'See and treat' outpatient hysteroscopy with novel fibreoptic 'Alphascope'

J Obstet Gynaecol. 2012 Apr;32(3):298-300. doi: 10.3109/01443615.2011.645922.

Abstract

This paper describes an experience with the Alphascope, a fibreoptic hysteroscopy system (Gynecare, Ethicon Women's Health and Urology). This prospective observational study was carried out at a tertiary hospital in Naples, Italy. The study population comprised patients undergoing outpatient hysteroscopy with the semi-rigid Versascope Hysteroscopy System using the Alphascope. 7-Fr gauge mechanical instruments and 5-Fr bipolar electrodes (Versapoint, Gynecare, Ethicon Inc., Somerville, NJ) were used for the operative procedures. Outpatient hysteroscopy was successful in 97% of cases. These were diagnostic in 41%, while operative hysteroscopy was performed in 59% of cases. The endoscopic view was subjectively defined by the operator as good/excellent in 95% of procedures. A total of 98% of patients expressed moderate/high degree of satisfaction and only 2% were dissatisfied. The system is successful in the outpatient setting in 95% of attempts.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Ambulatory Care
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysteroscopes*
  • Hysteroscopy / adverse effects
  • Hysteroscopy / instrumentation*
  • Hysteroscopy / methods
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Pain / etiology
  • Pain Measurement
  • Patient Satisfaction / statistics & numerical data
  • Prospective Studies