Sensitivity and specificity of dilatation and curettage for diagnosing abnormal uterine bleeding

Abstract

Background: Abnormal uterine Bleeding is one of the most common disorders in Gynecology. Dilatation and curettage is a diagnostic procedure in the management of the abnormal uterine bleeding. The results of this procedure could be used to achive a definite treatment such as hysterectomy. This study was conducted to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of dilatation and curettage. Materials and Methods: Histopathologic results of the specimens that were obtained from dilatation and curettage were compared with hysterectomy. 85 Subjects were enrolled in this descriptive study from 2002 to 2004 (3 year period). These patients were admitted in Beasat hospital of Sanandaj. Data was obtained from pathologic study of dilatation and curettage specimens and hysterectomy. Data was analyzed with SPSS software. Findings: Mean patients' age was 47.25 years, the youngest was 28 years old and the oldest was 78 years old. 75.3% of Patients lived in rural area and 70.6% were illiterate. 96.6% of the study group had more than 3 pregnancies. Tubal ligation was the most common contraception method in our patients. Sensitivity and specificity of dilatation and curettage for diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding was 78.1% and 79.16% respectively. Conclusion: Dilatation and curettage is a safe and an inexpensive method for diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding.