Transcervical hysteroscopic resection of submucous fibroids for abnormal uterine bleeding: results regarding the degree of intramural extension.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the results of transcervical resection of submucous fibroids in relation to the degree of intramural extension.

METHODS: A prospective 3-year observational study was performed of transcervical resection of submucous fibroids for abnormal uterine bleeding. The mean follow-up was 20 months (range 10-34). Fifty-one patients with a mean age of 38 years (range 23-55) were treated with transcervical resection after classification according to the degree of intramural extension of the submucous fibroids. The intention was to perform complete resection, established at control hysteroscopy. A repeat procedure was performed in cases of incomplete resection unless the patient denied further hysteroscopic treatment. Outcome measures were control of bleeding, subsequent surgery, number of procedures, number of complete resections, and number of recurrences.

RESULTS: Bleeding was controlled in 48 (94.1%) of all patients after final resection. Hysterectomy was performed in three patients (5.9%) because of persistent complaints: in two cases after incomplete resection and in one case after complete resection. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 45 patients (42 with complete and three with incomplete final resection), three (6.7%) had a recurrence (one after complete and two after incomplete final resection). With more extensive intramural involvement, the chance to achieve complete resection decreased and the mean number of procedures to achieve complete resection increased.

CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection improves the long-term results of transcervical resection of submucous fibroids for control of abnormal uterine bleeding. Transcervical resection of submucous fibroids with more than 50% intramural extension should be performed only in selected cases, as complete resection usually necessitates repeat procedures.