A randomised trial comparing the H Pipelle with the standard Pipelle for endometrial sampling at 'no-touch' (vaginoscopic) hysteroscopy.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of H Pipelle compared with the standard Pipelle as an endometrial biopsy device at outpatient 'no-touch' hysteroscopy.


METHODS
A prospective randomised trial carried out in an outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy clinic.


METHODS
A large undergraduate teaching hospital.


METHODS
Sixty women investigated for abnormal menstruation in an outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy clinic.


METHODS
Prospective randomised trial comparing the H Pipelle with the standard Pipelle de Cornier.


METHODS
Adequacy of the biopsy specimens and women's experience.


RESULTS
Ninety-three percent (H Pipelle) and 87% (Pipelle) of the biopsy specimens were judged to be adequate for histological diagnosis (P > 0.05). However, obtaining endometrial sampling with the H Pipelle was significantly quicker (median times: 39 seconds [H Pipelle] and 102 seconds [Pipelle], P < 0.0001) and less painful (median visual analogue scale score: 1 [H Pipelle] and 5 [Pipelle], P = 0.011).


CONCLUSIONS
The H Pipelle not only makes it possible to perform hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy with minimal instrumentation but is also associated with a shorter biopsy time and less discomfort than the standard Pipelle without any loss of biopsy adequacy.
Madari
S
S
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Free Hospital, Pond Street, Hampstead, London NW3 2QG, UK.
Al-Shabibi
N
N
Papalampros
P
P
Papadimitriou
A
A
Magos
A
A
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001706:Biopsy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020702:Hysteroscopes; D015907:Hysteroscopy / Q000379:methods*; D008599:Menstruation Disturbances / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies