Outpatient hysteroscopy and subsequent IVF cycle outcome: a systematic review and meta-analysis A study pblished in RBM online published by “Assisted Conception Unit, Guy’s and St. Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London”demonstrates a beneficial effect of hysteroscopy performed prior to ovarian stimulation on the outcome of the IVF cycle in patients having their first or subsequent IVF attempt. This positive impact on IVF outcome could be related to the ability of OH to reliably detect and potentially treat intrauterine pathologies encountered during the procedure such as intrauterine adhesions, endometrial polyps, submucous fibroids, endometritis or uterine malformations that could interfere with implantation . These pathologies have been shown to be present in up to 50% of infertile patients and the risk of their presence increases with increasing number of IVF failures .. The prevalence of intrauterine pathology encountered at hysteroscopy in the five studies included in this systematic review ranged from 25% to 56%. Correction of most of these abnormalities and restoration of a normal uterine cavity is possible during OH with reported good outcome, similar to that achieved in patients with a normal hysteroscopy In conclusion, office hysteroscope might be associated with improved IVF outcome when performed immediately before commencing an IVF cycle.
