Effect of Warm Fluid Distension Media in Relieving Pain in Outpatient Hysteroscopy

Overview

The aim of study is to determine if the use of warm saline distention media during outpatient hysteroscopy reduces Pain/discomfort of the procedure. Research hypothesis: In women undergoing office hysteroscopy, there will be reduced pain perception when using warm saline (body temperature 37°C during office hysteroscopy. Research question: In women undergoing office hysteroscopy, Will there be a difference in pain perceived during the procedure if the investigators use warm saline(body temperature 37°C) rather than normal saline (room temperature) as a distension media?

Office hysteroscopy is a procedure where a doctor uses a thin tube with a tiny camera to look inside the uterus. There are no incisions. Saline solution is used to expand the uterus in order to look at the inside of the uterus . The vaginoscopic 'non-touch' technique first described by Bettocchi and Selvaggi (1997) has avoided the need for using a speculum and tenaculum in outpatient hysteroscopy; miniaturization of fibreoptic instruments has also enabled the procedure to be conducted without intra- or paracervical anesthesia. Indications for diagnostic \& therapeutic outpatient hysteroscopy include abnormal uterine bleeding, reproductive problems, glandular abnormalities on cervical smear, identification and retrieval of lost intrauterine devices, polypectomy, endometrial ablation and myomectomy. Hysteroscopic procedures can be successfully performed in an office setting without any anesthesia. There are pharmacological and non pharmacological analgesic methods. Non pharmacological methods, such as vaginoscopy or mini hysteroscopes, are advisable to avoid producing pain . The pharmacological method including intervention method which is para cervical block, reducing pain during and 30 minutes after hysteroscopy. And medical methods such as Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seem to be useful in the postoperative period. Evidence is not clear about combination of techniques or misoprostol . Endometrial cavity is an empty cavity and requires distension to permit visualization. Therefore, during hysteroscopy either fluid or carbon dioxide gas is used to enlarge the endometrial cavity. To achieve a panoramic view, the uterine walls must be forcibly separated. The thick muscle of uterine walls needs a minimum pressure of 40 mm Hg to distend the cavity adequately for hysteroscopic visualization. Normal saline is usually recommended as the distention medium in outpatient hysteroscopy as it allows improved image resolution and is associated with less vasovagal episodes compared with carbon dioxide. Although it is thought that uterine contractility could be provoked by instillation of saline at lower temperatures, there is little data on the effect of temperature on clarity of image, discomfort/pain, outcome of the procedure and patient satisfaction.

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Outcomes