Hysteroscopic metroplasty for septate uterus and repetitive abortions: reproductive outcome.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to assess fertility outcome and obstetrical prognosis of 63 patients after hysteroscopic section of uterine septa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study about 63 patients consulting for septate uterus and repeated pregnancy loss or abnormal fetal presentation between January 1988 and December 1996 in La Conception hospital in Marseille. Septal lysis was performed with microscissors or resectoscope. Statistical analysis was performed using the CHI2-test. RESULTS: The anatomical result was considered satisfactory in 57.1% of cases. Forty-five pregnancies were obtained, two after an IVF-program in 56 patients. Twenty-eight living children were born: twenty-six at term. Twenty patients delivered normally. Two women are still pregnant. Obstetrical prognosis of these patients is statistically improved by the treatment (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Obstetrical prognosis of patients presenting repeated pregnancy loss and septate uterus is statistically improved by hysteroscopic metroplasty.

Endoscopic surgery. The end of classic surgery?

Gynecological endoscopy is now a well-established procedure and it has been proved that the laparoscopic surgical technique can be used in the management of most gynecological disorders thus replacing conventional laparotomic procedures. The latest indications apply to such functional pathologic conditions as urinary incontinence and genital prolapse, and oncology (radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy). Hysteroscopy has afforded an easier surgical approach to certain pathologies such as septate uterus and endometrial ablation. Indications of conventional surgery are getting fewer. Yet conventional surgery should be part of the training of the gynecologist surgeon as the laparotomic approach is still the only solution in the most difficult cases.

Hysteroscopic surgery in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of hysteroscopic surgery in postmenopausal women presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding. DESIGN: A retrospective audit of 102 patients. SETTING: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology B, La Conception Hospital, Marseilles, France. PATIENTS: One hundred and two women between the ages of 47-67 years with postmenopausal bleeding or bleeding related to hormone replacement therapy were evaluated by pelvic ultrasound and diagnostic hysteroscopy. A benign organic cause was noted in 87 cases (polyps in 51 and fibroids in 36.) Fifteen patients had no significant disease. INTERVENTIONS: Resection of polyps or fibroids, endometrial ablation. RESULTS: One hundred and seven procedures were performed on 102 patients. Major operative complications were rare and included one perforation and one case of glycine toxicity. Eighty-eight patients were satisfied with the results. Six patients were subsequently treated by hysterectomy. Six patients complained of recurrent abnormal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: This modality of treatment appears to be effective over the long term. The operative criteria should take the causes of bleeding and not just the age of the patient into account.

Gasless laparoscopic gynecologic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate gasless laparoscopic gynecologic surgery as an alternative to conventional technique with carbon dioxide insufflation. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 49 cases. RESULTS: Gasless laparoscopic gynecologic surgery was successful in 90% of cases. The gasless technique permits the surgical team to use the laparoscopic and vaginal approach simultaneously. CONCLUSIONS: Gasless laparoscopic gynecologic surgery seems to be a reliable alternative to conventional laparoscopy for selected indications.