The Relationship between Hysteroscopy, Endometrial Biopsy andThe Results of Transvaginal Sonography in Assessing Endometrial Polyps

Abstract

Objective: Transvaginal Sonography (TVS) is being used in the investigation of postmenopausal bleeding (PMB). The bleeding could be the result of a number of factors; endometrial polyps are one of the common findings in these patients. The aim was to compare the findings of TVS and hysteroscopy to determine the sensitivity of each method in detecting endometrial polyps. Methods: This was a retrospective study, designed to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of transvaginal sonography in the detection of endometrial polyps. This study was conducted from July 1992 to July 1999 and identified from the record 37 patients with PMB referred for transvaginal sonography, hysteroscopy and biopsy investigations. Results: Thirty-seven patients with PMB were scanned using TVS and hysteroscopy. The result was not specific or sensitive when using TVS alone. TVS showed 13.52 % sensitivity, hysteroscopy/biopsy showed 100% sensitivity. TVS p>0.06 was not significant. Conclusion: Using TVS alone to diagnose polyps in PMB patients is not sensitive, especially when the polyps are smaller than 6 mm. If it is combined with hysterscopy, the reliability and s sensitivity are significantly improved.