Safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic resection of uterine leiomyoma embedded at the base of a uterine septum.

BACKGROUND

To determine the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic resection of uterine leiomyoma embedded at the base of a uterine septum.

METHODS

This case series included 11 patients with infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss who were found to have a uterine septum (one septate and 10 sub-septate) and a uterine leiomyoma embedded at the base of the uterine septum. All patients underwent a hysteroscopic division of the uterine septum and hysteroscopic resection of the uterine leiomyoma. Safety was determined by any intra-operative complications, and any immediate or late postoperative complications. Efficacy was determined based on the findings on a postoperative trans-vaginal 3D ultrasound (TV 3D US) with a saline infusion sonohysterogram (SIH) and reproductive outcomes.

RESULTS

There were no reported intra-operative complications, or immediate or late postoperative complications. Eleven patients underwent TV 3D US with SIH; findings were normal in 8 (72.7%); 3 patients underwent a second operative hysteroscopy and subsequent TV 3D US with SIH were also normal. The analysis of reproductive outcomes was limited to patients who were < 40 years (9 patients). Seven patients conceived (77.8%), six delivered (66.7%) and one miscarried (14.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Hysteroscopic myomectomy of a leiomyoma, which is embedded at the base of a uterine septum, can be safely performed at the same session of hysteroscopic division of the uterine anomaly. Improvement in reproductive outcomes is to be expected after such procedures.