Endometrial biopsy

Abstract

Endometrial biopsy is one of the most common outpatient gynecologic procedures and is rapid, safe, and inexpensive. It is a procedure that family physicians can easily perform in the office. Indications for endometrial biopsy include abnormal uterine bleeding (especially if the patient is on tamoxifen therapy), postmenopausal bleeding, atypical glandular cells on pap smear, follow-up of previously diagnosed endometrial hyperplasia, Lynch syndrome, evaluation of premenopausal patients with one year of amenorrhea, infertility, and response to hormone therapy. It has been determined by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound to be effective and accurate for the evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding and postmenopausal bleeding, including diagnosing or ruling out uterine cancer. Contraindications include pregnancy, profuse bleeding, clotting disorders, acute cervical infection, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, and cervical cancer. Serious complications are rare.