Intrauterine adhesions secondary to elective abortion. Hysteroscopic diagnosis and management

Ten patients who developed Asherman's syndrome following elective first trimester abortion underwent outpatient hysteroscopy under local anesthesia. Six of the 10 patients had hysterosalpingograms prior to surgery. Correlation between the radiographic findings and those at hysteroscopy was poor. Treatment consisted of hysteroscopic lysis of adhesions, placement of an IUD or Foley catheter, and sequential estrogen-progestin administration. Normal menses were resumed in all women. Hysteroscopy was also used for followup in 4 patients. Outpatient hysteroscopy under local anesthesia is safe and is the method of choice for diagnosing, treating, and following patients with Asherman's syndrome.