[Hysteroscopic myomectomy. Functional results with an average follow-up of 6 years].

OBJECTIVE

In 1995, we presented our experience in hysteroscopic resection of hemorrhagic submucous fibroids in 196 patients. The objective of the present work was to analyze functional outcome three years later.

PATIENTS: One hundred ninety-six patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were treated between 1987 and 1993. Equipment, techniques, characteristics of the procedures and early results were detailed in the previous article.

RESULTS

With a mean follow-up of 73 months (range 50,104), results were: 13.8% of the patients were lost to follow-up; 68.4% had symptomatic improvement and failure was observed in 17.8% (subsequent hysterectomy in 12.7%). Forty-nine patients had repeat resection in this series; 61 became menopausal after surgery, and 21 were taking hormone replacement therapy with good results.

CONCLUSION

Developed as an alternative to hysterectomy, operative hysteroscopy has proven to be a safe and effective procedure. This treatment modality appears to give satisfactory long-term results, with a low rate of complications.