Factors affecting adequacy of Pipelle and Tao Brush endometrial sampling.
OBJECTIVE
To compare factors influencing adequacy of endometrial samples obtained using two outpatient sampling devices--Pipelle and Tao Brush.


METHODS
Pragmatic unblinded trial with investigation schedule randomised separately within two groups according to endometrial cancer risk.


METHODS
Gynaecology outpatient clinic of a large city hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland.


METHODS
All women referred to a gynaecology outpatient clinic during a 28-month period complaining of abnormal vaginal bleeding.


METHODS
Women were assigned to two 'risk groups' for endometrial cancer ('high risk' for postmenopausal women and 'moderate risk' for premenopausal women aged over 40 years or with other risk factors). Women in each risk group had both types of biopsy and were randomised to two outpatient visualisations: hysteroscopy and/or transvaginal ultrasound scan.


METHODS
Completion of the investigation, adequacy of sample and acceptability of investigation to women.


RESULTS
In 200 high-risk women, adequate samples were significantly more likely to be obtained by Tao Brush than Pipelle (P < 0.001). Nulliparity was strongly associated with failed insertion for both devices (P < 0.001). Inadequate samples were strongly associated with postmenopausal status only for Pipelle (P < 0.001), and among premenopausal women, for both samplers, with nulliparity (P < 0.001). A significantly greater proportion of women preferred the Tao Brush to the Pipelle endometrial sampler (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
In postmenopausal women, Tao Brush sampling offers advantages over use of Pipelle, and the former should be considered as an alternative or additional sampling device in this group of women.
Williams
A R W
AR
Department of Pathology, University of Edinburgh Medical School, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK. alistair.r.w.williams@ed.ac.uk
Brechin
S
S
Porter
A J L
AJ
Warner
P
P
Critchley
H O D
HO
D001706:Biopsy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004714:Endometrial Hyperplasia / Q000473:pathology; D016889:Endometrial Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D017698:Postmenopause; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000473:pathology*