Journal of the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy

esge_logo

Reproductive performance following hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine adhesions: single surgeon data

L.S. Direk 1, M. Salman 2, A. Alchami 2, E. Saridogan 1,2

1 University College London, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women’s Health
2 University College London Hospital, Reproductive Medicine Unit

Keywords:

Intrauterine adhesions, Asherman syndrome, hysteroscopic treatment, reproductive outcome


Published online: Apr 03 2022

https://doi.org/10.52054/FVVO.14.1.005

Abstract

Background: Intrauterine adhesions can negatively affect reproductive outcomes by causing infertility, miscarriage and preterm birth in women. Hysteroscopic surgery is now widely accepted as the treatment of choice in symptomatic women to restore reproductive function.

Objectives: To analyse the patient characteristics and long-term reproductive outcomes of women who received treatment for intrauterine adhesions under the care of a single surgeon.

Materials and Methods: In this retrospective analysis, all women who underwent hysteroscopic surgery for intrauterine adhesions under the care of the same surgeon between January 2001 and December 2019 were identified and their data were evaluated. Relevant demographic, diagnostic and reproductive outcome data was procured from patient notes. Referring doctors and patients were contacted to obtain missing information.

Main outcome measures: Live birth and miscarriage rates.

Results: 126 women were treated for intrauterine adhesions. Of those women who were trying to conceive, 71.4% (65/91) achieved pregnancy, 58.2% (53/91) had live births and 13.2% (12/91) had miscarriages. No statistically significant difference was found in the live birth rates when data was analysed in subgroups based on age, reason for referral/aetiology and severity of pathology.

Conclusions: Hysteroscopic surgery leads to live birth in the majority of women with intrauterine adhesions. The lack of statistically significant difference in live birth rates across subgroups, including advanced age and severe pathology, suggests that surgery in all women wanting to conceive can be justified.

What is new? Hysteroscopic treatment can lead to successful outcomes even in the presence of severe adhesions and in older women with appropriate treatment.