Authors: Kasius, J.C.; Broekmans, F.J.M.; Veersema, S.; Eijkemans, M.J.C.; van Santbrink, E.J.P.; Devroey, P.; Fauser, B.C.J.M.; Fatemi, H.M.

Source: Human Reproduction, Volume 26, Number 4, 11 April 2011 , pp. 801-807(7)

Publisher: Oxford University Press

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Hysteroscopy is known as the most accurate test for diagnosing intrauterine pathology. To optimize fertility treatment, it is increasingly common to perform hysteroscopy as a routine procedure prior to IVF. However, literature on the reproducibility of screening hysteroscopy is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the intra- and inter-observer agreement in the individual evaluation of the uterine cavity using video recordings of hysteroscopy procedures in asymptomatic patients prior to IVF.

METHODS

Screening hysteroscopies of 123 unselected, asymptomatic, infertile women with an indication for IVF/ICSI treatment were recorded on DVD. After editing, the hysteroscopy performer and three other experienced gynecologists independently assessed all recordings, focusing on the appearance of predefined intrauterine abnormalities (i.e. endometrial polyps, myomas, adhesions or septa). The intra- and inter-observer agreement was calculated and expressed as perfect agreement and κ coefficient or intraclass correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

In total, 123 hysteroscopy procedures were recorded. After editing and selection, based on the record quality, 107 remained for assessment and analysis. The intraobserver agreement on the appearance of any of the predefined intrauterine abnormalities was substantial (κ = 0.707), whereas the interobserver agreement was moderate (κ = 0.491). Perfect agreement occurred only in 77.6% of the cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Interobserver agreement among experienced gynecologists appeared to be rather disappointing. The latter may have implications for the diagnostic accuracy of screening hysteroscopy prior to IVF, as well as for its clinical significance in IVF programs.

Keywords: reproducibility; interobserver agreement; hysteroscopy; infertility; IVF

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/humrep/der003

Publication date: 2011-04-11

More about this publication?

• Human Reproduction features full-length, peer-reviewed papers reporting original research, clinical case histories, as well as opinions and debates on topical issues. Papers published cover the scientific and medical aspects of reproductive physiology and pathology, endocrinology, andrology, gonad function, gametogenesis, fertilization, embryo development, implantation, pregnancy, genetics, genetic diagnosis, oncology, infectious disease, surgery, contraception, infertility treatment, psychology, ethics and social issues. The highest scientific and editorial standard is maintained throughout the journal along with a rapid rate of publication.

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• In this Subject: Anatomy & Physiology ,  Obstetrics & Gynecology
• By this author: Kasius, J.C. ;  Broekmans, F.J.M. ;  Veersema, S. ;  Eijkemans, M.J.C. ;  van Santbrink, E.J.P. ;  Devroey, P. ;  Fauser, B.C.J.M. ;  Fatemi, H.M.

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