Strategies to minimize discomfort during diagnostic hysterosalpingography with disposable balloon catheters: a randomized placebo-controlled study with oral nonsteroidal premedication.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether oral administration of 100 mg of nimesulide reduces pain during or after a hysterosalpingography (HSG) performed with disposable balloon catheters.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Genoa.


METHODS
Four hundred and forty patients undergoing HSG with a balloon catheter without applying a tenaculum.


METHODS
Patients were randomized to receive either 100 mg of oral nimesulide or a placebo solution 30 minutes before the HSG was performed.


METHODS
Patients recorded the degree of pain experienced during the examination, 2 hours afterward, and during the following week on a questionnaire using a 10-mm visual analogue scale (VAS).


RESULTS
Of the 331 (75.2 %) patients who returned the questionnaire, 151 had received nimesulide and 180 placebo. There was no difference in pain score between the two groups at any study point. Pain during HSG was correlated with nulliparity and tubal occlusion. Balloon inflation (cervix versus cavity) was not related to pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Nimesulide does not reduce pain during or after HSG when the procedure is accomplished with a balloon catheter.
Anserini
Paola
P
Reproductive Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy. paola.anserini@fastwebnet.it
Delfino
Francesca
F
Ferraiolo
Antonella
A
Remorgida
Valentino
V
Menoni
Stefania
S
De Caro
Giovanni
G
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004209:Disposable Equipment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007047:Hysterosalpingography / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D015990:Placebo Effect; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D013449:Sulfonamides; C012655:nimesulide