THE USE OF TOPICAL ANESTHESIA IN DIAGNOSTIC HYSTEROSCOPY AND ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSY

Objective: To show that intrauterine anesthesia is a reliable method f or reducing pain associated with endocavitary procedures. Design: A pr ospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy . Patients: Forty-five patients undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy (n = 27) or hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy (n = 18). Interventions: Five milliliters of 2% mepivacaine or saline solution were injected tr anscervically into the uterine cavity before performing the procedures .Main Outcome Measures: Evaluation of pain reduction on a visual analo gue scale. Results: Pain expectation and pain reported were reduced du ring and after the procedures. Conclusion: Topical anesthesia effectiv ely reduces pain during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.