BACKGROUND: Although hysteroscopy is frequently used in the management of subfertile women, a systematic review of the evidence on this subject is lacking. METHODS: We summarized and appraised the evidence for the benefit yielded by this procedure. Our systematic search was limited to randomized and controlled studies. The QUOROM and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Language restrictions were not applied. RESULTS: We identified 30 relevant publications. Hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps with a mean diameter of 16 mm detected by ultrasound doubles the pregnancy rate when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy and polyp biopsy in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination, starting 3 months after the surgical intervention [relative risk (RR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-3.2]. In patients with one fibroid structure smaller than 4 cm, there was a marginally significant benefit from myomectomy when compared with expectant management (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.7). Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus resulted in fewer pregnancies in patients with subfertility when compared with those with recurrent pregnancy loss (RR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Randomized controlled studies on hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine adhesions are lacking. Hysteroscopy in the cycle preceding a subsequent IVF attempt nearly doubles the pregnancy rate in patients with at least two failed IVF attempts compared with starting IVF immediately (RR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5-2.0). CONCLUSIONS: Scarce evidence on the effectiveness of hysteroscopic surgery in subfertile women with polyps, fibroids, septate uterus or intrauterine adhesions indicates a potential benefit. More randomized controlled trials are needed before widespread use of hysteroscopic surgery in the general subfertile population can be justified.
BACKGROUND: Although hysteroscopy is frequently used in the management of subfertile women, a systematic review of the evidence on this subject is lacking. METHODS: We summarized and appraised the evidence for the benefit yielded by this procedure. Our systematic search was limited to randomized and controlled studies. The QUOROM and MOOSE guidelines were followed. Language restrictions were not applied. RESULTS: We identified 30 relevant publications. Hysteroscopic removal of endometrial polyps with a mean diameter of 16 mm detected by ultrasound doubles the pregnancy rate when compared with diagnostic hysteroscopy and polyp biopsy in patients undergoing intrauterine insemination, starting 3 months after the surgical intervention [relative risk (RR) = 2.3; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6-3.2]. In patients with one fibroid structure smaller than 4 cm, there was a marginally significant benefit from myomectomy when compared with expectant management (RR = 1.9; 95% CI: 1.0-3.7). Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus resulted in fewer pregnancies in patients with subfertility when compared with those with recurrent pregnancy loss (RR = 0.7; 95% CI: 0.5-0.9). Randomized controlled studies on hysteroscopic treatment of intrauterine adhesions are lacking. Hysteroscopy in the cycle preceding a subsequent IVF attempt nearly doubles the pregnancy rate in patients with at least two failed IVF attempts compared with starting IVF immediately (RR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.5-2.0). CONCLUSIONS: Scarce evidence on the effectiveness of hysteroscopic surgery in subfertile women with polyps, fibroids, septate uterus or intrauterine adhesions indicates a potential benefit. More randomized controlled trials are needed before widespread use of hysteroscopic surgery in the general subfertile population can be justified.
Authors: Gary Levy; Micah J Hill; Stephanie Beall; Shvetha M Zarek; James H Segars; William H Catherino Journal: J Assist Reprod Genet Date: 2012-05-15 Impact factor: 3.412
Authors: Janine G Smit; Jenneke C Kasius; Marinus J C Eijkemans; Carolien A M Koks; Ron Van Golde; Jurjen G E Oosterhuis; Annemiek W Nap; Gabrielle J Scheffer; Petra A P Manger; Annemiek Hoek; Mesrure Kaplan; Dick B C Schoot; Arne M van Heusden; Walter K H Kuchenbecker; Denise A M Perquin; Kathrin Fleischer; Eugenie M Kaaijk; Alexander Sluijmer; Jaap Friederich; Joop S E Laven; Marcel van Hooff; Leonie A Louwe; Janet Kwee; Jantien J Boomgaard; Corry H de Koning; Ineke C A H Janssen; Femke Mol; Ben W J Mol; Helen L Torrance; Frank J M Broekmans Journal: BMC Womens Health Date: 2012-08-08 Impact factor: 2.809
Authors: Jan Bosteels; Steffi van Wessel; Steven Weyers; Frank J Broekmans; Thomas M D'Hooghe; M Y Bongers; Ben Willem J Mol Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2018-12-05