Laparoscopic Tubal Adhesiolysis Versus ICSI in Cases of Post-Cesarean Adhesions: Which Is the Best?

Background & Objective: Secondary infertility resulting from tubal adhesions following cesarean section are not uncommon. The decision to do adhesiolysis or direct IVF/ICSI is to some extent difficult. This study was conducted to evaluate the benefits/risks of either adhesiolysis or direct IVF/ICSI for patients with secondary infertility due to post-cesarean tubal adhesions. Materials & Methods: Three hundred infertile women with post-cesarean adhesion were recruited and divided into ۲ groups either laparoscopic adhesiolysis or ICSI procedure. Results: Demographic data of enrolled patients in both groups were comparable. Regarding types of adhesions, mild adhesions were found in (۴۷.۶۵%) cases, moderate adhesions in (۲۴.۸۳%) cases and severe adhesions in (۲۷.۵۲%) cases. Pregnancy rates were found to be higher in cases with mild adhesions (۶۲.۶۷%) when compared to cases with moderate or severe adhesions (۲۸.۰۰%) and (۹.۳۳%) respectively. The overall pregnancy rate in group ۱ was ۶۷ (۴۴.۹۷%), while it was ۸۳ (۵۵.۷۰%) in group ۲. The pregnancy rate was higher in group ۲ but didn't reach statistical significance. The cost of the procedure was significantly higher in group ۲ but with significantly lower complication rates. Conclusion: Although assisted reproduction gives the patient higher pregnancy rates with less possibility of complications, it should not be considered the first-choice treatment for patients with post-cesarean adhesions, especially in mild and moderate cases.

Keywords:

IVF/ICSI , Laparoscopy , Pregnancy rate , Secondary infertility , Tubal adhesions