Hysterectomy after Mismanagement and Ashermans is a devastating outcome. We acted for a Claimant who underwent a hysterectomy following mismanagement of her retained products of conception. She developed intrauterine adhesions, pain and infertility. These are known under the term Asherman’s syndrome. Intrauterine adhesions can develop from lesion of the basal layer of the endometrium caused by curettage of the newly pregnant uterus. In this case the Mother needed to return to surgery following the birth of her daughter for suspected retained placenta. She had a D&C procedure without being warned of the risks and complications.
Asherman syndrome (intrauterine adhesions or intrauterine synechiae) occurs when scar tissue forms inside the uterus and/or the cervix. These adhesions occur after surgery of the uterus or after a dilatation and curettage.
Classification is necessary for the planning of surgery, information on prognosis and scientific purposes. Surgery is performed in symptomatic patients with either infertility or with painful periods. Intrauterine adherences are divided with a hysteroscope using scissors. The Doctor works from the central part of the uterus to the periphery.
Use of intrauterine devices like balloon catheters or intrauterine contraceptive devices are used to prevent the re-occurrence of adhesions after treatment. Both primary prevention after hysteroscopic surgery or curettage and secondary prevention of new adhesions after adhesiolysis have been investigated.
Asherman’s syndrome can result in repetitive pregnancy loss/abortions despite surgery and treatment. Recurrence of the adhesions can be seen even after adhesiolysis.
Although the risk of endometrial cancer in women with Asherman syndrome may be lower than the general population, women with Asherman may develop endometrial cancer before or after menopause. Since the signs and symptoms often found in these women (early or abnormal bleeding, thickened endometrium) may be missed due to the scarring or cervical obstruction; therefore, women will benefit from a routine sonographic evaluation of the endometrium to monitor changes.
Asherman’s syndrome can result in obstetric complications that include preterm labour, low birth weight, and placental complications that include retained placenta and placenta accreta.
In this case, repeat miscarriages and pain resulted in a hysterectomy for the Mother. Devastated to undergo such treatment she brought an action for compensation.
If you have had a Hysterectomy after Mismanagement and Ashermans then we are here to help. If you have an Ashermans claim then get in touch with Dr Victoria Handley today. Don’t suffer in silence. Call FREE on 0800 470 2009 or email vhandley@handleylaw.co.uk