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This prospective randomized study aims to evaluate whether the application of an intrauterine anti-adhesion gel reduces the incidence of intrauterine adhesions (IUAs) following robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Intrauterine adhesions may develop after endometrial trauma during surgery and can negatively affect menstrual function, fertility, and future pregnancy outcomes. Robotic myomectomy offers a minimally invasive approach, but postoperative adhesion formation remains a concern.
Sixty-two women undergoing myomectomy will be randomized to receive either intrauterine anti-adhesion gel (intervention group) or no adhesion-prevention method (control group). Adhesions will be assessed by ultrasound and hysteroscopy during follow-up. Secondary outcomes include reproductive results over a 24-month period, such as implantation rate, clinical pregnancy, miscarriage, live birth, pregnancy complications, and neonatal outcomes.
The study seeks to determine whether combining a minimally invasive surgical approach with an intrauterine gel provides additional protection against adhesion formation and improves fertility-related outcomes.
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), or uterine synechiae, are fibrotic bands that develop when the endometrium is damaged and the normal healing process is disrupted. Surgical trauma-particularly involving the basal layer of the endometrium-is one of the main triggers for adhesion formation. Myomectomy is recognized as the gynecologic procedure most frequently associated with the development of adhesions, which may compromise uterine function, menstrual regularity, fertility, and obstetric outcomes. Although minimally invasive approaches such as conventional or robot-assisted laparoscopy have reduced postoperative morbidity, they cannot eliminate the risk of adhesion formation, especially when the uterine cavity is entered or extensive suturing is required.
Adhesion formation results from excessive fibrin deposition and insufficient fibrinolytic activity during tissue repair. When fibrin persists on the injured surfaces, fibroblast proliferation and neovascularization may lead to permanent fibrotic bridges between areas that should remain separated. This process is particularly relevant following myomectomy, where the endometrium may be inadvertently injured. Several studies have reported high rates of intrauterine adhesions after open myomectomy and, to a lesser extent, after minimally invasive procedures. Adhesions may occur even when the cavity is not breached, suggesting that the myometrial trauma itself can contribute to this pathological process.
Anti-adhesion gels have been proposed as an adjunctive strategy to prevent postoperative synechiae. These sterile, absorbable, highly viscous hydrophilic gels-typically composed of sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and electrolytes-act as temporary mechanical barriers, physically separating traumatized surfaces during the healing period. Evidence from previous studies suggests that intrauterine gel application after hysteroscopic procedures may reduce adhesion formation and improve postoperative reproductive outcomes. However, few trials have evaluated the efficacy of these gels after laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy.
This study is a prospective, randomized, controlled, non-profit clinical trial designed to assess whether the application of an intrauterine anti-adhesion gel at the end of robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy reduces the incidence of IUAs compared with no adhesion-prevention method. Sixty-two women undergoing myomectomy will be randomized 1:1 into an intervention group (with gel application) or a control group (without gel). All participants will undergo standardized preoperative assessment, including ultrasound and office hysteroscopy. Postoperative follow-up includes ultrasound at one month to evaluate pelvic adhesions and diagnostic hysteroscopy at two months to assess intrauterine adhesions. Reproductive outcomes will be monitored for up to 24 months through spontaneous or assisted conception attempts.
The primary endpoint is the incidence of intrauterine adhesions at follow-up hysteroscopy. Secondary endpoints include clinical pregnancy rate, implantation rate, miscarriage rate, live birth rate, pregnancy complications, mode of delivery, and neonatal outcomes.
The study aims to clarify whether combining a minimally invasive robotic approach with an intrauterine gel can synergistically reduce adhesion formation and improve fertility outcomes. Results may contribute to optimizing postoperative management in women undergoing myomectomy and refining strategies to preserve reproductive potential.
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| Label | Type | Description | Intervention Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anti-adhesion gel group | Experimental | Women will receive the application of an anti-adhesion gel at the end of the myomectomy procedure. |
|
| Standard of care group | No Intervention | Women will not receive any anti-adhesion methods |
| Name | Type | Description | Arm Group Labels | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Women will receive the application of an anti-adhesion gel at the end of the myomectomy procedure | Device | The difference compared to other studies published in the past is that, in our trial, at the end of the robotic myomectomy-which will be performed using the same technique in both groups-an anti-adhesion gel will be applied in the intervention group to prevent the formation of intrauterine adhesions. |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy of intrauterine gel in reducing the formation of intrauterine adhesions | The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of intrauterine gel in reducing the formation of intrauterine adhesions following robotic-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy. Intrauterine adhesions will be assessed during follow-up ultrasound performed one month after surgery and by diagnostic hysteroscopy two months after surgery. Adhesions will be classified according to an internationally recognized scoring system. The severity, extent, and type of adhesions will be documented using the American Fertility Society (AFS) / American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) classification system, which categorizes IUAs as mild, moderate, or severe based on the extent of cavity involvement, type of adhesions, and menstrual pattern. | Up to two months after surgery |
| Measure | Description | Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Pregnancy Rate | Presence of a gestational sac with fetal heartbeat detected on transvaginal ultrasound. Measurement: Confirmed by ultrasound between the 5th and 7th weeks of gestation and recorded in clinical data. | Up to 24 months after surgery |
| Live Birth Rate (LBR) |
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Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
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| Name | Role | Phone | Extension | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunella Zizolfi, Dr. | Contact | +39 3381651272 | +39 | brunellazizolfi@hotmail.it |
| Danilo Borrelli, Dr. | Contact | +39 3488277581 | +39 | danil.borrelli@gmail.com |
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| PubMed Identifier | Type | Citation | Retractions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37139194 | Background | Mercorio A, Della Corte L, Boccia D, Palumbo M, Reppuccia S, Buonfantino C, Cuomo L, Borgo M, Zitiello A, De Angelis MC, Lagana AS, Bifulco G, Giampaolino P. Myomectomy in infertile women: More harm than good? Front Surg. 2023 Apr 17;10:1151901. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1151901. eCollection 2023. | |
| 36212555 | Background |
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| Type | Includes Protocol | Includes SAP | Includes ICF | Document Label | Document Date | Document Uploaded Date | Document File Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prot_SAP | Yes | Yes | No | Study Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan | Dec 3, 2025 | Dec 3, 2025 | Prot_SAP_000.pdf |
| ICF | No | No | Yes | Informed Consent Form | Dec 3, 2025 | Dec 3, 2025 | ICF_001.pdf |
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| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D047708 | Myofibroma |
| D000267 | Tissue Adhesions |
| D006175 | Gynatresia |
| ID | Term |
|---|---|
| D009372 | Neoplasms, Connective Tissue |
| D018204 | Neoplasms, Connective and Soft Tissue |
| D009370 | Neoplasms by Histologic Type |
| D009369 | Neoplasms |
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The study will be conducted as a prospective, randomized, non-profit trial
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|
Percentage of patients delivering a live-born infant after conception. Measurement: Collected from hospital records or via follow-up phone interviews |
| Up to 24 months post-surgery. |
| Miscarriage Rate | Spontaneous pregnancy loss before 20 weeks of gestation. Measurement: Confirmed by ultrasound or clinical documentation in case of spontaneous abortion. | Up to 24 months after surgery |
| Pregnancy Complications | Adverse events during pregnancy, such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or preterm birth. Measurement: Collected from medical charts, obstetric reports, or standardized questionnaires. | Up to 24 months after surgery |
| Mode of delivery | Type of delivery (spontaneous vaginal, assisted vaginal, cesarean section). Measurement: Recorded from birth certificates or hospital delivery records. | Up to 24 months after surgery |
| Bortoletto P, Keefe KW, Unger E, Hariton E, Gargiulo AR. Incidence and risk factors of intrauterine adhesions after myomectomy. F S Rep. 2022 May 28;3(3):269-274. doi: 10.1016/j.xfre.2022.05.007. eCollection 2022 Sep. |
| 26000007 | Background | Asgari Z, Hafizi L, Hosseini R, Javaheri A, Rastad H. Intrauterine synechiae after myomectomy; laparotomy versus laparoscopy: Non-randomized interventional trial. Iran J Reprod Med. 2015 Mar;13(3):161-8. |
| 35168241 | Background | Lagana AS, Garzon S, Dababou S, Uccella S, Medvediev M, Pokrovenko D, Babunashvili EL, Buyanova SN, Schukina NA, Shcherbatykh Kaschchuk MG, Kosmas I, Licchelli M, Panese G, Tinelli A. Prevalence of Intrauterine Adhesions after Myomectomy: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study. Gynecol Obstet Invest. 2022;87(1):62-69. doi: 10.1159/000522583. Epub 2022 Feb 15. |
| 29454580 | Background | Capmas P, Pourcelot AG, Fernandez H. Are synechiae a complication of laparotomic myomectomy? Reprod Biomed Online. 2018 Apr;36(4):450-454. doi: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.01.010. Epub 2018 Feb 2. |
| 15705404 | Background | Pellicano M, Guida M, Bramante S, Acunzo G, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Tommaselli GA, Nappi C. Reproductive outcome after autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid gel application in infertile patients who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy. Fertil Steril. 2005 Feb;83(2):498-500. doi: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2004.09.019. |
| 12923149 | Background | Acunzo G, Guida M, Pellicano M, Tommaselli GA, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Bifulco G, Cirillo D, Taylor A, Nappi C. Effectiveness of auto-cross-linked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic adhesiolysis: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Hum Reprod. 2003 Sep;18(9):1918-21. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deg368. |
| 15105384 | Background | Guida M, Acunzo G, Di Spiezio Sardo A, Bifulco G, Piccoli R, Pellicano M, Cerrota G, Cirillo D, Nappi C. Effectiveness of auto-crosslinked hyaluronic acid gel in the prevention of intrauterine adhesions after hysteroscopic surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Hum Reprod. 2004 Jun;19(6):1461-4. doi: 10.1093/humrep/deh238. Epub 2004 Apr 22. |
| 12909511 | Background | Pellicano M, Bramante S, Cirillo D, Palomba S, Bifulco G, Zullo F, Nappi C. Effectiveness of autocrosslinked hyaluronic acid gel after laparoscopic myomectomy in infertile patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Fertil Steril. 2003 Aug;80(2):441-4. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(03)00597-1. |
| 37507735 | Background | Sheng Y, Hong Z, Wang J, Mao B, Wu Z, Gou Y, Zhao J, Liu Q. Efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic myomectomy versus laparoscopic myomectomy: a systematic evaluation and meta-analysis. World J Surg Oncol. 2023 Jul 28;21(1):230. doi: 10.1186/s12957-023-03104-8. |
| 24112637 | Background | Di Saverio S, Coccolini F, Galati M, Smerieri N, Biffl WL, Ansaloni L, Tugnoli G, Velmahos GC, Sartelli M, Bendinelli C, Fraga GP, Kelly MD, Moore FA, Mandala V, Mandala S, Masetti M, Jovine E, Pinna AD, Peitzman AB, Leppaniemi A, Sugarbaker PH, Goor HV, Moore EE, Jeekel J, Catena F. Bologna guidelines for diagnosis and management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO): 2013 update of the evidence-based guidelines from the world society of emergency surgery ASBO working group. World J Emerg Surg. 2013 Oct 10;8(1):42. doi: 10.1186/1749-7922-8-42. |
| 28685387 | Background | Moris D, Chakedis J, Rahnemai-Azar AA, Wilson A, Hennessy MM, Athanasiou A, Beal EW, Argyrou C, Felekouras E, Pawlik TM. Postoperative Abdominal Adhesions: Clinical Significance and Advances in Prevention and Management. J Gastrointest Surg. 2017 Oct;21(10):1713-1722. doi: 10.1007/s11605-017-3488-9. Epub 2017 Jul 6. |
| 26258583 | Background | Beyene RT, Kavalukas SL, Barbul A. Intra-abdominal adhesions: Anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and treatment. Curr Probl Surg. 2015 Jul;52(7):271-319. doi: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2015.05.001. Epub 2015 Jun 9. No abstract available. |
| 23657643 | Background | Okabayashi K, Ashrafian H, Zacharakis E, Hasegawa H, Kitagawa Y, Athanasiou T, Darzi A. Adhesions after abdominal surgery: a systematic review of the incidence, distribution and severity. Surg Today. 2014 Mar;44(3):405-20. doi: 10.1007/s00595-013-0591-8. Epub 2013 May 9. |
| 28203370 | Background | Tabibian N, Swehli E, Boyd A, Umbreen A, Tabibian JH. Abdominal adhesions: A practical review of an often overlooked entity. Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2017 Jan 31;15:9-13. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2017.01.021. eCollection 2017 Mar. |
| 24958350 | Background | De Wilde RL, Bakkum EA, Brolmann H, Crowe A, Koninckx P, Korell M, Lundorff P, Pistofidis G, Tchartchian G, Trew G, Wattiez A, Wallwiener M. Consensus recommendations on adhesions (version 2014) for the ESGE Adhesions Research Working Group (European Society for Gynecological Endoscopy): an expert opinion. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2014 Sep;290(3):581-2. doi: 10.1007/s00404-014-3312-7. Epub 2014 Jun 24. No abstract available. |
| 12632122 | Background | Vrijland WW, Jeekel J, van Geldorp HJ, Swank DJ, Bonjer HJ. Abdominal adhesions: intestinal obstruction, pain, and infertility. Surg Endosc. 2003 Jul;17(7):1017-22. doi: 10.1007/s00464-002-9208-9. Epub 2003 Mar 14. |
| 11727865 | Background | Diamond MP, Freeman ML. Clinical implications of postsurgical adhesions. Hum Reprod Update. 2001 Nov-Dec;7(6):567-76. doi: 10.1093/humupd/7.6.567. |
| 8336866 | Background | Tulandi T, Murray C, Guralnick M. Adhesion formation and reproductive outcome after myomectomy and second-look laparoscopy. Obstet Gynecol. 1993 Aug;82(2):213-5. |
| D003240 | Connective Tissue Diseases |
| D017437 | Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases |
| D002921 | Cicatrix |
| D005355 | Fibrosis |
| D010335 | Pathologic Processes |
| D013568 | Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms |
| D005831 | Genital Diseases, Female |
| D052776 | Female Urogenital Diseases |
| D005261 | Female Urogenital Diseases and Pregnancy Complications |
| D000091642 | Urogenital Diseases |
| D000091662 | Genital Diseases |