[Options for uterine distension during hysteroscopy].
BACKGROUND
This comparative study evaluated effectiveness, complications and patient satisfaction following the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) compared with physiological solution for uterine distension during hysteroscopy. The study was motivated by doubts concerning the choice of distension methods and the implications of their use.


METHODS
The study population included 189 patients attending the outpatient services of the Obstetrics/Gynecological Clinic of the University of Naples for sterility/infertility disorders. Patients were randomly assigned by computer to either of two treatment groups. Both groups underwent hysteroscopy. In Group A (92 patients), uterine distension was performed using carbon dioxide (CO2), while in Group B (97 patients) physiological solution was used. Treatment was assessed for effectiveness, causes of discomfort, patient compliance and satisfaction rate.


RESULTS
Compared with carbon dioxide (CO2), the use of physiological solution as a means of uterine distension was demonstrated certain advantages that were statistically significantly for the parameters of operating time, onset of vagal reactions, causes of discomfort, compliance and satisfaction rate, and cost-effectiveness of equipment.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of physiological solution for uterine distension was observed to enhance patient compliance with hysteroscopy, because the method was better tolerated, more rapid and involved fewer failures.
Lavitola
G
G
Dipartimento di Ginecologia, Ostetricia e Fisiopatologia della Riproduzione Umana, Università degli Studi Federico II, Naples, Italy.
Guida
M
M
Pellicano
M
M
Acunzo
G
G
Cirillo
D
D
Nappi
C
C
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D007327:Insufflation / Q000379:methods*; D014599:Uterus