Hysteroscopic resection of fibroids: Results with a 6-year follow-up period

The object of this report is to specify the development of functional results 3 years after a preliminary experience in the hysteroscopic resection of hemorrhagic submucous fibroids in 196 patients. One hundred ninety-six patients with abnormal uterine bleeding were treated between 1987 and 1992. Equipment, techniques, characteristics of procedures, and first results were detailed in the previous article. With a mean follow-up of 73 months (range: 50-104), the functional results were as follows: 13.8% of patients did not remain in contact, 68.4% of patients noted symptomatic improvement, and 17.8% of patients had failure (subsequent hysterectomy: 12.7%). Forty-nine patients had repeat resection in this series, 61 became menopausal after surgery, and 21 were taking hormone replacement therapy with good results. Developed as an alternative to hysterectomy, operative hysteroscopy had to demonstrate its safety and effectiveness. This modality of treatment appears to be satisfactory over the long term, with low complication rates.