Outpatient hysteroscopy: a routine investigation before assisted reproductive techniques?
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the importance of subjecting the patient to an outpatient (office) hysteroscopy (OH) before assisted reproductive techniques (ART) and patient compliance, possible side effects, and complications of the procedure.


METHODS
Comparative observational cross-sectional study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-two patients attending the outpatient infertility clinic for pre-ART (IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection [ICSI]-ET) investigations, with normal uterine findings on hysterosalpingography (HSG).


METHODS
Transvaginal sonography (TVS) and OH (using a rigid, 30-degree, 4-mm hysteroscope) by the vaginoscopic "no touch" technique.


METHODS
Diagnostic value and compliance of OH.


RESULTS
The procedure was successful in 145 patients (95.4%); 51 of them (35.2%) had previous ART failures. Abnormal hysteroscopic findings were observed in 48 women (33.1%), in which endometrial polyp, submucous myoma, and intrauterine adhesions were the most common findings. The TVS was specific (100%) but not sensitive (41.7%) compared with OH. Abnormal hysteroscopic findings were significantly higher in patients with previous ART failure(s). The procedure was acceptable in almost all patients with no reported complications.


CONCLUSIONS
The OH should be part of the infertility workup before ART even in patients with normal HSG and/or TVS. This is especially relevant in cases with prior failed ART cycles.
El-Mazny
Akmal
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
Abou-Salem
Nermeen
N
El-Sherbiny
Walid
W
Saber
Walid
W
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007247:Infertility, Female / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010045:Outpatients; D010349:Patient Compliance; D027724:Reproductive Techniques, Assisted; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014599:Uterus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology