The OPPIuM technique: office hysteroscopic technique for the preparation of partially intramural leiomyomas

Abstract

Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, represent the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. Submucosal leiomyomas are classified into three grades: G0, GI, GII according to the degree of their intramural proportion. A recently developed technique enables the preparation of G1 and G2 leiomyomas for their subsequent successful resection in a second step. The OPPIuM (office preparation of partially intramural leiomyomas) technique aims to downgrade type I and II leiomyomas, in order to facilitate a subsequent easier and safer resectoscopy. Hysteroscopic resection of large GI or GII submucosal fibroids is a complex procedure. OPPIuM technique has been invented and seems to achieve the downgrading of these types of leiomyomas in approximately 93% of cases, without any significant surgical complications or the need of hormonal agents' administration. In this way, the safer and quicker subsequent complete myomectomy is facilitated.