ACUTE TISSUE EFFECTS DURING TRANSCERVICAL ENDOMETRIAL RESECTION

The acute tissue effects of transcervical endometrial resection (TCRE) with a standard Iglesias resectoscope using glycine 1.5% for irrigati on were studied in 8 women prior to hysterectomy., Combinations of 80 or 120 W cutting current with blend 1 or 2 were applied for endometria l resection, preceded by cornual endometrial coagulation with the roll er ball electrode with a coagulation effect of 40 or 60 W. The tempera ture was measured at the uterine vessels, ovarian ligaments and serosa l surface. The increase in temperature at the serosal surface was 2.0- degrees-C during cornual coagulation and 0.3-degrees-C during endometr ial resection, independent of the current effect applied. The maximum depth of tissue damage was 1.7 mm. No change in temperature was found at the uterine vessels or ovarian ligaments. The tissue destruction an d the increase in temperature of the uterine surface are minimal, and TCRE offers excellent histological material. Careful coagulation/resec tion in the cornual and isthmus regions is recommended.