A septate uterus is a congenital condition where a fibrous or muscular wall, called a septum, divides the uterine cavity into two sections. This abnormality can affect fertility, increase the chance of miscarriage and can cause complications during pregnancy. This can be fixed through a minimally invasive procedure known as hysteroscopy used to examine the inside of the uterus. It can be used to remove the septum without the need for open surgery. In this blog we’ll discuss more about this procedure in detail.

Causes:

1. Developmental error:

During fetal development, the uterus forms two structures known as Mullerian ducts. In septate uterus, the tissue between these ducts fails to get reabsorbed causing a wall (septum) in between the uterine cavity.

• Genetic factors:

It might be a genetic mutation or variation which runs in the family involving Mullerian duct development.

• Other Mullerian duct anomalies:

A septate uterus is part of a group of congenital anomalies (abnormalities present at birth) that affect the structure of the uterus.

• Hormonal influence:

Abnormal hormonal signals during pregnancy can also cause the ducts to not fuse properly causing a septate uterus.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of septate uterus can vary from person to person, but many women may not experience noticeable signs.When symptoms do occur, they include:

1. Recurrent miscarriage:

One of the most common symptoms is recurrent miscarriage due to the septum interfering the pregnancy progression.

• Infertility:

Women with septate uterus can experience a hard time conceiving cause of the divided uterine cavity.

• Painful periods:

Some women might go through intense period pain due to septate uterus.

• Preterm labor:

The septum can increase the risk of a preterm labor.

• Irregular bleeding:

Some women may experience irregular uterine bleeding, though it is less common.

• Pregnancy complications:

In rare cases, septate uterus can cause complications like breech formation (abnormal birth position) or low birth weight. Many women remain asymptomatic and only discover the condition during fertility evaluations or pregnancy complication.

What is septate uterus hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which is used to treat a septate uterus. It is a technique that involves inserting a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. It provides a clear view of the uterine cavity to the surgeon allowing them to diagnose any abnormalities and perform corrective procedures.

Operative hysteroscopy involves using the hysteroscope not only to view but also to treat issues, like removing the septum or correcting other uterine anomalies.

Septate uterus hysteroscopy procedure:

• Before the procedure, the patients undergo pre-operative evaluation, including ultrasound or MRI to confirm the presence of a septum. This is usually done under anaesthesia.
• After confirming the presence of a septum, a hysteroscope is gently inserted through the cervix to examine the uterine cavity.
• After locating the septum, specialized surgical instruments are passed through the hysteroscope to cut and remove the septum.
• After removing the septum, the surgeon ensures the uterine cavity is properly unified and is clear of any obstruction.
• Then the hysteroscope is removed and the patient is moved to recovery.

The procedure usually lasts 30 minutes to 1 hour and is usually performed on an outpatient basis (patient can go home the same day). Patients may experience mild cramping and discomfort for a few days, other than that, there is no other issues.After the procedure, a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled to monitor healing.

The success rate of a septate uterus hysteroscopy is high, with many women experiencing improved fertility and reduced pregnancy complications. Studies show that the removal of septum highly increases the chance of successful pregnancies in women who previously experienced recurrent miscarriages.

Benefits:

Restoration of fertility: Removing the septum can significantly improve fertility and reduces the risk of a miscarriage.

Minimally invasive: Hysteroscopy is less invasive than an open surgery. It doesn’t require any kind of external incisions and has a faster recovery time.

Reduced complications: Compared to other surgeries, it has a low chance of complications like scarring and infections.

Risks:

Bleeding: Some patients might experience slight bleeding after the procedure.

Uterine perforation: A very rare case where the surgical instrument puncture the uterine wall.

Adhesions: Rarely, scar tissue can form in the uterus, potentially causing menstrual irregularities.

Conclusion: Septate uterus hysteroscopy is a highly effective and a minimally invasive procedure solution for women struggling with infertility due to septate uterus. At Guru Hospital, our team of skilled gynaecologists and surgeons are equipped with latest technology and expertise to perform hysteroscopy with precision and care. With over 25 years of experience,we offer a comprehensive support from diagnosis through recovery. Schedule a consultation today at Guru Hospital and take the next step towards healthy pregnancy and better reproductive health. Your journey to wellness starts with us!