Pain evaluation in outpatients undergoing diagnostic anesthesia-free hysteroscopy in a teaching hospital: A cohort study

Pain experience with outpatient hysteroscopy: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) affects women of all ages and is one of the most common reasons for referral to a gynaecological clinic. Operative hysteroscopic procedures allow for a see-and-treat approach to AUB, and these techniques have been shown to be feasible and acceptable in the outpatient setting.

OBJECTIVE

To assess if there is an increase in pain scores for women who are undergoing an operative hysteroscopic procedure with Myosure LITE® (Hologic; mechanical hysteroscopic tissue removal system) compared to outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy alone.

STUDY DESIGN

A prospective cohort study was performed. All participants attending the outpatient hysteroscopy clinic at Mercy Hospital for Women completed a pre-and post-procedure questionnaire. This included a visual analogue scale (VAS) for any pre-existing pain, anticipated pain, and actual pain experienced during procedure. Factors influencing overall satisfaction and willingness to attend again were also assessed. Data was entered into RedCap® for analysis. A difference in VAS of 10 mm or more was considered clinically significant. An alpha of p < 0.05 was assigned for statistical significance.

RESULTS

Between February 2020 and November 2022, 208 women underwent outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy followed by an operative hysteroscopy with MyoSure®. To allow for standardisation of analgesia, only participants who had a cervical block before their Myosure® procedure were included for analysis (n = 111). There was statistical evidence (t(111) = 2.36, p = 0.02) of a lower mean VAS pain score for operative Myosure (36.5 mm, 95 % CI: 31.1-41.8 mm) compared to outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy (44.1 mm, 95 % CI: 39.0-49.2 mm). The mean difference in VAS pain score was estimated as 7.7 mm (95 % CI: 1.2-14.1 mm) lower for Myosure compared to hysteroscopy. Given the threshold for clinical significance was considered as 10 mm difference in VAS, the variance in pain scores is under the likely clinically significant range. There was no significant difference in pain scores for diagnostic hysteroscopy with or without paracervical block (mean difference = 1.42; 95 % CI: -6.35 to 9.20). There was no association between pre-existing pain, and actual pain for hysteroscopy, or Myosure (p = 0.997 and p = 0.065 respectively). The anticipated pain score was weakly associated with actual pain during the operative Myosure procedure (p = 0.02), and with outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy (p = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Outpatient hysteroscopy procedures are generally well tolerated. The pain experience with operative Myosure was less than that reported during the diagnostic hysteroscopy by the same patient although this is unlikely of clinical significance. Importantly, Myosure was not more painful than the initial diagnostic procedure, and most patients were satisfied with the outcome and would choose to have the procedure again in an outpatient setting. This is in keeping with other studies which have shown a high degree of patient tolerance and satisfaction with this approach.

Methoxyflurane analgesia for outpatient hysteroscopy: A double-blind, randomised, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Despite clinical and economic benefits, pain during outpatient hysteroscopy (OPH) remains a barrier to use. There is a lack of evidence to support routine use of one analgesic over another versus no analgesic.

AIMS

To study the efficacy and safety of methoxyflurane analgesia during OPH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled experiment was performed; 90 patients were randomly assigned (1:1). Participants allocated to the treatment group (cases) received 3 mL of methoxyflurane through an inhaler. The control group received a placebo. The primary outcome was a mean difference in pain, via a change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score from baseline at diagnostic hysteroscopy. Secondary outcomes were a mean difference in VAS score with any subsequent operative procedures; a mean difference in VAS score at 15 min post-procedure; participant and clinician-reported adverse effects and events; and participant-reported procedure acceptability, adjuvant nitrous oxide (N2O2) use and a composite of 'distress'.

RESULTS

During diagnostic hysteroscopy, there was a mean difference of 11.5 mm/100 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.08-22.95), P = 0.05, with the lower score in the cases, compared with controls. During subsequent operative procedures, there was a mean difference of 15 mm/100 (95% CI 2.71-28.22), P = 0.02, with the lower pain score in the cases, compared with controls. There was no significant difference in pain 15 min post-procedure, participant- and clinician- reported adverse effects and events, procedure acceptability and the 'distress' composite.

CONCLUSIONS

Methoxyflurane significantly reduced pain during OPH compared with placebo, for diagnostic as well as operative procedures. Furthermore, methoxyflurane was well tolerated, with no adverse events.

Ambulatory Hysteroscopy: Evaluating Pain and Determining Factors

Study objective

To measure pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and analyse its relationships with variables such as menopausal status, parity, uterine and cervical pathology, procedure length, and anxiety in patients undergoing ambulatory hysteroscopy (AH).

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Dr DY Patil Medical Hospital and Research Centre, Dr.D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune.

Patients

Seventy-five women.

Intervention

Ambulatory hysteroscopy(AH).

Methodology

AH was performed in seventy-five patients using vaginoscopic approach. At the end of the procedure, the intensity of pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), from the score of 0 (no pain) to 10 (intolerable pain). The factors determining pain were assessed.

Results

Patients who underwent AH reported mild pain in 66% of cases, moderate pain in 22%, and severe pain in 12% of cases. The most frequent reason for referral was abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).In the moderate pain group, the bivariate analysis was statistically significant for menopausal status (P values < 0.001), cervical pathology (< 0.001), and duration of procedure (0.001) and in multivariate analysis nulliparity (0.001) and menopausal status (0.001) were the significant determining factors.In severe pain group, the bivariate analysis was statistically significant for cervical pathology (P value = 0.001) and in multivariate analysis cervical pathology (0.003) and uterine pathology (0.002) were the significant determining factors.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy is a safe, painless and a gold standard procedure. Pain experienced during AH was significantly influenced by cervical pathology. Gynaecologists in practise should receive training and start using AH to assess the endometrial cavity.

Outpatient Hysteroscopic Polypectomy-A Retrospective Study Comparing Rigid and Semirigid Office Hysteroscopes

Endometrial polyps are one of the most common pathological conditions in gynecology. Hysteroscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of endometrial polyps. The purpose of this multicenter, retrospective study was to compare patients' pain perception during an operative hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in an outpatient setting with two different hysteroscopes (rigid and semirigid) and to identify some clinical and intraoperative characteristics that are related to worsening pain during the procedure. We included women that underwent, at the same time as an diagnostic hysteroscopy, the complete removal of an endometrial polyp (using the see-and-treat strategy) without any kind of analgesia. A total of 166 patients were enrolled, of which 102 patients underwent a polypectomy with a semirigid hysteroscope and 64 patients underwent the procedure with a rigid hysteroscope. No differences were found during the diagnostic step; on the contrary, after the operative procedure, a statistically significant greater degree of pain was reported when the semirigid hysteroscope was used. Cervical stenosis and menopausal status were risk factors for pain both in the diagnostic step and in the operative one. Our results confirm that operative hysteroscopic endometrial polypectomy in an outpatient setting is an effective, safe, and well-tolerated procedure and indicate that it might be better tolerated if a rigid rather than semirigid instrument is used.

Predictive Factors of Tolerance in Office Hysteroscopy - a 3-Year Analysis from a Tertiary Center

OBJECTIVE

 Pain is the primary limitation to performing hysteroscopy. We aimed to evaluate the predictive factors of low tolerance to office hysteroscopic procedures.

METHODS

 Retrospective cohort study of the patients who underwent office hysteroscopy from January 2018 to December 2020 at a tertiary care center. Pain tolerance to office-based hysteroscopy was subjectively assessed by the operator as terrible, poor, moderate, good, or excellent. Categorical variables were compared with the use of the Chi-squared test; an independent-samples t-test was conducted to compare continuous variables. Logistic regression was performed to determine the main factors associated with low procedure tolerance.

RESULTS

 A total of 1,418 office hysteroscopies were performed. The mean age of the patients was 53 ± 13.8 years; 50.8% of women were menopausal, 17.8% were nulliparous, and 68.7% had a previous vaginal delivery. A total of 42.6% of women were submitted to an operative hysteroscopy. Tolerance was categorized as terrible or poor in 14.9% of hysteroscopies and moderate, good, or excellent in 85.1%. A terrible or poor tolerance was more frequently reported in menopausal women (18.1% vs. 11.7% in premenopausal women, p = 0.001) and women with no previous vaginal delivery (18.8% vs. 12.9% in women with at least one vaginal birth, p = 0.007). Low tolerance led more often to scheduling a second hysteroscopic procedure under anesthesia (56.4% vs. 17.5% in reasonable-to-excellent tolerance, p < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION

 Office hysteroscopy was a well-tolerated procedure in our experience, but menopause and lack of previous vaginal delivery were associated with low tolerance. These patients are more likely to benefit from pain relief measures during office hysteroscopy.

Minimal alveolar concentration of sevoflurane in combination with dexmedetomidine in patients with hysteroscopy: An up-down sequential allocation study

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine is commonly used in hysteroscopy surgery due to its analgesia and sedation without respiratory depression. Many studies have shown that dexmedetomidine can reduce the consumption of sevoflurane. However, the optimal end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane when it is co-administered with dexmedetomidine has not been established. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of sevoflurane for cervical dilatation combined with different doses of dexmedetomidine in patients with hysteroscopy surgery.

METHODS

One-hundred patients undergoing hysteroscopy surgery were enrolled in this clinical trial. All the patients were randomly assigned into four groups (C, D₁ , D₂ , D₃ ) and received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine (0, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0 μg/kg) over 10 min before anaesthesia induction, respectively. Anaesthesia was induced in each patient with 5% sevoflurane in 100% oxygen via a facemask. A laryngeal mask (LMA) was inserted when the patient had lost consciousness and the BIS value decreased below 40. The response to cervical dilatation stimulus (movement vs non-movement) by the insert of hysteroscope was recorded. The MAC of sevoflurane was measured by up and down sequential method of Dixon and Mood and centred isotonic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The calculated MAC of sevoflurane using up-and-down method of Dixon and Mood in patients with hysteroscopy surgery was (1.90 ± 0.13)%, (1.23 ± 0.16)%, (1.03 ± 0.10)% and (0.93 ± 0.08)% in groups C, D₁ , D₂ and D₃ , respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of dexmedetomidine can significantly decrease the MAC of sevoflurane for hysteroscopy surgery. However, a ceiling effect of the reduction was observed when the dose of dexmedetomidine was higher than 0.8 μg/kg.

[Impact of vaginal delivery history on anesthesia management of hysteroscopic surgery under intravenous general anesthesia: a cohort study of 99 patients]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of a history of vaginal delivery on anesthesia management of patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery under intravenous general anesthesia without tracheal intubation.

METHODS

Ninety-nine patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery under intravenous general anesthesia were enrolled in this study, including 43 patients with (VD group) and 56 patients without a history of vaginal delivery (NVD group). For all the patients, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and bispectral index (BIS) were recorded before anesthesia (T1), after anesthesia (T2), after cervical dilation (T3), and at 3 min after cervical dilation (T4). Propofol and etomidate doses during anesthesia induction, the total dose of propofol administered, additional intraoperative bolus dose and times of propofol, intraoperative body movement, total operation time and surgeons' satisfaction feedback scores were compared between the two groups. The postoperative awake time, recovery time, VAS score at 30 min after operation, and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) were also compared.

RESULTS

There was no significant differences in SBP, DBP, HR, SpO2, or BIS between the two groups at T1 and T2, but at T3 and T4, SBP and DBP were significantly higher in NVD group than in VD group (P < 0.01); HR was significantly higher in NVD group only at T3 (P < 0.01). The application of vasoactive drugs did not differ significantly between the two groups. The total dose of propofol, additional intraoperative dose and times of propofol were all greater in NVD group than in VD group (P < 0.01). More body movements of the patients were observed in NVD group (P < 0.01), which also had lower surgeons' satisfaction score for anesthesia (P < 0.01), higher postoperative VAS score (P < 0.05), and shorter postoperative awake time (P < 0.05) and recovery time (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

A history of vaginal delivery has a significant impact on anesthesia management of patients undergoing hysteroscopic surgery under intravenous general anesthesia without tracheal intubation in terms of hemodynamic changes, anesthetic medication, and postoperative recovery quality, suggesting the necessity of individualized anesthesia management for these patients.

Diagnostic office hysteroscopy; why is it still painful procedure despite the surgical experience and mini-hysteroscope?

AIM

To evaluate the effect of cervical canal features on pain during outpatient hysteroscopy performed by experienced surgeons using mini-hysteroscope.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted on 303 women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy without anesthesia. Pain intensity was evaluated using the visual analog scale (VAS) when the cervical canal was passed. The patients were divided into two groups according to the VAS score: painless or mild pain (VAS <4) and moderate or severe pain (VAS ≥ 4). The relationship between cervical canal characteristics (length, version, and flexion positions, history of cervical intervention, stenosis, synechiae), obstetric and gynecological history, preoperative anxiety level, procedure duration, and pain intensity was examined.

RESULTS

Moderate pain (4 ≤ VAS < 7) was observed in 38% of patients (n = 117) and 14 patients (5%) experienced severe pain (VAS ≥ 7). In multivariate analysis, nulliparity (p = 0.01; OR, 4.6; 95% CI, 1.7-13.2), postmenopausal state (p = 0.02; OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.3), excessive flexion of the cervix and retroverted uterus (p <0.001; OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.0-8.5) were identified as risk factors for a painful procedure. Diagnostic hysteroscopy was successful in 98% of the patients. The pain was the primary cause of the failed hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

In addition to nulliparity and postmenopausal status, unfavorable features of the cervical canal, such as the excessive flexion position of the cervix and uterine retroversion are significant causes of pain during outpatient hysteroscopy.

Nitrous oxide versus lidocaine versus no analgesic for in-office hysteroscopy: a randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of inhaled nitrous oxide (INO) on pain control during in-office hysteroscopy with 1% lidocaine paracervical infiltration and no analgesic.

DESIGN

Single-blind stratified randomised clinical trial with masked assessment by a third party.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in a Spanish hospital.

POPULATION

Women who underwent hysteroscopy.

METHODS

Patients were stratified into three groups according to the purpose of the hysteroscopy (biopsy, polypectomy or tubal sterilisation) and then assigned to different treatment groups through a permuted-blocks randomisation within strata. Pain scale was provided by a gynaecologist totally blinded to procedures and treatments. Effects were assessed using a one-way analysis of variance following an intention-to-treat approach.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual analogue scale (VAS) from 0 to 100 mm.

RESULTS

A total of 314 women were included: 105 to INO, 104 to 1% lidocaine and 105 to no analgesic. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Mean VAS score after the procedure was 34.7 ± 25.8 mm, 36.1 ± 22.9 mm (P = 1.0) and 47.3 ± 28.2 mm (P = 0.001) for INO, 1% lidocaine and no analgesic, respectively. No adverse events were reported in 91 (86.7%) patients in the INO group compared with 79 (76%) in the 1%-lidocaine group (P = 0.04) and 85 (81%) in the no-analgesic group (P = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

INO was as effective as 1% lidocaine in pain control for in-office hysteroscopy and was better tolerated. The no-analgesic group presented the poorer results, so was the least recommended clinical option.

Pain and anxiety in office histeroscopy

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is almost always present before medical interventions and may play a role in pain perception. We aim to evaluate factors associated with pain intensity reported by patients submitted to Office Hysteroscopy (OH).

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study, with data from April to November 2015. It included patients attended at the Assis Chateaubriand Maternity School (MEAC/UFC) with an indication of office hysteroscopy. Before the examination, the patients answered a validated questionnaire about anxiety (STAI). After the examination, women answered the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 15.0, with Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney U-test, and analyses of variance.

RESULTS

252 patients were included, with a mean age of 45.7 years, of whom 29% were postmenopausal (mean pain 5.5) and 71% were in menacme (mean pain 5.1) (p = 0.258). The anxiety trait and state showed a significant influence on the pain scale (p <0.001 and p=0.001), but age or endometrial sample did not. 27% of the patients were nulliparous. Less pain was associated with the number (p=0.01) and vaginal (p=0.005) of deliveries. The main indication for the procedure was abnormal uterine bleeding (54.4%).

CONCLUSION

OH may be associated with moderate but tolerable discomfort. There was a significant correlation between higher scores on the pain scale and anxiety. There was evidence of reduced pain with parity and type of delivery, but not with reproductive age or endometrial biopsy.

The effect of preoperative intravenous lidocaine on postoperative pain following hysteroscopy: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The use of hysteroscopy for the diagnosis and treatment of uterine and endometrial abnormalities is often associated with postoperative pain. This randomized controlled trial aimed to assess the efficacy of preoperative intravenous (IV) lidocaine in reducing pain after hysteroscopy.

METHODS

In total, 138 patients undergoing elective hysteroscopy at the CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam, Korea were randomly assigned to a control group (n = 69) or a lidocaine group (n = 69), which received normal saline or IV lidocaine at 1.5 mg/kg, respectively. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative pain.

RESULTS

The incidence of pain was significantly lower in the IV lidocaine group than in the control group at the post-anesthesia care unit (27.3% vs 68.2%, P < .001). The visual analog scale (0-10) score (median [interquartile range]) was lower in the IV lidocaine group than in the control group (0 [0-2]) vs 2 [0-4]), P < .001). The use of rescue analgesics and postoperative nausea and vomiting were similar between the 2 groups. This study demonstrated that administering 1.5 mg/kg of preoperative IV lidocaine can be a simple method to reduce incidence of pain after hysteroscopy.

CONCLUSION

Preoperative bolus administration of 1.5 mg/kg of IV lidocaine may be used to decrease incidence of pain after hysteroscopy under general anesthesia.

Addition of Lidocaine to the Distension Medium in Hysteroscopy Decreases Pain during the Procedure-A Randomized Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of adding a local anesthetic to the distension medium in office diagnostic hysteroscopy using the vaginoscopic approach on pain during the procedure. Secondary aims included documenting side effects, patient satisfaction, and the time needed to complete the procedure.

DESIGN

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital; office hysteroscopy clinic.

PATIENTS

Total of 100 patients who underwent office hysteroscopies divided in half with 50 in the intervention group and 50 in the control group.

INTERVENTIONS

Ten mL of lidocaine 2% added to 1000 mL of saline solution that was used as the distension medium for hysteroscopy in the study group vs 1000 mL of saline alone in the control group.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

A significant difference was found in the increment of pain as measured by visual analog scale after the hysteroscopy between the 2 groups. Patients receiving lidocaine had an average rise of 1.9 in the visual analog scale score after the procedure compared with 2.9 in the control group (p = .033). There was also a nonsignificant trend for shorter duration of hysteroscopy in the intervention group compared with the control group (180.1 vs 222.1 seconds, p = .08). Patients' satisfaction was high in both groups (98% for the study group and 92% for the control group). Success rates were also similar between the 2 groups at approximately 95%. No side effects were recorded in either group.

CONCLUSION

The addition of local anesthetic to the distension medium in office hysteroscopy produces significant reduction in pain during the procedure without adding time to the procedure and without side effects.

Virtual reality for acute pain in outpatient hysteroscopy: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of virtual reality as a distraction technique in the management of acute pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy.

DESIGN

Parallel group, prospective randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

UK University Hospital.

METHODS

Forty consenting, eligible women were randomised to virtual reality intervention (immersive video content as a distraction method) or standard care during outpatient hysteroscopy from August to October 2018.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pain and anxiety outcomes were measured as a numeric rating score (scale 0-10).

RESULTS

Compared with standard care, women with virtual reality intervention experienced less average pain (score 6.0 versus 3.7, mean difference 2.3, 95% CI 0.61-3.99, P = 0.009) and anxiety (score 5.45 versus 3.3, mean difference 2.15, 95% CI 0.38-3.92, P = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Virtual reality was effective in reducing pain and anxiety during outpatient hysteroscopy in a mixed-methods randomised control trial. Its wide potential role in ambulatory gynaecological procedures needs further evaluation.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Virtual reality can be used as a part of a multimodal strategy to reduce acute pain and anxiety in patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy.

Evaluation and ranking of different interventions for pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy: A systematic review and network meta-analysis

AIM

To identify the highest-ranked pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy.

METHODS

We conducted an online bibliographic search in different databases from inception till July 2019. We included randomized controlled trials assessing effect of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions on pain relief during outpatient hysteroscopy. Our main outcomes were pain scores at different endpoints of the procedure. We applied this network meta-analysis based on the frequentist approach using statistical package 'netmeta' (version 1.0-1) in R.

RESULTS

The review included 39 randomized controlled trials (Women n = 3964). Misoprostol plus intracervical block anesthesia (mean difference [MD] = -3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-6.06, -0.59]), misoprostol (MD = -1.92, 95% CI [-3.04, -0.81]) and IV analgesia (MD = -2.01, 95% CI [-3.27, -0.25]) were effective in reducing pain during the procedure compared to placebo. Ranking probability showed that misoprostol plus intracervical block anesthesia was the highest ranked pharmacological treatment for pain relief during the procedure (P score = 0.92) followed by misoprostol alone (P score = 0.78), and IV analgesia (P score = 0.76). Regarding nonpharmacological treatments, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) showed a significant pain reduction compared to placebo (MD = -1.80, 95% CI [-3.31, -0.29]). TENS ranked as the best nonpharmacological treatment (P score = 0.80) followed by CO₂ distention (P score = 0.65) and bladder distention (P score = 0.60).

CONCLUSION

Combination of misoprostol plus local anesthesia appears to be the most effective pharmacological approach for pain reduction during and after outpatient hysteroscopy. Nonpharmacological approaches as TENS and bladder distention showed considerable efficacy but should be further investigated.

Fallopian tubal obstruction is associated with increased pain experienced during office hysteroscopy: a retrospective study

This study aimed at evaluating the pain experienced during office hysteroscopy, with selective tubal cannulation and chromopertubation, by women with and without tubal obstruction in order to determine if such condition would be associated with increased pain during the examination. Women with a history of infertility underwent in-office hysteroscopy with selective chromopertubation using a continuous flow office hysteroscope with a 5 Fr operating channel fitted with a 4 Fr catheter for the injection of methylene blue dye. Experienced pain was recorded on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) during diagnostic hysteroscopy after access to the uterine cavity. Of 90 women, 58 (66.4%) were found with at least one patent fallopian tube and inserted in the group "any", meanwhile 32 (33.6%) were categorized into group "none" as both tubes were judged obstructed. There was no significant difference between groups in BMI and primary infertility rate, but the difference was significant concerning mean age (32.6 vs. 35.8; p < 0.001). The mean VAS score was 3.34 (± 1.07) in the group "any" and 4.25 (± 1.11) in "none". Comparing the VAS score of the two groups, the difference was significant (p < 0.001). Tubal occlusion may have a potential role in the pain experienced by women undergoing in-office hysteroscopy. Women with bilateral tubal occlusion experienced a higher level of pain compared with patients with at least one patent fallopian tube. Operators may use milder intrauterine pressure of fluid distension medium when these patients are undergoing in-office hysteroscopy to reduce discomfort.

The value of endocervical and endometrial lidocaine flushing before office hysteroscopy: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of flushing the cervical canal and the uterine cavity with local anesthetic in order to reduce the pain felt by patients during office hysteroscopy.

METHODS

A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted between May 1, 2018, and February 28, 2019, involving 260 women undergoing office hysteroscopy at Kasr Al Ainy Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Women were randomized using a computerized random number generator to intrauterine and intracervical instillation 5 minutes before the procedure of either 5 mL lidocaine 2% diluted in 15 mL normal saline, or 20 mL normal saline alone. The primary outcome measure was the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score reported by women during the procedure. Secondary outcomes included VAS score at 10 and 30 minutes after the procedure, the need for analgesia, and occurrence of vasovagal attacks.

RESULTS

Women in the lidocaine flushing group reported a significantly lower VAS score during the procedure (1.8 ± 1.1 vs 5.2 ± 1.8) and 10 and 30 minutes after it (1.3 ± 1.15 and 0.8 ± 0.9 vs 4.3 ± 2.1 and 2.98 ± 1.96) when compared with control women (P<0.001). More women without lidocaine flushing experienced vasovagal attacks (25/130 vs 9/130, P<0.001) and needed analgesia (84/130 vs 13/130, P<0.001) when compared with women with lidocaine flushing.

CONCLUSION

Flushing of the cervical canal and uterine cavity with local anesthetic significantly decreased pain sensation in women undergoing office hysteroscopy. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: NCT03530488.

Prevalence and intensity of pain during diagnostic hysteroscopy in women attending an infertility clinic: analysis of 489 cases

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and intensity of pain perception during diagnostic hysteroscopy in women and potential related factors.

Methods

A total of 489 women were investigated at an infertility clinic. Fluid diagnostic hysteroscopy was performed without analgesia or anesthesia by gynecologists with different levels of experience in operative hysteroscopy, using a 2.9mm rigid scope. The Visual Analog Scale was used to score pain intensity after vaginal speculum insertion and after hysteroscopy. Data collected included age, ethnicity, body mass index, history of infertility and endometrial surgery (curettage and/or hysteroscopy), smoking habits, and hysteroscopy diagnosis. Only the state of anxiety was assessed by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory given to each patient before the procedure.

Results

Hysteroscopy median (25^th to 75^th) Visual Analog Scale scored 3.3 (3 to 5), and 41.7% of the women referred Visual Analog Scale score ≥4. Median (25^th to 75^th) State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score was 42 (38 to 45), and 58.3% of the women referred State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score >40. Hysteroscopy Visual Analog Scale score was significantly correlated to surgeon experience and to vaginal speculum insertion but not to State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, ethnicity or abnormal hysteroscopic findings.

Conclusion

Diagnostic hysteroscopy was mostly perceived as a mild discomfort procedure by most women. Nevertheless, in a considerable number of cases, women perceived hysteroscopy as painful. Pain perception was linked to individual pain threshold and surgeon experience, but not to pre-procedural anxiety state levels, ethnicity or abnormal hysteroscopic findings.

How the Location of Intracavitary Lesions Influences Pain during Office Hysteroscopy

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess how the location of intracavitary lesions during office hysteroscopy influences pain scores.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

SETTING

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital das Forças Armadas, Lisbon, Portugal.

PATIENTS

Two hundred ninety-eight patients undergoing operative office hysteroscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

Pain intensity was assessed by patients using a numeric rating scale (0-10) 10 minutes after hysteroscopy.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Statistical analysis assessed the association between pain score and clinical, obstetric, and gynecologic history. Associations with procedure-related factors were also assessed. Lesion location did not influence the perception of pain in the current sample. Hysteroscopic anesthesia allowed for a significant reduction in pain scores, regardless of lesion location. Multivariate analysis revealed that only the type of operative procedure and operating time significantly influenced pain scores.

CONCLUSION

Hysteroscopic anesthesia allows for a well-tolerated procedure, regardless of lesion location during office hysteroscopy. Lesion location should not be regarded as a technical limitation.

The effect of music in gynaecological office procedures on pain, anxiety and satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Pain can interfere with office procedures in gynaecology. The aim of this study is to measure the positive effect of music in gynaecological office procedures.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was performed between October 2014 and January 2016. Women scheduled for an office hysteroscopy or colposcopy were eligible for randomization in the music group or control group. Stratification for hysteroscopy and colposcopy took place. The primary outcome is patients’ level of pain during the procedure measured by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include patients’ level of pain after the procedure, anxiety and satisfaction of patient and doctor.

Results

No positive effect of music on patients’ perception of pain during the procedure was measured, neither for the hysteroscopy group (57 mm vs. 52 mm) nor for the colposcopy group (32 mm vs. 32 mm). Secondary outcomes were also similar for both groups.

Conclusions

This study showed no positive effect of music on patients’ level of pain, anxiety or satisfaction of patient or doctor for office hysteroscopy and colposcopy. We believe a multimodal approach has to be used to decrease patient distress in terms of pain and anxiety, with or without music.

Trial registration

Dutch Trial Register, NTR4924

Impact of Uterine Scar on Pain Experienced During Outpatient Hysteroscopy: A Prospective Blinded Comparative Study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To study the impact of uterine scar on pain experienced during outpatient hysteroscopy.

DESIGN

A prospective blinded comparative study (Canadian Task Force classification II-1).

SETTING

Outpatient hysteroscopy clinic at a university hospital.

PATIENTS

We included 140 women in the childbearing period attending an outpatient hysteroscopy clinic. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group A included patients with previous uterine scar (n = 70) and Group B included those with unscarred uterus (n = 70). None of the patients had a previous attempt of a vaginal delivery.

INTERVENTION

Diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy without the use of anesthesia or analgesia.

MEASUREMENTS

We assessed pain experienced during and immediately after the procedure using a 100-mm visual analog scale. We also evaluated the successful completion of the procedure.

RESULTS

There were no statistically significant differences in the pain scores between patients with scarred uterus and those with unscarred uterus during or immediately after the procedure. The procedure was aborted in only 1 case in the scarred uterus group. This patient had a history of surgical site infection, which may denote a weak scar. There were no statistically significant differences in pain scores between patients with cesarean scar and those with myomectomy scar. No statistically significant differences in pain scores were found between patients with 1, 2, 3, or 4 cesarean deliveries.

CONCLUSION

Uncomplicated uterine scars do not have an impact on pain experienced during or immediately after diagnostic outpatient hysteroscopy using a 3.8-mm hysteroscope.

Pain during diagnostic hysteroscopy: what is the role of the cervical canal? A pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether a correlation exists between the pain perceived during diagnostic anesthesia-free hysteroscopy and the characteristics of the cervical canal.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective observational pilot study of 255 women undergoing diagnostic hysteroscopy. Data analysis included characteristics of the patient and the cervical canal, and the pain experience during the procedure, assessed by visual analog score (VAS). A multiple logistic regression was then carried out in order to exclude confounding factors.

RESULTS

The degree of pain during hysteroscopy was equal to a median VAS score of 2 (range 0-10). Bivariate analysis between patients with VAS>3 and patients with VAS≤3 demonstrated a significant correlation between pain and the presence of synechiae in the cervical canal (P=0.022), the patient's age (P=0.003) and parity (P=0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of cervical synechiae (P=0.0001) [OR=4.99 (95% CI 2.13-11.70)] and parity (P=0.014) [OR=0.42 (95% CI 0.21-0.83)] were significantly correlated with pain. There was no significant correlation with the different angles of the cervical canal.

CONCLUSION

Cervical synechiae appear as a major factor influencing pain during hysteroscopy. While parity acts as a protective factor, the angle of the cervical canal does not seem to play an important role for pain during diagnostic hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopy without anesthesia: review of recent literature

The need for anesthesia or analgesia for performing hysteroscopy is still matter of debate. Many factors explain the lack of agreement about anesthesia in hysteroscopy depending on the instrumentation, technique employed, need of performing surgical procedure, operator skill and patients' characteristics. Diagnostic minihysteroscopy (3.5 mm or less in size) is less painful and easier to perform than hysteroscopy performed with instruments sized around 5 mm. Thanks to miniaturized instruments, office hysteroscopy allows a growing number of women to be treated in an office setting avoiding the operating room. The main limitation to its widespread use is pain and low patient tolerance. Intrauterine surgical procedures involving only the endometrial mucosa (biopsies, adhesiolisis, cervical and endometrial polyectomies) are not painful. For endometrial polypectomy size of polyps (<2.2m) and duration of the procedure (more than 15 min) are limiting factors. Most literature suggests that office hysteroscopy in experienced hands is a well-tolerated technique and requires the use of analgesics only in selected patients like women with previous caesarean section, history of chronic pelvic pain, anxiety and in menopause.

Evaluation of pain in outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy with gas

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the intensity of pain reported by patients undergoing outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy.

METHODS

Exam performed with a 5-mm lens hysteroscope, vaginal speculum, tenaculum and uterine distention with carbon dioxide gas. Before and after the examination, patients were interviewed to define, in a verbal scale from 0 to 10, pain values that they expected to feel and that they experienced after the end, and also if they would repeat it if indicated. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 15.0, statistic significance was defined as p < 0.05 with a study power of 95%.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included with mean age of 50.9 years, with 32.8% at postmenopause and 6.9% nulliparous. Among those with previous deliveries, mean parity was 2.21 and at least one vaginal delivery had occurred in 63.8%. Only 24.1% of patients knew how the exam would be done, 62.1% needed an endometrial sample and the result was considered satisfactory in 89.7%. The means of expected and experienced pain were similar (6.0 versus 6.1), and 91.4% of women would repeat the hysteroscopy if necessary. The only factor associated with less pain after the exam was previous vaginal delivery, with a decrease of pain score from 7.1 to 5.5 (p = 0.03). Mean pain was significantly lower in those who agreed to repeat the exam (5.8 versus 9.4; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient diagnostic hysteroscopy with gas can be associated with moderate but tolerable discomfort and satisfactory results.