Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows a surgeon to look inside of your uterus in order to diagnose and treat the causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted into your vagina to examine your cervix and the inside of your uterus.

What is a Hysteroscopy? #

• Hysteroscopy is primarily used to diagnose and treat the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding.

• The procedure allows your surgeon to look inside of your uterus with a tool called a hysteroscope.

• A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted tube that a surgeon inserts through your vagina to examine your cervix and the inside of your uterus.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy #

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy identifies structural irregularities in your uterus that may be causing abnormal bleeding.

• Hysteroscopy may also be used to confirm the results of other tests, such as an ultrasound or hysterosalpingography (HSG).

• HSG is an X-ray dye test used to check whether your fallopian tubes are blocked.

• Blocked fallopian tubes may make it difficult to become pregnant.

Operative Hysteroscopy #

• Operative hysteroscopy treats an abnormality detected during a diagnostic hysteroscopy. Your provider may perform a diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy at the same time, avoiding the need for a second surgery. During operative hysteroscopy, your surgeon uses a device to remove abnormalities that may be causing abnormal uterine bleeding.

Uses of Hysteroscopy #

Your doctor may perform hysteroscopy to diagnose and correct the following uterine conditions:

• Polyps and fibroids: Hysteroscopy is used to find and remove these uterine structural abnormalities. Surgical removal of a polyp is called a hysteroscopy polypectomy. Surgical removal of a fibroid is called a hysteroscopy myomectomy.

• Adhesions: Also known as Asherman’s syndrome, uterine adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form in your uterus and may lead to changes in menstrual flow and cause infertility. Hysteroscopy can help your doctor locate and remove the adhesions.

• Septums: Hysteroscopy can help determine whether you have a uterine septum, a malformation (defect) of the uterus that’s present from birth.

Procedure of Hysteroscopy #

• On the day of the procedure, you’ll be asked to empty your bladder and change into a hospital gown.

• You may receive anesthesia or a sedative to help you relax.

• The type of anesthesia you receive depends on whether the hysteroscopy will take place in a hospital or your surgeon’s office and whether other procedures will occur simultaneously.

You’ll be positioned on the exam table with your legs in stirrups. Once you’re in position, your surgeon will:

• Perform a pelvic exam.

• Dilate (open) your cervix so the hysteroscope can be inserted.

• Insert the hysteroscope through your vagina and cervix into your uterus.

• Send a liquid solution through the hysteroscope and into your uterus, gently expanding it and clearing any blood or mucus. This step allows your surgeon to view your uterus, uterine lining and fallopian tubes.

• Inspect your uterine cavity and the openings of your fallopian tubes. The light from the hysteroscope makes it easier for your surgeon to get a clear view.

• Insert surgical instruments through the hysteroscope that can be used to remove any irregular abnormalities (if surgery is needed).

After Hysteroscopy #

• If you received anesthesia during your hysteroscopy, you might be observed for several hours in the recovery room.

• You may have some cramping or light bleeding that lasts for a few days.

• It’s also not unusual to feel somewhat faint or sick immediately following your procedure.

Benefits of Hysteroscopy #

• Hysteroscopy can allow your surgeon to diagnose and treat conditions with a single surgery.

• In addition, a hysteroscopy enables surgery that’s both minimally invasive and precise.

• Hysteroscopy can allow your surgeon to locate abnormalities and remove them without damaging surrounding tissue.