Endometrial biopsy Flashcards
What is an endometrial biopsy?
Biopsy of the endometrium (Pipelle is the most widely used device – can be used without cervical dilatation)
What are the indications for endometrial biopsy?
o Over 55 and…
§ PMB (unexplained bleeding 12+ months after LMP)
§ Unexplained discharge if its new, has thrombocytosis or reports haematuria
§ Visible haematuria and low Hb, thrombocytosis, raised blood glucose
o Under 55 with unexplained bleeding 12+ months after LMP
What are the complications of endometrial biopsy?
o General = infection, bleeding, failure, damage to local structures
o Pipelle has poor NPV (true -ve / total -ve) -> i.e. if you test -ve, the chance of that being a true negative is questionable so if the woman is high risk and negative, they will need further investigation
§ A lower PPV -> more false positives (not as dangerous as you just test again to exclude)
§ A lower NPV -> more false negatives (dangerous)
