Name: laparoscopic oocyte retrieval and cryopreservation during vaginoplasty for treatment of mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser syndrome
Uploaded: 2022-05-10T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome at JoVE.com

No specific funding was received for this work.

The local ethical committee at the tertiary referral center for MRKHS (IRCCS San Raffaele University Hospital, Milan, Italy) was notified and approved the protocol before its implementation in July 2017. All patients or guardians gave signed informed consent for laparoscopic oocyte retrieval and cryopreservation during vaginoplasty and for the use of anonymized clinical/laboratory data for scientific purposes.
1. Team composition
<ol>
	<li>Designate a dedicated team, compose...

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E., Atabeko&#287;lu, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Transabdominal+ultrasound+guided+oocyte+retrieval+using+vaginal+ultrasound+probe:+Definition+of+the+technique.">Transabdominal ultrasound guided oocyte retrieval using vaginal ultrasound probe: Definition of the technique.</a> The Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research. 47 (2), 800-806 (2021).</li><li>Raju, G. A., Haranath, G. B., Krishna, K. M., Prakash, G. J., Madan, K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Successful+pregnancy+with+laparoscopic+oocyte+retrieval+and+in+vitro+fertilization+in+Mullerian+agenesis.">Successful pregnancy with laparoscopic oocyte retrieval and in vitro fertilization in Mullerian agenesis.</a> Singapore Medicine Journal. 47 (4), 329-331 (2006).</li><li>Liszewska-Kap&#322;on, M., Str&#243;zik, M., Kotarski, &. #. 3. 2. 1. ;., Bag&#322;aj, M., Hirnle, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser+syndrome+as+an+interdisciplinary+problem.">Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser syndrome as an interdisciplinary problem.</a> Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine. 29 (4), 505-511 (2020).</li><li>Wagner, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Treatment+management+during+the+adolescent+transition+period+of+girls+and+young+women+with+Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser+syndrome+(MRKHS):+A+systematic+literature+review.">Treatment management during the adolescent transition period of girls and young women with Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser syndrome (MRKHS): A systematic literature review.</a> Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 11 (1), 152 (2016).</li><li>Bean, E. J., Mazur, T., Robinson, A. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser+syndrome:+sexuality,+psychological+effects,+and+quality+of+life.">Mayer-Rokitansky-K&#252;ster-Hauser syndrome: sexuality, psychological effects, and quality of life.</a> Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. 22 (6), 339-346 (2009).</li></ol>

This protocol reduces the invasiveness in the treatment of MRKHS by combining the procedures of vaginoplasty and oocyte retrieval. To this purpose, it is crucial that a dedicated team is designated to ensure that the timing of COS, the surgical procedure, and oocyte vitrification are scheduled efficiently.
MRKHS patients for whom this combined laparoscopic method is expected to be most beneficial are those in whom a transvaginal retrieval would be considered technically challenging or unfeasib...

With an incidence of approximately 1 in 4-10,000 women, MRKHS is the cause of 15% of primary amenorrhea cases. MRKHS is characterized by the congenital absence of the upper segment of the vagina and the uterus, whereas urinary tract and skeletal anomalies are associated variably. More specifically, a vaginal vault with a depth of 1-2 cm is usually present, and two rudimental uterine horns may be found1.
In the past, the primary medical interest in MRKHS was to enable normal sexual intercourse, which generally requires the construction of a neovagina by either non-surgical or surgical approaches2. However, advances in reproductive medicine currently allow genetic motherhood in MRKHS patients, by either surrogacy3,4 or-more recently-uterus transplantation5. While uterus transplantation is still an experimental procedure, surrogacy is available in many countries worldwide6, and reported obstetric and psychosocial outcomes are comparable to those of standard in vitro fertilization and oocyte donation7.
Both surrogacy and uterus transplantation require oocyte retrieval and in vitro fertilization, but no consensus exists on how to perform egg collection in patients with MRKHS. A transvaginal approach can be unfeasible because of insufficient vaginal elasticity8 even after vaginoplasty, atypical location of the ovaries9, or excessive distance between the ovaries and the vaginal cuff4,10. In these cases, laparoscopic oocyte retrieval represents the optimal approach in terms of surgical access. However, as most MRKHS patients currently undergo laparoscopic neovaginoplasty, we suggest performing a laparoscopic oocyte retrieval at the time of surgery for vaginoplasty11, followed by oocyte cryopreservation for future use, thus minimizing invasiveness while combining the treatment of the sexual and reproductive function of MRKHS patients.
Demographic data of patients 
Twenty-three MRKH patients underwent treatment with this protocol so far. Anamnestic, instrumental, and laboratory findings of patients are summarized in Table 1. Unless specified in Table 1, no associated congenital anomalies were found.

<table border="1" fo:keep-together.within-page="1" fo:keep-with-next.within-page="always">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Oocyte retrieval procedure</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2 O2 Incubator</td>
			<td>Sanyo</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Incubator</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>Cooper Surgical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Portable incubator</td>
			<td>Cooper Surgical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>14 mL Polystyrene Round-Bottom Tube</td>
			<td>Falcon</td>
			<td>352057</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4-well dish</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>144444</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>60 mm Petri dish</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>FA9150270</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>90 mm Petri dish</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>FA9150360</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Serum Albumin 100 mg/ml in Normal Saline (5%)</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>3001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral oil for embryo culture</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>4008</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>One Well Dish</td>
			<td>Oosafe</td>
			<td>OOPW-CW05</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quinn&#8217;s Advantage Fertilization medium SAGE</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>1020</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quinn&#8217;s Advantage medium with HEPES</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>1024</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile glass pasteur pipettes</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oocyte denudation</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Equipment</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CO2 O2 Incubator</td>
			<td>Sanyo</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexipet adjustable handle set</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>G18674</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Incubator</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Laminar Flow Hood</td>
			<td>Cooper Surgical</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stereomicroscope</td>
			<td>Nikon</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Consumables</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>4-well dish</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>144444</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>CSCM (Continuos single culture) medium</td>
			<td>Fujifilm irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90165</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Human Albumin 100 mg/mL in Normal Saline (5%)</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>3001</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hyaluronidase</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90101</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>IVF culture 60 mm petri dish</td>
			<td>Nunc</td>
			<td>FA9150270</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral oil for embryo culture</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>4008</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>One Well Dish</td>
			<td>Oosafe</td>
			<td>OOPW-CW05</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quinn&#8217;s Advantage medium with HEPES</td>
			<td>Origio</td>
			<td>1024</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Serum Substitute Supplement</td>
			<td>Fujifilm irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>99193</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Sterile glass pasteur pipettes</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stripping pipette tips (140 &#956;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1140-10BS-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Stripping pipette tips (170 &#956;m)</td>
			<td>Cook</td>
			<td>K-FPIP-1170-10BS-5</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Oocyte vitrification</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>35 mm Petri dish</td>
			<td>NUNC</td>
			<td>150255</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>60 mm Petri dish</td>
			<td>NUNC</td>
			<td>150270</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>90 mm Petri dish</td>
			<td>NUNC</td>
			<td>150360</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Container for Cooling rack</td>
			<td>Kitazato</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cryodevice/cryotop</td>
			<td>Kitazato</td>
			<td>81111</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Electronic timer</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Flexipet</td>
			<td>COOK</td>
			<td>K- 1000</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Gilson Pipetman</td>
			<td>Gilson</td>
			<td>F123601</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Lab Printer LabXpert</td>
			<td>Brady</td>
			<td>XSL-86-461</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tips 20-200 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>2160G</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tips 2-20 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Thermo Scientific</td>
			<td>2139-HR</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Visotubes</td>
			<td>Cryo Bio System</td>
			<td>20</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrification Freeze Kit</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90133-SO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Vitrification Thaw kit</td>
			<td>Fujifilm Irvine Scientific</td>
			<td>90137-SO</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

laparoscopic oocyte retrieval and cryopreservation during vaginoplasty for treatment of mayer-rokitansky-kuster-hauser syndrome

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, we propose that a concomitant laparoscopic oocyte retrieval for cryopreservation is performed. Oocyte retrieval is pursued at the beginning of the laparoscopy. Right and left 5 mm trocars are positioned, through which a 17 G ovum aspiration needle is used for puncture of the right and left ovaries, respectively. To facilitate exposure of the follicles, the ovaries are mobilized and held with laparoscopic forceps.
When aspirating multiple follicles near each other, the needle tip is retained in the ovary to reduce the number of times that the ovarian cortex is transfixed and due to the inherent risk of bleeding. Subsequent steps are unchanged compared to the Davydov laparoscopic modified technique for vaginoplasty. Prior to surgery, controlled ovarian stimulation is performed with a gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone (Gn-RH) antagonist protocol, and the concomitant procedure of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty is scheduled 36 h after the final follicular maturation trigger. Follicular fluid is collected in the same 10 mL sterile tubes used during transvaginal oocyte retrieval and transferred in a warming block (37 &#176;C) to the assisted reproduction laboratory, where mature (metaphase II) oocytes are vitrified.
In this case, a series of 23 women with MRKH, oocytes were successfully retrieved and cryopreserved in all patients; vaginoplasty was subsequently conducted without modifications, and the inpatient and outpatient postoperative care (day of urinary catheter removal, day of hospital discharge, dilator use, and comfort at follow-up) remained unaffected. One postoperative complication occurred in one patient (fever developing on day 5 post surgery and intraperitoneal fluid detection on transabdominal ultrasound) and resolved after conservative treatment. Rather than performing surgical vaginoplasty and delaying oocyte retrieval in MRKH patients, this approach combines both procedures in a single laparoscopy, thereby minimizing surgical invasiveness and anesthesiologic risks.

Table 2 includes ovarian stimulation data of the patients, whereas main surgical and functional outcomes are described in Table 3. The concomitant laparoscopic procedures of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty were combined successfully in all patients. An average of 11.4 &#177; 5.4 (mean &#177; SD) oocytes were retrieved, and 9.6 &#177; 4.3 MII oocytes were cryopreserved (Table 3). In our experience with oocyte cryopreservation in patients undergoing ART, postwarming oocy...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome at JoVE.com

Laparoscopic Oocyte Retrieval and Cryopreservation during Vaginoplasty for Treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome

A dedicated team can offer Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser patients the option to perform controlled ovarian stimulation and oocyte cryopreservation at the time of laparoscopic vaginoplasty.

In Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome (MRKHS) patients who are scheduled for laparoscopic vaginoplasty and have a desire for biological motherhood, ...

Our approach allows to minimize invasive sickness in the treatment of Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome by combining laparoscopic vaginoplasty and oocyte retrieval for future fertility treatments. The main advantages of our approach are the requirement for a single anesthesia and the overcoming of the infeasibility of a transvaginal oocyte retrieval in younger Rokitansky patients. The procedure will be demonstrated by Diana Delprato, a senior gynecologist of our infertility unit and by Alessandra Alteri and Greta Cermisoni, two senior clinical embryologists from our assisted reproduction lab.Start controlled ovarian stimulation on day 14 from the day of surgery. Monitor ovarian response by serial transabdominal ultrasound and concomitant measurements of estradiol and progesterone. Establish pneumoperitoneum with an open technique.Position one 10-millimeter umbilical trocar for insertion of the laparoscope and three five-millimeter trocars in the central, right, and left lower quadrants. Under laparoscopic vision, use a 17-gauge single lumen needle connected to an aspiration pump, as commonly employed for transvaginal retrieval through the central and left trocars for puncture of the right and left ovary, respectively. Lift and hold the ovaries with laparoscopic forceps to facilitate exposure of the follicles.When aspirating multiple follicles that are one close to another, retain the needle tip in the ovary to reduce the number of times that the ovarian cortex is transfixed and the inherent risk of bleeding. Dissect the peritoneum by lifting and incising the peritoneal strand transversely between the two rudimental uterine horns, and then, extending the incision laterally, anteriorly, and posteriorly. Expose the vaginal dimple on the perineal approach and perform an H-shaped incision and create a neo-vaginal space by sharp and blunt dissection of the vesicorectal space.Then, pull down the dissected peritoneal margins to the edge of the vaginal vestibulum. Position interrupted sutures in polydioxanone synthetic absorbable 3-0 for the peritoneal vestibular anastomosis. Begin a purse string suture in polydioxanone synthetic absorbable 2-0 monofilament in each hemipelvis from the mobilized peritoneum above the bladder with connective transfixion of the round ligament, the tubal isthmus, the utero-ovarian ligament, and the lateral peritoneal leaf.Then, include in the two sutures the lateral aspect of the mesorectum and the anterior aspect of the rectal serosa immediately below the rectosigmoid junction. Lastly, place a paraffin-coated gauze in the peritoneum-coated neovagina. Collect the follicular aspirates in 10-millimeter round-bottom tubes kept warm in a portable incubator and immediately transport them to the embryology laboratory with a transportation time of approximately 10 minutes.As all the cumulus oocyte complexes are collected, place them into the four-well dish containing the fertilization medium and label the lid and the bottom with data relating to the patient's identity. Incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius in a controlled atmosphere containing 6%carbon dioxide and 5%oxygen. Ensure that a double-checking of the procedure is performed by a second member of the laboratory staff.Perform cumulus corona cells removal within 38 hours post-ovulation trigger. Place cumulus oocyte complexes in the central well containing the enzyme to disperse the cumulus cells with a glass Pasteur pipette, gently pipetting the solution containing cumulus oocyte complexes up and down for up to 30 seconds. Move the oocytes to the second central well dish containing only HEPES buffered medium, making sure to displace a minimum amount of the enzyme.Remove the remaining corona cells using denuding pipettes with decreasing inner diameters. Assess the stage of oocyte maturation, separating metaphase II oocytes. Transfer the metaphase II oocytes in an IVF culture 60-millimeter Petri dish containing nine drops of continuous single culture medium covered with six millimeter of mineral oil.Incubate them at 37 degrees Celsius in a controlled atmosphere containing 6%carbon dioxide and 5%oxygen. Fill a cooling box up to the top with fresh liquid nitrogen and cover until used to minimize dispersion and evaporation. Use a stripper pipette with an inner diameter of 170 micrometers to avoid damaging oocytes during manipulation.Gently shake each vial of equilibration solution, vitrification solution, and washing solution to mix the contents before use. Prepare the lid of a 60-milliliter Petri dish with one drop of 50 microliters of washing solution one. Place drops just before use to limit medium evaporation.Take the oocyte dish from the incubator and transfer the metaphase II oocytes with a minimal volume of medium from the culture dish into the 50 microliters of washing solution. Dispense 50-microliter drops of washing solution two, equilibration solution one, and equilibration solution two in close proximity and transfer oocytes from drop washing solution one into drop washing solution two. Merge the drop of equilibration solution one to washing solution two and wait for two minutes for the spontaneous mixing of both the solutions.Then, merge the drop of equilibration solution two to the previously merged drops and leave for a further two minutes. Finally, merge a new 100-microliter drop of equilibration solution three to the previously merged drops and leave for one additional minute. Place the oocytes into 100-microliter drop of equilibration solution four for 10 minutes.Dispense two 50-microliter drops of vitrification solution and one 100-microliters of vitrification solution. Move the oocytes sequentially into the three drops of vitrification solution for 60 seconds so that the oocytes remain in each drop for approximately 20 seconds. When approximately 10 seconds are left before the end of the 60 seconds of incubation, place the cryodevice under the microscope.Carry the oocytes at the tip of the pipette and place them on the cryodevice with the minimum amount of vitrification solution. Aspirate the excess vitrification solution, leaving the oocytes covered by a thin layer of vitrification solution. Plunge the cryodevice directly into liquid nitrogen and move it rapidly.Keep the device in liquid nitrogen and cover it with a protective lid. The concomitant laparoscopic procedures of oocyte retrieval and vaginoplasty were combined successfully in all patients. An average of 11.4 5.4 oocytes were retrieved and 9.6 4.3 M2 oocytes were cryo-preserved.The total average operative time was 114 17 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was insignificant in all patients and no intraoperative adverse events were observed. On day three post-surgery, the patients began daily dilator use and were discharged on day 6.0 1.0.A cautious aspiration of follicles within the ovary is recommended, with due attention paid to the automatic mobilization of the ovaries in order to ensure optimal access and retrieval.

laparoscopic-oocyte-retrieval-cryopreservation-during-vaginoplasty

Research

JoVE Journal

Medicine

Isolation, Cryopreservation and Culture of Human Amnion Epithelial Cells for Clinical Applications

Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) derived from term or pre-term amnion membranes have attracted attention from researchers and clinicians as a potential source of cells for regenerative medicine. The reason for this interest is evidence that these cells have highly multipotent differentiation ability, low immunogenicity, and anti-inflammatory functions. These properties have prompted researchers to investigate the potential of hAECs to be used to treat a variety of diseases and disorders in pre-clinical animal studies with much success.
hAECs have found widespread application for the treatment of a range of diseases and disorders. Potential clinical applications of hAECs include the treatment of stroke, multiple sclerosis, liver disease, diabetes and chronic and acute lung diseases. Progressing from pre-clinical animal studies into clinical trials requires a higher standard of quality control and safety for cell therapy products. For safety and quality control considerations, it is preferred that cell isolation protocols use animal product-free reagents. 
We have developed protocols to allow researchers to isolate, cryopreserve and culture hAECs using animal product-free reagents. The advantage of this method is that these cells can be isolated, characterized, cryopreserved and cultured without the risk of delivering potentially harmful animal pathogens to humans, while maintaining suitable cell yields, viabilities and growth potential. For researchers moving from pre-clinical animal studies to clinical trials, these methodologies will greatly accelerate regulatory approval, decrease risks and improve the quality of their therapeutic cell population.

We describe a protocol to isolate and culture human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) using animal product-free reagents in accordance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) guidelines.

Human amnion epithelial cells (hAECs) derived from term or pre-term amnion membranes have attracted attention from researchers and clinicians as a ...

Laparoscopic Technique for Serial Collection of Liver and Mesenteric Lymph Nodes in Macaques

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the liver are exposed to microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, making them immunologically unique. The GI tract and associated MLN are sites of early viral replication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the MLN are likely important reservoir sites that harbor latently-infected cells even after prolonged antiretroviral therapy (ART). The liver has been shown to play a significant role in immune responses to lentiviruses and appears to play a significant role in clearance of virus from circulation. Nonhuman primate (NHP) models for HIV and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) closely mimic these aspects of HIV infection and serial longitudinal sampling of primary sites of viral replication and the associated immune responses in this model will help to elucidate critical events in infection, pathogenesis, and the impact of various intervention strategies on these events. Current published techniques to sample liver and MLN together involve major surgery and/or necropsy, which limits the ability to investigate these important sites in a serial fashion in the same animal. We have previously described a laparoscopic technique for collection of MLN. Here, we describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique for serial longitudinal sampling of liver and MLN through the same two port locations required for the collection of MLN. The use of the same two ports minimizes the impact to the animals as no additional incisions are required. This technique can be used with increased sampling frequency compared to major abdominal surgery and reduces the potential for surgical complications and associated local and systemic inflammatory responses that could complicate interpretation of results. This procedure has potential to facilitate studies involving NHP models while improving animal welfare.

Here, we describe a minimally invasive laparoscopic technique for serial sampling of liver and mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) in macaques that allows for increased sampling frequency, and reduces the potential for surgical complications when compared to performing a laparotomy.

The mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) and the liver are exposed to microbes and microbial products from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, making them ...

Transaxillary First Rib Resection for Treatment of the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a common disorder that causes a significant loss of productivity. The transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) protocol has been used for the decompression of trapped neurovascular structures in the TOS. Among the other surgical procedures, the advantage of the TFRR is that it has the smallest rate of recurrence and better cosmetic outcomes. The disadvantage of TFRR is that it provides a narrow, and deep working corridor that makes obtaining vascular control challenging.

Here, we present a protocol of the transaxillary resection of the first rib for treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome caused by compression of the brachial plexus, subclavian vein and artery.

Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a common disorder that causes a significant loss of productivity. The transaxillary first rib resection (TFRR) protocol ...

Technical Modification of the Terminal Ureter During Total Transperitoneal Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment procedure. At present, different choices still exist for treating the ureteral end during laparoscopic ureteral bladder sleeve resection. Our center has adopted a new method for treating the ureteral end. This new method can increase the operating space and reduce the difficulty of the surgery compared with current methods.

Here, we present a protocol to increase the surgical field of view and reduce the difficulty of total transperitoneal laparoscopic nephroureterectomy surgery by precutting the umbilical ligament before treating the terminal ureter.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) accounts for 5%&ndash;10% of all urothelial tumors. Radical nephroureterectomy is the standard treatment ...

OP-IVM: Combining In vitro Maturation after Oocyte Retrieval with Gynecological Surgery

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery. OP-IVM is suitable for patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery who have the need for fertility preservation (FP) or infertility treatments such as in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET). In the operating room, patients undergoing benign gynecological surgery are first anesthetized and receive ultrasound-guided immature follicle aspiration (IMFA) treatment. As the subsequent gynecological surgery is performed, the cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) are examined, and the immature COCs are transferred into the IVM medium and cultured for 28-32 hours in the IVF laboratory. After assessment, mature oocytes in the MII stage will be selected and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen for FP or fertilized by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for IVF-ET. By combining IVM with gynecological surgery, immature oocytes that would have been discarded can be saved and used for assisted reproductive technology (ART). The procedure, significance and critical aspects of OP-IVM are described in this article.

In vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) combines IVM following oocyte retrieval with routine gynecological surgery and serves as an extension of conventional IVM applications for fertility preservation.

The use of in vitro maturation (IVM) before gynecological operation (OP-IVM) is an extension of conventional IVM that combines IVM following oocyte ...

Surgical Techniques to Optimize Ovarian Reserve during Laparoscopic Cystectomy for Ovarian Endometrioma

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts to spare normal ovarian cortex. Optimization of tubal anatomy is another frequent consideration. Fertility-sparing laparoscopic techniques at the time of cystectomy for ovarian endometrioma seek to limit iatrogenic surgical damage to the ovarian cortex and strategically assess and respond to genital tract patency. Surgical candidates frequently desire relief from endometriosis-associated pain while also seeking to optimize spontaneous or assisted conception rates. Operative benefits include potential for surgical and histopathologic diagnosis of endometriosis, evaluation of genital tract patency, and treatment of visualized lesions. Resection of ovarian endometrioma nonetheless poses significant risks, including surgical injury, blood loss, post-surgical decline in ovarian reserve and post-operative inflammation with adhesion formation, both of which may impair folliculogenesis.
We present the case of a 32-year-old woman with known endometriosis and continued pain refractory to medical management who opted for surgical management of her disease tailored toward optimizing her chances at future conception. Using this case as an example, we describe techniques and considerations for diagnostic laparoscopy, adhesiolysis, ovarian cystectomy, chromopertubation, and salpingectomy with a focus on maintaining a fertility-preserving approach.

This protocol presents techniques to laparoscopically excise ovarian endometrioma, to perform adhesiolysis with sparing electrosurgical application, and to employ intraoperative chromopertubation to assess for genital tract patency. This systematic approach will facilitate optimal endometriosis management, guide concomitant adnexal surgeries, and enhance post-surgical fertility outcomes.

Surgical management of ovarian endometrioma in patients desiring fertility is complicated by the need to balance maximal resection of disease with efforts ...

Laparoscopic Non-Mesh Cerclage Pectopexy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore apical support for treating POP. Sacrocolpopexy and pectopexy are indicated for apical prolapse. Using a synthetic mesh in these techniques increases success by enhancing apical support. However, the implantation of synthetic mesh is associated with mesh-related complications. In addition, the exorbitant cost of synthetic mesh and lack of universal access limit the popularity of these procedures. The current study develops a unique technique known as laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy (LNMCP), in which permanent cervical cerclage sutures are embedded in the round ligament until the iliopectineal ligament. The iliopectineal ligament was sutured, resulting in a firm cervical suspension. The procedure was successfully performed in 16 cases in the hospital. The surgical duration was 67.8 min &plusmn; 15.5 min, and the blood loss was 73.1 mL &plusmn; 51.1 mL. No procedural complications were seen. LNMCP is associated with an objective success rate of 100% and a subjective success rate of 93.8%. LNMCP for patients with apical prolapse obviates the need for a mesh, thereby avoiding complications associated with mesh erosion and reducing medical costs. In addition, it is easy to perform even in resource-poor areas without access to synthetic mesh.

The present pilot study describes the development of laparoscopic non-mesh cerclage pectopexy to treat pelvic organ prolapse. The procedure can be used to prevent any complications associated with the use of mesh.

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is widespread among the female population and significantly impairs the patient's quality of life. It is important to restore ...

Use of the Scissor-Type Knife During the Peroral Endoscopy Myotomy Procedure for the Treatment of Achalasia

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the first-line treatment modalities along with pneumatic dilation and Heller myotomy for patients with achalasia. Endoscopists, especially trainees during the learning phase, commonly face difficulty in tissue plane dissection and selective myotomy while working near the esophagogastric junction, with increased risks of inadvertent injury, unexpected bleeding, and inadequate myotomy. To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of POEM, we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis. The standard techniques used with the scissor-type knife involve grasping the target tissue, and then dissection or coagulation. The confirmation of the cutting line after grasping improves the accuracy and reliability of dissection, which is particularly useful for the selective myotomy of the internal circular muscle. Meanwhile, the scissor-type knife provides enhanced hemostatic capability and enables hemostasis and pre-coagulation without the device exchange for hemostatic forceps. Evaluation of the clinical outcomes in three patients who successfully received POEM using the scissor-type knife revealed no perioperative adverse events. At the 3-month follow-up, all patients achieved clinical success with postoperative Eckardt scores ranging from 0 to 1. In conclusion, the use of a scissor-type knife could minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of the POEM procedures, which may be suitable for trainees during the learning phase.

To minimize the technical difficulty and improve the safety of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), we describe a protocol for using a scissor-type knife for the main steps of POEM, including mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling, myotomy, and hemostasis.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is one of the first-line treatment modalities along with pneumatic dilation and Heller myotomy for patients with ...

Advancing Cryostorage of Human Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells

Cryopreservation of Human Embryonic Stem Cell-Derived Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells at the Optimal Stage

Retinal pigment epithelial&#160;(RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are superior cell sources for cell replacement therapy in individuals with retinal degenerative diseases; however, studies on the stable and secure banking of these therapeutic cells are scarce. Highly variable cell viability and functional recovery of&#160;RPE cells after cryopreservation are the most commonly encountered issues. In the present protocol, we aimed to achieve the best cell recovery rate after thawing by selecting the optimal cell phase for freezing based on the original experimental conditions. Cells were frozen in the exponential phase determined by using the 5-ethynyl-2&#8242;-deoxyuridine labeling assay, which improved cell viability and recovery rate after thawing. Stable and functional cells were obtained shortly after thawing, independent of a long differentiation process. The methods described here allow the simple, efficient, and inexpensive preservation and thawing of hESC-derived RPE cells. Although this protocol focuses on RPE cells, this freezing strategy may be applied to many other types of differentiated cells.

Author Spotlight: Development of an Efficient and Feasible Method of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Freezing

This study provides a detailed protocol for the efficient cryopreservation of human stem cell-derived retinal pigment epithelial cells.

Retinal pigment epithelial&#160;(RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are superior cell sources for cell replacement therapy in ...

An Efficient Modified Method for Treating Wasting Marmoset Syndrome

Modification of the Treatment Methods for Wasting Marmoset Syndrome with Tranexamic Acid and Supportive Measures

Wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS), a serious disease in captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies, is associated with a high mortality rate. The specific cause of WMS is still unclear and there are few effective treatments. Previously, we had reported a tranexamic acid therapy with supportive measures as a useful treatment for WMS. In the present study, we describe the modified method: a combination of 0.1 mL of 5% tranexamic acid subcutaneously five times per week, 2.0 mL of amino acid formulation intravenously three times per week, 5.0 mL of Ringer's lactate with 0.1 mL of a vitamin formulation subcutaneously three times per week, and oral administration of 0.1 mL of an iron formulation five times per week. We also describe how to administer the solution intravenously via the saphenous vein with a tip of restraining the animal, as well as the detailed methods for oral and subcutaneous administration. The modified methods have comparable efficiency to the original WMS treatment method.

Author Spotlight: Developing a Safer and More Efficient Treatment Protocol for Wasting Marmoset Syndrome (WMS)

Here, we describe the modified treatment methods for wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS, also known as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-like disease) with tranexamic acid. We also present how to administer the therapeutic agents orally, subcutaneously, and intravenously.

Wasting marmoset syndrome (WMS), a serious disease in captive common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) colonies, is associated with a high mortality rate. The ...