Should Endometrial Biopsies Be Performed with a Full Bladder?

Outpatient endometrial biopsies typically are performed without attention to bladder filling. Bladder distension can straighten the uterus passively, potentially making instrumentation easier.

Researchers in Malaysia enrolled 214 women (mean age, 48; 72% premenopausal) who were scheduled to undergo outpatient endometrial biopsy and randomized them to either standard care or drinking 1 L of water prior to biopsy. Each woman had an ultrasound immediately before the procedure to assess bladder volume and cervico-fundal length. Proceduralists performed all biopsies with Pipelle endometrial sampling devices and were masked to treatment arm. If the Pipelle failed to pass through the internal os during the first attempt, a tenaculum was applied to …