Office hysteroscopy safety and feasibility in women receiving anticoagulation and anti-platelet treatment.

OBJECTIVES

More than 60,000 hysteroscopies are performed every year in the UK for common reasons such as heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) or postmenopausal bleeding. A significant number of women requiring hysteroscopy receive oral anticoagulants and there is often a reluctance to perform these procedures due to bleeding concerns.

STUDY

DESIGN

We are presenting the first proof of concept cohort of patients undergoing minor hysteroscopic procedures while on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. A variety of minor procedures such as cervical dilatation, targeted endometrial biopsies, Pipelle endometrial biopsies and insertion or removal of intrauterine contraceptive devices were performed alongside hysteroscopy.

RESULTS

Completion of planned procedures was feasible in all women due to minimal bleeding despite the ongoing anticoagulation or anti-platelet treatment.

CONCLUSION

More research is needed to establish the safety of performing diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies without bridging or interrupting anticoagulation or antiplatelet treatment.