Hysteroscopic management of caesarean scar defects

Abstract

A caesarean section may lead to a defect of the myometrium at the site of the uterine scar. The association with abnormal uterine bleeding or impaired fertility has been demonstrated. Hysteroscopic remodelling reportedly reduces the symptoms. To review the available literature reporting on hysteroscopic treatment of these defects in symptomatic women with abnormal uterine bleeding or impaired fertility. A systematic search of PubMed and Cochrane databases has been performed until January 2021, including 27 articles. Hysteroscopic remodelling relieved symptoms of abnormal uterine bleeding in 60–100% and 25–100% of women with impaired fertility conceived within the follow up period. No major complications were reported. Hysteroscopic remodelling seems a treatment option in the management of symptomatic caesarean scar defects. Long-term follow-up and larger studies are needed to evaluate the effect on abnormal uterine bleeding as well as on reproductive outcomes.

Keywords:

• Caesarean scar
• niche
• caesarean scar defect
• hysteroscopy
• abnormal uterine bleeding
• impaired fertility

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).