Endometrial biopsies using small-diameter hysteroscopes and 5F instruments: how can we obtain enough material for a correct histologic diagnosis?

Abstract

Study objective: To evaluate the quantity of biopsy tissue obtained by hysteroscopic grasp technique compared with classic punch technique.

Design: Observational study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2).

Setting: University hospital.

Patients: One thousand two hundred seventy-six women.

Intervention: Targeted biopsies performed in an office setting using two biopsy forceps, classic spoon and crocodile, and two methods, classic punch and grasp technique.

Measurements and main results: With either biopsy forceps, the mean increase in amount of tissue obtained by grasp technique compared with punch technique was statistically significant (p <0.005). With grasp technique, the mean amount of tissue obtained was even larger with crocodile than with spoon forceps.

Conclusion: Targeted biopsy, when performed with the appropriate instrument and applying correct technique, can provide the pathologist with a large amount of tissue (mean 5.7 mm2) that is invariably adequate for histologic examination.