Isthmocele repair: Simultaneous hysteroscopy and robotic-assisted laparoscopy

Vidyard Video

An isthmocele is a pouch-like anterior uterine wall defect at the site of a previous cesarean scar. The incidence is not well known, but it is estimated in the literature to be between 19% and 88%.¹ Issues arising from an isthmocele may include abnormal uterine bleeding; abdominal pain; diminished fertility; ectopic pregnancy; or obstetric complications, such as uterine rupture. Repair of an isthmocele may be indicated for symptomatic relief and preservation of fertility. Multiple surgical approaches have been described in the literature, including laparoscopic, hysteroscopic, and vaginal approaches.

The objective of this video is to illustrate the use of robotic-assisted laparoscopy with simultaneous hysteroscopy as a feasible and safe approach for the repair of an isthmocele. Here we illustrate the key surgical steps of this approach, including:

1. presurgical planning with magnetic resonance imaging
2. diagnostic hysteroscopy for confirmation of isthmocele
3. simultaneous laparoscopy for identification of borders
4. strategic hysterotomy
5. excision of scar tissue
6. imbricated, tension-free closure.

We hope that you find this video useful to your clinical practice.

>> Dr. Arnold P. Advincula, and colleagues

Exploration of the isthmocele with simultaneous robotic-assisted laparoscopy (left) and hysteroscopy (right).