Prevention Of Intrauterine Adhesions Research Articles

Prevention of intrauterine adhesions.

Intrauterine adhesions are a serious complication that occurs after intrauterine procedures, most often in connection with pregnancy. Manifestations such as amenorrhea, pelvic pain, and infertility for a woman, especially in reproductive age, are serious and together with intrauterine adhesions we call them Asherman's syndrome. Primary prevention after intrauterine procedures is important. Published studies show that the use of hyaluronic acid gel, especially after abortions, leads to the prevention of moderate and severe intrauterine adhesions and also increases the pregnancy rate.

Protective Effects of Engineered Lactobacillus crispatus on Intrauterine Adhesions in Mice via Delivering CXCL12.

Endometrial injury is the main cause of intrauterine adhesions (IUA), and there is currently no effective prevention and treatment. Immune cells play an important role in damage repair by sensing the change in the microenvironment. Exogenous CXCL12 can promote tissue regeneration and repair by recruiting immune cells, but its effect and possible mechanism on endometrial regeneration and repair have not been reported. In the present study, we constructed an engineered a Lactobacillus crispatus strain by transforming a pMG36e plasmid carrying a CXCL12 gene into the bacterium, and developed two animal models, the intrauterine adhesion mice with or without diabetes to evaluate the positive effects of this strain on the prevention of IUA after accepting intrauterine surgery in normal and diabetic mice. The results showed that vaginal application of L. crispatus-pMG36e-mCXCL12 strains significantly diminished the levels of pro-inflammatory factors interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and uterine tissues of IUA mice, and resulted in the inhibition of the inflammatory (toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor-κb, TLR4/NF-κB) and fibrotic (transforming growth factor-β1/smads, TGF-β1/Smads) signalling pathways in the uterine tissues. The high-throughput sequencing results further indicated that treatment with L. crispatus-pMG36e-mCXCL12 strains greatly increased the abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and reduced that of the pathogenic Klebsiella spp. in IUA mice. Furthermore, among intrauterine adhesion mice with diabetes, we obtained similar results to non-diabetic mice, that is, L.crispatus-pMG36e-mCXCL12 significantly improved fibrosis and inflammation in the uterine cavity of diabetic mice, and restored the vaginal microbiota balance in diabetic mice. Therefore, we speculated that vaginal administration of L. crispatus-pMG36e-mCXCL12 strains can effectively alleviate intrauterine adhesions by restoring the microbial balance and reducing inflammation and fibrosis caused by surgery.

Peptidome analysis of human intrauterine adhesion tissues and the identification of antifibrotic peptide.

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is a common clinical endometrial disease, which can severely damage the fertility and quality of life in women. This study aims to find the differentially expressed endogenous peptides and their possible roles in IUA. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify the peptidomic profiling of IUA tissues, and the differentially expressed peptides were screened out. Using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry staining, the function of six endogenous peptides was verified in vitro. It was found that peptide 6 (T6) (peptide sequence: TFGGAPGFPLGSPLSSVFPR) could inhibit the expression of TGF-β1-induced cell fibrosis in human endometrial stromal cell line and primary human endometrial stromal cell at a concentration of 50 μmol/L. This study provides new targets for further clarifying the formation and prevention of IUA.

EFFECTIVENESS OF HYALURONAN GEL, INTRAUTERINE DEVICE AND THEIR COMBINATION FOR PREVENTION ADHESIONS IN PATIENTS AFTER INTRAUTERINE SURGERY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS

According to recent studies, Asherman’s syndrome is one of the reasons for female infertility. However, adhesiolysis only can cause recurrence and implantation failure. The aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis is to summarize all available data regarding the effectiveness of hyaluronan gel, an intrauterine device (IUD) and their combination in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions.

Effectiveness of Hyaluronic Acid Gel and Intrauterine Devices in Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after Hysteroscopic Adhesiolysis in Infertile Women

To compare the recurrence rate, post-treatment American Fertility Society (AFS) score, ongoing pregnancy rate, and endometrial thickness of 3 secondary prevention therapies in preventing recurrent intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) and increasing pregnancy rates in infertile women after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. A retrospective study. A private fertility hospital. A total of 200 consecutive infertile women, with the desire to have a baby and were diagnosed as having IUAs detected by hysterosalpingogram, who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis for IUAs from January, 2018 to May, 2020. Women who underwent hysteroscopic adhesiolysis received hormone therapy, and one of the 3 secondary preventions: hyaluronic acid (HA) gel alone, intrauterine devices (IUDs) alone, or HA gel+IUD. Of the 200 women included in the final analysis, 121 received HA alone, 59 were treated with IUD alone, and 20 received HA gel+IUD combination. The mean post-treatment AFS score for IUAs was significantly lower in the HA gel+IUD group than the HA alone or the IUD alone groups (adjusted p=.01 and p=.02, respectively). Multivariable analysis revealed a significantly lower recurrence rate in the women after treatment with HA gel+IUD than HA alone (adjusted odds ratio, 0.19; 95% credible interval [CreI], 0.03-0.88). Women treated with HA gel+IUD also had reduced post-treatment AFS scores compared with HA alone (β coefficients, -0.83; 95% CreI, -1.64 to -0.01). For ongoing pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization, the adjusted odds ratio for HA gel+IUD vs HA alone was 2.03 (95% CreI, 0.44-11.00) and for IUD alone vs HA alone was 1.13 (95% CreI, 0.41-3.29), indicating nonsignificant differences. There were no differences observed in endometrial thickness on the day of embryo transfer among the 3 groups. The investigation of the primary outcome in reducing the recurrence rate IUA after treatment demonstrated that a combination of HA gel+IUD provides greater prevention of recurrent IUAs and may decrease post-treatment AFS scores for infertile women undergoing hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. However, for the secondary outcome of increasing pregnancy rates, there was no improvement in the ongoing pregnancy rates after in vitro fertilization.

Crosslinked Hyaluronic Acid Gels for the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after a Hysteroscopic Myomectomy in Women with Submucosal Myomas: A Prospective, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA), fibrosis, and scarring resulting from damage to the endometrium is a rare but serious clinical disease, contributing to a significant impairment of reproductive function. Uterine instrumentation, especially that of a hysteroscopic myomectomy, has become the main cause of IUA. Therefore, a prospective randomized controlled study to assess the effectiveness and short-term safety of the use of hyaluronic acid gels in the prevention of IUA after a hysteroscopic myomectomy and an evaluation of the characteristics of IUA observed at follow-up are presented here. A total of 70 patients were analyzed at the end of 16 March 2020. The results show that the incidence of IUA in women who underwent a hysteroscopic myomectomy is 21.4% (15/70), overall. Women treated with hyaluronic acid gels have a statistically significantly lower incidence of IUAs than non-treated women (12.8% vs. 39.1%, p = 0.012). In addition, women in the anti-adhesive gel treatment group had a dramatically reduced severity of IUA than women in the no-treatment group (p = 0.002). Further analysis shows that the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification type and the use of anti-adhesive gels are independent factors associated with moderate and severe degrees of IUA formation. The results here highlight the significant therapeutic benefits of the application of hyaluronic acid gels in women undergoing a hysteroscopic myomectomy, especially for those patients with a uterine myoma classified as FIGO type 2. Since the risk of IUA after a hysteroscopic myomectomy is high, especially for patients who have not received prophylactic anti-adhesive gels, the application of hyaluronic acid gels as a prevention strategy is highly recommended. More studies are encouraged to confirm our observation.

Intrauterine adhesion prevention with Malecot catheter after hysteroscopic myomectomy: A novel approach

ObjectiveIntrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy contributes to infertility, recurrent miscarriages, menstrual irregularities, and hinders pregnancy outcomes. The aim of this study was to apply the indwelling Malecot catheter in prevention of intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic myomectomy and to further evaluate the effectiveness of this approach with reported live birth rates in infertile patients who underwent subsequent infertility treatment. Materials and methodsSeventeen patients with FIGO Classification System PALM-COIEN Type 0 or 1 submucous myoma that received hysteroscopic myomectomy were recruited in this retrospective analysis. Post-operative insertion of the Malecot catheter via the aid of the uterine sound was performed and the catheter was left in place for seven days. ResultsThe mean duration of TTP (time to pregnancy) was 15.6 months after hysteroscopy. Within three years after the operation, 10 out of 17 infertility patients achieved ongoing pregnancy over 12 weeks. Ongoing pregnancy rate was 58.8% (10/17). Eight patients achieved live birth (seven singletons, one twin pregnancy) with mean gestational age of 38 weeks. Live birth rate was 47.1% (8/17). ConclusionThe Malecot catheter is an inexpensive, easy-to-operate, and effective physical barrier method for preventing IUA in infertile patients undergoing hysteroscopic myomectomy with high live birth rate and no obvious visible post-operative adhesions.

Novel uterine closure technique to prevent intrauterine adhesions

The purpose of this video is to describe a novel uterine closure technique to prevent intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy. This is an important topic in the field as intrauterine adhesions can result in infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and future pregnancy complications, such as morbidly adherent placenta. In this video, we first discussed the epidemiology and the existing techniques that have been studied regarding the prevention of intrauterine adhesions. We then used an illustration to describe the suturing technique. We concluded with video clips demonstrating the technique from three of our myomectomy cases. This novel intraoperative uterine closure technique is one method that can potentially reduce the risk of intrauterine adhesion formation.

Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Integrated with Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Secretome to Treat Endometrial Injury in a Rat Model of Asherman's Syndrome.

Stem cell therapies have made strides toward the efficacious treatment of injured endometrium and the prevention of intrauterine adhesions, or Asherman's syndrome (AS). Despite this progress, they are limited by their risk of tumor formation, low engraftment rates, as well as storage and transportation logistics. While attempts have been made to curb these issues, there remains a need for simple and effective solutions. A growing body of evidence supports the theory that delivering media, conditioned with mesenchymal stem cells, might be a promising alternative to live cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cell-secretome (MSC-Sec) has a superior safety profile and can be stored without losing its regenerative properties. It is versatile enough to be added to a number of delivery vehicles that improve engraftment and control the release of the therapeutic. Thus, it holds great potential for the treatment of AS. Here, a new strategy for loading crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel (HA gel) with MSC-Sec is reported. The HA gel/MSC-Sec treatment paradigm creates a sustained release system that repairs endometrial injury in rats and promotes viable pregnancy.

The link between intrauterine adhesions and induced termination of pregnancy remains a challenge.

Termination of pregnancy (TOP) or induced TOP is one of the most commonly performed interventions on women of reproductive age: it is estimated that 30–50% of women will undergo at least one TOP during their lifetime (Templeton et al. N Engl J Med 2011;365:2198–204). Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are thought to develop following the destruction of the basal layer of the endometrium: during the healing process opposing walls of the uterus adhere together (Schenker Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1996;65:109–13). There is a link between induced TOP and IUA, but data concerning the incidence of IUA are conflicting. Mentula and co-workers conducted a retrospective nationwide registry cohort study. The rate of IUAs in 79 960 eligible induced TOPs were assessed: 1.5 and 2.0 cases of IUA per 10 000 TOPs following medically and surgically induced TOPs, respectively. Surgical evacuation of the remaining products of conception was significantly related to the risk of IUA formation (odds ratio, OR, 5.50; 95% confidence interval, 95% CI, 1.5–20.8). Although the authors should be complemented for conducting one of the largest studies on this topic, the results should be interpreted with caution. The authors included a wide range of diagnostic and operation codes to include as many cases of IUA as possible. Nevertheless, the reported incidence should be regarded as an underestimation of the real incidence. Women were retrieved by linking TOP registry data with hospital discharge registry data. The diagnosis of IUA was based on diagnostic and operation codes. Women with IUA who were asymptomatic remained undiscovered. Furthermore, the most severe cases of IUA requiring treatment were detected. The data in the TOP registry reported only the first attempted method for TOP. The method of TOP in women who received both treatment options was only classified by the primary method. Induced TOPs from 2000 to 2008 were analysed (representing an 8-year period). The question remains whether the treatment methods were comparable during the years included. In this registry-based study, detailed information on how medical or surgical treatment was performed throughout the period of study was not available. Nevertheless, there seems to have been differences across the years, as the rate of IUA significantly differed: 10 of the 12 IUA cases (83.3%) were diagnosed in the period 2000–2003, and only two IUA cases (16.7%) were diagnosed in the period 2004–2008 (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the overall re-evacuation rates after surgical management varied significantly, ranging from 11.8% in 2000 to 4.6% in 2008 (P < 0.001). Despite the reported limitations, Mentula and co-workers must be complimented for conducting this study on a clinically relevant topic. IUA formation is multifactorial, and can result in menstrual disturbances, infertility, and miscarriage. If pregnancy occurs, the risk of fetal growth restriction and placental implantation disorders is increased (Schenker et al. Fertil Steril 1982:37;593–610). Treatment of women with IUA remains a challenge, with the prognosis of moderate and severe adhesion remaining unsatisfactory. Even after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis, reproductive performance remains unsatisfactory (March Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 1995:22;491–505). IUA should be considered a surrogate indicator, as long-term fertility, reproductive outcome, and obstetric complications are clinically relevant. As a result of the possible implications of IUA, the prevention of IUA is crucial. None declared. The completed disclosure of interest form is available to view online as supporting information. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Efficacy of a New Crosslinked Hyaluronan Gel in the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions.

Background and Objectives:The authors sought to assess the effect of the use of a new crosslinked hyaluronan (NCH) gel on the prevention of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) in women underwent curettage in the second trimester.Methods:Between June 2016 and September 2017, 60 patients who underwent curettage for retained placental tissue after medically induced or spontaneous pregnancy loss in the second trimester were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: Group 1 patients received curettage plus NCH gel (intervention group), and group 2 patients received curettage alone (control group). The main outcomes were the rate and severity of IUA formation, which were assessed by follow-up hysteroscopy performed in the ensuing 2–6 months.Results:The hysteroscopic findings were available for 20 patients in group 1 and 28 patients in group 2. IUAs were observed in 6 patients in group 2, while no IUAs was observed in group 1 (P = .007). IUAs were staged as mild in 4 patients (14.28%) and moderate in 2 patients (7.14%) in group 2 according to the American Fertility Society classification of IUAs.Conclusions:Our study demonstrates that NCH gel appears to be able to reduce the formation of IUAs in women who undergo curettage in the second trimester, although larger controlled, randomized, multicenter studies are needed to confirm these results.

Experience of intrauterine application of anti-adhesive gel based on hyaluronic acid in the prevention of Asherman's syndrome in patients with the pathology of the uterine cavity and severe forms of endometriosis

Introduction. One of the leading problems of modern reproductive surgery is treatment of adhesive disease, and in turn, prevention of intrauterine adhesions after intrauterine interventions is of particular interest.&#x0D; Purpose: to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of anti-adhesive gel “Antiadgesin” for intrauterine use in patients with a combination of pathology of the uterine cavity and severe forms of endometriosis.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The study included 24 patients aged 23 to 39 years with a combination of pathology of the uterine cavity and severe forms of genital endometriosis. The main group consisted of 12 patients to whom the anti-adhesive gel “Antiadhesin” was applied at the end of the laparoscopic and hysteroscopic stages on the region of the ovaries, pelvic peritoneum in the areas of separation of the adhesions, and also inside the uterine cavity. The comparison group included 12 patients who received 0.9% sodium chloride solution (5 ml) on the surgical area. Patients of both groups underwent treatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a) 3.75 mg for 4 months after the operation. We performed gynecological ultrasound 4 weeks after operation, 4 weeks after the last injection of GnRH-a, and after the first menstrual bleeding. Assessment of the state of the uterine cavity, diagnosis of intrauterine synechia was performed by hydrosonography.&#x0D; Results. The duration of the operation, the amount of intraoperative blood loss did not differ significantly between the groups. In all patients, no complications of the postoperative period, no allergic or inflammatory reactions associated with the use of “Antiadhesin” were detected. The duration the uterine bleeding after the operation did not differ significantly between the groups. In 2 patients of the comparison group hydrosonography confirmed the adhesive pathology of the uterine cavity. In the main group there were not identified any signs of intrauterine adhesions by ultrasound. Within 12 months after the treatment, pregnancy occurred in 50% of the patients in the main group and in 33.3% of the patients in the comparison group.&#x0D; Conclusion. The results of the study showed that the introduction of the anti-adhesive gel “Antiadgesin” in the uterine cavity after hysteroresectoscopy is a safe and effective method for preventing the formation of intrauterine synechia.

Influence of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel on pregnancy rate and hysteroscopic outcomes following surgical removal of intra-uterine adhesions

ObjectiveTo determine the effect of the use of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel following hysteroscopic surgery on the prevention of intra-uterine adhesions (IUAs) and the pregnancy rate. Study designAn observational retrospective study of 90 patients who underwent hysteroscopic removal of IUAs was conducted between 2008 and 2013 at a tertiary university care centre. Thirty-two patients received ACP gel during hysteroscopic removal of IUAs, and the remaining 58 patients did not receive ACP gel. Controls were matched to cases according to infertility and severity of IUAs using the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) score. Four to six weeks after surgery, patients underwent diagnostic hysteroscopy to determine the re-occurrence of IUAs or the presence of adhesions. The patients were contacted by telephone to answer a questionnaire concerning their fertility. The main outcomes were pregnancy rate and postoperative IUAs. ResultsPregnancy (viable or not) rates were not influenced by the use of ACP gel. The viable pregnancy rate was eight of 24 (33.3%) in the ACP gel group and 12 of 49 (24.5%) in the control group (p=0.427). The mean interval between surgery and pregnancy was 11.8 [standard deviation (SD) 10.5] months in the ACP group compared with 13.4 (SD 14.1) months in the control group (p=0.744). The mean ASRM score after surgery (hysteroscopic diagnosis at 4–6 weeks postoperatively) was equivalent in the two groups: 2.7 (SD 3.0) in the ACP gel group vs 2.6 (SD 3.2) in the control group (p=0.854). The mean follow-up was 45.2 months (interquartile range 33.2–52.7), with a loss to follow-up of 25% in the ACP gel group compared with 15.5% in the control group (p=0.817). ConclusionApplication of ACP gel did not prevent recurrence of IUAs and was not associated with an increased pregnancy rate. ACP gel should be used with caution pending assessment in a randomized control trial in a larger population.

[Prevention of intrauterine adhesion with auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel: a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical study].

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid (HA) gel for preventing intrauterine adhesion (IUA) after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. A prospective, randomized, double blinded and controlled clinical trial (level I) was performed. According to American Fertility Society (AFS) scoring system, 120 patients (treatment group: 60 cases, control group: 60 cases) with moderate to severe IUA were enrolled. Upon completion of adhesiolysis, a Foley balloon catheter was first introduced into the uterine cavity and then 3 ml of auto-crosslinked HA gel for patients in the treatment group; patients in the control group, however, only received Foley balloon catheter. Second-look hysteroscopic examination was performed to all patients at 3 months postoperatively for evaluation of IUA. Primary endpoint was the reduction rate of IUA at 3 months after surgery. The secondary endpoints include total AFS score, score of each individual AFS category. At 3 months after surgery, auto-crosslinked HA gel resulted in significantly higher effective rate for reduction of adhesion, the effective rate were 76% (42/55) and 48% (27/56) respectively (P = 0.000 9); the total AFS score of treatment group was 2.1 ± 1.1, and significantly lower than that of control group (3.7 ± 2.5, P = 0.000 8). Application of auto-crosslinked HA gel after surgery significantly enhanced the improvement for each individual patient with regard to their adhesive type and menstrual pattern (P = 0.037 8, P = 0.000 4). The treatment group had significantly lower proportion of patients with moderate to severe adhesive stages than that of control group [13% (7/55) versus 38% (21/56), P = 0.000 6]. No adverse events and complications were observed. Auto-crosslinked HA gel coule be able to reduce IUA, decrease adhesion severity, and improve menopause postoperatively. This absorbable auto-crosslinked HA gel is proposed as a barrier for preventing IUA after intrauterine procedures.

Effectiveness of estrogen in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic septal resection: A prospective, randomized study

The aim of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy of estrogen in preventing intrauterine adhesions following hysteroscopic septal resection and to investigate its effect on reproductive outcome. After hysteroscopic septal resection, 90 women received either estrogen or placebo (n=45 per group) for 30 days. A second-look hysteroscopy was performed after 2 months. All pregnancies occurring during the study period were recorded. Adhesions developed in three of 43 (6.9%) patients in the control group compared to none in the estrogen group. This difference was not statistically significant (P=0.24). Regarding reproductive outcome, the differences between the two groups were also not significant. Estrogen treatment was not found to prevent intrauterine adhesions or improve reproductive outcome after hysteroscopic septal resection.

Management of intrauterine adhesions: A novel intrauterine device

Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) are a rare but significant cause of menstrual disturbance and infertility. Most cases are caused by uterine instrumentation. Several methods have been used to prevent IUAs in the past, which can be divided into two groups: pharmacological treatment and physical barrier. However, even with the liberal use of ancillary treatments to minimize reformation of adhesions, IUAs have a high rate of recurrence. Furthermore, medical literature of the last decades has only dedicated great attention to the restoration of normal anatomy in the uterine cavity, but not on the function of the endometrium. When the lesion of the endometrium is severe, especially intrauterine fibrosis, few basal layer is left which contains plenty stem cells to regenerate functional endometrium. Loss of endometrial stem cells directly causes the proliferation of fibrous tissue and subsequent synechiae. None of current treatments can compensate the defect of loss of stem cells. On the basis of existing researches, a novel intrauterine device (IUD) is recommended in this article. The new IUD consists of a light frame which contains two isolated drug-releasing system, one for estrogen and the other for cytokines to promote regeneration of endometrium such as growth factors, and a membrane in the middle of the frame which is also the carrier of endometrium stem cell. This device not only helps to preserve the original anatomy of the uterine cavity, but also to recover the function of endometrium. Experimental and clinical studies are now needed to testify the efficiency of the novel IUD in the prevention of IUAs. If there is a marked reduction in the IUAs and/or improvement of pregnancy success in the case group compared with the control group, our hypothesis will be confirmed.

Efficacy of a Polyethylene Oxide–Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Gel in Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions After Hysteroscopic Surgery

Study Objectives To assess the efficacy of a polyethylene oxide–sodium carboxymethylcellulose gel (Intercoat; Gynecare, division of Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, NJ) in preventing the development of de novo intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) after hysteroscopic surgery and to rate the patency of the internal uterine ostium at 1-month follow-up diagnostic hysteroscopy. Design Randomized controlled study (Canadian Task Force classification I). Setting University hospital. Patients One hundred ten patients diagnosed during office hysteroscopy as having single or multiple lesions suitable for surgical treatment or resistant dysfunctional uterine bleeding requiring endometrial ablation. Interventions Patients were randomized to 2 groups. Group 1 underwent hysteroscopic surgery plus intrauterine application of Intercoat gel, and group 2 underwent hysteroscopic surgery only (control group). Follow-up office hysteroscopy was performed at 1 month after surgery to assess the rate and severity of IUA formation and to rate the patency of the internal uterine ostium after the surgical intervention. Measurements and Main Results Compared with the group 2, group 1 demonstrated a significant reduction in the incidence (6% vs 22%; p <.05) of de-novo IUAs. Application of the gel seemed to reduce the severity of IUAs, with fewer moderate and severe IUAs at follow-up in group 1 in comparison with group 2 (33% vs 92%). Furthermore, group 1 demonstrated significant improvement in the degree of patency of the internal uterine ostium (41.9% of cases) in comparison with diagnostic office hysteroscopy performed at enrollment (p <.05). In contrast, in group 2, worsening of patency of the internal uterine ostium was recorded in 18.2% of cases (p <.05). Conclusions Intercoat gel seems to prevent de novo formation of IUAs and to improve the patency of the internal uterine ostium at follow-up hysteroscopy. However, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Asherman’s syndrome after removal of placenta remnants: a serious clinical problem

Intrauterine adhesions (IUA) or Asherman’s syndrome is thought to develop after trauma to the uterine cavity by destruction of the basal layer of the endometrium. IUA can result in menstrual disorders, infertility, and complication during pregnancy and delivery. IUA formation is multifactorial, with pregnancy being an important etiologic factor. Performing a postpartum exploration/evacuation or curettage can lead to adhesion formation. We present three patients who presented with a menstrual disorder after postpartum surgical intervention on suspicion of placental remnants. Hysteroscopic evaluation revealed severe intrauterine adhesions with complete obliteration of the uterine cavity. Repeated and extensive hysteroscopic adhesiolysis is performed to acquire a cavity with a normal appearance. Besides the puerperal uterus, the time of surgical performance is crucial in the risk for adhesion formation. Performing a late surgical intervention, as from 24–48 h after delivery, leads to an increased risk for adhesion formation. Prevention of IUA can be established by an accurate indication for late postpartum surgical interventions. When performing a late surgical intervention, hysteroscopic surgery is preferable. Firstly, hysteroscopy allows the possibility for identification of placental remnants, and secondly, the possibility for selective removal, thus avoiding unnecessary trauma to the endometrium compared to blindly curettage. Caution is advised when performing a late puerperal surgical intervention. An accurate indication is essential, and when needed, hysteroscopic surgery is preferable, minimizing trauma to the endometrium.

Effectiveness of a Polyethylene Oxide-Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Gel in the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after Hysteroscopic Surgery: A Pivotal Study

Effectiveness of a Polyethylene Oxide-Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose Gel in the Prevention of Intrauterine Adhesions after Hysteroscopic Surgery: A Pivotal Study

Management after hysteroscopic metroplasty: with or without intrauterine device (IUD) insertion and estrogen administration

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effects of intrauterine device (IUD) and estrogen, both separately and in combination after hysteroscopic metroplasty. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred patients who were diagnosed with a uterine septum at the Department of Reproductive Endocrinology in our hospital, enrolled in this study were assigned into four groups. Patients in Group I did not receive any treatment, while those in Group II were treated with cyclical hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Patients in Group III had an IUD inserted, while those in Group IV had IUD inserted combined with HRT. All patients were re-evaluated for uterine cavity adhesions by office hysteroscopy. All new pregnancies occurring during this period were recorded. RESULTS: Intrauterine adhesion development rates for the untreated, IUD + HRT and the IUD groups were 5.3%, 12% and 10.5%, respectively. None of the patients in the HRT group had any intrauterine adhesions. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of intrauterine adhesions. The difference between groups regarding ongoing pregnancies was statistically not significant. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated any added benefit of postoperative IUD and/or HRT use in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions or ongoing pregnancies after hysteroscopic metroplasty.