HYSTEROSCOPY

• What is Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a technique to “see” inside the uterus using a thin, telescope-like device called a hysteroscope.

• When it is used

Hysteroscopy is often used to help with diagnosis or treatment of a abnormal uterine bleeding, adhesions (bands of scar tissue that form in the uterus, often causing infertility and changes in menstrual flow), endometrial hyperplasia, polyps, fibroids and endometrial cancer. Hysteroscopy can also be used to diagnose infertility and sterility in the uterus. Operative hysteroscopy is used to take tissue samples (biopsies), to remove malformations in the intrauterine cavity and to correct congenital uterine malformations.

• Before the exam

Diagnostic hysteroscopy can be performed in a doctor’s office and does not require specific preparation for the patient. Only in some cases does diagnostic hysteroscopy, as well as operative hysteroscopy, require general anesthesia and the patient needs to fast from midnight the night before the exam.

• During a hysteroscopy

The hysteroscope first inserted into the vagina, then moved through the cervical canal into the uterus. Carbon dioxide gas or a fluid will be put through the hysteroscope into the uterus to expand it and allows the doctor to see the lining more clearly. After the procedure, the hysteroscope is removed and the gas or liquid is removed allowing the abdominal cavity to return to its normal state.

No stitches or medication is necessary and while a diagnostic hysteroscopy can last just a few minutes, an operative hysteroscopy may last 20-40 minutes depending on the complexity of the procedure.

• After the procedure

Diagnostic hysteroscopy does not cause any pain or discomfort and the patient can quickly resume activity. In some cases there can be discomfort similar to that of a menstrual cycle. Vaginal bleeding may occur for a few days following the procedure. Operative hysteroscopy generally is done in a day hospital. The evening of the procedure the patient can eat normally again. Home convalescence is short and sexual intercourse is possible after 2-3 days. A gynecological check up is advised a month after the surgery.

• When is it not possible to perform a hysteroscopy

It is forbidden to perform a hysteroscopy if: the patient is pregnant; there is pelvic inflammatory disease because the procedure could worsen the inflammation in the pelvic and genital area