SUCTION IN OBTAINING ENDOMETRIAL BIOPSIES

The diagnosis of intra-uterine lesions is frequently difficult and in many cases can be established only by the study of material obtained by curettage. In a recent study of endometrial hyperplasia it seemed desirable to obtain tissue from each patient at weekly intervals during the course of the disordered cycle. It was, of course, impossible to curet so frequently, and, furthermore, such tissue would have no value from the standpoint of study, as it would be impossible to gage the factor of regeneration. Geist's1method of studying the morphology of menstrual blood had seemed a solution in cases in which actual bleeding occurred. In a case of this type, in which the cervix was open, we inserted a small catheter into the uterus and aspirated the bloody uterine contents. In this instance a sufficient quantity of tissue was obtained to indicate that endometrium was actually sucked into the catheter.