Advanced Laparoscopic Adenomyomectomy Technique for Focal Uterine Adenomyosis by Three-step Approach

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Owing to the increasing trend of preserving fertility in adenomyomectomy, the need for laparoscopic adenomyomectomy has increased. This study aimed to introduce a new surgical technique, an advanced laparoscopic adenomyomectomy technique, and to evaluate its efficacy, benefits, and safety in focal uterine adenomyosis. METHODS: From February 1, 2019 to February 29, 2020, 47 patients who underwent laparoscopic adenomyomectomy using the new surgical technique were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria were: (1) Focal-type adenomyosis, diagnosed by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging that was refractory to medical treatments. (2) A strong desire to preserve the uterus. All the operations were performed by a single surgeon with a uniform technique. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 40.53 ± 5.93 years (median 38.5, range 32–47). The mean diameter of the adenomyoma lesions was 4.57 ± 1.21 cm and the mean weight of the excised lesions was 40.53 ± 35.65g (range, 15–209 g). The mean total operation time was 70.11 ± 15.05 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 88.88 ± 20.0 mL (20 – 500 ml). There was no conversion to laparotomy or major complications requiring reoperation. At the seven-month follow-up, there was complete remission of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia in 97.4% and 88.9% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The new advanced laparoscopic adenomyomectomy technique with a three-step approach could be a safe and effective therapeutic method.