Prevalence of Asherman's syndrome after secondary removal of placental remnants or a repeat curettage for incomplete abortion

Iris C.D. Westendorp, Willem M. Ankum, Ben W.J. Mol, Jan Vonk

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157 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This prospective study assesses the prevalence of intrauterine adhesions among women undergoing secondary removal of placental remnants after delivery, or a repeat curettage for incomplete abortions, and evaluates risk factors associated with the presence of intrauterine adhesions. In 50 women, undergoing either a secondary removal of placental remnants more than 24 h after delivery, or a repeat curettage for incomplete abortions, ambulatory hysteroscopy was performed 3 months after the intervention. Intrauterine adhesions were found in 20 of the women (40%): five patients had Asherman's syndrome grade I, six had grade II, six had grade III and three had grade IV. In women with menstrual disorders a statistically significant 12-fold increased risk for Asherman's syndrome grade II-IV was found. Previous abortion as well as infection during surgery were associated with a mildly but non-significant increased risk. Based on our findings, hysteroscopy is recommended only in those patients who develop menstrual disorders, either after secondary intervention for placental remnants after delivery or after a repeat curettage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3347-3350
Number of pages4
JournalHuman Reproduction
Volume13
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished or Issued - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Asherman's syndrome
  • Curettage
  • Hysteroscopy
  • Intrauterine adhesions
  • Menstrual disorders

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynaecology

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