Received November 26, 2005
Accepted November 29, 2005

Introduction: Previous reports have suggested that hysteroscopically detectable uterine abnormalities are present in approximately 45% of patients undergoing “in vitro fertilization”. This study is an attempt to evaluate if hysteroscopy evaluation before the use of assisted reproduction techniques is of value in detecting undiagnosed or misinterpreted uterine abnormalities. Material and Methods: Diagnostic hysteroscopy was carried out on 230 patients before the use of assisted reproduction techniques (IVF ICSI and oocyte donation). The examination was performed on an ambulatory basis during the first phase of the menstrual cycle using local anesthesia with bilateral paracervical block. Distension of uterine cavity was performed with CO2. Hysterometry was evaluated, as well as the type of ideal catheter to be used at the time of embryo transfer. Results: The uterine cavity did not present any changes in 152 patients (66%) but some type of pathology was visualized in 78 patients (34%). Vascular changes suggestive of endometritis were detected in 44 patients (19.1%), endometrial polyps in 17 (7.4%), synechiae or adhesions in 10 (4.4%), mullerian anomalies in 4 (1.8%), and submucosal myomas in 3 (1.3%). Conclusion: Diagnostic hysteroscopy is an exam that should be routinely performed before the use of assisted reproduction techniques, facilitating the identification of diseases that may eventually interfere with the process of embryo implantation and also permitting an accurate evaluation of the cervical canal and uterine cavity, fundamental marks for an ideal embryo transfer