Comparison of Novak and Pipelle endometrial biopsy instruments.
A randomized study compared the Novak and Pipelle endometrial biopsy instruments with respect to quality of the biopsy obtained and pain related to the procedure. Fifty-five subjects were randomized to one of two groups. Twenty-six women had a biopsy using the Pipelle, followed immediately by one using the Novak instrument; 29 had the procedures performed in the reverse sequence. After the procedures, each woman completed a pain questionnaire. Individual histology slides were reviewed in a blinded fashion. The two biopsies from each subject were paired, and a reviewer indicated the preferred type of biopsy. The scores were analyzed by nonparametric tests. The instruments yielded biopsies of similar quality (z = -0.18, P = .856). Pain scores were lower for the Pipelle (z = -3.40, P = .001). The pathologist showed no preference when choosing Novak or Pipelle slides (chi 2 = 2.08, P = .149). In our patient population, the Pipelle instrument was comparable to the Novak instrument in obtaining adequate tissue and was significantly less painful.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, El Paso, Texas.
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Silver
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Miles
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Rosa
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D003475:Curettage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006652:Histological Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011897:Random Allocation; D013232:Steel; D013396:Suction / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation
D011126:Polypropylenes; D013232:Steel