Hysteroscopy

What is hysteroscopy?
Why is hysteroscopy done?
How is hysteroscopy performed?
What should I expect during recovery?
What are the risks of hysteroscopy?

What is hysteroscopy?

• Hysteroscopy is used to diagnose or treat problems of the uterus
  • A hysteroscope is a thin, lighted telescope-like device
  • It is inserted through your vagina into your uterus
  • The hysteroscope transmits the image of your uterus onto a screen
  • Other instruments are used along with the hysteroscope for treatment

Why is hysteroscopy done?

• Hysteroscopy is used to find the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding
  • This may mean that a woman’s menstrual periods are heavier or longer than usual or occur less often or more often than normal
    • Bleeding between menstrual periods also is abnormal
• Hysteroscopy is also used in the following situations:
  • Remove adhesions that may occur because of infection or from past surgery
  • Diagnose the cause of repeated miscarriage when a woman has more than two miscarriages in a row
  • Locate an intrauterine device
  • Perform sterilization,
    • The hysteroscope is used to place small implants into a woman’s fallopian tubes as a permanent form of birth control

How is hysteroscopy performed?

• Before the procedure, you may be given a medication to help you relax
  • General anesthesia or local anesthesia may be used to block the pain
    • If you have general anesthesia, you will not be awake during the procedure
• Hysteroscopy can be done in a doctor’s office or at the hospital
• It will be scheduled when you are not having your menstrual period
• To make the procedure easier, your health care provider may dilate your cervix before your hysteroscopy
• You may be given medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators may be used
  • A speculum is first inserted into the vagina
  • The hysteroscope is then inserted and gently moved through the cervix into your uterus
  • Carbon dioxide gas or a fluid, such as saline will be put through the hysteroscope into your uterus to expand it
    • The gas or fluid helps your health care provider see the lining more clearly
  • The amount of fluid used is carefully checked throughout the procedure
  • Your health care provider can view the lining of your uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes by looking through the hysteroscope
  • If a biopsy or other procedure is done, small instruments will be passed through the hysteroscope

What should I expect during recovery?

• You should be able to go home shortly after the procedure
  • If you had general anesthesia, you may need to wait until its effects have worn off
  • It is normal to have some mild cramping or a little bloody discharge for a few days after the procedure.
  • You may be given medication to help ease the pain
  • If you have a fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, call your health care provider right away

What are the risks of hysteroscopy?

• Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure
• However, there is a small risk of problems:
  • The uterus or cervix can be punctured by the hysteroscope
  • Bleeding may occur, or excess fluid may build up in your system
  • In rare cases, hysteroscopy can cause life-threatening problems