Effectiveness of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: a prospective, randomized, controlled study

Hum Reprod. 2003 Sep;18(9):1918-21. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deg368.

Abstract

Background: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed to assess the efficacy of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid (ACP) gel in preventing the development of intrauterine adhesions following hysteroscopic adhesiolysis.

Methods: Ninety-two patients with irregular menses and intrauterine adhesions referred to the Hysteroscopic Unit of the University of Naples "Federico II". Patients were randomized to two different groups. Group A were randomized to hysteroscopic adhesiolysis plus intrauterine application of ACP gel (10 ml) and group B were randomized to operative hysteroscopy alone (control group). Baseline adhesion scores were calculated for each patient and at 3 months after surgery.

Results: Group A showed a significant decrease in intrauterine adhesions at 3 months follow-up in comparison with the control group. Staging of adhesions showed a significant decrease in adhesion severity in patients treated with ACP gel.

Conclusions: ACP gel significantly reduces the development of intrauterine adhesions postoperatively and its use is likely to be associated with a reduction of severe adhesions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gels
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopy*
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Polysaccharides / therapeutic use*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tissue Adhesions / prevention & control
  • Tissue Adhesions / surgery*
  • Uterine Diseases / diagnosis
  • Uterine Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Uterine Diseases / surgery*

Substances

  • Gels
  • Polysaccharides
  • auto-cross-linked polysaccharide