Modified hysteroscopic myomectomy of large submucous fibroids

Objective: To compare the efficacy, feasibility, operative time and possible complications of a modified technique of hysteroscopic removal of large submucus myomata versus traditional morcellation technique, and to assess the efficacy of preoperative sonohysterography (SHG). Design: A prospective comparative study. Setting: Gynecologic Endoscopy Unit, Assiut University Hospital, Assiut, Egypt. Subjects: One hundred forty-two women of childbearing age with a clinical and transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of large solitary submucous myomata (13 cm in diameter) with or without an intramural element. Interventions: The patients were divided into two groups. In group A (65 patients), a modified resectoscopic technique was used where the base of the myoma was excised followed by ring forceps extraction after misoprostol priming. In group B (77 patients), the myoma was cut using traditional resectoscopic morcellation. Main Outcome Measures: For each patient, operating time, intra- and postoperative complications and feasibility of the procedure were recorded. The accuracy of preoperative SHG in localizing submucous myoma and detecting intramural extension was assessed by diagnostic hysteroscopy. Results: Transvaginal SHG showed good agreement with hysteroscopy in localizing submucous myomata and detecting intramural extension (k = 0.83). The operating time was significantly shorter in group A (15.6 +/- 3.02 min) than in group B (28.9 +/- 4.3 min). The procedure was completed in 60 (92%) and 51 patients (66%), whereas a second session was required in 2 (3%) and 20 patients (25.9%) in both groups respectively. Glycine volume was highly significantly less in group A (2.3 +/- 0.86 vs. 6.3 +/- 1.7 liters, p = 0.001). Intraoperative complications were encountered in 9 (13.8%) and 22 patients (28.5%) in both groups respectively (p = 0.03). Cervical laceration was diagnosed in 3 cases (4.6%) in group A. Postoperative visual disturbances were diagnosed in 4 cases (5%) in group B. Conclusions: Hysteroscopic resection of large submucous myomata with minimal intramural encroachment is feasible using a modified technique. It shows a minimal complication rate and fluid deficit and a shorter operative time than the standard morcellation technique. If the excised myoma is extracted as one mass, this carries a minimal risk of cervical lacerations and possible cervical incompetence in a subsequent pregnancy. Transvaginal SHG is a reliable diagnostic aid to assess submucous myomata. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.