Design: Demonstrate new innovations in hysteroscopic devices that overcome limitations of blind endometrial biopsy and conventional office hysteroscopy.
Setting: Clinical evidence has shown that hysteroscopy, which allows for visually directed biopsy, should be the gold standard for evaluation of postmenopausal and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB). It has higher sensitivity and specificity for evaluation of intracavitary and endometrial pathology than saline infusion sonohysterography, sonography, and blind tissue sampling. Office hysteroscopy has proven benefits yet is not widespread in the practice of gynecologists. Clinical video footage is obtained in gynecologic office practice.
Patients or Participants: Multiple patients who presented to an office gynecology practice are evaluated for AUB. Video recorded procedures performed with these patients demonstrate use of new technologies for hysteroscopically directed tissue capture.
Interventions: Demonstration of new hysteroscopic technologies which overcome the following limitations: need for additional equipment (tower, light, instruments, external fluid management system), need for cervical dilation, learning curve of office hysteroscopy, and patient tolerance to the procedure.
Measurements and Main Results: Patients self-reported discomfort 0-3 on a 10-point scale. All tissue samples obtained were adequate for histologic evaluation and diagnosis.
Conclusion: New technology removes limitations of conventional hysteroscopy and blind tissue sampling. Visually directed biopsy is now more accessible to gynecologists, with less additional equipment needed, easier learning curve, and excellent patient tolerance of the procedure.
Mak, F*. Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM