Topical anaesthesia for diagnostic hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal women: a randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical anaesthesia in reducing pain and incidence of vasovagal reactions during diagnostic hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Randomised placebo-controlled double-blind study.


METHODS
University hospital.


METHODS
Eighty postmenopausal women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.


METHODS
Two millilitres of 2% mepivacaine or saline solution were injected transcervically into the uterine cavity before performing the procedures.


METHODS
Evaluation of pain reduction on a visual analogue scale and continuous monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure.


RESULTS
The use of the anaesthetic significantly reduced the pain experienced at hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy. The occurrence of vasovagal reactions was significantly lower in the anaesthetised group.


CONCLUSIONS
Topical anaesthesia attenuated pain and effectively prevented the occurrence of vasovagal reactions during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal women.
Cicinelli
E
E
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Bari, Italy.
Didonna
T
T
Ambrosi
G
G
Schönauer
L M
LM
Fiore
G
G
Matteo
M G
MG
D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects; D001794:Blood Pressure; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000379:methods; D008619:Mepivacaine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017698:Postmenopause; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008619:Mepivacaine