Comparison of carbon dioxide with continuous-flow technique for office hysteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effectiveness of lactated D5W-lactated Ringer's solution as the distention medium for office hysteroscopy, and to compare it with carbon dioxide (CO2)


METHODS
Observational, comparative study.


METHODS
Private practice.


METHODS
50 women with fibroids or recurrent bleeding.


METHODS
Hysteroscopies with CO2 and with dextrose 5% D5W-lactated Ringer's solution.


RESULTS
Visualization and distention were adequate with both CO2 and fluid in women with no uterine pathology and those with polyps. In 24 women with submucous leiomyomas CO2 distention was relatively inadequate due to bubbling, bleeding, and inability to determine intracavitary penetration.


CONCLUSIONS
Although CO2 hysteroscopy is a valuable assessment procedure, significant intrauterine pathology may be missed. Instilling lactated D5W-lactated Ringer's solution through small-diameter continuous-flow instruments makes fluid office hysteroscopy practical and desirable for precise diagnosis.
Goldfarb
H A
HA
Montclair Reproductive Center, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA.
D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007552:Isotonic Solutions / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011127:Polyps / Q000175:diagnosis; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000175:diagnosis; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis
D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D002245:Carbon Dioxide