Comparison of carbon dioxide and normal saline for uterine distension in outpatient hysteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate patient acceptance and the clinical feasibility of carbon dioxide compared with normal saline for uterine distension in outpatient hysteroscopy.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Outpatient hysteroscopy clinic in a university hospital.


METHODS
One hundred fifty-seven patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy.


METHODS
Outpatient hysteroscopy was performed with carbon dioxide or normal saline with endometrial biopsy when indicated.


METHODS
Need for local anesthesia, cervical dilatation, view of uterine cavity, need to change from carbon dioxide to normal saline distension, procedure time, patient discomfort (lower abdominal pain, shoulder tip pain, nausea) and complications.


RESULTS
Carbon dioxide was used for uterine distension in 79 women and normal saline was used in 78. Cervical dilatation was required more often with carbon dioxide hysteroscopy, although there was no increased requirement for local anesthesia. Hysteroscopic vision was similar between the two media, but eight carbon dioxide cases had to be converted to liquid distension. Procedure times were significantly longer for carbon dioxide hysteroscopy as was the occurrence of bubbles during the procedure. Lower abdominal pain and shoulder tip pain were significantly worse with carbon dioxide distension. Although the incidence of nausea and vomiting was higher with the use of carbon dioxide, the differences did not achieve statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of normal saline for uterine distension had no adverse affects on the hysteroscopic view. It provided a shorter operating time and was well accepted by patients. Because of its easy availability and low cost, normal saline is an excellent alternative to carbon dioxide in women undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy.
Nagele
F
F
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Bournas
N
N
O'Connor
H
H
Broadbent
M
M
Richardson
R
R
Magos
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D004106:Dilatation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D012965:Sodium Chloride