Efficacy and safety of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic gel to prevent intrauterine adhesion after hysteroscopic electrosurgical resection: a multi-center randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The electrothermal effect of hysteroscopic bipolar electrosurgical resection may cause damage to the endometrium, leading to intrauterine adhesion (IUA). Although some studies have demonstrated the efficacy and feasibility of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic (ACP) gel in preventing IUAs, controversy over its use continues. In this randomized controlled multi-center 2-arm parallel trial, we aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of ACP gel in preventing IUA after hysteroscopic electrosurgical resection and facilitate pregnancy in patients.

METHODS

Patients from 4 centers in China were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive an intrauterine infusion of ACP gel or nothing after hysteroscopic electrosurgical resection. The randomization assignment was generated by computer and kept in a sealed envelope. A second-look hysteroscopy was performed within 3 months of the surgery.

RESULTS

From June 2018 to May 2021, 200 patients were recruited. Ultimately, 82 patients in both groups were included in the result analysis. The baseline characteristics were comparable. The outcomes were assessed by using per-protocol analysis. The incidence of IUA in the ACP gel group was lower than that in the control group [3.66% 10.98%, risk ratio (RR) =0.333, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.094-1.187, P=0.072], and the planned pregnancy rate was higher than that of the control group (60.98% 40.54%, RR =1.504, 95% CI: 0.949-2.384, P=0.071), but the difference was not statistically significant. There was no significant difference in menstruation change. Menstrual volume remained unchanged in most cases (86.59% in ACP gel group 89.02% in the control group, RR =0.877, 95% CI: 0.877-1.109, P=0.815). Menstrual volume decreased in 10 women in the ACP gel group and 8 in the control group (12.20% 9.76%, RR =1.250, 95% CI: 0.520-3.007, P=0.617). No adverse effects were observed after the ACP administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study showed that the use of ACP gel appeared to reduce both the tendency of IUA and American Fertility Society (AFS) scores and improve the subsequent pregnancy rate during hysteroscopic electrosurgical resection when treating polyps, fibroids, and uterine septum. ACP might be recommended to prevent IUA after such surgery. Further studies should be conducted with larger numbers of participants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2100047165.