Surgical management of isthmocele symptom relief and fertility

Abstract

Objective: To describe symptoms and fertility and quality of life outcomes after isthmocele surgery.

Study design: We conducted a retrospective study on from January 2012 to December 2017 in two tertiary referral centers in Rennes (France). All the patients diagnosed with isthmocele and operated were included. They all underwent isthmocele surgery by hysteroscopy, vaginal way or laparotomy.

Results: The following data were collected: surgical procedure, symptoms and fertility before and after surgery, patient satisfaction about the surgery, and quality of life after surgery. Eighteen patients were included. The mean duration of follow-up was 15 months. Surgical procedures consisted of hysteroscopy (n = 5/18, 27.8%), vaginal surgery (n = 8/18, 44.4%) and laparotomy (n = 5/18, 27.8%). Surgical indications were: secondary infertility (n = 10/18, 55 %), pelvic pain (n = 5/18, 28%) and abnormal uterine bleeding (n = 3/18, 17%). Among patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, improvement was obtained after hysteroscopy, laparotomy and vaginal surgery for 83.3%, 75% and 50%, respectively. Among those with pelvic pain, improvement was obtained after hysteroscopy, laparotomy and vaginal surgery for 80%, 81% and 66%, respectively. One patient (1/18, 5.5%) had post-operative complication. Of the 12 patients who wished to conceive eleven pregnancies were obtained (91.7%). Of the 10 patients with secondary infertility, six became pregnant (60%). Five pregnancies (5/11, 45.4%) were carried to full term, including four in patients whose surgical indication was infertility. Among these, one patient had a vaginal delivery (after vaginal surgery) without obstetric complication. All patients operated on by hysteroscopy would recommend this surgery versus 75% of patients with vaginal surgery and 60% of patients with laparotomy (p = 0.24). Pain and quality-of-life scores were comparable between the three groups.

Conclusion: Isthmocele surgery is effective for abnormal uterine bleeding, pain and infertility regardless of the surgical route.

Keywords: Fertility; Isthmocele; Surgery.