Long-term outcomes after intrauterine morcellation vs hysteroscopic resection of endometrial polyps.

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To compare the long-term outcomes of intrauterine morcellation (IUM) of endometrial polyps vs a traditional operative polypectomy technique, hysteroscopic resection (HSR), and to identify factors predictive of recurrent abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) after operative polypectomy.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery practice in a tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Women who underwent operative hysteroscopic polypectomy between January 1, 2004 and December 31, 2009.

INTERVENTIONS

Intrauterine morcellation or HSR with evaluation and/or treatment of recurrent AUB after operative polypectomy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 311 patients (IUM group, 139; HSR group, 172), 167 (53.7%) had at least 1 gynecologic follow-up visit and 57 (18.4%) had recurrent AUB. Subsequent gynecologic clinic visit rates were similar between the 2 groups (HSR, 58.1%, vs IUM, 48.2%; p = .08). Recurrence of AUB within the first 4 years of follow-up was similar between the IUM and HSR groups (hazard ratio for HSR vs IUM, 1.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.98; p = .59). However, recurrence of endometrial polyps approached statistical significance (hazard ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-11.49; p = .06). Premenopausal status, history of hormone replacement therapy, multiparity, and polycystic ovarian syndrome were independently associated with AUB recurrence. There were no reports of inability to establish a histopathologic diagnosis among all pathology specimens evaluated.

CONCLUSION

Compared with HSR, intrauterine morcellation may be associated with lower recurrence of endometrial polyps. However, the incidence of recurrent AUB is independent of polypectomy method.