Uterine-Sparing Laparoscopic Pelvic Plexus Ablation, Uterine Artery Occlusion, and Partial Adenomyomectomy for Adenomyosis

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate safety, feasibility, and long-term clinical effects of adding laparoscopic pelvic plexus ablation to uterine-sparing procedures (uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy) for adenomyosis.

Design: A prospective controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

Setting: A teaching hospital.

Patients: A total of 112 patients with symptomatic adenomyosis were eligible for uterine-sparing laparoscopy.

Interventions: Laparoscopic pelvic plexus ablation, uterine artery occlusion, and partial adenomyomectomy.

Measurements and main results: After the exclusion of patients with malignant tumors or those lost to follow-up, 102 women underwent laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy; 50 of these patients also had laparoscopic uterine pelvic plexus ablation (group A) with the remaining 52 patients serving as the control group (group B). Other than operative time (107.0 ± 15.4 vs 98.9 ± 20.2 minutes, p = .02), there were no statistical differences regarding other operative parameters between groups A and B. Relief of severe dysmenorrhea (Visual Analogue Scale score ≥ 7) at 36 months was higher in group A than in group B (100% vs 76.9%, p < .01). No patient suffered constipation or uroschesis in either group.

Conclusion: Adding laparoscopic uterine pelvic plexus ablation to laparoscopic uterine artery occlusion and partial adenomyomectomy was more effective in relieving dysmenorrhea.

Keywords: Dysmenorrhea; Pelvic plexus ablation; Uterine branch.