Study objective: To evaluate 10 years' experience with hysteroscopic treatment of septate uterus in Italy.
Design: Multicenter retrospective study conducted from January 1988 to March 1997 (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).
Setting: Twelve Italian centers for minimally invasive therapy.
Patients: Women (total 973) with hysteroscopically diagnosed septate uterus.
Interventions: Hysteroscopic metroplasty performed with scissors, resectoscope, or neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.
Measurements and main results: Data on indications for hysteroscopic metroplasty, details of patient management from pretreatment to follow-up, and pregnancy course and delivery were collected by questionnaire. Main indications were two or more abortions and primary infertility. Most procedures were performed with the resectoscope, followed by scissors and laser. Few minor complications occurred. Pregnancy rates were good.
Conclusion: Hysteroscopy is safe and effective treatment of septate uterus in terms of both pregnancy rate and outcome.