Comparison of the Z-sampler and Novak endometrial biopsy instruments for in-office diagnosis of endometrial cancer

Gynecol Oncol. 1994 Jul;54(1):64-7. doi: 10.1006/gyno.1994.1167.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the diagnostic accuracy and specimen adequacy of in-office endometrial biopsies taken with the Novak curette and with a disposable flexible polypropylene biopsy device, the Z-sampler, in patients with endometrial cancer. Eighty women with endometrial cancer had in-office endometrial biopsies performed with the Z-sampler and the Novak curette prior to hysterectomy. The Z-sampler diagnosed 66 (82.5%) with endometrial cancer compared to 68 (85%) with the Novak curette (P = 0.724). The Z-sampler biopsies included 10 specimens (12.5%) pathologically inadequate for diagnosis, compared to 5 (6.3%) Novak curette biopsies inadequate for diagnosis (P = 0.074). When both endometrial biopsies were adequate for pathologic evaluation, the Z-sampler diagnosed 66 of 70 women (94.3%) with endometrial cancer, compared to 64 of 70 (91.4%) diagnosed with the Novak curette (P = 0.617). We did not demonstrate a significant difference in diagnostic accuracy or specimen adequacy between in-office biopsies taken with the Novak curette and those taken with the Z-sampler in patients with endometrial cancer.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology*
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biopsy / instrumentation*
  • Biopsy, Needle / instrumentation
  • Curettage / instrumentation
  • Endometrial Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Office Visits
  • Postmenopause