The Intra Uterine Morcellator: a new hysteroscopic operating technique to remove intrauterine polyps and myomas.
OBJECTIVE
A new hysteroscopic operating technique was compared retrospectively with conventional resectoscopy.


METHODS
Retrospective comparison (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2).


METHODS
Gynecology department of a university-affiliated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Fifty-five women, 27 with endometrial polyps and 28 with submucous myomas.


METHODS
Patients were treated with a prototype of the Intra Uterine Morcellator (IUM). This cutting device, 35 cm in length, was inserted into a straight working channel of a 90-mm hysteroscope.


RESULTS
The major advantages were ease of removal of tissue fragments through the instrument and the use of saline solution instead of electrolyte-free solutions used in monopolar high-frequency resectoscopy. The mean operating time was 8.7 minutes (95% CI: 7.3-10.1) for the removal of endometrial polyps compared with 30.9 minutes (CI: 27.0-34.8) for resectoscopy, and 16.4 minutes (CI: 12.6-20.2) for submucous myomas compared with 42.2 minutes (CI: 39.7-44.7) for resectoscopy. All procedures were uneventful.


CONCLUSIONS
This new technique is faster, and it appears to be easier to perform. Therefore, it can be expected to result in fewer fluid-related complications and to lead to a shorter learning curve when compared with conventional resectoscopy.
Emanuel
Mark Hans
MH
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Spaarne Hospital, Haarlem, The Netherlands.
Wamsteker
Kees
K
D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020702:Hysteroscopes; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000601:surgery*; D011127:Polyps / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D013523:Surgical Equipment; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013997:Time Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*
D012965:Sodium Chloride