A randomised trial comparing the H Pipelle with the standard Pipelle for endometrial sampling at 'no-touch' (vaginoscopic) hysteroscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness and tolerance of H Pipelle compared with the standard Pipelle as an endometrial biopsy device at outpatient 'no-touch' hysteroscopy.

DESIGN: A prospective randomised trial carried out in an outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy clinic.

SETTING: A large undergraduate teaching hospital.

POPULATION: Sixty women investigated for abnormal menstruation in an outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy clinic.

METHODS: Prospective randomised trial comparing the H Pipelle with the standard Pipelle de Cornier.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Adequacy of the biopsy specimens and women's experience.

RESULTS: Ninety-three percent (H Pipelle) and 87% (Pipelle) of the biopsy specimens were judged to be adequate for histological diagnosis (P > 0.05). However, obtaining endometrial sampling with the H Pipelle was significantly quicker (median times: 39 seconds [H Pipelle] and 102 seconds [Pipelle], P < 0.0001) and less painful (median visual analogue scale score: 1 [H Pipelle] and 5 [Pipelle], P = 0.011).

CONCLUSIONS: The H Pipelle not only makes it possible to perform hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy with minimal instrumentation but is also associated with a shorter biopsy time and less discomfort than the standard Pipelle without any loss of biopsy adequacy.