Evaluation of colposcopic accuracy without endocervical curettage

A study was undertaken to evaluate the accuracy of colposcopic examination when performed without the use of endocervical curettage. It included 763 cases of suspected cervical-vaginal pathology. An additional evaluation of colposcopic accuracy was made for special-case categories of 1) stromal invasion, 2) pregnancy, 3) menopause, and 4) diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure. Colposcopic accuracy was determined by cytologic and histologic material obtained either at the initial colposcopic evaluation or during follow-up surgery. With the literature as a standard for accuracy, it was concluded that the omission of endocervical curettage from the colposcopic examination did not reduce accuracy. In addition, the diagnostic conization rate was lower than in most reported series. Finally, the rate of missed invasive lesions was not increased by the omission of endocervical curettage.