REVIEW O&G Forum 2006;16:38-42

History of the study of uterine cavity Although the interior of the uterus has been studied for more than two centuries by pioneers using mirrors, specula and candles, modern hysteroscopy was practiced from the early 1900’s when David described the technique, the indications and contraindications.1 Hysteroscopy is now considered the gold standard not only for visualizing the cervical canal and uterine cavity but also for treating different benign pathological endometrial conditions. In the 1980s-1990s there were only two options for performing endometrial biopsies – blind procedures (dilatation and curretage or use of endometrial suction biopsy curettes) or targeted hysteroscopic biopsies (THB). The former could not invariably confirm a definitive diagnosis and the latter still required dilatation of the cervical canal and some form of anaesthesia. Most diagnostic hysteroscopes had a lens diameter of 5mm or more but the mos