Endocervicoscopy with office hysteroscope for complete visualization of transformation zone in cases of invisible squamocolumnar junction on colposcopy

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the role of endocervicoscopy for the visualization of the T3 transformation zone (TZ) on colposcopy. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with either abnormal Pap smear or positive VIA-VILI and T3 TZ on colposcopy were recruited from the colposcopy clinic and subjected to endocervicoscopy with a 4-mm office hysteroscope. The view of the endocervical canal was recorded before and after the application of 5% acetic acid and the squamocolumnar junction was identified in its entirety. An endocervical curettage was taken in all the cases and compared with the final histopathology report. Results: Squamocolumnar junction was visible in all the 40 cases; however, in two patients (5%), cervical dilatation had to be done. The positive predictive value (PPV) of endocervicoscopy in our study was 33.3% and negative predictive value (NPV) was 100%. Dense acetowhitening/irregular polypoidal endocervical mucosa with dilated blood vessels was significant in predicting the premalignant and malignant lesions with PPV of 67% and NPV of 100%. Conclusion: Endocervicoscopy allows a panoramic view of the endocervical canal. It is a safe, effective, and feasible technique for visualization of squamocolumnar junction with 5% acetic acid in cases of T3 TZ on colposcopy.

Keywords

• cin
• conization
• endocervical curettage
• endocervicoscopy
• endocervix
• squamocolumnar junction
• transformation zone