Compliance and diagnostic efficacy of mini-hysteroscopy versus traditional hysteroscopy in infertility investigation

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare traditional hysteroscopy with mini-hysteroscopy in terms of compliance, side effects and diagnostic efficacy. Study design: We prospectively considered 950 female candidates for an IVF programme. All women underwent outpatient hysteroscopy; in 602 cases (Group A) a mini-hysteroscope was employed; in 348 women (Group B) a 5-mm hysteroscope was adopted. Results: Cavity findings were similar in both groups. Endometrial polyps and uterine septum seem to be more frequent in our infertile patients than in the general population. No significant differences in terms of side effects were found between the groups. Mean visual analogue pain scale score was significantly lower in the patients of Group A than in those of Group B (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Office mini-hysteroscopy is a very effective diagnostic tool in an infertility work-up and is more widely accepted than traditional hysteroscopy. Routine use of the technique should be considered. © 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.