life show a significant increasing in intervention group more than the control group after 3 months of intervention, at the end of follow up the intervention group was significantly higher in quality of life more than the control group. Conclusion A hysteroscopic niche resection reduces postmenstrual spotting, and the discomfort from spotting, compared with expectant management after 3 months of follow-up in women with a niche with a residual myometrium of at least 3 mm.

Diagnosis of caesarean section scar niche causing chronic pelvic pain

The common causes of chronic pelvic pain include chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, inflammatory bowel disease etc. Caesarean scar defect is recently recognized as a cause for chronic pelvic pain. A 33 years old para 2 with previous 2 caesarean sections, whose last child birth was 18 months back consulted for rectal pain of 4 months duration. She was treated with progesterones with a provisional diagnosis of endometriosis without much relief. She developed congestive dysmenorrhea and dyspareunia after last child birth. Her clinical examination revealed retroverted uterus with left forniceal tenderness. USG evaluation confirmed the clinical findings and evaluation of uterine scar was not undertaken as the possibility of caesarean scar defect (CSD) was not thought of as a cause for chronic pelvic pain. MRI pelvis reported semicircular myometrial defect at LSCS scar site and this was confirmed by hystero-laparoscopy and she was counselled to undergo repair of CSD. The case illustrated the clinical picture and diagnosis of CSD as a cause for chronic pelvic pain.

Minimally invasive procedure for repair of uterine isthmocele, a rare cause of infertility: a case report

One of the known complications after caesarean delivery is uterine caesarean scar defect or isthmocele. Isthmocele is usually asymptomatic or may cause gynecological problems, such as menometrorrhagia, infertility, chronic abdominal/pelvic pain. Isthmocele may cause obstetrical sequalae like preterm delivery, uterine rupture, caesarean scar pregnancy or abnormal placental implantation. In the present case report, asymptomatic patient underwent laparoscopic surgery for isthmocele repair after shared decision-making and medical treatment have been evaluated. We suggested that isthmoplasty should be offered to women with symptoms or if it is causing infertility.

Sonohysterography: A Formidable Diagnostic Tool in the Evaluation of the Caesarean Scar Defect in Comparison to MRI

Introduction: The use of the caesarean section (C-section) in obstetric care has exponentially increased in the past few decades. The caesarean scar defect (CSD) is a potential complication of C-section and is associated with a wide range of problems. The purpose of this study was to compare the evaluation of the CSD in non-pregnant women by sonohysterography (SHG) and MRI. Methods: This study was performed in patients having undergone a single C-section more than 6 months prior, presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding, dysmenorrhoea, or pelvic pain. Since ultrasonography and pelvic examination were inconclusive, these patients underwent MRI followed by saline infusion SHG. Measurements and characteristics of the ‘niche’ were acquired from both MRI and SHG and compared for analysis. Results: Patients with a single C-section presenting with prolonged bleeding, spotting, and dysmenorrhoea were included in this prospective study. SHG and MRI were used to measure scar thickness, width, depth, and adjacent myometrial thickness, in which the findings concurred. The mean defect depth was greater in patients with postmenstrual bleeding. Conclusion: SHG is noninferior to MRI, and SHG has the potential to assess the dynamic status of the CSD, with morphological clarity.

Double Approach (Laparoscopy and Hysteroscopy) Repair of Istmochele (Niche)

Objectives: Reported a case demonstrate the double approach repair of niche treatment through the hysteroscopy and laparoscopy technique.Methods: Case report. We reported a case starting from the patient admission untill 3 months postoperative condition.Case: A 33 years old woman came with abnormal uterine bleeding, already got medication and combine oral contraception pill, but the bleeding never stopped. We found a cavity (niche) filled by menstrual blood with thin lower uterine segment (just serous layer) from transvaginal ultrasound. We did hysteroscopy and laparoscopy approach. We illuminated the niche by hysteroscopy, then resected it by laparoscopy. Patient had a day hospital admission and no symptoms anymore after the procedure.Conclusion: Many treatment methods have been described for repair of niche with varies effectivities. Double approach (hysteroscopy and laparoscopy) technique was a minimal access, but optimal approach of niche resection with up to 100% effectivity.Keywords: abnormal uterine bleeding, caesarean scar defect, hysteroscopy, istmochele laparoscopy, niche Abstrak Tujuan: Melaporkan sebuah kasus yang menggambarkan pendekatan ganda dalam memperbaiki niche dengan histeroskopi dan laparoskopi.Metode: Laporan kasus. Kami melaporkan sebuah kasus dimulai dari pasien masuk sampai dengan 3 bulan pascaoperasi.Kasus: Perempuan 33 tahun datang dengan perdarahan uterus abnormal, telah diberikan terapi obat dan pil kombinasi, namun perdarahan tidak berhenti. Dari ultrasonografi ditemukan rongga berisi darah menstrusasi dengan segmen bawah uterus yang tipis (hanya lapisan serosa). Kami melakukan pendekatan histeroskopi dan laparoskopi. Dilakukan iluminasi dengan histeroskopi, kemudian reseksi dengan laparoskopi. Perawatan pasien di rumah sakit selama satu hari, dan tidak terdapat keluhan pada pasien setelah tindakan.Kesimpulan: Terdapat banyak metode dalam tata laksana niche dengan efektivitas yang beragam. Pendekatan ganda dengan histeroskopi dan laparoskopi merupakan tehnik dengan akses minimal namun hasil optimal, dengan efektivitas hingga 100%.Kata Kunci: perdarahan uterus abnormal, defek skar sesar, histeroskopi, istmpchele, laparoskopi, niche

Cesarean scar defect and its association with clinical symptoms, uterine position and the number of cesarean sections

Background: Caesarean scar defect (CSD), also called isthmocele or niche is a long-term complication, which can be asymptomatic or can give rise to chronic pelvic pain, dyspareunia and postmenstrual spotting. The objective of this study was to assess the association of CSD with clinical symptoms, position of the uterus and the number of caesarean sections.Methods: This was a prospective observational study done at a tertiary care teaching hospital from January 2019 to December 2019. The study included women with history of previous one or more caesarean sections with demonstrable CSD on transvaginal ultrasound. Various scar dimensions noted were width and depth of the scar. A deficiency ratio was calculated as a ratio of residual myometrium at the scar to the adjacent myometrium.Univariate analysis was done to assess the relationship of clinical symptoms with the defect parameters and number of previous caesarean sections. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find out the association between symptoms and number of previous caesarean sections with the scar defect dimensions.Results: The width, depth and deficiency ratio of the CSD were significantly higher in study subjects with a greater number of caesarean sections. Retroflexed uteri had larger CSD. There was no association of clinical features with the defect dimensions and the position of the uterus.Conclusions: CSD dimensions and deficiency ratio correlate with the number of previous caesarean sections and the position of the uterus. There was no association of clinical symptoms with the defect parameters.

Frequency and Clinical Manifestations of Caesarean Section Scar Defects

Background: Caesarean Sections (CS), significantly on the rise worldwide, have been found frequently complicated with the presence of a scar at the site of CS. It is associated with various gynecological problems like postmenstrual spotting, infertility, miscarriage, and uterine rupture. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of CS scar defects and associated gynaecological symptoms. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Ziauddin University Hospital Karachi from October 1st, 2017 to March 1st, 2018. A total of 162 patients’ (aged 20-40 years) were included, with CS history (elective or emergency) and complaints of chronic pelvic pain, infertility or menstrual irregularities, after an informed consent. Demographic details and medical history were recorded on performa. Chi-square was used to establish association between categorical variable such presence of scar defect, clinical symptoms and the shape of the defect. Results: Out of 162 patients, 86(53.1%) had one and 76(46.9%) had more than one caesarean scar. Majority of the patients 97(59.9%) were found to have scar defect (NICHE) present while in 65 (40.1%) patients had no caesarean scar defect. Regarding menstrual cycle, 58(35.8%) had heavy bleeding, 39(24.1%) continuous bleeding, and 27 (16%) irregular cycle. Significant association (p˂0.05) was found between menstrual irregularity, pelvic pain, infertility and scar defects. Different shapes of scar (niche) were noted triangular 46(28.4%) droplet 26(16%), oval and others such as rectangular and inclusion cyst on ultrasonographic . Conclusion: Multiple Caesarean sections are predisposing factors for Caesarean scar defects. Menstrual irregularity, pelvic pain, infertility and scar defects were found significantly associated with Caesarean sections (p˂0.05).