Accurate identification and surgical correction of type IIb uterine malformation using synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To introduce an effective approach for accurate identification and treatment of type IIb uterine malformation using synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.

DESIGN

Step-by-step video explanation of the surgical procedure with still pictures and surgical video clips to demonstrate the detailed technique. The patient provided written informed consent for video and data collection for research purposes. The study was approved by the local ethics committee of Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PATIENT(S): A 32-year-old young woman diagnosed with a right unicornuate uterus with a left rudimentary horn, with a 2-year history of dysmenorrhea.

INTERVENTION(S): First, the patient was diagnosed with a unicornuate uterus with a rudimentary horn using ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging before the surgery. During surgery, synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy coupled with a light test was performed to make a definite identification of the type IIb uterine malformation. During treatment of the type IIb uterine malformation, there were two key steps: resected the rudimentary horn and reserved more myometrial tissue to reduce the risk of uterine rupture in a subsequent pregnancy; and corrected the uterus to prevent future uterine prolapse. For the suture technique, suturing during resection was performed instead of suturing after complete resection to reduce the intraoperative bleeding as much as possible. Furthermore, tubal catheterization and hydrotubation under hysteroscopy monitoring were performed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Value and feasibility of synchronized hysteroscopic and laparoscopic identification and treatment of the type IIb uterine malformation.

RESULT(S): The total operation time was 89 minutes. The postoperative pathological findings revealed that the endometrium was found in the rudimentary horn. No dysmenorrhea was found during follow-up. At 26 months after the operation, the patient became pregnant naturally. Cesarean section was performed at 36 weeks + 2 days owing to premature rupture of the membranes.

CONCLUSION(S): For the accurate identification and management of a type IIb uterine malformation, synchronized hysteroscopy and laparoscopy is an effective and feasible method.