Outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy.

STUDY

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility, validity, indications, and results of a large series of diagnostic hysteroscopies performed without anesthesia.

DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of hysteroscopy charts performed between 1989 and 1996 (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

SETTING

University-affiliated endoscopy unit.

PATIENTS: Four thousand consecutive women referred for different indications.

INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed in 91% of patients without premedication or anesthetics. In some women premedication or general or local anesthesia was required to access the uterine cavity.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN

RESULTS

The success rate, validity indication, complication rate, and number of biopsies were critically evaluated and assessed in relation to increased experience of operators. In 91% of women we accessed the uterine cavity at the first attempt without premedication, whereas 207 (5. 1%) patients required local anesthesia and 99 (2.4%) premedication. Only 1.6% required general anesthesia. In 52% intrauterine pathology was diagnosed and in 21% further surgical treatment was suggested.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopy was feasible when performed in an outpatient setting without general or local anesthesia in more than 90% of women. The operator's experience seems a key factor both for accurate endometrial evaluation and to reduce failure and endometrial biopsy rates. The low frequency of further surgical treatment justifies performing the procedure in the office.