Guideline No. 446: Hysteroscopic Surgery in Fertility Therapy

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery

Background:

• Infertility affects a significant portion of the reproductive-aged population.
• Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are crucial for improving conception rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate hysteroscopy's role in managing female infertility.
• To assess indications, benefits, risks, and costs associated with hysteroscopic procedures.
• To provide guidance for gynecologists managing infertile patients.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of English-language articles from January 2010 to May 2021.
• Searched major databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library.
• Evidence quality and recommendations strength assessed using the GRADE approach.

Main Results:

• Hysteroscopic surgery aids in diagnosing infertility causes and can improve treatment success.
• All surgical interventions involve inherent risks and potential complications.
• The impact on fertility outcomes is not guaranteed, and procedures incur costs.

Conclusions:

• Hysteroscopy is a valuable tool in infertility management when indicated.
• Gynecologists should carefully consider risks, benefits, and costs.
• Prioritize hysteroscopic procedures that demonstrably improve live birth rates in infertile patients.