GnRH agonist analogs and hysteroscopic resection of myomas

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of pretreatment with GnRH analogs and hysteroscopic resection of submucous myomas previously deemed to be contraindicated for this approach. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were included in this study. Patients were assessed by ultrasonography and diagnostic hysteroscopy. They were treated with depot GnRH analogs for 3 months and then scheduled for hysteroscopic surgery. RESULTS: After GnRH therapy the diameter was 61 ± 10% of the initial diameter. In one patient, therapy was almost ineffective. Hysteroscopic surgery was possible in all 25 patients. Seven patients presented an intramural myoma that was not possible to remove entirely during the first attempt. After dessication and 2 supplementary months of GnRH analog therapy, a second surgical attempt was successful in complete removal of the tumor in all except one case. In one patient hysterectomy 15 days after hysteroscopic surgery was necessary for incoercible bleeding due to a deep adenomiosis. CONCLUSIONS: A combined medical and surgical approach seems to reduce the limit of hysteroscopic surgery and avoid open myomectomy or hysterectomy in a well selected group of patients.