Endoscann, a new endometrial cell sampler.

The cytological diagnoses made on material obtained with a mechanical sampler, the 'Endoscann', were compared with those from conventional histology after uterine curettage in a group of 200 patients (74% were postmenopausal). There was diagnostic agreement in 21 of 23 women with cancer and 2 of 5 with premalignant disease. A negative cytological result was only acceptable when the clinical assessment was also negative. With this proviso the instrument may be used for the screening of high-risk groups for endometrial cancer, and to investigate postmenopausal bleeding. As this is an outpatient procedure it can achieve considerable savings. Cell blocks suitable for staging of the endometrial cycle can be obtained from women with infertility.