[Initial experience with the Versapoint bipolar electrode in hysteroscopic tissue vaporization].

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate our first experience with bipolar electrode (Verspoint, Johnson&Johnson) for transcervical surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 1st medical Faculty, Charles University, Prague.

METHODS

Twenty procedures with bipolar electrode in normal saline as distension fluid were performed between September and November 1999. All 20 patients underwent office diagnostic hysteroscopy with biopsy sampling which demonstrated benign histological finding. We used Olympus operative 7 mm hysteroscope, Versapoint system with bipolar electrodes (twizle, spring, ball). In 13 cases we vaporized intrauterine polyps, in 4 cases we vaporized intrauterine submucous myoma (grade I-ESH), in 1 case we dissected intrauterine septum and in 2 cases we performed intrauterine adhesiolysis. Local anesthesia-paracervical block was employed in 50% of procedures and general anesthesia was employed in 50% of cases.

RESULTS

The surgeon evaluated the degree of difficulty during the procedure as comfortable and easy to use in case of intrauterine polyp, intrauterine septum and intrauterine adhesions vaporisation, as mild difficulty in submucous myoma to 2 cm and moderate/severe difficulty in case of myoma vaporisation of more than 2 cm size. No complications were registered during or post procedure, we did not registered no sign of hyponatremia, no complains regarding pain or discomfort from patients.

CONCLUSION

The advantage of Versapoint bipolar system for intrauterine operative hysteroscopy is the use of normal saline as distention fluid, which decreases pre and postoperative complications. We evaluated the vaporisation of pedunculate intrauterine pathologies up to 2 cm as comfortable and easy to use. Combined to local anesthesia it appears to be a useful system for office hysteroscopy and transcervical surgery.