Hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation of submucosal fibroids: preliminary results in Hong Kong and comparisons with conventional hysteroscopic monopolar loop resection.

INTRODUCTION: Hysteroscopic management of submucosal fibroids using the intrauterine morcellation technique is increasingly being adopted worldwide but no literature concerning its safety and efficacy is available within our local population. We aimed to determine the safety, satisfaction, and efficiency of hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation of submucosal fibroids, and to compare this technique with conventional hysteroscopic monopolar loop resection to identify its potential benefits.

METHODS: All cases of hysteroscopic resection of submucosal fibroids performed in a regional hospital in Hong Kong between 1 January 2011 and 31 December 2014, either by hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation (MyoSure; Hologic, Bedford [MA], US) or conventional hysteroscopic monopolar loop resection, were selected and case notes reviewed. Technical details such as fibroid size, operating time, fluid deficit, operative complications, patient satisfaction, and improvement in haemoglobin level were analysed and compared between the hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation and the conventional groups. All statistical results were calculated using the Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS: During the 3-year period, 29 cases of submucosal fibroids were managed by hysteroscopic surgery. Conventional hysteroscopic monopolar loop resection was performed in 14 patients and another 15 underwent hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation with the MyoSure device. At 3-month follow-up, there was no significant difference in overall patient satisfaction (84.6% for conventional method vs 93.3% for hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation method; P=0.841). Both techniques showed improvement in haemoglobin level at 3 months but without significant difference between the two groups: +21.5 g/L (+1 to +44 g/L) for conventional group and +17.0 g/L (-4 to +40 g/L) for hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation group (P=0.235). Both techniques achieved 100% satisfaction if the submucosal fibroid had over 60% of its contents protruding into the uterine cavity. The operating time was significantly reduced for the hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation technique (mean, 36.6 mins vs 53.6 mins in conventional hysteroscopic monopolar loop resection; P=0.005), particularly in those whose fibroids were ≤3.0 cm (mean, 27.6 mins vs 53.4 mins; P=0.019).

CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective review suggests that hysteroscopic intrauterine morcellation of submucosal fibroids is a safe and effective method in the management of menorrhagia in Chinese women. Preliminary data suggest this technique to be less time-consuming, especially when managing fibroids of ≤3.0 cm.