Abdominal dissemination of malignant cells with hysteroscopy
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Published on: August 19, 2021
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Vienna, Austria.
Background:
The increase in uterine pressure during hysteroscopy may lead to dissemination of malignant cells into the abdominal cavity.
Case:
In a patient with adenocarcinoma of the endometrium, hysteroscopy was performed after peritoneal cytology had been obtained by washing with saline. In contrast to this first washing, a second peritoneal lavage immediately after hysteroscopy led to positive cytology.
Conclusion:
Viability and peritoneal implantation of these disseminated cells are questionable. However, routine hysteroscopy in cases of suspected endometrial carcinoma should not be recommended.
