Embryoscopic Evacuation of Early Missed Abortion Using the TRUCLEAR Hysteroscopic Morcellator System a Feasibility Study

Embryoscopy and fetoscopy had been used increasingly in the treatment of missed abortions in the last two decades. This is done simply by transcervical hysteroscopy during pregnancy. The fact that we can directly view the embryo in the gestational sack allows us to document and describe the fetal morphology and to note different anatomical malformations. Phillips et al. described in 2001 the use of embryoscopy prior to evacuation of the uterus in early missed abortions in order to diagnose anatomical malformations and to allow sampling of the fetal tissues for genetic testing. This group also demonstrated that patients with repeated pregnancy loss are more likely to have morphologically normal embryos and less aneuploidy in cytogenetic analysis. The use of fetal tissue obtained in embryoscopy allows for more accurate genetic testing and diagnosis and reduces the number of maternal cells in the specimen.

Hysteroscopic morcellation had been used for intrauterine tissue extraction for over 20 years. Hysteroscopic morcellators have been shown to allow for rapid and complete resection of polyps, fibroids, uterine septa, and retained products of conception. These instruments use a rotating blade and a suction system that allows for the removal of the specimen under direct hysteroscopic visualization. When compared with standard resectoscopic technique, the use of hysteroscopic morcellators probably saves time and allows for more complete removal of the specimen.

Use of the hysteroscopic morcellator for resection of the fetal tissue in early missed abortions might prove beneficial over the standard blind Dilatation and curettage currently used to treat this condition. This technique might allow selective targeting of the fetal tissue thus decreasing the damage caused by trauma to the entire uterine cavity. In a recent systematic review the rate of intrauterine adhesions following D&C for missed abortions ranged between 16 to 21 percent. This technique was assessed in one case for a woman with previous Ashreman's syndrome and was found to be feasible although the authors state that visibility was poor while resecting the implantation site due to high vascularization.

The primary aim of the current study is to assess the feasibility of embryolysis - resection of an early missed abortion with the Truclear 8 mm hysteroscopic morcellator.

Secondary aims include the rate of complications, incomplete removal and intrauterine adhesions.