Comparison of late luteal phase endometrial biopsies using the Novak curette or PIPELLE endometrial suction curette.

The late luteal phase endometrial biopsy is an important part of the evaluation of patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion or infertility. The procedure can be painful and, if an adequate amount of tissue is not obtained, may have to be repeated. In this report, the results of endometrial biopsies performed in the late luteal phase with either the Novak curette or the PIPELLE Endometrial Suction Curette were analyzed retrospectively. The two techniques did not differ in the number of biopsy specimens found to have inadequate tissue for diagnosis; however, patients who underwent biopsy with the PIPELLE recalled significantly less pain associated with the procedure. When used in premenopausal patients undergoing endometrial biopsy during the late luteal phase, the PIPELE provided adequate tissue with preservation of glandular, stromal, and capsular architecture.