Prevention of adhesions in gynaecological endoscopy

Hum Reprod Update. 2007 Jul-Aug;13(4):379-94. doi: 10.1093/humupd/dml061. Epub 2007 Apr 23.

Abstract

Adhesions resulting from gynaecological endoscopic procedures are a major clinical, social and economic concern, as they may result in pelvic pain, infertility, bowel obstruction and additional surgery to resolve such adhesion-related complications. Although the minimally invasive endoscopic approach has been shown to be less adhesiogenic than traditional surgery, at least with regard to selected procedures, it does not totally eliminate the problem. Consequently, many attempts have been made to further reduce adhesion formation and reformation following endoscopic procedures, and a wide variety of strategies, including surgical techniques, pharmacological agents and mechanical barriers have been advocated to address this issue. The present review clearly indicates that there is no single modality proven to be unequivocally effective in preventing post-operative adhesion formation either for laparoscopic or for hysteroscopic surgery. Furthermore, the available adhesion-reducing substances are rather expensive. Since excellent surgical technique alone seems insufficient, further research is needed on an adjunctive therapy for the prevention and/or reduction of adhesion formation following gynaecological endoscopic procedures.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy / adverse effects*
  • Postoperative Complications / drug therapy
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control*
  • Tissue Adhesions / drug therapy
  • Tissue Adhesions / etiology
  • Tissue Adhesions / prevention & control
  • Uterine Diseases / drug therapy
  • Uterine Diseases / etiology
  • Uterine Diseases / prevention & control*