Human Reproduction, Vol 12, 2041-2045, Copyright © 1997 by Oxford University Press
G Penney, L Vale, V Souter and A Templeton
The objective was to determine, in relation to endometrial assessment
procedures, the extent to which the current practice of gynaecologists in
Scotland (as assessed both by questionnaire survey of clinicians and review
of hospital records) accords with recommendations in recent evidence-based
guidelines. All 132 consultant gynaecologists in Scotland were surveyed and
123 (93%) responded. In addition, the case records of 1199 consecutive
women undergoing endometrial assessment procedures in 12 representative
hospitals were reviewed. Over two thirds of consultants agreed that
endometrial assessment procedures are seldom indicated in women aged under
40 years and over 80% agreed that when such procedures are indicated,
outpatient endometrial biopsy represents the method of choice. However, the
review of case records showed that 23% of the women who underwent
endometrial assessment were aged under 40 years and only 44% of the
procedures undertaken were out- patient endometrial biopsies. We conclude
that some Scottish women may be undergoing endometrial assessment
procedures unnecessarily and that, in some centres, traditional dilatation
and curettage is being replaced by hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic
in theatre although there is no evidence that this procedure provides more
clinically useful information than out-patient endometrial biopsy.
ARTICLES
Endometrial assessment procedures: an audit of current practice in Scotland
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aberdeen Maternity Hospital, Foresterhill, UK.
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