VALIDATION OF ENDOMETRIAL CURETTAGE IN ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING IN A TEACHING INSTITUTE OF CENTRAL INDIA: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is one of the common reasons for female patients to consult a gynecologist. AUB include bleeding from structural causes like polyps, endometrial hyperplasia, chronic endometritis, proliferative endometrium, fibroids, carcinoma and pregnancy related complication and dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Methods: A prospective study done in one year duration among 210 patients of 20-70 years age group. A tissue sample is taken after endometrial curettage and examined by a pathologist for various lesions. The results: Largest number of AUB patients were about 31-40 years age group. The most common cause of AUB is endometrial hyperplasia. AUB is found in more multiparous women and menorhhagia is a most common bleeding pattern. Conclusion: Endometrial curettage is a sensitive tool for AUB diagnosis. Very little pathology can escape this investigating tool. It also avoids unnecessary hysterectomy.