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endometrial biopsy
Indications:
1) menstrual abnormalities
2) infertility
- window of fertility NOT distinguishable by biopsy [2]
3) dysfunctional uterine bleeding
4) post menopausal bleeding (beyond the initial months of beginning hormone replacement therapy)
Contraindications:
1) pregnancy
2) pelvic inflammatory disease
3) coagulopathy
4) significant cervical stenosis
Procedure:
devices for biopsy:
1) disposable, flexible, small-diameter plastic tubes that use an internal piston to generate a vacuum within the lumen of the tube
2) suction draws tissue into a curette opening at the tip of the device
In most cases, discomfort is minimal & no anesthesia is needed.
Complications:
- perforation of the uterus (uncommon)
Related
endometrium
General
tissue biopsy
References
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American
College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998
- Journal Watch 24(12):95-96, 2004
Murray MJ, Meyer WR, Zaino RJ, Lessey BA, Novotny DB,
Ireland K, Zeng D, Fritz MA.
A critical analysis of the accuracy, reproducibility, and
clinical utility of histologic endometrial dating in fertile women.
Fertil Steril. 2004 May;81(5):1333-43.
PMID: 15136099