Effectiveness of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery: A prospective, randomized, controlled study

Abstract

Background: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed to assess the efficacy of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel to prevent the development of de-novo intrauterine adhesions following hysteroscopic surgery. Methods: One hundred and thirty-two patients with a single surgically remediable intrauterine lesion (myomas, polyps and uterine septa, subgroups I-III) completed the study. Patients were randomized to two different groups: group A underwent hysteroscopic surgery plus intrauterine application of ACP gel (10 ml) while group B underwent hysteroscopic surgery alone (control group). The rate of adhesion formation and the adhesion score was calculated for each group and subgroup 3 months after surgery. Results: Group A showed a significant reduction in the development of de-novo intrauterine adhesions at 3 months follow-up in comparison with the control group. Furthermore, the staging of adhesions showed a significant decrease in adhesion severity in patients treated with ACP gel. Conclusions: ACP gel significantly reduces the incidence and severity of de-novo formation of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery. © European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology 2004; all rights reserved.