Predictive Factors of Tolerance in Office Hysteroscopy - a 3-Year Analysis from a Tertiary Center

Abstract Objective Pain is the primary limitation to performing hysteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of low tolerance to office hysteroscopic procedures. Methods Retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent office hysteroscopy from January 2018 to December 2020 at a tertiary care center. Pain tolerance to office-based hysteroscopy was subjectively assessed by the operator as terrible, poor, moderate, good, or excellent. Categorical variables were compared with the use of the Chi-squared test; an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare continuous variables. Logistic regression was performed to determine the main factors associated with low procedure tolerance. Results A total of 1,418 office hysteroscopies were performed. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 13.8 years; 50.8% of women were menopausal, 17.8% were nulliparous, and 68.7% had a previous vaginal delivery. A total of 42.6% of women were submitted to an operative hysteroscopy. Tolerance was categorized as terrible or poor in 14.9% of hysteroscopies and moderate, good, or excellent in 85.1%. A terrible or poor tolerance was more frequently reported in menopausal women (18.1% vs. 11.7% in premenopausal women, p = 0.001) and women with no previous vaginal delivery (18.8% vs. 12.9% in women with at least one vaginal birth, p = 0.007). Low tolerance led more often to scheduling a second hysteroscopic procedure under anesthesia (56.4% vs. 17.5% in reasonable-to-excellent tolerance, p < 0.0005). Conclusion Office hysteroscopy was a well-tolerated procedure in our experience, but menopause and lack of previous vaginal delivery were associated with low tolerance. These patients are more likely to benefit from pain relief measures during office hysteroscopy.

Vaginohisteroscopia, diagnóstico y tratamiento de las patologías endometriales en consultorio / Vaginohysteroscopy, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial pathologies in office / Vaginohysteroscopy, diagnosis and treatment of endometrial pathologies in office

RESUMEN En los últimos años se han visto avances tecnológicos importantes, muchos aplicados al ámbito médico, permitiendo la evolución de numerosos procedimientos. Un ejemplo es la histeroscopia, donde la miniaturización de su instrumental y la mejora en la resolución de las imágenes han permitido su evolución de un procedimiento exclusivo de sala de operaciones al uso en consultorio. La vaginohisteroscopia permite diagnosticar y tratar la mayoría de las patologías endometriales sin anestesia, espéculo, pinzamiento ni dilatación del cuello uterino. Presenta una serie de ventajas como buena tolerancia por parte de la paciente, disminución de los costos, menos tiempo de espera para resolver las patologías y reposo laboral más corto, haciendo a este procedimiento el estándar para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las patologías endometriales y endocervicales.

ABSTRACT In recent years there have been important technological advances, many applied to the medical field, allowing the evolution of numerous procedures. An example is hysteroscopy, where the miniaturization of its instruments and the improvement in the resolution of the images have allowed its evolution from an exclusive procedure in the operating room to use in the office. Vaginohysteroscopy allows the diagnosis of most endometrial pathologies without anesthesia, speculum, clamping or dilation of the cervix. It presents a series of advantages such as good tolerance by the patient, lower costs, less waiting time to resolve the pathologies and shorter work rest, making this procedure the standard for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial and endocervical pathologies.

Papel de la ansiedad preoperatoria en la percepción de dolor en pacientes sometidas a histeroscopia quirurgica en consulta / Impact of preprocedural anxiety levels on pain perception in patients undergoing office surgical hysteroscopy

OBJETIVO: Determinar si la ansiedad preoperatoria supone un factor de riesgo independiente para la percepción de dolor severo durante la realización de una histeroscopia quirúrgica ambulatoria. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohortes en el que incluimos179 pacientes. Se ha aplicado el formulario STAI-S para valorar la ansiedad preoperatoria de las pacientes y distribuirlas en dos cohortes: Pacientes con ansiedad (STAI-S >50) y pacientes sin ansiedad (STAI-S7. Se ha calculado la asociación y el riesgo entre ambas variables mediante el Test X2 y el Riesgo Relativo (RR). Se ha utilizado el test de correlación de Pearson para valorar la correlación entre ambas variables. Se ha considerado estadísticamente significativo un valor de p<0.05. RESULTADOS: Las pacientes que percibieron dolor severo durante la entrada a la cavidad uterina (78,3% vs 29,5%; p<0,001) y durante la realización del proceso quirúrgico (78,8% vs 26,2%; p<0,001) fueron en su mayoría pacientes con ansiedad preoperatoria. El RR de las pacientes con ansiedad para percibir dolor severo es de 6,46 (IC 95%; 2,52 -16,60) durante la entrada y de 6,61 (IC 95%; 3,04 -14,38) durante la resección. Existe una correlación moderada y positiva entre las puntuaciones obtenida en la escala STAI-S y la puntuación EVA, tanto durante la entrada a la cavidad (r = 0,629; p = 0,042) como durante el proceso quirúrgico (r = 0'661; p =0'021). CONCLUSIONES: Las pacientes con ansiedad preoperatoria tienen más riesgo de percibir dolor severo durante la entrada en la cavidad uterina y durante la realización de la intervención histeroscópica.

OBJECTIVE: Determine if preprocedural anxiety is an independent risk factor for the perception of severe pain during an outpatient surgical hysteroscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 179 patients included in this cohort study. The STAI-S questionnaire has been applied to assess the preoperative anxiety of the patients and distribute them into two cohorts: Patients with anxiety (STAI-S>50) and patients without anxiety (STAI-S 7. The association and the risk between both variables have been calculated using X2 test and relative risk (RR). Pearson's correlation test was used to assess the correlation between both variables. A p value < 0,05 has been considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Patients who perceived severe pain during access to the uterine cavity (78,3% vs 29,5%; p<0,001) and during the surgical procedure (78,8% vs 26,2%; p<0,001) were mostly patients with preoperative anxiety. The RR of patients with anxiety to perceive severe pain is 6.46 (95% CI; 2,52-16,60) during access to the uterine cavity and 6,61 (95% CI; 3,04-14,38) during resection. We have found a moderate and positive correlation between the scores obtained on the STAI-S questionnaire and VAS score during access to the uterine cavity (r=0,629; p=0,042) and during the surgical process (r=0,661; p=0,021) CONCLUSIONS: Patients with preprocedural anxiety are more at risk of perceiving severe pain during access into the uterine cavity and during the hysteroscopic intervention.

Definitive Contraception: Trends in a Ten-year Interval / Contracepção definitiva: tendências em um intervalo de dez anos

Abstract Objective To evaluate the trends in definitive contraception in a ten-year interval comprising the years 2002 and 2012. Method Retrospective analysis of the tubal sterilization performed in our service in 2002 and2012,analyzingthedemographiccharacteristics,personalhistory,previouscontraceptive method, definite contraception technique, effectiveness and complications. Results Definitive contraception was performed in 112 women in 2002 (group 1) and in 60 women in 2012 (group 2). The groups were homogeneous regarding age, parity, educational level and personal history. The number of women older than 40 years choosing a definitive method was more frequent in group 1, 49.1% (n = 55); for group 2, the rate was 34.8% (n = 23) (p = 0.04). The time between the last delivery and the procedure was 11.6±6.2 and 7.9±6.4 years (p = 0.014) in 2002 against 2012 respectively. In 2002, all patients performed tubal ligation by laparoscopic inpatient regime. In 2012, the bilateral placement of the Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, US) device was suggested to 56.1% (n = 37) of the patients, while laparoscopy was suggested to 43.9% (n = 29) of them. All women who underwent laparoscopic sterilization had the procedure successfully completed using silastic rings. The overall bilateral device placement rate for the Essure was 91.6%, with only one complication reported. All Essure procedures were performed in an outpatient setting; for the laparoscopy, this rate was 79% (n = 15). No intentional pregnancies occurred until this date. Conclusions There is a trend in the decrease in definitive contraception over the years in our institution, maybe as a result of the development of long-acting reversible contraceptives. The hysteroscopic procedure has become a frequent option, as it is performed in an office setting without anesthesia, being a well-tolerated, minimal invasive method.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar as tendências da contracepção definitiva feminina num intervalo de 10 anos, 2002 e 2012. Métodos Análise retrospectiva das mulheres submetidas a esterilização em 2002 e 2012 no Serviço de Ginecologia de um hospital em Portugal, atendendo às caraterísticas demográficas, antecedentes pessoais, método contraceptivo prévio, técnica de contracepção efetuada, eficácia e complicações ocorridas. Resultados Foram submetidas a contracepção definitiva 112 mulheres em 2002 (grupo 1), e 66 em 2012 (grupo 2). Os grupos eram semelhantes na idade, paridade, nível educacional e antecedentes pessoais. O número de mulheres com mais de 40 anos que optou por um método definitivo foi superior no grupo 1, 49,1% (n = 55), versus 34,8% (n = 23) no grupo 2 (p = 0,04). O tempo decorrido entre o último parto e o procedimento foi de 11.6±6.2 anos e 7.9±6.4 anos (p = 0.014) em 2002 versus 2012, respetivamente. Em 2002, todas as mulheres foram submetidas a laqueação tubária em regime de internamento. Em 2012, a colocação bilateral do Essure (Bayer Corporation, Whippany, NJ, EUA) foi proposta para 56,1% (n = 37) das pacientes, enquanto a laparoscopia foi proposta para 43,9% (n = 29) delas. A laqueação por laparoscopia foi realizada com sucesso em todos os casos com anéis de silastic. A taxa de colocação bilateral do Essure foi de 91,6%, tendo sido registrada uma complicação. Todos os procedimentos com Essure foram realizados em regime de ambulatório, enquanto que tal se verificou em 79% (n = 15) daquelas pacientes submetidas a laparoscopia. Não ocorreram gravidezes não intencionais. Conclusão Parece haver uma tendência para a diminuição da esterilização como opção contraceptiva, provavelmente devido à disponibilidade de diversos métodos contraceptivos de longa duração aliada aos benefícios não contraceptivos. A opção pelo dispositivo Essure, mais recentemente, é justificada pela sua realização em contexto de consultório, sem anestesia, sendo um método minimamente invasivo e bem tolerado.

Abordaje vaginoscópica para la realización de histeroscopía oficinal: experiencia, resultados y revisión de la literatura / Vaginoscopic approach to perform officinal hysteroscopy: experience, results and literature review

OBJETIVO: Presentar nuestra experiencia y una revisión de la literatura sobre la utilización de la vaginohisteroscopia oficinal. Describir las principales indicaciones, su tolerancia, los procedimientos realizados y las complicaciones resultantes. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo de todos los procedimientos vaginohisteroscópicos ambulatorios realizados en la Unidad de Medicina Reproductiva e Infertilidad del Departamento de Obstetricia y Ginecología del Hospital Clínico de la Universidad de Chile, entre el 1° de enero de 2008 y el 31 de enero de 2014. RESULTADOS: Se realizaron un total de 632 vaginohisteroscopias: 63,7% diagnósticas y 36,2% quirúrgicas. El tiempo promedio de realización fue de 13 ± 8 minutos. La percepción de dolor presentó una mediana de EVA 4 con intercuartiles de 3 y 6. La principal indicación fue por sospecha de pólipos endometriales (33%) y engrosamiento endometrial en un 12%. El hallazgo histeroscópico más frecuente fue cavidad endometrial normal (27%) y pólipos endometriales (27%). Los procedimientos más frecuentes fueron polipectomías (27%) y biopsias endometriales (20%). Se registraron 17 complicaciones (2,6%): 14 reacciones vasovagales (2,2%) y 3 lipotimias (0,4%). CONCLUSIONES: El abordaje vaginohisteroscópico ha demostrado ser una técnica segura, resolutiva, bien tolerada por las pacientes y de menor costo.

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience and a review of the literature of the vaginohysteroscopic technique. To describe the main indications, the tolerance, the procedures performed and their complications. METHOD: This is a descriptive study of all outpatient procedures performed with the vaginohysteroscopic technique in the Reproductive Medicine and Infertility Unit of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University Hospital of Chile between 1st January of 2008 and 31st January of 2014. RESULTS: A total of 632 vaginohysteroscopys were performed: 63.7% diagnostic and 36.2% surgical. The average procedure time was 13 ± 8 minutes. Pain showed a median of VAS of 4. The main indication was suspected endometrial polyps (33%) and endometrial thickening (12%). The most frequent finding was normal endometrial cavity (27%) and endometrial polyps (27%). The most common procedures were polypectomy (27%) and endometrial biopsies (20%). We registered 17 complications (2.6%): 14 vasovagal reactions (2.2%) and 3 lipothymias (0.4%). CONCLUSIONS: vaginohisteroscopy approach has proven to be a safe and very resolutive technique, well tolerated by patients and considerably cost-effective.

Histeroscopia de consultorio: evaluación del dolor / Office hysteroscopy: pain assessment

Objetivo: Evaluar el dolor durante la histeroscopia de consultorio, sin anestesia e investigar los factores relacionados. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo, descriptivo, analítico y de corte transversal en una población de 309 pacientes de la Maternidad “Concepción Palacios” que acudieron al Servicio de Ginecología entre agosto 2010 y agosto 2011, quienes tenían indicación para histeroscopia. Se registraron antecedentes y datos clínicos relacionados con la percepción del dolor, así como la intensidad de dolor percibida mediante una escala análoga de 0 al 10. Resultados: Se obtuvo una media de percepción de dolor de 2,9. La percepción de dolor fue leve en 56.%, dolor moderado: 36,2 %, dolor intenso: 4,9 %, dolor intolerable: 2,9 %, nada de dolor: 4,2 %. No se encontró relación entre la percepción de dolor y la edad, paridad, estado hormonal, indicación del estudio ni tipo de procedimiento. El 60,6 % de las pacientes con cuello permeable, presentaron dolor leve, mientras que las que tenían sinequias o estenosis lo presentaron en 25,5 % y 31, 3 % respectivamente. Con cuello permeable hubo 0,4 % de dolor intolerable y en presencia de sinequias la cifra fue 12,5 % (P<0,05). 88,8.% de las pacientes con dolor intolerable presentaban estenosis o sinequias. Conclusiones: La histeroscopia de consultorio es un procedimiento bien tolerado por la mayoría de las pacientes; es independiente de la paridad, condición hormonal, indicación del estudio, edad y tipo de procedimiento. La percepción de dolor fue mayor en pacientes con estenosis o sinequias cervicales.

Objective: Assess pain during no anesthesia office hysteroscopy and investigate related factors. Method: Prospective, descriptive, analytical and cross-section study in a population of 309 patients who attended the gynaecology service of Maternidad Concepción Palacios between August 2010 and August 2011, who had indication for hysteroscopy. Background and clinical data was collected, relating to the perception of pain, as well as the intensity of pain perceived by means of an analog scale of 0 to 10. Results: An average of 2.9 pain perception. The perception of pain was mild in 56 %, moderate pain: 36.2 %, severe pain: 4.9 %, intolerable pain: 2.9 %, none of pain: 4.2 per cent. No relationship was found between the perception of pain and age, parity, hormonal state, indication of the study or type of procedure. 60.6 % of patients with permeable cervix presented mild pain, while if they had adhesions or stenosis the mild pain was present in 25.5 % and 31, 3 % respectively. With permeable cervix there was 0.4 % of intolerable pain and in the presence of adhesions was only 12.5 % (P < 0,05), 88.8 % of patients with intolerable pain had cervical stenosis or adhesions. Conclusions: Office hysteroscopy is a procedure well tolerated by most patients; It is independent of parity, hormonal condition, indication of the study, age and type of procedure. The perception of pain was greater in patients with cervical stenosis or adhesions.

A Clinical Usefulness of Office Hysteroscopy / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: Hysteroscopy is considered to be the gold standard not only for visualizing the cervical canal and the uterine cavity, but also for treating many different types of benign pathologies localized to those regions. The advent and evolution of endoscopic imaging and surgery during the last two decades has added new dimensions to the armamentarium of a gynecologist to combat intrauterine lesions. Office hysteroscopy is increasingly being used as a first line investigation for abnormal uterine bleeding and other diseases involving the uterine cavity. The aim of our study is to assess the diagnostic and operative efficacy of office hysteroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In our department, 140 patients underwent a hysteroscopy examination and 18 of these underwent an office based hysteroscopy examination from September 1995 to March 2005. The cases who underwent an office based hysteroscopy examination were reviewed in order to assess the clinical usefulness and significance in the management of intrauterine lesions. RESULTS: Major indication was abnormal uterine bleeding (12 cases, 66.7%). The others were a missed IUD and infertility. The hysteroscopic findings were a normal uterine cavity (6 cases, 33.3%), IUD in situ, polyp, submucosal myoma, endometrial hyperplasia and a placenta remnant. CONCLUSION: Office hysteroscopy is a safe, quick and effective method for making an intrauterine evaluation. In addition, it provides immediate results, offers the capacity of direct targeted biopsies of suspicious focal lesions, and offers the direct treatment of some intrauterine conditions.