Hysteroscopy as An Investigational Operative Procedure in Primary and Secondary Infertility: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study is to review current indications to diagnostic and/or operative hysteroscopy in primary and secondary infertility, as well as to determine its efficacy in improving fertility.Materials and Methods: We gathered available evidence about the role of hysteroscopy in the management of various infertility conditions. Literature from 2000 to 2020 that pertained to this topic were retrieved and appropriately selected.Results: Hysteroscopy does not appear as a first line diagnostic procedure for every clinical scenario. However, its diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in assessing intrauterine pathology is superior to all other non-invasive techniques, such as saline infusion/gel instillation sonography (SIS/GIS), transvaginal sonography (TVS) and hysterosalpingography (HSG). Hysteroscopy allows not only a satisfactory evaluation of the uterine cavity but also, the eventual treatment of endocavitary pathologies that may affect fertility both in spontaneous and assisted reproductive technology (ART) cycles.Conclusion: Hysteroscopy, due to its diagnostic and therapeutic potential, should be regarded as a necessary step in infertility management. However, in case of suspected uterine malformation, hysteroscopy should be integrated with other tests [three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] for diagnostic confirmation.

Keywords

• hysteroscopy
• infertility
• pregnancy rate
• primary infertility