ROUTINE USE OF ENDOMETRIAL CYTOLOGY IN CLINICAL-PRACTICE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term use of endometrial cytology with the Endopap sampler in clinical practice. Emphasis was placed on diagnostic accuracy, reduction of the number of curettages a nd cost per diagnostic test. Blind comparisons of two diagnostic tests were made during an observation period of five years. Endometrial cyt ology was compared with endometrial curettage as a standard if both sa mples had been taken within a six-month period and sufficient material had been obtained with both methods. A total of 468 women were studie d. All had undergone endometrial curettage because of vaginal bleeding or impending hysterectomy. Abnormal endometrial cytology was found in 129 of 134 (96%) samples from patients with endometrial cancer, in 23 of 25 (92%) with invasive cervical cancer, in 30 of 31 (97%) with aty pical endometrial hyperplasia and in 90 of 100 (90%) with endometrial hyperplasia but no atypia. Specificity was 84%. The annual numbers of fractional curettages decreased from 900 in 1986 to 298 in 1991. The s tudy clearly showed that endometrial cytology is useful in clinical pr actice.