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Pain experienced using two different methods of endometrial biopsy: a randomized controlled trial
Catherine M Leclair1, Joy K Zia, Carmen M Doom
1From the Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Obstetrics and Gynecology
|February 24, 2011
Summary
Patient pain during endometrial biopsy was similar between the Pipelle and Explora instruments. While Pipelle was faster, the Explora curette provided a higher adequacy of tissue samples.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Endometrial biopsy is a common gynecological procedure.
- Comparing different biopsy instruments is crucial for optimizing patient care and diagnostic accuracy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare patient-reported pain, provider-reported ease of use, and tissue sampling adequacy between the Pipelle and Explora endometrial biopsy instruments.
Main Methods:
- Women undergoing endometrial biopsy were randomized to use either the Pipelle or Explora curette.
- Patient pain was measured using a visual analog scale.
- Secondary outcomes included sample adequacy and provider ease of use.
Main Results:
- Patient-reported pain was similar between the Pipelle and Explora groups (P=.14).
- The Pipelle group had a shorter procedure time (P=.007), but required more passes for adequate sampling (38% vs 9%; P=.004).
- The Explora group showed a trend toward higher sample adequacy (97% vs 91%; P=.33).
Conclusions:
- Patient pain during endometrial biopsy is comparable regardless of the instrument used (Pipelle vs. Explora).
- The Explora curette may offer better tissue sample adequacy, despite potentially longer procedure times or more passes.
- Choice of instrument may depend on balancing procedure efficiency with sample quality.