title: Sharp-tipped dissecting scissors as an aid in performing endometrial biopsy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate the effectiveness of employing sharp-tipped dissecting scissors as an aid in performing endometrial biopsy (EMB).
  
  
  METHODS
  Postmenopausal women undergoing routine EMB under approved protocols formed the study group. Three gentle yet firm attempts were made to pass a 3.0-mm Pipelle (Unimar, Wilton, Connecticut) into the uterine cavity. If they were unsuccessful, the closed tips of the dissecting scissors were inserted into the cervical canal and opened. A fourth attempt was then made to pass the Pipelle.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 147 postmenopausal women were studied. The average age was 55.7 years, with an average time since menopause of 6.9 years. We were unable to obtain an EMB initially in 11 women (7.5%). After using the scissors, EMB was obtained in 10 of the 11 (90.9%). Age, weight, years since menopause, hormone status and parity had no effect on the ability to perform EMB. Prior cervical surgery was associated with difficult EMB.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In patients with a tight or closed cervical os, sharp-tipped dissecting scissors can aid in obtaining EMB.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, St. Luke's Hospital, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 18092, USA.
authors.forename: Farhan
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hanif
authors.forename: Helen B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Leonetti
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Skutches
authors.forename: James N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Anasti
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D001835:Body Weight; D002584:Cervix Uteri / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*