Compliance and diagnostic efficacy of mini-hysteroscopy versus traditional hysteroscopy in infertility investigation.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare traditional hysteroscopy with mini-hysteroscopy in terms of compliance, side effects and diagnostic efficacy.


METHODS
We prospectively considered 950 female candidates for an IVF programme. All women underwent outpatient hysteroscopy; in 602 cases (Group A) a mini-hysteroscope was employed; in 348 women (Group B) a 5-mm hysteroscope was adopted.


RESULTS
Cavity findings were similar in both groups. Endometrial polyps and uterine septum seem to be more frequent in our infertile patients than in the general population. No significant differences in terms of side effects were found between the groups. Mean visual analogue pain scale score was significantly lower in the patients of Group A than in those of Group B (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Office mini-hysteroscopy is a very effective diagnostic tool in an infertility work-up and is more widely accepted than traditional hysteroscopy. Routine use of the technique should be considered.
De Placido
Giuseppe
G
University of Naples Federico II, Obstetric and Gynaecological Sciences, Urologic and Reproductive Medicine, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Clarizia
Roberto
R
Cadente
Camillo
C
Castaldo
Gennaro
G
Romano
Carmine
C
Mollo
Antonio
A
Alviggi
Carlo
C
Conforti
Salvatore
S
D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020702:Hysteroscopes / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000175:diagnosis*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010349:Patient Compliance; D014599:Uterus / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000473:pathology