Should outpatient hysteroscopy be used in preference to transvaginal ultrasound to identify endometrial pathology in premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding? Revisiting NICE Guideline 88.

Introduction: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence Guideline 88 advocates outpatient hysteroscopy in preference to transvaginal ultrasound for premenopausal women with heavy menstrual bleeding, who are suspected of having submucosal fibroids, polyps or endometrial pathology. The guideline, however, analysed outdated studies that provided low-quality evidence. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound in detecting endometrial pathology; and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of outpatient hysteroscopy if it were to be used in preference to transvaginal ultrasound.