Oral Diclofenac Potassium Versus Hyoscine-N-Butyl Bromide in Reducing Pain Perception during Office Hysteroscopy: ARandomized Double-blind Placebo-controlled Trial

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.

Diclofenac Potassium Alone Versus Diclofenac Potassium with Hyoscine-N-butyl Bromide (HBB) in Reduction of Pain in Women Undergoing Office Hysteroscopy: A Double Blind Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Study Objective

To compare between oral diclofenac potassium alone versus a combination of it with hyoscine-N-butyl bromide (HBB) in reduction of pain in women undergoing office hysteroscopy.

Design

Randomized, double-blind controlled trial.

Setting

Kasralainy  hospital (a tertiary hospital).

Intervention

Sixty-Four patients undergoing office hysteroscopy were randomly divided into 2 groups (study group and placebo group) in the ratio of 1:1. Group 1 (study group = 32 participants) received two oral HBB tablets and one tablet of diclofenac potassium and group 2 (placebo group = 32 participants) received two oral placebo tablet similar in size, structure and color to buscopan in addition to the diclofenac tablet. The patient was given the drugs 30-60 min before the procedure.

Results

There was statistically significant difference between the two groups in the pain score immediately during entry (p value = 0.001) and after 30 min of the procedure (p value =  < 0.001). And there was a statistically significant difference as regards the side effects (gastric irritation) of the medications (p value = 0.04) between the women participating in the two groups.

Conclusion

The combination of diclofenac potassium and HBB helps a lot in decreasing the pain and discomfort during and after performing office hysteroscopy but with more gastric side effects.

Efficacy of hyoscine in pain management during hysteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant clinical trials from full-text, scientific journal archives to assess the efficacy of hyoscine for the management of pain during in-office hysteroscopy (OH) procedures. Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.Gov, MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS and the Web of Science were searched for all clinical trials that matched our search criteria. A full assessment of bias was made using the Cochrane Group tool-set. The following outcomes were included: visual analogue scale (VAS) score for postoperative pain, postoperative need for analgesia, and procedure time. In the case of homogeneous data, the analysis was performed using a fixed effects system, and the random effects system was used with heterogeneous data. Inclusion criteria included only randomized clinical trials, and interventions that included patients receiving hyoscine-N-Butyl Bromide during OH, regardless of dose or mode of administration, and compared this with placebo. Three clinical trials were included. The actual mean difference (MD) of the VAS pain score showed no significant difference between hyoscine or placebo [MD: -0.28 (-1.08, 0.52), (p=0.49)]. For postoperative analgesia, the overall MD showed no significant difference between hyoscine or placebo [MD: 0.43 (0.16, 1.14), (p=0.09)]. For procedure time, the combined effect estimate failed to show any significant difference between hyoscine and placebo [MD: -0.66 (-2.77, 1.44) (p=0.54)]. Contrary to previously published data, our meta-analysis using the latest available RCTs fails to show hyoscine as being effective in reducing pain or the need for other forms of anesthesia in OH.

Pain management for in-office hysteroscopy. A practical decalogue for the operator

Hysteroscopy is known to be the gold standard for evaluation of intrauterine pathologies, pre-menopausal and post-menopausal abnormal uterine bleeding and, in addition to this, it is a crucial examination in the infertility work-up. In-office operative hysteroscopy incorporates the outstanding possibility of seeing and treating an intracavitary pathology in the same examination, eliminating all the risk related to anesthesia and reducing procedure-related costs. By now, performing operative procedures in the office setting is recognized as feasible and safe. Over the last 20 years, many efforts have been made to implement the in-office operative approach worldwide. However, for some women, in-office hysteroscopy is still considered a painful experience, with reported discomfort at different steps of the hysteroscopic procedures. Moreover, uneventful and tedious sensations might be increased by a high level of anxiety for such examination. For this reason, despite the feasibility of the in-office approach, many clinicians are still afraid of provoking pain during the procedure and rather not to perform surgical procedures in the office, postponing the removal of the pathology in the operating room. To date, there is no consensus concerning pain management for in-office hysteroscopy and different approaches, pharmacological and non-pharmacological aids, as well as several procedural tips and tricks are utilized. Our purpose is to provide a feasible practical decalogue for the operator, to supply adequate management of pain during in-office hysteroscopic procedures, performing challenging operations, shrinking discomfort, aiming to upgrade both women's and operator's satisfaction.

Administration of rectal cytotec versus rectal buscopan before hysteroscopy

Introduction: Our objective was to compare the effect of rectal misoprostol (Cytotec) versus rectal hyoscine-n-butyl bromide (Buscopan) on patients undergoing hysteroscopy. We hypothesised that HBB may have a role in cervical priming.Material and methods: This trial was conducted at Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital. Women of reproductive age between 18-50 years who were scheduled for operative hysteroscopy indicated by type 1 submucous myoma or endometrial polyps were recruited for the study. Ninety patients were divided randomly into three groups. Group 1 received placebo treatment. Group 2 received rectal 200 mcg misoprostol and Group 3 received rectal 20 mg hyoscine-n-butyl bromide two hours before the procedure. Procedures were performed using a bipolar 26 F (9 mm) continuous-flow rigid resectoscope with a 30° lens. The outcome measures included cervical dilation width and time, ease of cervical dilation, procedure time and operative complications. Postoperative self-rated pain was assessed one hour after the procedure.Results: Thirteen patients (43. 3%) in the placebo treatment group, 11 patients (36.7%) in the misoprostol group and four patients (13.3%) in the hyoscine-n-butyl bromide group needed analgesics postoperatively (p = .02). The mean duration of cervical dilation time was longest in Group 1 and shortest in Group 3, however this difference did not reach statistical significance (p=.11). There was no difference with regard to other studied parameters.Summary: HBB reduced the need for pain medication compared to placebo. Larger studies are needed to further investigate the role of HBB in facilitating pre-operative cervical priming.

Pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain relief for office hysteroscopy: an up-to-date review

In-office hysteroscopy is considered the standard technique for visualization of the uterine cavity and the diagnosis of intrauterine pathologies. Moreover, nowadays, it is possible to treat a vast number of intracavitary diseases in the office, without the need for the inpatient setting. However, in some cases, pain might occur, and this is the most common reason for not completing the procedure. Over the last 20 years, many efforts have been carried out to miniaturize the instrumentation and to improve the techniques in order to avoid discomfort. Nonetheless, hysteroscopy still provokes distress for many patients. For this reason, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments for intraoperative and postoperative pain relief have been widely used for in-office hysteroscopy, with different results in various groups of women. The purpose of this review was to analyze the current literature on pharmacological aids (non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, antispasmodics, local anesthetics, prostaglandins, opioids) and non-pharmacological interventions (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, uterine stretching, uterine pressure, warming of distension medium, hypnosis, music, vocal-local) and to evaluate their impact on the relief from pain experienced during in-office 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.

Updates in office hysteroscopy: a practical decalogue to perform a correct procedure

Nowadays, hysteroscopy is the gold standard for the diagnosis and treatment of intrauterine pathologies as it represents a safe and minimally invasive procedure that allows the visualization of the entire uterine cavity. Numerous technological innovations have occurred over the past few years, contributing to the development and widespread use of this technique. In particular, the new small-diameter hysteroscopes are equipped with an operating channel in which different mechanical instruments can be inserted, and they allow not only to examine the cervical canal and uterine cavity but also to perform biopsies or treat benign diseases in a relatively short time without anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. In this scenario, the operator must be able to perform hysteroscopy in the correct way to make this procedure increasingly safe and painless for the patient. This review aims to describe the ten steps to perform a correct office hysteroscopy, starting from patient counseling to the therapy after the procedure.

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.

Efficacy and safety of Tramadol as an analgesic in women undergoing vaginoscopic hysteroscopy: a randomized placebo-controlled trial

Pain or discomfort during the hysteroscopy remains a challenge even after the introduction of small calibre instruments and vaginoscopic techniques. Tramadol, a centrally acting analgesic, is one among the medications used to reduce pain; however, the experience with its use in the vaginoscopic technique is limited. This was a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial conducted to study the effectiveness of oral Tramadol as an analgesic in 100 women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. Median pain score assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale was lower in the study group compared to the placebo group during the procedure (7 versus 8; p < .001) and immediately after the procedure (6 versus 7; p < .001) Ease of entry, procedure entry time and the adverse effects were similar in both the groups. Administration of oral Tramadol 50 mg, 1 h prior to the procedure may be a safe and effective analgesic in women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? Even with the use of newer hysteroscopes with small calibres and vaginoscopic techniques, pain and discomfort to the patient during negotiation through the cervix remain the main challenge to the surgeon. Among the several medications reported to reduce pain during the procedure, Tramadol a centrally acting drug with dual analgesic action, both by the µ opioid receptor agonist action and by the inhibiting uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, can be used. However, studies using oral Tramadol during vaginoscopic hysteroscopy are limited.What do the results of this study add? The median pain score assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale was lower in the study group compared to the placebo group during the procedure (7 versus 8; p < .001) and immediately after the procedure (6 versus 7; p < .001). Ease of entry, procedure entry time and the adverse effects were similar in both the groups.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? This study suggests that administration of oral Tramadol 50 mg, 1 h prior to the procedure, may be used as a safe and effective analgesic in women undergoing diagnostic vaginoscopic hysteroscopy. Future trial with a larger sample size is required to confirm the tolerability of its use, as the incidence of adverse effects was low in the study.