Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Misoprostol Prior to Hysteroscopy in Women with Difficult Cervix: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background/Objectives: Hysteroscopy has been used as both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for intrauterine pathologies under direct visualization. However, this procedure may be associated with an increased risk of complications during entry, which can be reduced by cervical ripening before the operation. The efficacy of misoprostol in this context is influenced by factors such as estrogen levels, parity, and the mode of previous deliveries. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of misoprostol in women with a challenging cervix while mitigating the influence of confounding variables. Methods: Three electronic databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science, were searched until 14 May 2024. Randomized controlled trials focusing on postmenopausal patients, nulliparous women, and multiparous women with no prior history of vaginal delivery, undergoing hysteroscopy were included. The cervical width, time needed for cervical dilation, and the need for additional dilatation alongside the complications and adverse effects from all included studies were collected and analyzed using R (version 4.2.3). Results: Seven studies on premenopausal women and three on postmenopausal women were included. In premenopausal women, misoprostol significantly increased cervical width compared to placebo (SMD = 2.2, 95% CI 0.9 to 3.4) and reduced the need for additional cervical dilatation (OR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.74). No significant difference was found in the time required for cervical dilation between misoprostol and placebo groups. In postmenopausal women, misoprostol did not significantly affect cervical width compared to placebo (SMD = -0.55, 95% CI -1.3 to 0.21). Conclusions: Misoprostol is beneficial for cervical dilation in premenopausal women without a prior history of vaginal delivery but less effective in postmenopausal patients. While associated with postoperative risks, it reduces hysteroscopy-related complications. Future research should address discrepancies by controlling the confounding variables like menopausal status, parity, and mode of delivery to enhance the understanding of misoprostol's effects and pinpoint the specific patient populations that would derive the greatest benefits from its use.

Addition of operative hysteroscopy to vacuum aspiration for the management of early pregnancy loss after in vitro fertilization.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether operative hysteroscopy in addition to vacuum aspiration for the management of early pregnancy loss effectively increases the success rate of subsequent frozen embryo transfer. DESIGN: Propensity score-matched cohort study. SETTING: Academic hospital. PATIENT(S): Women with a miscarriage at 5-16 gestational weeks during an in vitro fertilization cycle in Peking University Third Hospital from 2015 to 2022. INTERVENTION(S): Hysteroscopy plus vacuum aspiration vs. conventional vacuum aspiration. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Live birth rate in the subsequent frozen embryo transfer. RESULT(S): A total of 347 women who underwent vacuum aspiration plus hysteroscopy and 2,562 women who underwent conventional vacuum aspiration were included in the analysis. After propensity score matching (1:1 ratio), 325 women were included in each group. Compared with women who underwent vacuum aspiration, those who underwent vacuum aspiration plus hysteroscopy were associated with a lower rate of live birth in the propensity score-based matched cohort (22% vs. 30%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.68 [0.47-0.97]). Biochemical, clinical, and multiple pregnancy rates were not significantly different, as was the miscarriage rate. In the overall cohort, 11 women experienced surgery reintervention in the vacuum aspiration group (0.4%), whereas none required surgery reintervention in the vacuum aspiration plus hysteroscopy group. CONCLUSION(S): Women who underwent vacuum aspiration plus hysteroscopy may be associated with lower rates of live birth than those who underwent vacuum aspiration. Further studies are necessary to establish this relationship definitively.

Effectiveness of Manual Hysteroscopic Tissue Removal Device for Intrauterine Polyps in Infertile Women in Both Operating and Office Settings.

Background: Mechanical hysteroscopic tissue removal (mHTR) systems are widely used for removing intrauterine pathology. Given the startup and procedural costs for electrically powered mechanical units, disposable manual mHTR systems have been developed. Methods: With little published, we describe its effectiveness for hysteroscopic intrauterine polypectomy. Results: One-hundred fifty-seven infertile women underwent hysteroscopic polypectomy with the manual mHTR device. Complete removal was accomplished in all but three cases, with blood loss being <10 mL and all specimens deemed sufficient for histopathologic diagnosis. Conclusions: These results suggest that the disposable manual mHTR system is effective in removing endometrial polyps. Head-to-head comparisons with other alternative technologies are needed.

Current practice with operative hysteroscopy for fertility preservation in endometrial cancer and endometrial premalignancies.

PURPOSE: The primary aim was to analyze the current practices on the use of operative hysteroscopy for preserving fertility in patients diagnosed with endometrial cancer and premalignancies. Our secondary objectives included investigating medical therapy and analyzing reported pregnancy-related outcomes subsequent to fertility preservation procedures. METHODS: We performed a semi-systematic literature review on PubMed, employing pertinent terms related to hysteroscopy, fertility preservation, and endometrial cancer and premalignancies. Patients undergoing operative hysteroscopy with or without following medical treatment were included. We adhered to the PRISMA 2020 statement and utilized Covidence software to manage our systematic review. We performed a pooled analysis on various outcomes. RESULTS: Our final analysis included 15 studies evaluating 458 patients, where 238 (52.0%) were diagnosed with endometrial cancer, and 220 (48.0%) had endometrial premalignancies. With 146 pregnancies in our study, the overall pregnancy rate was 31.9%. Among these, 97 resulted in live births, accounting for 66.4% of the reported pregnancies. In terms of medical treatment, various forms of progestins were reported. Complications or adverse effects related to operative hysteroscopy were not reported in more than half of the studies. Among those studies that did report them, no complications nor adverse effects were documented. After hysteroscopic resection, complete response to medical treatment has been reported in 65.5% of the overall cases. CONCLUSION: Our review sheds light on the contemporary landscape of operative hysteroscopy for fertility preservation in endometrial cancer and premalignancies. Future studies should include the integration of molecular classification into fertility-preserving management of endometrial malignancies to offer a more personalized and precise strategy.

Angular Pregnancy: A Case Report.

Angular pregnancy, a rare condition, marked by implantation positioned medially to the uterotubal junction within the lateral angle of the endometrial cavity poses a risk of severe complications, such as uterine rupture, placental retention, postpartum hemorrhage, and even necessitating hysterectomy, all of which can be fatal. Distinguishing angular pregnancy from other emergent conditions, particularly interstitial and cornual pregnancies, is crucial due to similar presentations and difference in embryo viability, risk, and management. While angular pregnancies can progress to term, they are associated with an elevated complication rate. Here, we present a case of primigravida with angular pregnancy who opted for evacuation under hysteroscopic guidance subsequent to unsuccessful pregnancy.

Comparison of Efficacy of Vaginal Misoprostol versus a Synthetic Osmotic Dilator (Dilapan-S) for Cervical Preparation before Operative Hysteroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objectives: To compare the need for mechanical cervical dilatation following vaginal misoprostol or synthetic osmotic dilator (Dilapan-S) usage for cervical preparation before operative hysteroscopy. Materials and Methods: Fifty-five premenopausal women scheduled for operative hysteroscopic procedures with a 26 Fr resectoscope were included in this randomized, controlled clinical trial. After randomization, either 400 µg of vaginal misoprostol or intracervical synthetic osmotic dilator (Dilapan-S) was inserted 12 h before operative hysteroscopy. The need for additional mechanical cervical dilatation before insertion of the resectoscope was compared between the two groups. Initial cervical diameter before mechanical dilatation, intraoperative complications (cervical tears, creation of a false passage), and ease of dilatation were also compared between the two groups. Results: In the misoprostol group, 92% of women required additional mechanical cervical dilatation, whereas only 36% of women in the Dilapan-S group required additional dilatation (P < 0.05). The median initial cervical diameter achieved with Dilapan was 9 mm (Q1: 7 mm; Q3: 10 mm), and with misoprostol, it was 6 mm (Q1: 4.5 mm; Q3: 8 mm) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in other outcome parameters between the two groups. Conclusion: Synthetic osmotic dilator (Dilapan-S) is more efficacious than vaginal misoprostol at ripening the cervix before operative hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopic resection as a safe minimally invasive technique for the management of cornual pregnancy: A case report and literature review.

Hysteroscopic resection of ectopic cornual pregnancy following MRI imaging is a safe and effective treatment option without significantly impacting fertility potential or increasing the risk of future obstetrical complications.

Comparing endometrial biopsy results with hysteroscopic pathology in women presenting with abnormal and postmenopausal uterine bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pathology results after office-based blind endometrial biopsy and pathology results from hysteroscopy in women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of biologic women presenting with AUB at a tertiary care referral care center. Patients were included if they underwent evaluation with blind endometrial biopsy performed in the office followed by hysteroscopy within one year. Hysteroscopic findings and pathology were correlated with index endometrial biopsy findings. RESULTS: 689 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean age and BMI were 49 (±10) years and 31 (±8) kg/m2. The median duration of bleeding leading up to presentation was of 3.5 (1.5-9) months. Of the patients who had operative hysteroscopic pathology demonstrating endometrial polyp, 30.6 % (81) had a polyp detected on office endometrial biopsy. Of the patients who had hysteroscopic pathology demonstrating intracavitary fibroids, 0 % (0) were detected on endometrial biopsy. Of the patients who had hyperplasia without atypia on hysteroscopy, 28.6 % (4) were detected or suspected on endometrial biopsy. Of the patients who had hyperplasia with atypia on hysteroscopy, 5.9 % (1) were detected or suspected on endometrial biopsy. There were 12 cases of confirmed or suspected malignancy on hysteroscopy, of which 8.3 % (1) were detected on endometrial biopsy. CONCLUSION: Concordance between focal findings on office hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy is low. Endometrial biopsy when malignancy is suspected has been shown to be of benefit, but in the setting of suspected benign focal pathology, blind assessment of the endometrial cavity for definitive diagnosis should be abandoned. In women with symptomatic uterine bleeding, hysteroscopic visualization is associated with increased sensitivity in identifying intrauterine pathology.

Analgesic Effects of Magnesium Sulphate as an Adjuvant to Fentanyl for Monitored Anaesthesia Care During Hysteroscopy.

BACKGROUND: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is conventionally used in the treatment of eclampsia, refractive arrhythmias, asthma, etc. In our study, we aimed to study the analgesic effects of MgSO4 as an adjuvant to fentanyl and reduce the intraoperative opioid requirement to decrease their adverse effects. METHODS: A total of 122 patients scheduled for hysteroscopy were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the magnesium group (group A) received intravenous MgSO4 50 mg/kg in 100 ml of isotonic saline over 15 minutes before anaesthesia induction and then 15 mg/kg per hour by continuous intravenous infusion. Patients in the control group (group B) received an equal volume of isotonic saline as a placebo. All the patients were induced with fentanyl and propofol. Perioperative haemodynamic monitoring and postoperative assessment of pain were done. RESULTS: Only 18% of the patients in group A required rescue analgesics as compared to 39.3% of patients in group B. The patients receiving MgSO4 displayed lower verbal numeric rating scale scores in the postoperative period. In addition, the intraoperative requirement of fentanyl (101 (21.33) vs. 144 (28.4) µg, mean (SD)) and propofol (121 (13.3) vs. 140 (16.5) mg, mean (SD)) was significantly lower in group A as compared to that in group B. CONCLUSION: MgSO4, when administered as an adjuvant to opioids, provided effective postoperative analgesia thereby reducing the need for rescue analgesics. It also decreases intraoperative fentanyl consumption and its dose-related side effects.

Spontaneous Pregnancy After Surgical Repair of Subseptate Uterus: A Case Report and Review of the Available Literature.

Septate uterus is the most common congenital uterine malformation. It has been associated with poor reproductive outcomes, such as infertility and recurrent miscarriage, in the context of both assisted and non-assisted reproduction, though the exact underlying pathophysiological reasons remain unclear. Diagnosis is based on two-dimensional and three-dimensional ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or laparoscopic/hysteroscopic findings. Hysteroscopic repair of the uterine septum has been shown to confer several benefits to reproductive outcomes, though this fact remains in question, due to inconsistent and or low-quality evidence in the medical literature. An individualized approach to the treatment of infertility patients with septate uteri is imperative, given the plethora of possible underlying factors that may complicate management. In this report, we present the case of a patient with a subseptate uterus and a history of infertility, who, following hysteroscopic metroplasty, managed to conceive and ultimately successfully deliver a healthy child.

Intraoperative Three-Dimensional Transvaginal Ultrasound for Hysteroscopic Metroplasty: a Controlled Study.

This study aims to evaluate the role of intraoperative transvaginal three-dimensional ultrasound (3DUS) during hysteroscopic metroplasty. This is a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with septate uterus undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty with intraoperative transvaginal 3DUS guidance compared to a historical control group of patients undergoing hysteroscopic metroplasty without 3DUS. We conducted our research in a tertiary care university hospital in Rome, Italy. This study involved nineteen patients undergoing 3DUS-guided hysteroscopic metroplasty for recurrent abortion or infertility compared to 19 age-matched controls undergoing metroplasty without 3DUS guidance. During hysteroscopic metroplasty, 3DUS was performed in the study group when the operator considered the procedure to be completed, according to standards of operative hysteroscopy. If 3DUS diagnosed a residual septum, the procedure was continued until a 3DUS diagnosis of a normal fundus was obtained. The patients were followed with a 3DUS performed 3 months after the procedure. The numbers of complete resections (residual septum absent), suboptimal resections (measurable residual septum of less than 10 mm), and incomplete resections (residual septum > 10 mm) in the intraoperative 3DUS group were compared to the numbers in the control group with no intraoperative 3DUS. At follow-up, measurable residual septa were obtained in 0% of the patients in the 3DUS-guided group versus 26% in the control group (p = 0.04). Residual septa of > 10 mm were obtained in 0% of the 3DUS group versus 10.5% in the control group (p = 0.48). Intraoperative 3DUS reduces the incidence of suboptimal septal resections at hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Operative Hysteroscopy Versus Levonorgestrel-Releasing Intrauterine System (LNG-IUS) Insertion: A Prospective Observational Study on the Effect of Surgical and Medical Treatments on Sexual Functions in Women With Abnormal Uterine Bleeding.

Background This study aims to evaluate the effect of operative hysteroscopy and levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) insertion for abnormal uterine bleeding on sexual function and, if it improves sexual function, to examine differences in sexual function between women undergoing hysteroscopy and women using LNG-IUS. Methods Ninety women aged between 25 and 52 enrolled in the study. Participants were divided into two groups, including 45 operative hysteroscopy patients and 45 LNG-IUS patients. All patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire pre-treatment and after three months post-treatment. Pre- and post-treatment FSFI scores were compared both within and between groups. Results The mean FSFI scores at three months following both treatments were significantly higher than baseline in both groups (p<0.05). When the two groups were compared, no significant difference was observed between baseline and three-month post-treatment differences in FSFI scores except for the pain domain. In the pain domain of the FSFI questionnaire, a more significant improvement was found in the LNG - IUS inserted group compared to the operative hysteroscopy group. Conclusion Patients had improvement in sexual functions after both operative hysteroscopy and LNG - IUS insertion treatment. No significant difference was observed in hysteroscopy and LNG-IUS patients after both treatments in terms of sexual function according to scores calculated by FSFI, except for the pain domain. Significant improvement was observed in the pain domain of the FSFI for the LNG - IUS inserted group compared to the operative hysteroscopy group, thus demonstrating a significant effect and improvement for dyspareunia and chronic pelvic pain complaint in the LNG-IUS inserted group.

Outpatient Hysteroscopic Polypectomy-A Retrospective Study Comparing Rigid and Semirigid Office Hysteroscopes.

Endometrial polyps are one of the most common pathological conditions in gynecology. Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial polyps. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective study was to compare patients' pain perception during an operative hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in an outpatient setting with two different hysteroscopes (rigid and semirigid) and to identify some clinical and intraoperative characteristics that are related to worsening pain during the procedure. We included women that underwent, at the same time as an diagnostic hysteroscopy, the complete removal of an endometrial polyp (using the see-and-treat strategy) without any kind of analgesia. A total of 166 patients were enrolled, of which 102 patients underwent a polypectomy with a semirigid hysteroscope and 64 patients underwent the procedure with a rigid hysteroscope. No differences were found during the diagnostic step; on the contrary, after the operative procedure, a statistically significant greater degree of pain was reported when the semirigid hysteroscope was used. Cervical stenosis and menopausal status were risk factors for pain both in the diagnostic step and in the operative one. Our results confirm that operative hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in an outpatient setting is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated procedure and indicate that it might be better tolerated if a rigid rather than semirigid instrument is used.

Manual morcellation (Resectr™ 9Fr) vs electromechanical morcellation (TruClear™) for hysteroscopic polypectomy: A randomized controlled non-inferiority trial.

INTRODUCTION: Meta-analyses comparing hysteroscopic electromechanical morcellation with electrosurgical resection showed a shorter operating time for electromechanical morcellation, mainly for polypectomy. The Resectr™ 9Fr is a new hysteroscopic manual morcellator, designed to simplify this procedure. We aimed to compare manual with electromechanical morcellation for hysteroscopic polypectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This two-center randomized controlled non-inferiority trial was performed from 2018 to 2021 in the Catharina Hospital and the Ghent University Hospital. The study was registered at the Dutch Trial Register (NL6922; ICTRP ID: NTR7118). One hundred and forty women with polyps (between 8 and 20 mm) scheduled for hysteroscopic removal were randomized between manual (Resectr™ 9Fr) or electromechanical (TruClear™) morcellation. The primary outcome was time (instrumentation set-up, resection, and total procedure time). RESULTS: The non-inferiority margin for the primary outcome time was 1.3. Mean instrumentation set-up time was 10% shorter with the manual compared with the electromechanical morcellator (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 0.9; 97.5% confidence interval [CI] 0.8-1.1). Mean resection time was 30% longer with the manual compared with the motor-driven system (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 1.3; 97.5% CI 0.9-1.9). Mean total procedure time was 10% longer with the manual compared with the electromechanical morcellator (estimated mean ratio manual/electromechanical = 1.1; 95% CI 0.91-1.298). The estimated odds (electromechanical/manual) of better surgeon's safety, effective and comfort scores were, respectively, 4.5 (95% CI 0.9-22.1), 7.0 (95% CI 1.5-31.9), and 5.9 (95% CI 1.1-30.3) times higher with the motor-driven compared with the manual morcellator. Conversion rates and incomplete resection rates were comparable in both groups (manual vs electromechanical) (7.6% [4/66] vs 2.9% [2/68] and 6.1% [4/66] vs 3.0% [2/66], respectively). No intraoperative and postoperative complications were registered. CONCLUSIONS: The manual morcellator was non-inferior to the electromechanical morcellator for hysteroscopic polypectomy in terms of mean instrumentation set-up time and total procedure time. Results on resection time were inconclusive. Conversion and incomplete resection rates were within the range reported in the literature. Surgeon's reported rating for both devices was high, however, in favor of the motor-driven tissue removal system.

Patient Safety in Hysteroscopic Procedure.

This article aims to explain about outpatient hysteroscopy, where this procedure is currently being carried out. However, this procedure is also widely chosen by patients, because of its convenience, fast procedure, minimal complications, and of course more economical than day-case hysteroscopy. Before taking the procedure, it is important to explain to the patient about the disease, therapy, and the procedure to be carried out. Consent needs to be obtained voluntarily. We searched related publications using "patient safety" and "office hysteroscopy" and "informed consent" and "medical procedure" and "patient safety" and "injury" and "operative hysteroscopy" as keywords. This search had considered articles that had been published between 2002 and 2021. The conclusion from this library is that patient's convenient and safety is the top priority of outpatient hysteroscopy. Outpatient hysteroscopy showed higher satisfaction results than day-case hysteroscopy. Because it is more comfortable, faster, patients can immediately return to their activities and of course more efficient.

Lin's Self-Retaining Abdominal Ultrasound Probe Method for Hands-Free Ultrasound-Guided Hysteroscopic Procedures: A Single-Operator Study.

Objectives: Conventionally, an assistant would be required to hold the ultrasound probe during therapeutic hysteroscopy. To manage without a skilled assistant, Lin developed a self-retaining hands-free probe method that can be used to hold an abdominal ultrasound probe. One can now perform ultrasound-guided hysteroscopic procedures single-handedly. The purpose of this study is to report the successful development of a method to keep an abdominal ultrasound probe self-retained without an assistant's help. Materials and Methods: A technique derived from improvisation with available equipment. Results: The hands-free ultrasound probe was used successfully in 2680 cases needing therapeutic hysteroscopy management for various endometrial pathologies. We only encountered one case of latex allergy, which serves as a reminder to ask about latex allergy before the procedure. Upon notification, the handle can be improvised to a latex-free solution. Compression indentation marks were of negligible concern as they resolved spontaneously within 1-2 h postsurgery. We have used this method successfully and to good effect, particularly in guiding us to avoid uterine perforations during dilation of the cervix as well as during the therapeutic hysteroscopy surgery itself. This device facilitates efficient and safe therapeutic hysteroscopic surgeries. In addition, this method encourages the reuse and recycling of plastic water bottles. Conclusion: The usage of Lin's self-retaining ultrasound probe method is practical, cheap, and not dependent on an assistant's participation during procedures.

Prospective Study Investigating Change in Carboxyhemoglobin Blood Level During Operative Hysteroscopy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether the use of radiofrequency energy during resectoscopy leads to increases in patient blood levels of carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) and investigate procedural variables associated with these elevations. DESIGN: A prospective cross-sectional study of 40 subjects undergoing a hysteroscopic procedure using bipolar radiofrequency energy. SETTING, PATIENTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: The study was conducted at an ambulatory surgery center. Procedures for uterine leiomyoma, septa, products of conception, or a combination of these pathologies were included. We measured blood COHb levels before and immediately after the surgery. Abnormal postoperative COHb level was defined as an increase of plasma COHb ≥3.0%. All patients with abnormal postoperative levels were contacted and screened for carbon monoxide toxicity symptoms. Summary statistics included frequency for categorical variables and averages for continuous variables. p values were reported without modification. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 17.5% of subjects met the criteria for abnormal postoperative COHb levels. None of these subjects reported symptoms of carbon monoxide toxicity. One subject with an elevated postoperative COHb level had intraoperative hemodynamic changes possibly related to COHb elevation. An abnormal postoperative COHb level was associated with a higher fluid deficit (p = .024) and greater myoma volume (p = .04). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that systemic absorption of carbon monoxide is a reproducible phenomenon in hysteroscopic resections using bipolar diathermy. Greater absorption is associated with a higher fluid deficit and greater myoma volume. Although none of the subjects with an abnormal increase screened positive for symptoms in the postoperative setting and only 1 experienced hemodynamic changes intraoperatively, our study looked at a healthy and young patient population. More research is needed on the safety of this COHb exposure in patients with medical comorbidities. Special consideration should be given to the possibility of carbon monoxide absorption and the uncertain long-term effects when planning extensive hysteroscopic resections.

Expectant vs medical management for retained products of conception after medical termination of pregnancy: a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Despite the rise of medical treatments for the termination of pregnancy, to date, no prospective trial has evaluated the efficacy of misoprostol in treating retained products of conception after induced termination of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare medical management with misoprostol with expectant management for retained products of conception after first-trimester medical termination of pregnancy. STUDY DESIGN: This was an open-label randomized controlled trial conducted at a university-affiliated tertiary medical center. Consenting consecutive women who underwent a routine 3-week follow-up evaluation after medical termination of pregnancy and had a sonographic suspicion of retained products of conception, defined as sonographic evidence of intrauterine remnant (>12 mm) with a positive Doppler flow, were recruited. The participants were randomized into a medical treatment group (800 µg of sublingually administered misoprostol) or expectant management. They all underwent repeat ultrasound scans every 2 weeks until a maximum of 6 weeks, and those suspected of persistent retained products of conception were referred to operative hysteroscopy. The primary endpoint was successful treatment defined as no need for surgical intervention because of persistent retained products of conception within 8 weeks from pregnancy termination. RESULTS: There was no marked difference in demographic characteristics between the study groups. The median sonographically demonstrated retained product length was 20 mm (interquartile range, 17-25) in the medically managed group compared with 20 mm (interquartile range, 17-26) in the expectantly managed group (P=.733). Treatment succeeded in 42 of 68 women (61.8%) in the medically managed group compared with 36 of 63 women (57.1%) in the expectantly managed group (relative risk, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.74-1.70; P=.590). There was no difference in adverse outcomes between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: There was no clinically meaningful advantage for medical treatment with misoprostol compared with expectant management after first-trimester medical termination of pregnancy in women with suspected retained products of conception. Surgical intervention can be avoided in up to 60% of women who are managed expectantly for 8 weeks of follow-up.

Office Operative Hysteroscopy for the Management of Retained Products of Conception.

The aim of this study was to compare office to conventional operative hysteroscopy for the treatment of retained products of conception (RPOC). This retrospective cohort study included all women who underwent hysteroscopy due to RPOC between January 2018 and December 2019, in a single tertiary medical care center. Exclusion criteria for hysteroscopy included the following: (1) proximity to delivery (up to 3 weeks); (2) hemodynamic instability; (3) active massive bleeding; and (4) genital tract infection. See-and-treat hysteroscopy (study group) outcomes were compared to operative hysteroscopy (controls). Data were collected from women's medical records. Primary outcome was defined as successful removal of all suspected RPOC with no need for additional intervention. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. During the study period, 222 women underwent hysteroscopy due to RPOC. Of them, 138 (62%) and 84 (38%) underwent see-and-treat and operative hysteroscopy, respectively. Symptomatic women were more commonly referred to operative hysteroscopy (60 (71%) vs. 54 (39%); p = 0.001). Maximal diameter of the suspected finding was smaller both by ultrasound examination (13 (10-18) vs. 18 (13-32) mm; p = 0.001) and by surgeon estimation during diagnostic hysteroscopy (12 (8-20) vs. 20 (14-30) mm; p = 0.001), in the see-and-treat compared to the operative hysteroscopy group, respectively. While comparing success rate between groups, no difference was observed. Sub-analysis by the maximal diameter of RPOC findings revealed that see-and-treat success rate is reduced as the RPOC is larger. Success rate was high and comparable to operative hysteroscopy for findings ≤ 2 cm (102/117 (87%) vs. 49/54 (91%); p = 0.79). Nevertheless, for RPOC > 2 cm, success was significantly more frequent in the operative hysteroscopy group (28/30 (93%) vs. 9/16 (57%); p = 0.002). This finding was supported by logistic regression analysis that found maximal diameter of RPOC as the only parameter associated with success rate (B = 0.96; p = 0.03). Office operative hysteroscopy is a feasible treatment option for the removal of RPOC when maximal diameter is taken under consideration due to its association to success rate.Clinical trial registration: The study protocol was approved by the "Sheba Medical Center" Review Board (ID 5200-18 SMC) on June 24, 2018.

Outcomes of surgical hysteroscopy: 25 years of observational study.

The aim of this prospective study was to analyse the complications of operative hysteroscopy over the last 25 years and determine whether such complications were related to patient characteristics, surgery type, surgical time or distension-medium balance. Three thousand and sixty-three operative hysteroscopies were performed; 52.7% were polypectomies and 31.5% were myomectomies. Myectomies had the highest incidence of complications, at 14%, followed by septolysis, at 6.9%. The most common complications were mechanical (52%). Myomectomies had seven times higher risk than polypectomies of distension-medium complications (RR 7.5, p<.001) but three times lower risk of mechanical complications (RR 0.32, p<.001). The highest incidence of complications occurred in type I myomas and those larger than 3 cm. If we define fluid-balance complications as only those patients who absorbed more than 1.5 L and developed related symptoms, our overall complication rate, including all mechanical complications, was 5.6%.Impact StatementWhat is already known on this subject? In recent years, the importance of properly preventing and managing hysteroscopic complications has risen in line with the number of diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies performed. Complications in operative hysteroscopy differ between surgery types, patient characteristics and the distending media used.What do the results of this study add? This study provides data from a high number of patients compared to previously published studies on the complications of operative hysteroscopies, and includes a study of the relationship between type of surgery and type of complication.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Our study shows the importance of a good preoperative assessment, since the complications of hysteroscopy differ greatly depending on the indication. Thus, within myomectomies, knowing the exact type, size and location of the myoma will allow the surgeon to carefully plan the procedure to avoid complications.