A prospective randomized study comparing hysteroscopy and curettage (H & C) under local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA) in Chinese population

Abstract

Objective: To compare the difference in patient's acceptance of local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA) hysteroscopy and curettage in Chinese population.

Design: A prospective randomized study.

Subjects and methods: In the period September 1994 to August 1995, all Chinese women with abnormal uterine bleeding or suspected uterine anomaly who warranted hysteroscopy and uterine curettage were invited to participate in this study with informed consent. They were randomly allocated to the control (i.e. GA) and study (i.e. LA) group.

Results: Overall 90% of the controls and 91% of the study group were satisfied with the procedure. The hysteroscopic diagnostic accuracy was 83%. Significantly higher percentage of patients in the study group opted for the same form of admission arrangement if given the choice.

Conclusion: Hysteroscopy and curettage under LA and GA are equally acceptable in the Chinese population in Hong Kong. The patient satisfaction rate is high in both groups. Hysteroscopic diagnosis is highly accurate in malignant condition (100% sensitivity and 83% specificity).