Risk of uterine perforation during hysteroscopic surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rate of uterine perforation during different operative hysteroscopy procedures. DESIGN: Observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, La Conception Hospital, Marseille, France. PATIENTS: One thousand nine hundred fifty-two women. INTERVENTION: Of 2116 operative hysteroscopies performed, there were 623 endometrectomies, 782 myoma resections, 422 polyp resections, 199 adhesiolyses, and 90 uterine septa sections. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Risk of perforation was evaluated according to hysteroscopic procedure. Severity of complications were also noted. In case of perforation, a management protocol was applied to prevent metabolic disorders and pelvic infections. Thirty-four perforations (1.61%) were reported. In 33 cases (97%) it was realized during the procedure and no complications occurred during follow-up. One perforation with hemorrhage was misdiagnosed during the intervention and required laparotomy. Perforation risk was higher during hysteroscopic adhesiolysis than during other procedures endometrial ablation RR 9.39 (3.46-25.52), p <0.0001; uterine septa section RR 6.78 (0.91-50.6), p = 0.026; polyp RR 8.52 (2.60-30.80), p <0.0001 or myoma resection RR 7 (2.83-17.62), p <0.0001]. Perforation risk was comparable during endometrial ablation, uterine septa section, and polyp or myoma resection (p = 0.93). CONCLUSION: Perforation risk is higher during synechiolysis than in other indications for hysteroscopy. Severe complications are rare but may be avoided if precautions are taken.