Use of the Gravlee Jet Washer in routine screening of asymptomatic postmenopausal women

Our objective was to evaluate the Gravlee jet washing technique as a routine screening procedure in asymptomatic postmenopausal women. We obtained endometrial washings from 66 of the 101 women in the study. Sixty-four specimens were adequate for diagnosis. Findings suggestive of malignancy were reported in 2 patients; the diagnosis of endometrial adenocarcinoma was confirmed in one patient after dilatation and curettage. We did not complete the procedure in 35 women, primarily because cervical or vaginal stenosis prevented sounding of the uterus. Failure was most marked in nulliparous patients over 60 years of age. When the uterus can be sounded, the Gravlee irrigation technique is a practical and effective method for endometrial sampling in the asymptomatic postmenopausal woman.