Hysteroscopic management of displaced levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.

AIM: This study was designed to evaluate feasibility and effectiveness of hysteroscopic intervention in the management of symptoms related to the displaced levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (LNG-IUS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and thirteen patients with displaced LNG-IUS presenting with irregular uterine bleeding, pelvic pain or asymptomatic displacement were recruited for hysteroscopic examination. Displaced LNG-IUS was relocated by hysteroscopic intervention and the effect on symptoms and LNG-IUS position was followed. RESULTS: The displaced LNG-IUS was successfully relocated by hysteroscope in 112 (99.1%) of 113 cases. Following LNG-IUS relocation, 71 (79.8%) patients of 89 with preoperative irregular uterine bleeding had amenorrhea or vaginal spotting, and 14 of 15 (93.3%) patients with preoperative pelvic pain became asymptomatic. LNG-IUS expulsion was recorded in two patients 7 and 21 days after hysteroscopy. CONCLUSION: Displaced LNG-IUS can cause clinical symptoms (e.g. irregular bleeding, pain). Hysteroscopic relocation of displaced LNG-IUS is a feasible method in the management of these symptoms. Risk of spontaneous expulsion associated with hysteroscopy is low.

Should hysteroscopy be provided for patients who have undergone instrumental intrauterine intervention after delivery?

We investigated the frequency of pathology, especially intrauterine adhesions, after instrumental evacuation within 24 h of delivery in a prospective observational intervention study on 100 women where a 'see and treat' hysteroscopy was performed after three to four months. There were two possible etiology groups: intrauterine adhesions [classified according by European Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (ESGE) grades I-IV] and residual tissue (classified as minimal and considerable). Adhesions were found in 18% of patients, as follows: ESGE I-II in 13% and ESGE III-IV in 5%. Residual tissue was present in 33%, as follows: minimal in 23% and considerable in 10%. There were 6% who had both mild adhesions and minimal residual tissue, while 43% of the women had normal intrauterine findings. Of the women, 32% were symptomatic (spotting, bleeding). Only residual tissue correlated with symptoms (r=0.376; p<0.001). There is a high prevalence of acquired intrauterine pathology (57%) in women who require early instrumental evacuation.

"See and treat" hysteroscopy after missed abortion.

A prospective study was conducted on the incidence of intrauterine pathology after missed abortion diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. A hysteroscopy was performed in 100 women four to 12 weeks after a dilatation and curettage for missed abortions. Uterine malformations were found in 12 patients, intrauterine adhesions in seven and submucous myoma in two cases. As a side finding four cases of asymptomatic retained products of conception were found. Most cases of the intrauterine pathology were treated instantly by hysteroscopy, "see and treat" regimen was preferred. Post-missed abortion-hysteroscopy is a simple and useful method for early diagnosis and treatment of congenital and acquired intrauterine pathology.