Quality of Histological Sampling of Endometrium: a Comparison between the Wallach Endocell Sampler and Formal Fractional Curettage

Abstract

Quality of Histological Sampling of Endometrium: a Comparison between the Wallach Endocell Sampler and Formal Fractional Curettage

Chullasak          Sroiwatana         MD*

Ratana              Sachdav              MD*

Manit                 Sripramote         MD, MSc (Clinical Epidemiology)

Nantana           Kaewpila              MD**

*Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital

**Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Srinakarinwirot University

Objective: To compare the endometrial tissue quality and pathological results between Wallach Endocell sampler and formal fractions curettage in gynecologic patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Study design: Self-control experimental study.

Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BMA Medical College and Vajira Hospital.

Subjects: One hundred and forty women with abnormal uterine bleeding who met inclusion criteria for uterine curettage and visited BMA Medical college and Vajira Hospital from July 1, 2000 to October 31, 2001.

Methods: Endometrial tissue from 140 women were sampled by the Wallach Endocell and followed by standard technique of fractional curettage. Both maneuvers were performed by the same investigator. The specimens were separately submitted and studied by the same pathologist.

Main outcome measures: Percentage of good quality of endometrial tissue and pathological diagnosis of endometrial tissue from both same pathologist.

Results: Endometrial tissue sampling obtained from Wallach Endocelll were in good quality for pathological diagnosis in 120 from 140 cases or 85.7%  (95% CI, 80-91%) compared to 126 from 140 cases or 90.0% (95% CI, 85-95%) obtained from fractional curettage, which was not statistically significant difference (p=0.07). The pathology of endometrial tissue from both technique were the same in 128 women (91.4%) and different in 12 women (8.6%).

Conclusion: Wallach Endocell sampler could be the alternative method for endometrial sampling because the quality and pathological diagnosis were not significantly different from the standard technique.

Key words: Wallach Endocell, fractional curettage, endometrial tissue quality

Vajira Med J 2002 ; 46 : 87 - 95