Optimal timing of hysteroscopic follow-up to prevent the recurrence of intrauterine adhesions: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND

Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) often recurs after surgery, and hysteroscopic follow-up is essential for early detection. However, the ideal timing for follow-up is uncertain. This study examines how different follow-up timings affect IUA recurrence after surgery.

METHODS

All patients (142) who received hysteroscopic surgery in our hospital between 1 January 2021 and 31 November 2024 were retrospectively recruited using the convenience sampling method. The patients were retrospectively divided into two groups based on the timing of postoperative hysteroscopic follow-up. Group A (n = 71) underwent a routine follow-up at 3 months postoperatively, whereas Group B (n = 71) had an early follow-up at 14 days, with additional follow-ups after each menstrual cycle for 3 months. The primary outcomes measured were uterine cavity morphology and menstrual improvement 3 months post-surgery. The recovery of uterine cavity morphology and menstrual improvement after 3 months of follow-up were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

There was a significant positive correlation between the recovery of uterine cavity morphology and the number of postoperative hysteroscopies in Group B (r = 0.335, P < 0.001). After 3 months following the operation, the improvement of menstruation (Z = -3.423, P = 0.001) and the recovery of uterine morphology (Z = -3.741, P = 0.001) in Group B were better than those in Group A, and the difference was statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

Early and regular hysteroscopy in patients with IUA undergoing hysteroscopic adhesion separation is effective in restoring uterine cavity morphology, preventing re-adhesion and improving menstruation.