Improvement of uterine artery Doppler velocimetry indices after metroplasty in arcuate uteri

• Published in: European journal of obstetrics & gynecology and reproductive biology 2007-03, Vol.131 (1), p.81-84
• Main Authors: Pace, S, Cerekja, A, Stentella, P, Frega, A, Pace, G, La Torre, R, Piazze, J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Arcuate uterus; Arteries - physiology; Biological and medical sciences; Doppler velocimetry; Female; Gynecology. Andrology. Obstetrics; Humans; Hysteroscopy - methods; Infertility, Female - etiology; Infertility, Female - physiopathology; Laser-Doppler Flowmetry; Medical sciences; Metroplasty; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Pulsatile Flow - physiology; Regional Blood Flow - physiology; Surgery, Plastic; Uterine arteries; Uterus - abnormalities; Uterus - blood supply; Uterus - surgery
• ISSN: 0301-2115; 1872-7654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.02.011

Abstract Objective Our study aimed to evaluate the effect of metroplasty performed in arcuate uteri on uterine artery Doppler velocimetry. Study design We performed uterine artery Doppler velocimetry transvaginally before and after metroplasty in 36 women with arcuate uteri. Pulsatility indexes (PI) of uterine arteries were calculated and the presence or absence of a protodiastolic notch was evaluated. Results Comparing Doppler indexes before and after metroplasty, we found that uterine artery impedance improves as assessed by lower mean PI. We observed that PI after intervention was significantly lower compared with indexes before for mean Doppler index evaluations (mean uterine PI pre: 2.07 ± 0.61 and post: 1.49 ± 0.24 [ p < 0.03]). No differences were observed as regards bilateral protodiastolic notch absence or presence. A protodiastolic notch was present in 22 out of 36 women before metroplasty (61%), and a notch was observed in 19 out of 36 (52%) after metroplasty. Conclusions Our results suggest that, metroplasty, as well as making the uterine cavity wider, leads to better uterine perfusion.