Endometrial sampling: analysis of 310 procedures performed by family physicians

Endometrial sampling has become an accepted office procedure. Safety and clinical usefulness have been well established but not specifically studied in family practices. To address the safety and clinical usefulness of endometrial sampling, a chart review of 310 endometrial sampling procedures performed by practicing family physicians was undertaken. Cases were identified by billing records and chart auditing to assure complete recording of all procedures performed by study practitioners since the beginning of their practices. A prestudy survey revealed that 26% of rural family physicians and none of the urban family physicians in western New York were doing endometrial sampling. Practitioners were doing an average of 1.2 per month. Of the 310 procedures 14.5% were unsuccessful because of cervical stenosis or inadequate sample. There were no reported complications, and three cases of endometrial carcinoma were discovered. Endometrial sampling is safe and clinically useful when performed by family physicians.