title: The ESHRE-ESGE consensus on the classification of female genital tract congenital anomalies.
abstract: The new ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies is presented, aiming to provide a more suitable classification system for the accurate, clear, correlated with clinical management and simple categorization of female genital anomalies. Congenital malformations of the female genital tract are common miscellaneous deviations from normal anatomy with health and reproductive consequences. Until now, three systems have been proposed for their categorization, but all of them are associated with serious limitations. The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) have established a common Working Group, under the name CONUTA (CONgenital UTerine Anomalies), with the goal of developing a new updated classification system. A scientific committee has been appointed to run the project, looking also for consensus within the scientists working in the field. The new system is designed and developed based on: (1)scientific researchthrough critical review of current proposals and preparation of an initial proposal for discussion between the experts, (2)consensus measurementamong the experts through the use of the DELPHI procedure and (3)consensus developmentby the scientific committee, taking into account the results of the DELPHI procedure and the comments of the experts. Almost 90 participants took part in the process of development of the ESHRE/ESGE classification system, contributing with their structured answers and comments. The ESHRE/ESGE classification system is based on anatomy. Anomalies are classified into the following main classes, expressing uterine anatomical deviations deriving from the same embryological origin:U0,normal uterus;U1,dysmorphic uterus;U2,septate uterus;U3,bicorporeal uterus;U4,hemi-uterus;U5,aplastic uterus;U6,for still unclassified cases. Main classes have been divided into sub-classes expressing anatomical varieties with clinical significance. Cervical and vaginal anomalies are classified independently into sub-classes having clinical significance. The ESHRE/ESGE classification of female genital anomalies seems to fulfil the expectations and the needs of the experts in the field, but its clinical value needs to be proved in everyday practice. The ESHRE/ESGE classification system of female genital anomalies could be used as a starting point for the development of guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.
authors.affiliation: Congenital Uterine Anomalies (CONUTA) common ESHRE-ESGE Working Group, ESGE Central Office, Diestsevest 43/0001, 3000 Leuven, Belgium ; First Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Tsimiski 51 Street, 54623 Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Grigoris F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Grimbizis
authors.forename: Stephan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gordts
authors.forename: Attilio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Di Spiezio Sardo
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brucker
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Angelis
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gergolet
authors.forename: Tin-Chiu
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Li
authors.forename: Vasilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Tanos
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Brölmann
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gianaroli
authors.forename: Rudi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Campo
keywords: DELPHI procedure; ESGE; ESHRE; ESHRE/ESGE classification system; Female genital tract congenital anomalies
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