Endometrial biopsy using the Tao Brush (R) method - A study of 50 women ina general gynecologic practice

OBJECTIVE: To test whether the Tao Brush(R) can retrieve sufficient endomet rium for diagnosis and also to observe patients' tolerance of its use. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty women underwent Tao Brush(R) sampling: 25 were sampled by Tao Brush(R) alone, and the remainder were sampled by Pipelle(R) immedia tely following. Patients' reactions to each method were observed. RESULTS: Pipelle(R) currettes larger pieces of endometrium; the Tao Brush(R ) obtains smaller pieces. There was no discrepancy between Tao Brush(R) and Pipelle(R) except that Pipelle(R) sampled two of five endometrial polyps, while the Tao Brush(R) sampled none. There was less tissue insufficient for diagnosis with the Tao Brush(R) (2%) than Pipelle(R) (12%). Most patients did not show signs of distress during Tao Brush(R) sampling but grimaced du ring Pipelle(R) suction curettage. For each of the 16 patients in the secon d group, the Tao Brush(R) was significantly less painful than Pipelle(R) (P < .01). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the Tao Brush(R) is an effective alternat ive endometrial sampler, causes less pain and produces less tissue insuffic ient for diagnosis than does the Pipelle(R). The CPT billing codes (58100) are the same for both the Pipelle(R) and Tao Brush(R).