What is an endometrial pipelle sample and why do I need one?
This is a tissue sample taken from the lining of your womb (the endometrium). It is sent to the lab to be analysed to look for any abnormalities. This can be completed in an outpatient gynaecology clinic and also in colposcopy if required.
You may need this procedure if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding,
- Heavy or prolonged periods,
- Bleeding between periods,
- Bleeding or discharge after the menopause.
This is completed to allow your clinician to plan appropriate follow up or care ahead.
What are the risks?
The biopsy is not suitable for you if you are pregnant, have an infection in the vagina or pelvis or have pelvic inflammatory disease.
The procedure is generally very safe. You may experience mild period type pain during the procedure. Very occasionally, you may need some simple painkillers like paracetamol after the biopsy but most women feel a little discomfort for only a short time whilst the biopsy is being taken.
In rare cases, patients may be at risk of prolonged bleeding, infection or very rarely uterine perforation (making a hole in the womb). Sometimes it can be difficult to get the biopsy, especially if you have not had any children or have had treatment in the past to your cervix – in this case, we may have to consider taking you to theatre and giving you a general anaesthetic so that we can get a biopsy. If this is necessary, this would be arranged to take place on a different date after your out-patient appointment.
What happens during an endometrial pipelle sample?
This is normally done in the outpatient clinic. You will be asked to undress from the waist down and lie down on an examination couch.
A speculum (the instrument used to open up the vagina) is passed into the vagina to expose the cervix.
A small thin straw like sampler will be passed up into the cervix until this reaches the womb.
The clinician will then gently pull out the inside of this straw to ensure that a sample is taken from the lining of the womb. This uses a suction like technique.
This can be an uncomfortable procedure – you may feel cramp like discomfort and your clinician will have explained this prior to taking your sample.
Sometimes the procedure to take the biopsy is carried out more than once. This is to ensure a good amount of tissue is obtained to send to the laboratory to be tested.
What happens after the procedure?
You will not need to stay in clinic or hospital and can drive.
We will give you a sanitary towel to wear, as you will have some discharge which can continue for three to five days. If silver nitrate was used, the discharge may be dark brown in colour for the first few days.
It is particularly important that you do not have sexual intercourse until all bleeding has stopped as this may disrupt the healing process.
You should not use tampons while you are bleeding or passing discharge.
You can take a bath or shower as normal.
You may experience some cramp period type pain following the procedure. This should only last for a short period of time. If you feel any discomfort you should take a pain reliever such as paracetamol, following the instructions on the packet.
If you have not understood any of the aftercare – please ask the doctor or nurse to re-explain before you go home.
Will I have a follow up appointment?
You will not routinely be given a follow-up appointment.
You will receive a letter with the results of your sample in approximately four to six weeks
What shall I do if I have a problem or concern?
If you have any concerns, please:
- Contact or visit your GP
- Call the colposcopy department between 09:00-17:00 on 0191 445 6178 or Ward 26 for advice out of hours on 0191 445 3004
- Contact 111 who can priced clinical advice as required
- Only attend your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department or call 999 in the event of an emergency