ABNORMAL UTERINE BLEEDING

Objective: To determine the frequency of the various uterine pathologies detected duringhysteroscopic examination in women with abnormal uterine bleeding. Design: Descriptive - case series. Place andDuration of Study: This study was conducted at Nishtar Hospital Multan in the Department of Obstetrics &Gynaecology Unit II from July 2005 to July 2006. Patients and Methods: A total of 70 patients admitted throughgynecology outpatient department with complaint of abnormal uterine bleeding were evaluated. 40 patients wereselected by non- probability purposive sampling. Assessment included detailed history, clinical examination, baselineinvestigations and pelvic ultrasound in all patients. ECG and X-ray chest of patients above 40 years was done.Diagnostic hysteroscopies were performed and findings were noted. Results: A total of 40 patients underwentdiagnostic hysteroscopy. Most of the women were in perimenopausal age group with presenting complaint of irregularand heavy bleeding per vaginum. General anesthesia was used in all patients with saline as distension medium.Pathology was diagnosed in 52.5% with the help of hysteroscope. The most common pathology was endometrial polyp27.5% followed by submucous fibroid 25%. No early or late complication was observed. Conclusion: Incidence of focalendometrial lesions in patients with AUB is high. Hysteroscopy provides direct visualization of endometrial cavity andhence accurately detects intrauterine pathology. It is safe, effective and successful investigation and should beconsidered a procedure of choice for evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding.