Evaluation of transvaginal sonography in detecting endometrial polyps and the pregnancy outcome following hysteroscopic polypectomy in infertile women

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the effectiveness of transvaginal sonography (TVS) in the detection of endometrial polyps (EPs), and to assess the pregnancy outcome in infertile women following hysteroscopic polypectomy. A total of 145 women diagnosed with primary or secondary infertility and intrauterine disorders by TVS and hysterosalpingography (HSG) were included in the current study. All subjects were divided into three groups based on hysteroscopic findings, including the EP, intrauterine adhesion and normal groups. EPs were removed for biopsy and intrauterine adhesions were treated. Pregnancy rates between groups were compared. In total, 34 EPs were detected by TVS, while 45 subjects were later confirmed with EP by hysteroscopy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of TVS in the detection of EPs were 67, 96, 88.23 and 86.49%, respectively. Of the included patients, 120 subjects were followed up, including 40 patients diagnosed with EPs, 42 with intrauterine adhesions and 38 with normal cavities. The results indicated no statistically significant differences in the age, type and duration of infertility, least function (LF) score and classification of the extent of tubal disease with the distal fimbrial obstruction between the three groups. In addition, pregnancy rate and spontaneous abortion rate in the EP group following hysteroscopic polypectomy were 45 and 5.6%, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the fertility rate following surgery. In conclusion, TVS features high sensitivity, specificity and certain unique sonographic characteristics in diagnosing EPs, and may be used as a preliminary diagnostic procedure to select patients for hysteroscopy. Furthermore, hysteroscopic polypectomy is an important approach for the treatment of infertile patients with EPs and appears to help increase the pregnancy rate of previously infertile women.