Effect of hysteroscopic septum resection on subsequent in vitro fertilization–intracytoplasmic sperm injection outcomes in cases of primary infertility

Abstract

ObjectiveWomen with septate uteri are at risk for subfertility, recurrent miscarriage, and preterm birth. It is not clear if hysteroscopic septum resection is beneficial to subsequent in vitro fertilization–intracytoplasmic sperm injection o (IVF/ICSI) outcomes in women with primary infertility. Study DesignWe analyzed all 278 women with uterine septum and primary infertility between January 2011 and January 2019. In this retrospective cohort study, the patients were divided into a surgery group and an expectant (non-surgery) group. ResultsAmong them, 87 had a complete and 191 a partial septate uterus. The IVF-ET characteristics of the two groups showed no significant differences in the patients’ age, body mass index, or basal follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and estradiol levels (P>0.05). The miscarriage rate in those who underwent hysteroscopic septum resection, however, was significantly reduced (5.1% vs. 12.9%, P = 0.035). In contrast, the live birth rate between the two groups revealed no significant difference (51.4% vs. 43.6%, P = 0.1771), nor did the obstetric and neonatal outcomes (P>0.05). ConclusionsHysteroscopic septum resection can be recommended prior to IVF/ICSI.