Artigos Originais Archives - Page 2 of 81 - Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(8):415-422
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000800006
PURPOSE: to evaluate climacteric symptoms and related factors in women living in rural and urban areas of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study involving 261 women in the climacteric was performed. A total of 130 women from Natal and Mossoró (urban group) and 131 from Uruaçu, in São Gonçalo do Amarante (rural group), were studied. Climacteric symptoms were assessed by the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index (BKMI) and Greene Climacteric Scale (GCE). Statistical analysis involved comparison of median between groups and logistic regression analysis. Patients were defined as "very symptomatic" when the climacteric score was >20 for both questionnaires (dependent variable). Independent variables were: age, living area, schooling, obesity and physical activity. RESULTS: the urban group had significantly higher scores than those of the rural group, both for BKMI (median of 26.0 and 17.0, respectively; p<0.0001) and for GCE (median of 27.0 and 16.0, respectively; p<0.0001). For the entire sample, a total of 56.3% (n=147) of the women were classified as "very symptomatic". This prevalence was significantly higher in urban than in rural women (79.2 and 33.6%, respectively; p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of belonging to the group defined as "very symptomatic" was greater for urban women [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=7.1; confidence interval at 95% (95%CI)=3.69-13.66] who were literate (OR=2.19; 95%CI=1.16-4.13). Individuals over the age of 60 years had less chance of having significant symptoms (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.17-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of significant climacteric symptoms is less in women from a rural environment, showing that sociocultural and environmental factors are strongly related to the appearance of climacteric symptoms in our population.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(8):415-422
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000800006
PURPOSE: to evaluate climacteric symptoms and related factors in women living in rural and urban areas of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. METHODS: a cross-sectional study involving 261 women in the climacteric was performed. A total of 130 women from Natal and Mossoró (urban group) and 131 from Uruaçu, in São Gonçalo do Amarante (rural group), were studied. Climacteric symptoms were assessed by the Blatt-Kupperman Menopausal Index (BKMI) and Greene Climacteric Scale (GCE). Statistical analysis involved comparison of median between groups and logistic regression analysis. Patients were defined as "very symptomatic" when the climacteric score was >20 for both questionnaires (dependent variable). Independent variables were: age, living area, schooling, obesity and physical activity. RESULTS: the urban group had significantly higher scores than those of the rural group, both for BKMI (median of 26.0 and 17.0, respectively; p<0.0001) and for GCE (median of 27.0 and 16.0, respectively; p<0.0001). For the entire sample, a total of 56.3% (n=147) of the women were classified as "very symptomatic". This prevalence was significantly higher in urban than in rural women (79.2 and 33.6%, respectively; p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that the likelihood of belonging to the group defined as "very symptomatic" was greater for urban women [adjusted odds ratio (OR)=7.1; confidence interval at 95% (95%CI)=3.69-13.66] who were literate (OR=2.19; 95%CI=1.16-4.13). Individuals over the age of 60 years had less chance of having significant symptoms (OR=0.38; 95%CI=0.17-0.87). CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of significant climacteric symptoms is less in women from a rural environment, showing that sociocultural and environmental factors are strongly related to the appearance of climacteric symptoms in our population.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(8):423-427
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000800007
PURPOSE: to identify the incidence and associated factors of surgical scar endometriosis. METHODS: a retrospective cohort observational study performed from the medical records of female patients attended at the Clinical Hospital of Univesidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) with histopathological diagnosis of scar endometriosis from May 1978 to December 2003. RESULTS: a total of 72 patients were included in the study. The incidence of scar endometriosis after cesarean section was significantly higher than after episiotomy (0.2% and 0.06%, respectively; p<0.00001) with relative risk of 3.3. The women’s age, when diagnosed, ranged from 16 to 48 years old, (mean=30.8 years old). The scar location varied according to the previous surgery: 46 scars after cesarean sections, one after hysterectomy and one after abdominal surgery (48 lesions in the abdominal wall); 19 scars after episiotomy, one because of relapse and two after pelvic floor surgeries (22 pelvic wounds); two women had not been submitted to previous gynecological surgery (one umbilical endometrioma and one lesion in the posterior vaginal wall). Pain was the most frequent symptom (80%), followed by a node (79%) and, in more than 40%, the pain and the node suffered modification with menstruation. Other less frequent complaints were: dyspareunia, secondary infertility, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, scar secretion, menorrhagia pain when evacuating. The mean time observed between the surgery and the beginning of the symptoms was of 3.7 years. The average size of the endometriomas was 3.07 cm. The diagnosis based on clinic evaluation was correct in 71% of the cases. The choice of treatment in all the cases was the surgical excision. In only one incident there was relapse and new intervention. CONCLUSIONS: scar endometriosis is a rare situation originated, in most cases, after obstetrical surgical procedure, with higher risk after cesarean section. It is a highly suggestive clinical condition, with a rare necessity of complementary diagnostic procedures, and the best treatment choice is the surgical excision.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(8):423-427
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000800007
PURPOSE: to identify the incidence and associated factors of surgical scar endometriosis. METHODS: a retrospective cohort observational study performed from the medical records of female patients attended at the Clinical Hospital of Univesidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) with histopathological diagnosis of scar endometriosis from May 1978 to December 2003. RESULTS: a total of 72 patients were included in the study. The incidence of scar endometriosis after cesarean section was significantly higher than after episiotomy (0.2% and 0.06%, respectively; p<0.00001) with relative risk of 3.3. The women’s age, when diagnosed, ranged from 16 to 48 years old, (mean=30.8 years old). The scar location varied according to the previous surgery: 46 scars after cesarean sections, one after hysterectomy and one after abdominal surgery (48 lesions in the abdominal wall); 19 scars after episiotomy, one because of relapse and two after pelvic floor surgeries (22 pelvic wounds); two women had not been submitted to previous gynecological surgery (one umbilical endometrioma and one lesion in the posterior vaginal wall). Pain was the most frequent symptom (80%), followed by a node (79%) and, in more than 40%, the pain and the node suffered modification with menstruation. Other less frequent complaints were: dyspareunia, secondary infertility, pelvic pain, dysmenorrhoea, scar secretion, menorrhagia pain when evacuating. The mean time observed between the surgery and the beginning of the symptoms was of 3.7 years. The average size of the endometriomas was 3.07 cm. The diagnosis based on clinic evaluation was correct in 71% of the cases. The choice of treatment in all the cases was the surgical excision. In only one incident there was relapse and new intervention. CONCLUSIONS: scar endometriosis is a rare situation originated, in most cases, after obstetrical surgical procedure, with higher risk after cesarean section. It is a highly suggestive clinical condition, with a rare necessity of complementary diagnostic procedures, and the best treatment choice is the surgical excision.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):335-339
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700002
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of raloxifene on breast cancer angiogenesis of menopausal women. METHODS: sixteen menopausal women with stage II (>3 cm) estrogen receptor positive operable breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Following confirmation of the diagnosis by incisional biopsy, the patients received 60 mg raloxifene daily for 28 days prior to the definitive surgery. Immunohistochemical study was performed on the sample tumors obtained during the biopsy for the diagnosis and evaluation of the status of estrogen receptor and during the definitive surgery. The anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody was used as a marker for endothelial cells. The vascular unit was considered as any endothelial cell or group of cells of a brownish color, clearly separated from adjacent microvessels, tumor cells or other connective tissue, forming or not lumen. Microvessel count was performed in ten fields of each slide using a 40X objective lens (400X magnification). A microscope coupled to a system of capture and analysis of image was used (Imagelab®). Statistical analysis of data was carried out using the paired Student t-test and significance level was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: mean numbers of anti-CD34 antibody-stained microvessels before and after raloxifene treatment were 44.4±3.5 and 22.6±1.6, respectively. A significant reduction in the number of microvessels following raloxifene therapy was observed (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: when administered as primary therapy for menopausal women with breast carcinoma, raloxifene significantly reduced tumoral angiogenesis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):335-339
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700002
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of raloxifene on breast cancer angiogenesis of menopausal women. METHODS: sixteen menopausal women with stage II (>3 cm) estrogen receptor positive operable breast cancer were enrolled in this study. Following confirmation of the diagnosis by incisional biopsy, the patients received 60 mg raloxifene daily for 28 days prior to the definitive surgery. Immunohistochemical study was performed on the sample tumors obtained during the biopsy for the diagnosis and evaluation of the status of estrogen receptor and during the definitive surgery. The anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody was used as a marker for endothelial cells. The vascular unit was considered as any endothelial cell or group of cells of a brownish color, clearly separated from adjacent microvessels, tumor cells or other connective tissue, forming or not lumen. Microvessel count was performed in ten fields of each slide using a 40X objective lens (400X magnification). A microscope coupled to a system of capture and analysis of image was used (Imagelab®). Statistical analysis of data was carried out using the paired Student t-test and significance level was established at p<0.05. RESULTS: mean numbers of anti-CD34 antibody-stained microvessels before and after raloxifene treatment were 44.4±3.5 and 22.6±1.6, respectively. A significant reduction in the number of microvessels following raloxifene therapy was observed (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: when administered as primary therapy for menopausal women with breast carcinoma, raloxifene significantly reduced tumoral angiogenesis.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):340-345
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in natural cycle (NC). METHODS: retrospective clinical trial that evaluated 70 treatment cycles in 60 couples that were submitted to IVF treatment with ICSI in NC performed in private clinic from 1999 until 2003. It was performed daily ultrasound monitorization or on alternate days, and urinary LH dosage when the follicle reached 16 mm of diameter. It was scheduled egg retrieval when the follicle reached 18 mm of diameter and 36 hours after hCG administration when the LH test was negative. Embryo transfer was performed 48 to 52 hours after ICSI. RESULTS: 70 ICSI cycles in 60 patients were performed and the indications of treatment included: male factor (47.1%), tubal factor (37.1%), associated factors (8.7%), unknown infertility (7.1%). Out of 70 cycles, 18 cycles were cancelled (25.7% of cancellation rate). Out of 52 patients that were submitted to ovarian punction to oocyte retrieval we found mature oocytes in 77% of the cases (40 cycles), in four cases we collected immature oocytes and in eight cases we could not found it. We had 70% of fertilization rate and only one fertilized oocyte did not achieve the cleavage stage. So, the transfers rate per punction and per mature oocyte was 52% and 67.5%, respectively. We had 11.4% of pregnancy rate per cycle, 15.4% per punction and 29.6% per embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: FIV/ICSI in NC seem to be a satisfactory option of treatment, with low costs and complications (multiple gestation and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), mainly in poor responder patients and in poor populations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):340-345
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700003
PURPOSE: to evaluate the efficacy of in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in natural cycle (NC). METHODS: retrospective clinical trial that evaluated 70 treatment cycles in 60 couples that were submitted to IVF treatment with ICSI in NC performed in private clinic from 1999 until 2003. It was performed daily ultrasound monitorization or on alternate days, and urinary LH dosage when the follicle reached 16 mm of diameter. It was scheduled egg retrieval when the follicle reached 18 mm of diameter and 36 hours after hCG administration when the LH test was negative. Embryo transfer was performed 48 to 52 hours after ICSI. RESULTS: 70 ICSI cycles in 60 patients were performed and the indications of treatment included: male factor (47.1%), tubal factor (37.1%), associated factors (8.7%), unknown infertility (7.1%). Out of 70 cycles, 18 cycles were cancelled (25.7% of cancellation rate). Out of 52 patients that were submitted to ovarian punction to oocyte retrieval we found mature oocytes in 77% of the cases (40 cycles), in four cases we collected immature oocytes and in eight cases we could not found it. We had 70% of fertilization rate and only one fertilized oocyte did not achieve the cleavage stage. So, the transfers rate per punction and per mature oocyte was 52% and 67.5%, respectively. We had 11.4% of pregnancy rate per cycle, 15.4% per punction and 29.6% per embryo transfer. CONCLUSIONS: FIV/ICSI in NC seem to be a satisfactory option of treatment, with low costs and complications (multiple gestation and Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome), mainly in poor responder patients and in poor populations.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):346-351
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of the chronic administration of three different doses of Ritonavir in the liver and kidneys of pregnant albino rats and their concepts from a morphological standpoint. METHODS: forty pregnant albino EPM-1 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Contr (vehicle control), and three experimental groups, Exp20, Exp60, Exp180, which received daily 20, 60 or 180 mg/kg of Ritonavir, respectively. The drug and the vehicle (propyleneglycol) were orally administered by gavage, from the first up to the 20th day of pregnancy. At the last experimental day, all the animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and fragments from the maternal and fetal liver and kidneys were taken and prepared for histological analysis by light microscope. RESULTS: no morphological changes were identified in Exp20 and control group. In the Exp60 group, we found hepatocytes with signs of atrophy and apoptosis (eosinophilic cytoplasm and picnotic nuclei) and marked sinusoid capillary vasodilation (congestion). The proximal convoluted tubules of maternal kidneys and liver showed eosinophilic areas and hyperchromatic nuclei, as well as signs of vasodilation. The maternal kidneys and livers of the Exp180 rats presented more prominent morphological changes than the ones of Exp60. Regarding the fetal organs, no histomorphological abnormalities were observed in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: our results show that the administration of Ritonavir to pregnant rats, in higher than conventional doses causes morphological changes in the maternal liver and kidneys. On the other hand, the lack of abnormalities in the fetal organs may be due to the protective role of glycoprotein P.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):346-351
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700004
PURPOSE: to evaluate the effect of the chronic administration of three different doses of Ritonavir in the liver and kidneys of pregnant albino rats and their concepts from a morphological standpoint. METHODS: forty pregnant albino EPM-1 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Contr (vehicle control), and three experimental groups, Exp20, Exp60, Exp180, which received daily 20, 60 or 180 mg/kg of Ritonavir, respectively. The drug and the vehicle (propyleneglycol) were orally administered by gavage, from the first up to the 20th day of pregnancy. At the last experimental day, all the animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and fragments from the maternal and fetal liver and kidneys were taken and prepared for histological analysis by light microscope. RESULTS: no morphological changes were identified in Exp20 and control group. In the Exp60 group, we found hepatocytes with signs of atrophy and apoptosis (eosinophilic cytoplasm and picnotic nuclei) and marked sinusoid capillary vasodilation (congestion). The proximal convoluted tubules of maternal kidneys and liver showed eosinophilic areas and hyperchromatic nuclei, as well as signs of vasodilation. The maternal kidneys and livers of the Exp180 rats presented more prominent morphological changes than the ones of Exp60. Regarding the fetal organs, no histomorphological abnormalities were observed in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: our results show that the administration of Ritonavir to pregnant rats, in higher than conventional doses causes morphological changes in the maternal liver and kidneys. On the other hand, the lack of abnormalities in the fetal organs may be due to the protective role of glycoprotein P.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):352-357
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700005
PURPOSE: to analyze the pattern of fetal breathing movements (FBM) in diabetic pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: sixteen pregestational diabetic and 16 nondiabetic (control group) pregnant subjects were included fulfilling the following criteria: singleton, between 36-40 weeks of gestation, absence of other maternal diseases and absence of fetal anomalies. The fetal biophysical profile (FBP) was performed to evaluate the following parameters: fetal heart rate, FBM, fetal body movements, fetal tone and amniotic fluid index. The FBM was evaluated for 30 minutes, period when the examination was integrally recorded in VHS video for posterior analysis of the number of FBM episodes, the duration of each episode and the fetal breathing movements index (BMI). The BMI was calculated by the formula: (interval of time with FBM/total time of observation) x 100. At the beginning and in the end of the FBP maternal glucose levels were checked. The results were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Fisher exact test, adopting a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: the glucose levels demonstrated significantly superior average in the diabetic group (113.3±35.3 g/dL) in relation to the normal group (78.2±14.8 g/dL, p<0.001). The average of the amniotic fluid index was higher in the group of the diabetic cases (15.5±6.4 cm) when compared with controls (10.6±2.0 cm; p=0.01). The average of the number of FBM episodes was superior in the diabetic ones (22.6±4.4) in relation to controls (14.8±2.3; p<0.0001). The average of the BMI in the diabetic patients (54.6±14.8%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (30.5±7.4%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the elevated blood glucose levels can be associated with a different pattern in the FBM of diabetic mothers. The use of this parameter of the FBP, in the obstetric practice, must be considered with concern in diabetic pregnancies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):352-357
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700005
PURPOSE: to analyze the pattern of fetal breathing movements (FBM) in diabetic pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: sixteen pregestational diabetic and 16 nondiabetic (control group) pregnant subjects were included fulfilling the following criteria: singleton, between 36-40 weeks of gestation, absence of other maternal diseases and absence of fetal anomalies. The fetal biophysical profile (FBP) was performed to evaluate the following parameters: fetal heart rate, FBM, fetal body movements, fetal tone and amniotic fluid index. The FBM was evaluated for 30 minutes, period when the examination was integrally recorded in VHS video for posterior analysis of the number of FBM episodes, the duration of each episode and the fetal breathing movements index (BMI). The BMI was calculated by the formula: (interval of time with FBM/total time of observation) x 100. At the beginning and in the end of the FBP maternal glucose levels were checked. The results were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U-test and the Fisher exact test, adopting a level of significance of 5%. RESULTS: the glucose levels demonstrated significantly superior average in the diabetic group (113.3±35.3 g/dL) in relation to the normal group (78.2±14.8 g/dL, p<0.001). The average of the amniotic fluid index was higher in the group of the diabetic cases (15.5±6.4 cm) when compared with controls (10.6±2.0 cm; p=0.01). The average of the number of FBM episodes was superior in the diabetic ones (22.6±4.4) in relation to controls (14.8±2.3; p<0.0001). The average of the BMI in the diabetic patients (54.6±14.8%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (30.5±7.4%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the elevated blood glucose levels can be associated with a different pattern in the FBM of diabetic mothers. The use of this parameter of the FBP, in the obstetric practice, must be considered with concern in diabetic pregnancies.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):366-369
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700007
Fibroadenoma is the most frequent benign neoplasia in the female breast and it is considered a mixed tumor, constituted by variable amounts of connective and epithelial tissue. Cyclosporine A seems to be related with the development of mamary fibroadenomas in patients who underwent kidney transplantation in reproductive age. We reported the case in which the patient, in therapeutic use of cyclosporine A, after kidney transplantation, presented several bilateral lumps. The imaging and palpable findings suggested fibroadenoma, confirmed after biopsy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(7):366-369
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000700007
Fibroadenoma is the most frequent benign neoplasia in the female breast and it is considered a mixed tumor, constituted by variable amounts of connective and epithelial tissue. Cyclosporine A seems to be related with the development of mamary fibroadenomas in patients who underwent kidney transplantation in reproductive age. We reported the case in which the patient, in therapeutic use of cyclosporine A, after kidney transplantation, presented several bilateral lumps. The imaging and palpable findings suggested fibroadenoma, confirmed after biopsy.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):285-290
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600002
PURPOSE: to evaluate the spreading of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity during diagnostic hysteroscopy. METHODS: a prospective, descriptive study involving 76 patients divided in two groups: one with 61 patients without malignant endometrial cancer, and the other with 15 patients with endometrial cancer. Two samples of peritoneal fluid were collected, one before (PF-1) and the other immediately after (PF-2) the diagnostic hysteroscopy. Spread to the peritoneal cavity was defined by the presence of endometrial cells in PF-2, with the absence of such cells in PF-1. The 5 mm diameter Storz’s hysteroscopy was used. Distention was obtained by CO2 with electronically controlled flow pressure of 80 mmHg. The PF was fixated in absolute alcohol (ratio1:1). The PF samples were centrifuged and aliquots were smeared and stained using the Papanicolaou method. Analyses were performed by the same observer. RESULTS: during the study, four patients (5.26%) were excluded for presenting endometrial cells in PF-1. In the remaining 72 patients, there was no spread of cells to the peritoneal cavity. In the non-endometrial cancer group, 88.1% (52/59) presented secretory endometrial phase, with correlation of 80% between the hysteroscopy and the biopsy. In the group with endometrial cancer, most of the patients were in stage I (92.3%). There was a 100% correlation between the hysteroscopy/biopsy and histopathology of the surgical sample. CONCLUSIONS: the diagnostic hysteroscopy with CO2 at flow pressure of 80 mmHg did not cause spread of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity in both groups, thus suggesting that the diagnostic hysteroscopy is safe for patients at high risk for endometrial cancer.
Summary
Revista Brasileira de Ginecologia e Obstetrícia. 2007;29(6):285-290
DOI 10.1590/S0100-72032007000600002
PURPOSE: to evaluate the spreading of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity during diagnostic hysteroscopy. METHODS: a prospective, descriptive study involving 76 patients divided in two groups: one with 61 patients without malignant endometrial cancer, and the other with 15 patients with endometrial cancer. Two samples of peritoneal fluid were collected, one before (PF-1) and the other immediately after (PF-2) the diagnostic hysteroscopy. Spread to the peritoneal cavity was defined by the presence of endometrial cells in PF-2, with the absence of such cells in PF-1. The 5 mm diameter Storz’s hysteroscopy was used. Distention was obtained by CO2 with electronically controlled flow pressure of 80 mmHg. The PF was fixated in absolute alcohol (ratio1:1). The PF samples were centrifuged and aliquots were smeared and stained using the Papanicolaou method. Analyses were performed by the same observer. RESULTS: during the study, four patients (5.26%) were excluded for presenting endometrial cells in PF-1. In the remaining 72 patients, there was no spread of cells to the peritoneal cavity. In the non-endometrial cancer group, 88.1% (52/59) presented secretory endometrial phase, with correlation of 80% between the hysteroscopy and the biopsy. In the group with endometrial cancer, most of the patients were in stage I (92.3%). There was a 100% correlation between the hysteroscopy/biopsy and histopathology of the surgical sample. CONCLUSIONS: the diagnostic hysteroscopy with CO2 at flow pressure of 80 mmHg did not cause spread of endometrial cells to the peritoneal cavity in both groups, thus suggesting that the diagnostic hysteroscopy is safe for patients at high risk for endometrial cancer.