Feasibility of single step hysteroscopic myomectomy: fibroid size is the most significant factor based on data from a single centre and surgeon.

BACKGROUND

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign solid neoplasms of the uterus. Hysteroscopy represents the gold standard treatment for submucosal fibroids.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse all consecutive symptomatic patients diagnosed with the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics G0-G3 fibroids who underwent hysteroscopic myomectomy, to identify factors that may influence the feasibility of single step myomectomy.

METHODS

The study included all consecutive symptomatic patients, diagnosed with G0-G3 fibroid. Surgical procedure was performed by a single experienced surgeon. All patients underwent postoperative hysteroscopic control 30-40 days after the procedure.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Evaluation of feasibility of hysteroscopic myomectomy in a single surgical step.

RESULTS

One hundred and twenty-five patients were included. In 97 women (77.6%) the fibroid was removed in one single step; 28 patients (22.4%) had a residual fibroid. Of these patients, in 10 cases (35.7%) the residual fibroid was removed during the office hysteroscopic control, 16 (57.2%) and 2 (7.1%) patients required II- and III-time myomectomy, respectively. 85.6% of patients did not need a second time surgery under general anaesthesia. At univariate and multivariate analysis, diameter was found to be the parameter most related to single-step fibroid removal with P=0.001 and P<0.001 respectively. For G0-3 fibroids <3 cm in 72% (66/92) of cases the 15 Fr mini-resectoscope was used with one step myomectomy in 89.4% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In expert hands, single step hysteroscopic myomectomy is feasible for G0-3 fibroids. The possibility to use miniaturized instruments for myomectomy may improve the surgical outcomes and prevent intra- and post-operative complications, in particular uterine perforation by avoiding cervical dilation. Further studies are needed to evaluate the true efficacy of 15 Fr mini-resectoscope in the removal of G0-G3 fibroids <3 cm.

WHAT IS NEW?: Hysteroscopic myomectomy in a single surgical step is feasible for G0-G3 fibroids, with diameter being the only independent factor influencing the success of the procedure. In expert hands, the success rate of single step myomectomy by using miniaturized instruments in fibroids ≤3 cm, is 89.4%.