ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in the treatment of patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus and to compare satisfaction and its complications with hysterectomy. Methods This was a comparative cross-sectional observational study of women with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus. Sixty-two women were treated and followed up for four years. Insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system was performed in Group 1, and laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed in Group 2. Results In Group 1 (n=31), 21 patients (67.7%) showed improvement in the bleeding pattern, and 11 patients (35.5%) had amenorrhea. Five patients (16.1%) remained with heavy bleeding and were considered to have experienced treatment failure. There were seven expulsions (22.6%); in five patients, bleeding remained heavy, but in two patients the bleeding returned to that of normal menstruation. No relationship was found between treatment failure and greater hysterometries (p=0.40) or greater uterine volumes (p=0.50), whereas expulsion was greater in uteri with smaller hysterometries (p=0.04). There were 13 (21%) complications, seven (53.8%) in the group that underwent insertion of the levonorgestrel intrauterine system (all were device expulsions), and six (46.2%) in the surgical group, which were the most severe ones (p=0.76). Regarding satisfaction, 12 patients (38.7%) were dissatisfied with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system and one (3.23%) was dissatisfied with the surgical treatment (p=0.00). Conclusion Treatment with the levonorgestrel intrauterine system in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding and an enlarged uterus was effective, and when compared with laparoscopic hysterectomy, it had a lower rate of satisfaction and the same rate of complications, although less severe.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a existência de associação entre os achados ultrassonográficos e os fatores epidemiológicos e clínicos com os resultados obtidos no questionário EHP-30 em mulheres com diagnóstico de endometriose ovariana. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo observacional transversal entre julho de 2012 emaio de 2015, no qual as pacientes com dor pélvica crônica com imagem sugestiva de endometrioma na ultrassonografia pélvica transvaginal preencheram o questionário padronizado Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) para acessar os escores de qualidade de vida antes de iniciar qualquer tratamento para a endometriose. Foram incluídas 65 pacientes. Os dados foram analisados no programa estatístico IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Versão 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, EUA) para a comparação dos dados através de regressão múltipla linear. Resultados A adequabilidade do modelo de regressão linear foi confirmada através do histograma da variável dependente e do gráfico de distribuição dos resíduos, confirmando a tendência de linearidade, assim como a dispersão homogênea dos resíduos. A idade média das pacientes foi de 39,7 ± 7,1 anos. Amaioria era caucasiana (64,5%), apresentava ensino superior completo (56,5%), e era nuligesta (40,3%). Infertilidade estava presente em 48,4% das pacientes estudadas. Do total de casos 80,6% eram sintomáticas e queixaram-se principalmente de dor acíclica, 79%de dismenorreia , e 61,3% de dispareunia em , refletindo a influência negativa da endometriose sobre a qualidade de vida das pacientes portadores desta doença. Conclusão Dispareunia e dor acíclica foram fatores independentes de correlação com altos escores no EHP-30, refletindo uma pior qualidade de vida.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the existence of an association between ultrasound findings and epidemiological and clinical factors using results obtained from the EHP-30 questionnaire in women with ovarian endometriosis. Methods A cross-sectional observational study was performed between July 2012 and May 2015, in which patients with chronic pelvic pain suggestive of endometrioma, as indicated by the results from a transvaginal pelvic ultrasonography, completed the standardized Endometriosis Health Profile - 30 (EHP-30) questionnaire to access quality-of-life scores before beginning treatment for endometriosis. A total of 65 patients were included. The data was analyzed in the statistical program IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) for the comparison of data through linear multiple regression. Results The suitability of the linear regression model was confirmed by the histogram of the dependent variable and the residue distribution plot, confirming the trend of linearity as well as the homogeneous dispersion of the residues. The mean age of the patients was 39.7 ± 7.1 years old. Themajority was Caucasian (64.5%), had completed higher education (56.5%) and was nulligravida (40.3%). Infertility was present in 48.4% of the patients studied. Out of the total sample, 80.6% of the cases were symptomatic and complained mainly of acyclic pain, 79% of dysmenorrhea, and 61.3% of dyspareunia. This reflects the negative influence of endometriosis on the quality of life of patients with this disease. Conclusion Dyspareunia and acyclic pain were independent factors of correlation with high scores in the EHP-30 questionnaire, reflecting a worse quality of life.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a qualidade da função sexual em pacientes com suspeita de endometriose profunda infiltrativa. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional transversal prospectivo entre maio de 2015 e agosto de 2016, no qual foram analisados os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos de 67 pacientes com endometriose profunda presuntiva ou diagnosticada, níveis de dor através de escala visual analógica (EVA) e Índice de Função Sexual Feminina (questionário IFSF) antes do início do tratamento. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o programa estatístico STATA, na versão 12.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA), para comparar as variáveis por meio de regressão múltipla. Resultados A idade média foi de 39,2 anos; houve predominância de mulheres sintomáticas (92,5%) e da localização de lesões de endometriose profunda em retossigmoide (50%) seguida pela topografia retrocervical (48,3%). A pontuação total no IFSF mostrou uma mediana de 23,4, e em 67,2% das mulheres a pontuação foi 26,55 (cut-off que indica disfunção sexual). Dispareunia (p = 0.000, intervalo de confiança [IC]: 0.64-0.83) e lesão endometriótica em retossigmoide (p = 0.008, IC: 0.72-0.95) exibiram uma relação estatisticamente significante com valores baixos de pontuação no IFSF, ajustados por lesão em bexiga, idade da paciente e tamanho da lesão. A dispareunia de profundidade também mostrou correlação significante com o domínio dor do IFSFajustado por dor cíclica intestinal, lesão vaginal e uso de análogo de hormônio liberador de gonadotrofina (GnRH). Os resultados refletem a influência da dispareunia de profundidade na disfunção sexual da população do estudo. Conclusão A maioria das pacientes apresentava disfunção sexual e o sintoma mais relacionado a esta disfunção foi dispareunia de profundidade.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the quality of the sexual function of women with suspected deep infiltrating endometriosis. Methods A cross-sectional, observational and prospective study was conducted between May 2015 and August 2016, in which 67 patients with deep infiltrating endometriosis, suspected or diagnosed, were assessed for epidemiological and clinical characteristics, such as pain level through a visual analog scale (VAS), features of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions and score on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before the onset of treatment. The statistical analysis was performed using the software STATA version 12.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, USA) to compare the variables through multiple regression analysis. Results The average age of the patients was 39.2 years old; most patients were symptomatic (92.5%); and the predominant location of the deep infiltrating lesions was on the rectosigmoid colon (50%), closely followed by the retrocervical region (48.3%). The medianoverallscoreontheFSFIwas23.4;in67.2%of thecasesthescorewas26.5(cutoff point for sexualdysfunction). Deepdyspareunia(p = 0.000,confidenceinterval [CI]:0.64- 0.83) and rectosigmoid endometriosis lesions (p = 0.008, CI: 0.72-0.95) showed significant correlation with lower FSFI scores, adjusted by bladder lesion, patients’ ageand size of lesions. Deep dyspareunia (p = 0.003, CI: 0.49-0.86) also exhibited significant correlation with FSFI pain domain, adjusted by cyclic bowel pain, vaginal lesion and use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) analog. These results reflect the influence of deep dyspareunia on the sexual dysfunction of the analyzed population. Conclusion Most patients exhibited sexual dysfunction, and deep dyspareunia was the pelvic painful symptom that showed correlation with sexual dysfunction.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os resultados das primeiras oclusões tubárias realizadas pela via histeroscópica (Essure®). Métodos Estudo prospectivo com 38 pacientes, sendo 73,7% caucasianas, com média de idade de 34,5 anos, e com 3 gestações e 2,7 partos em média. Do total, 86,8% das pacientes fizeram preparo prévio do endométrio. Todos os procedimentos foram ambulatoriais e sem anestesia. Resultados A taxa de inserção do dispositivo foi de 100%, com tempo médio de 4 minutos e 50 segundos. Segundo a Escala Visual Analógica, a dor média obtida foi de três, e 55,3% das mulheres não referiram qualquer dor após o método. Ocorreu um caso de reflexo vagal e 89,5% das pacientes retornaram às atividades normais no mesmo dia. Após 3 meses, 89,5% das pacientes encontravam-se muito satisfeitas com o método. A radiografia simples da pelve evidenciou 92,1% de dispositivos tópicos, ocorrendo um caso de expulsão unilateral. Após 4 anos de seguimento, não houve falha do método. Conclusão A oclusão tubária por via histeroscópica em regime ambulatorial e sem anestesia foi um procedimento rápido, bem tolerado, isento de complicações graves e com alta taxa de sucesso e satisfação das pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate results of early tubal occlusions performed by hysteroscopy (Essure®). Methods This prospective study included 38 patients, 73.7% of them were white, mean age 34.5 years, they have had on average 3 pregnancies and 2.7 of deliveries. A total of 86.8% of patients previously prepared the endometrium. All procedures were carried out at outpatient unit without anesthesia. Results Insertion rate of the device was 100% at a mean time of 4 minutes and 50 seconds. Based on the analogical visual scale, average pain reported was three, and 55.3% of women did not report pain after the procedure. After 3 months, 89.5% of patients were very satisfied with the method. Simple radiographs of the pelvis showed 92.1% of topical devices, and one case of unilateral expulsion had occurred. A four years follow-up did not show failure in the method. Conclusions Tubal occlusion through hysteroscopy at outpatient unit and without anesthesia was a quickly and well-tolerated procedure. No serious complications were seen, the success rate was high, and patients were satisfied.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os fatores que possam influenciar na recorrência do endometrioma ovariano após tratamento videolaparoscópico.MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Foram avaliadas 129 pacientes submetidas à videolaparoscopia, entre 2003 e 2012, para tratamento de endometrioma ovariano, com seguimento pós-operatório mínimo de 2 anos. Foi realizada ultrassonografia transvaginal para excluir persistência da lesão e identificação de recidiva. Para comparação de variáveis contínuas foi utilizado o teste t de Student, e para o teste de homogeneidade entre as proporções, o teste do χ2 ou exato de Fisher (para frequências menores do que cinco). Para a obtenção de fatores prognósticos ligados à recidiva foi aplicado o modelo de regressão linear multivariado. O nível de significância utilizado para a análise foi de 5%.RESULTADOS: A taxa de recorrência foi de 18.6%. O tamanho do endometrioma, a modalidade cirúrgica empregada e os dados demográficos como idade, índice de massa corpórea, presença de sintomas, tabagismo e prática de exercícios físicos não se associaram ao aumento da recorrência. Foi observado que a interrupção do tratamento clínico pós-operatório apresentou risco significativo para aumento da recorrência (OR 23,7; IC95% 5,26-107,05; p=0,001).CONCLUSÃO: O uso contínuo de contracepção oral parece reduzir dramaticamente a taxa de recidiva de endometrioma ovariano. Neste estudo, a interrupção do tratamento foi o fator associado com maior taxa de recidiva da lesão após o tratamento videolaparoscópico.

PURPOSE: To analyze the factors that might influence the recurrence of ovarian endometriomas after laparoscopic excision.METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. We evaluated 129 patients who underwent laparoscopic excision of ovarian endometriomas from 2003 to 2012 and who were followed up for at least two years after surgery. Vaginal ultrasound was repeated to exclude persistent lesion and to identify recurrence. The Student's t-test was used to compare continuous variables and the χ2 or Fischer exact test (for values of less than five) was used to test homogeneity between proportions. A logistic regression model for multivariate proportional hazards was used to analyze predictors of long-term outcome. The level of significance was set at 5% in all analyses.RESULTS: The overall rate of ovarian endometrioma recurrence was 18.6%. Endometrioma diameter, surgical procedure techniques and demographic data such as age, presenting symptoms, body mass index, smoking and physical exercise habits were not associated with recurrence, whereas interruption of postoperative medical treatment was significantly correlated with a higher recurrence rate (OR 23.7; 95%CI 5.26-107.05; p=0.001).CONCLUSION: Current oral contraceptive use appears to be associated with a dramatic reduction in the risk of recurrence of ovarian endometriotic cysts. Treatment interruption was associated with a higher recurrence rate of ovarian endometrioma after laparoscopic treatment.

Objetivo Relacionar os valores do eco endometrial obtidos à ultrassonografia transvaginal com o índice de massa corporal de pacientes na pós-menopausa; verificar se existe maior prevalência de espessamento endometrial naquelas com índice de massa corporal ≥30.Métodos Trata-se de estudo analítico, transversal, que avaliou 294 pacientes. As pacientes incluídas estavam na pós-menopausa; foram excluídas aquelas que faziam uso de terapia hormonal. As variáveis avaliadas foram o índice de massa corporal, sendo considerado obesidade quando acima de 30, o número de gestações, o número de anos após a menopausa e a idade. Todas foram correlacionadas com os valores de eco endometrial.Resultados Houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre as pacientes com sobrepeso/obesas e o aumento do eco endometrial (p=0,0236). A correlação entre idade e valores de eco endometrial foi negativa e significante, isto é, quanto maior a idade, menor o eco (p=0,0478). Gestações e anos após a menopausa não demonstraram significância com relação ao eco endometrial, com p=0,0614 e p=0,115, respectivamente.Conclusão Houve correlação positiva e significante entre o aumento do eco endometrial e o índice de massa corporal ≥30.Objective To compare the endometrial echo values obtained by transvaginal ultrasonography with the body mass index of postmenopausal patients; to verify if there is higher prevalence of endometrial thickening in women with body mass index ≥30.Methods This is an analytical and cross-sectional study that evaluated 294 patients. Postmenopausal women were included, and those on hormone therapy were excluded. The variables evaluated were body mass index (considering obesity if >30), number of pregnancies, years since menopause, and age. These variables were correlated with endometrial echography.Results There was a statistically significant corre lation between overweight and obese patients and increased endometrial thickness (p=0.0236). The correlation between age and endometrial echo was negative and statistically significant, that is, the older the woman, the lower the endometrial thickness (p=0.0478). Pregnancies and years since menopause showed no statistical significance in relation to endometrial echo, with p=0.0614 and p=0.115, respectively.Conclusion There was positive and significant correlation between body mass index ≥30 and endometrial thickeness.

Objective To compare the endometrial echo values obtained by transvaginal ultrasonography with the body mass index of postmenopausal patients; to verify if there is higher prevalence of endometrial thickening in women with body mass index ≥30.Methods This is an analytical and cross-sectional study that evaluated 294 patients. Postmenopausal women were included, and those on hormone therapy were excluded. The variables evaluated were body mass index (considering obesity if >30), number of pregnancies, years since menopause, and age. These variables were correlated with endometrial echography.Results There was a statistically significant correlation between overweight and obese patients and increased endometrial thickness (p=0.0236). The correlation between age and endometrial echo was negative and statistically significant, that is, the older the woman, the lower the endometrial thickness (p=0.0478). Pregnancies and years since menopause showed no statistical significance in relation to endometrial echo, with p=0.0614 and p=0.115, respectively.Conclusion There was positive and significant correlation between body mass index ≥30 and endometrial thickeness.

OBJETIVO: Verificar o aspecto da cavidade uterina após a ablação endometrial histeroscópica, a prevalência de sinéquias após o procedimento e, com isso, avaliar a importância da histeroscopia realizada no pós-operatório dessas pacientes.MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, os laudos dos exames de 153 pacientes que haviam sido submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial após ablação do endométrio devido a sangramento uterino anormal de causa benigna, no período entre janeiro de 2006 e julho de 2011. As pacientes foram divididas em dois grupos: HIST≤60 (n=90), com pacientes submetidas ao exame no período de 40 a 60 dias após o procedimento, e grupo HIST>60 (n=63), das que foram examinadas entre 61 dias e 12 meses.RESULTADOS: No grupo HIST≤60, 30% das pacientes apresentavam algum grau de sinéquia; aderências grau I foram descritas em 4,4%; grau II em 6,7%; grau IIa em 4,4%; grau III em 7,8%; e 2,2% apresentavam grau IV. No HIST>60, sinéquias foram descritas em 53,9% dos casos, 3,2% tinham sinéquias grau I; 11,1%, grau II; 7,9%, grau IIa; 15,9%, grau III; e 4,8%, grau IV. Hematometra foi descrito em 2,2% dos casos do HIST≤60 e em 6,3% no HIST>60.CONCLUSÕES: A cavidade uterina de pacientes submetidas à histeroscopia ambulatorial até 60 dias após a ablação endometrial mostrou menor número de sinéquias quando comparada com as cavidades uterinas de pacientes que foram submetidas ao exame após 60 dias. Acompanhamento em longo prazo é necessário para avaliar plenamente o impacto da histeroscopia ambulatorial após a ablação endometrial.

PURPOSE: To examine the aspect of the uterine cavity after hysteroscopic endometrial ablation, to determine the prevalence of synechiae after the procedure, and to analyze the importance of hysteroscopy during the postoperative period.METHODS: The results of the hysteroscopic exams of 153 patients who underwent outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation due to abnormal uterine bleeding of benign etiology during the period from January 2006 to July 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: HIST≤60 (n=90) consisting of patients undergoing the exam 40-60 days after the ablation procedure, and the group HIST>60 (n=63) consisting of patients undergoing the exam between 61 days and 12 months after the procedure.RESULTS: In the HIST≤60 group, 30% of the patients presented some degree of synechiae: synechiae grade I in 4.4% of patients, grade II in 6.7% , grade IIa in 4.4%, grade III in 7.8%, and grade IV in 2.2%. In the HIST>60 group, 53.9% of all cases had synechiae, 3.2% were grade I, 11.1% grade II, 7.9% grade IIa, 15.9% grade III, and 4.8% grade IV. Hematometra was detected in 2.2 % of all cases in group HIST≤60 and in 6.3% of all cases in group HIST>60.CONCLUSIONS: The uterine cavity of the patients submitted to diagnostic hysteroscopy up to 60 days after endometrial ablation showed significantly fewer synechiae compared to the uterine cavity of patients who underwent the exam after 60 days. Long-term follow-up is necessary to fully evaluate the importance of outpatient hysteroscopy after endometrial ablation regarding menstrual patterns, risk of cancer and prevalence of treatment failure.

Objetivo: avaliar a eficácia da ablação histeroscópica do endométrio no tratamento cirúrgico da menorragia. Métodos: foram realizadas 200 ablações histeroscópicas do endométrio no período de abril de 1991 a abril de 1999 em pacientes de clínica privada dos autores. Todas as pacientes apresentavam sangramento uterino anormal de causa benigna rebelde ao tratamento clínico. O procedimento foi realizado em ambiente hospitalar sob anestesia de bloqueio (raqui ou peridural). Nos primeiros quatro anos utilizou-se a glicina 1,5% como meio de distensão da cavidade uterina e nos últimos quatro anos o manitol 3%. O seguimento variou de 8 meses a 8 anos. Resultados: das 200 pacientes, 180 (90%) mostraram-se satisfeitas com o procedimento, relatando diminuição acentuada do fluxo menstrual. A análise histológica do endométrio após ressecção histeroscópica revelou atividade proliferativa em 104 pacientes (52%), e secretora em 34 (17%). A hiperplasia endometrial esteve presente em 20 pacientes (10%). As pacientes que se submeteram à ressecção apresentaram a cavidade uterina diminuída e formação de sinéquias fibrosas, ao passo que nas pacientes que foram submetidas à destruição endometrial a cavidade mostrou-se diminuída porém sem formação de sinéquias. Duas pacientes apresentaram quadro de hipervolemia moderada durante o procedimento, que respondeu bem ao tratamento clínico. Ocorreu um episódio de perfuração uterina durante a fase de dilatação e cinco casos de hematômetra foram registrados. Conclusões: A ablação histeroscópica do endométrio é um procedimento seguro e eficaz em pacientes selecionadas no tratamento da menorragia de causa benigna rebelde a tratamento clínico.

Purpose: the aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of hysteroscopic endometrial ablation in the treatment of menorrhagia. Methods: two hundred patients were submitted to hysteroscopic endometrial ablation between April 1991 and April 1999. The surgery was performed in a private hospital under spinal anesthesia. In the first four years we used 1.5% glycine as a distension medium and in the last four years we used mannitol 3%. The follow-up ranged from 8 months to 8 years. Results: relief of the symptomatology was achieved in 180 (90%) patients. One episode of uterine perfuration, two cases of moderate liquid overload and five of hematometra were recorded. The histologic evaluation of the resected endometrium showed proliferative activity in 104 patients (52%) and secretory activity in 34 (17%). Endometrial hyperplasia was found in 20 patients (10%). The patients submitted to resection showed a smaller uterine cavity and fibrous synechia, whereas in patients submitted to endometrial destruction the uterine cavity was small but without synechia. Two patients had moderade hypervolemia during the procedure, for which clinical treatment was successful. Conclusions: Hysteroscopic endometrial ablation showed to be a safe and effective procedure as treatment of menorrhagia.

Objetivos: os autores mostram a experiência preliminar com o uso do balão térmico para ablação do endométrio em pacientes com queixas de menorragia. Pacientes e Métodos: foram submetidas a este procedimento 20 pacientes. Após exame pélvico completo e ultra-sonografia endovaginal, todas as pacientes foram submetidas à histeroscopia diagnóstica com biópsia de endométrio para excluir causas de malignidade. Das 20 pacientes que se submeteram ao tratamento com balão térmico, 16 foram submetidas em regime ambulatorial com anestesia local. O procedimento teve duração de 8 minutos e 30 segundos. Resultados: duas das 20 pacientes mostraram-se insatisfeitas, mantendo o quadro hemorrágico inalterado, e 18 pacientes referiram melhora da sintomatologia. Não houve complicações do procedimento. Conclusões: o uso do balão térmico para ablação endometrial mostrou-se seguro e eficaz para o tratamento da menorragia de causa benigna.

Purpose: to evaluate thermal balloon endometrial ablation in the management of menorrhagia. Study design: twenty patients were submitted to endometrial ablation using the thermal balloon device, between June 1996 and June 1997. Local anesthesia was used in 16 patients. The device was introduced into the uterine cavity. The duration of the procedure was 8 minutes and 30 seconds. Results: two patients (10%) did not show improvement of the symptons. Eighteen patients (90%) referred improvement of symptoms. There was no complication during and after the procedure. Conclusions: The thermal balloon seems to be safe and efficient in the management of menorrhagia.