Evaluation and treatment of infertile women with Asherman syndrome: an updated review focusing on the role of hysteroscopy

Reprod Biomed Online. 2020 Jul;41(1):55-61. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.03.021. Epub 2020 Apr 28.

Abstract

Asherman syndrome is a rare acquired clinical condition resulting in the obliteration of the uterine cavity causedby the presence of partial or complete fibrous intrauterine adhesions involving at least two-thirds of the uterine cavity potentially obstructing the internal cervical orifice. Common reported symptoms of the disease are alterations of the menstrual pattern with decreased menstrual bleeding leading up to amenorrhoea and infertility. Hysteroscopy is currently considered the gold standard diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with intrauterine adhesions. An integrated approach, including preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative therapeutic measures, however, are warranted owing to the complexity of the syndrome. This review aims to summarize the most recent evidence on the recommended preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative procedures to restore the uterine cavity and a functional endometrium, as well as on the concomitant use of adjuvant therapies to achieve optimal fertility outcomes.

Keywords: Asherman’s syndrome; Hysteroscopy; Infertility; Intrauterine adhesions; Synechiae.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gynatresia / complications
  • Gynatresia / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy*
  • Infertility, Female / etiology
  • Infertility, Female / surgery*
  • Tissue Adhesions / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesions / surgery*
  • Uterus / surgery*