title: Comparison of carbon dioxide with continuous-flow technique for office hysteroscopy.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Montclair Reproductive Center, Montclair, NJ 07042, USA.
authors.forename: H A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Goldfarb
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D007552:Isotonic Solutions; D000077325:Ringer's Lactate; D002245:Carbon Dioxide