title: Endocervical curettage by Vabra aspiration as part of colposcopic evaluation.
abstract: Endocervical curettage as routine part of colposcopic examination in patients with abnormal cervical cytology is recommended by many experts. Endocervical curettage (ECC) by Vabra aspiration has never been reported in literature. The results of Vabra ECC in 103 patients are analyzed and compared to the results of a second endocervical specimen, obtained by conventional curettage, cone biopsy, or hysterectomy. An accordance of over 98% is demonstrated and the difference is discussed. In 88% and 71% adequate Vabra ECC specimens were available for cytological and histological examination, respectively. In any patient at least one result was present. Both cytological and histological specimens are of reliable quality. No cases of invasive (adeno)carcinoma were missed. In addition, the results are compared to literature data concerning Vabra aspiration for endometrial disease and ECC by other techniques. Vabra ECC is considered an efficient, safe, and well-tolerated diagnostic outpatient method and recommended as a standard part of colposcopic evaluation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academic Hospital Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: T J
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Helmerhorst
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Franke
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Risse
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Heeregrave-Bechthold
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kenemans
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Stolk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020681:Colposcopes; D004107:Dilatation and Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014619:Vacuum Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation*