Does prior hysteroscopic surgery for intrauterine adhesions impact pregnancy outcomes? A systematic review and meta-analysis of matched comparative studies.

OBJECTIVE

Hysteroscopic surgery has become the cornerstone for treating intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), which is one of the commonest ailments affecting menstrual and reproductive outcomes. However, the effect of hysteroscopic intervention on pregnancy outcomes remains unclear. Here, we reviewed evidence from comparative studies to assess how prior hysteroscopic adhesiolysis affects maternal and neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

All studies comparing pregnancy outcomes of women with prior hysteroscopic surgery for IUAs with controls without IUAs were included. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Scopus were searched up to March 17, 2025 and all possible maternal and neonatal outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included. In studies including only assisted reproductive technology (ART), there was no difference in the clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates. Overall, the risk of placenta previa, placental abruption, placenta accrete spectrum, miscarriage, preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage was increased in women with a history of hysteroscopy but there was no difference in the risk of cesarean section, gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Neonatal outcomes were scarcely reported and meta-analysis showed no difference in the risk of neonatal death and birth weight between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Limited retrospective data show that the risk of placental anomalies, miscarriage, preterm birth and postpartum hemorrhage may be increased in women with a history of hysteroscopic adhesiolysis. Pregnancy and live birth rates may not be affected with hysteroscopic surgery in women undergoing ART. Further studies are required to supplement the current evidence.