Transcervical needle biopsy of uterine myoma-like tumors using an automatic biopsy gun.

Abstract Objective: To describe a practical procedure of transcervical needle biopsy of uterine myoma-like tumors using an automatic biopsy gun and its potential risks. Design: Description of new biopsy procedure. Setting: University teaching hospital. Patient(s): Three hundred twelve patients who had been recommended for surgery for uterine myoma-like tumors by the hospital's outside doctors. Intervention(s): Transcervical needle biopsy of uterine myoma-like tumors. Main Outcome Measure(s): Successful sampling rate, duration of procedure, estimated blood loss, patient discomfort, and complications. Result(s): Of the 312 patients who underwent transcervical needle biopsy, specimens were obtained from 311 (99.7%). The mean (± SD) duration of procedure was 6.3 ± 5.2 minutes. The mean estimated blood loss was 10.4 ± 10.9 g. There were two cases (0.6%) in which the blood loss during the procedure was in excess of 50 g, but bleeding can be conservatively controlled in such cases with an intrauterine tamponade using gauze or a balloon catheter. The level of patient pain and discomfort during the needle biopsy was significantly lower than that during endometrial curettage. No major complications requiring surgery occurred. Conclusion(s): Transcervical needle biopsies of uterine myoma-like tumors using an automatic biopsy gun are practical, simple, and safe. This new procedure can be of routine clinical use.