Does the introduction of new technology change population demographics? Minimally invasive technologies and endometrial polyps

Objective: To determine if the characteristics of women with endometrial polyps changed as minimally invasive modalities for diagnosis and surgical treatment were integrated to our clinical practice. Materials and Methods: The pathologic reports of all women diagnosed with endometrial polyps in 1990 (220 patients) and 1996 (386 patients) were reviewed. The respective medical records were reviewed for anthropomorphic factors, bleeding pattern, diagnosis, and modality of surgical removal. Comparisons of dichotomous data and analysis of nominal variables with two or more categories were carried out with the chi(2) test. Results: Differences in patient characteristics or pattern of bleeding were minimal. In both groups, endometrial polyps were more frequent in women with abnormal bleeding, reaching almost 80%. Diagnostic and therapeutic modalities were significantly different in 1990 vs. 1996. Diagnosis by ultrasound increased fivefold (3.6 vs. 16.8%) and operative hysteroscopy increased threefold (6.4 vs. 19.7). The frequency of incidental diagnosis of endometrial polyps at the time of hysterectomy decreased significantly. The most frequent modality of surgery done in 1990 was dilatation and curettage (44.6%), followed in frequency by endometrial biopsy and abdominal hysterectomy. In contrast, the most frequent modality in 1996 was hysteroscopic resection (36.8%), followed by dilatation and curettage (12.8%). Conclusions: The introduction of minimally invasive methods of diagnosis and treatment of endometrial polyps has not changed the overall patient population with this lesion. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.