This factsheet is for women who have a hysteroscopy, or who want information about it.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the womb (uterus) with a narrow tube telescopic camera called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose or treat a disease.
You will meet with the surgeon performing the procedure to discuss your care. Which may differ from what is described here as they are designed to meet your individual needs.
About Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside your womb. The surgeon passes a thin telescope, called a hysteroscope into your vagina through your cervix (neck of the uterus) and in her womb. A light at the end of the hysteroscope allows the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. The camera images are sent to a television screen so the surgeon can see clearly inside her womb.
Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose disease or treat disease. You can help the surgeon to find out what is causing the symptoms, such as heavy periods. Can also be used to check the conditions of the womb, such as polyps (small growths of tissue in the lining of the uterus) or certain types of fibroids (noncancerous growths of muscle in your stomach). If you are having trouble getting pregnant, hysteroscopy can be done to see if there is any problem within her womb.
During hysteroscopy, the surgeon can take a biopsy (small tissue sample) for examination in a laboratory, and / or treat the inside of your belly. He or she can remove polyps and fibroids during a hysteroscopy. The surgeon may also treat the scar tissue (adhesions) in the lining of the uterus during the procedure. You may have an intrauterine system (IUS) or coil, put in for a hysteroscopy, or the surgeon may remove a coil that has moved out of place.
What are the alternatives?
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, there may be alternative treatments or research available.
A pelvic ultrasound can be used to diagnose certain conditions. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your womb.
An endometrial biopsy is an alternative to hysteroscopy if the surgeon wants to take a sample of the lining of the uterus. A thin tube is passed through the cervix and in thy womb, and then gentle suction is used to sample the lining of the uterus and examined under a microscope. Sometimes you can have this at the same time as hysteroscopy.
Your doctor will explain the different options for you.
Preparing for a hysteroscopy
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you are prompted to stop, as smoking increases the risk of contracting a chest infection and slows your recovery.
Hysteroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure cases. This means you have the procedure and return home the same day. It can be done in local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia completely blocks the feeling in the cervix and stay awake during the procedure. General anesthesia means you will be asleep during the operation.
If you have general anesthesia, you are asked to follow fasting instructions. This means no food or water, usually about six hours in advance. However, it is important to follow your surgeon's advice.
At the hospital, the nurse may do some tests such as checking your heart rate and blood pressure and urine tests.
Your surgeon will explain what happens before, during and after the procedure and any pain you may have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and alternatives to this procedure. This will help you stay informed, so you can consent to the procedure below, which may be asked to do by signing a consent form.
If you have a hysteroscopy to diagnose your condition, the surgeon can move on to their status during the procedure. Your surgeon will talk with you about any possible treatment before surgery, and asked to sign a consent form to include these potential treatments.
You may be asked to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots in the veins of the legs. You may need an injection of a blood thinner called heparin as well as, or instead of wearing compression stockings.
What happens during a hysteroscopy
The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes to half an hour, depending on what to do.
A mirror is placed in the vagina to show the cervix. This is similar to the instrument used when you have a Pap test.
Your surgeon will clean the vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution and pass the hysteroscope through the cervix and into her womb. He or she may inject gas or fluid in your uterus. This opens the cavity of her belly, and makes it easier for the surgeon to clearly see the lining of the uterus.
The camera on the end of the hysteroscope sends images from inside her womb to a video screen. Your doctor will examine the images and if necessary take a biopsy or any treatment. This is done using special instruments passed inside the hysteroscope.
When the examination is complete, the hysteroscope is gently pulled out. Your surgeon may perform an endometrial biopsy to take a sample of your womb.
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the surgeon to see inside the womb (uterus) with a narrow tube telescopic camera called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose or treat a disease.
You will meet with the surgeon performing the procedure to discuss your care. Which may differ from what is described here as they are designed to meet your individual needs.
About Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is a procedure to look inside your womb. The surgeon passes a thin telescope, called a hysteroscope into your vagina through your cervix (neck of the uterus) and in her womb. A light at the end of the hysteroscope allows the surgeon to see inside your abdomen. The camera images are sent to a television screen so the surgeon can see clearly inside her womb.
Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose disease or treat disease. You can help the surgeon to find out what is causing the symptoms, such as heavy periods. Can also be used to check the conditions of the womb, such as polyps (small growths of tissue in the lining of the uterus) or certain types of fibroids (noncancerous growths of muscle in your stomach). If you are having trouble getting pregnant, hysteroscopy can be done to see if there is any problem within her womb.
During hysteroscopy, the surgeon can take a biopsy (small tissue sample) for examination in a laboratory, and / or treat the inside of your belly. He or she can remove polyps and fibroids during a hysteroscopy. The surgeon may also treat the scar tissue (adhesions) in the lining of the uterus during the procedure. You may have an intrauterine system (IUS) or coil, put in for a hysteroscopy, or the surgeon may remove a coil that has moved out of place.
What are the alternatives?
Depending on your symptoms and circumstances, there may be alternative treatments or research available.
A pelvic ultrasound can be used to diagnose certain conditions. An ultrasound uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of your womb.
An endometrial biopsy is an alternative to hysteroscopy if the surgeon wants to take a sample of the lining of the uterus. A thin tube is passed through the cervix and in thy womb, and then gentle suction is used to sample the lining of the uterus and examined under a microscope. Sometimes you can have this at the same time as hysteroscopy.
Your doctor will explain the different options for you.
Preparing for a hysteroscopy
Your surgeon will explain how to prepare for your procedure. For example, if you smoke, you are prompted to stop, as smoking increases the risk of contracting a chest infection and slows your recovery.
Hysteroscopy is usually performed as a day procedure cases. This means you have the procedure and return home the same day. It can be done in local or general anesthesia. Local anesthesia completely blocks the feeling in the cervix and stay awake during the procedure. General anesthesia means you will be asleep during the operation.
If you have general anesthesia, you are asked to follow fasting instructions. This means no food or water, usually about six hours in advance. However, it is important to follow your surgeon's advice.
At the hospital, the nurse may do some tests such as checking your heart rate and blood pressure and urine tests.
Your surgeon will explain what happens before, during and after the procedure and any pain you may have. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and alternatives to this procedure. This will help you stay informed, so you can consent to the procedure below, which may be asked to do by signing a consent form.
If you have a hysteroscopy to diagnose your condition, the surgeon can move on to their status during the procedure. Your surgeon will talk with you about any possible treatment before surgery, and asked to sign a consent form to include these potential treatments.
You may be asked to wear compression stockings to help prevent blood clots in the veins of the legs. You may need an injection of a blood thinner called heparin as well as, or instead of wearing compression stockings.
What happens during a hysteroscopy
The procedure usually takes about 10 minutes to half an hour, depending on what to do.
A mirror is placed in the vagina to show the cervix. This is similar to the instrument used when you have a Pap test.
Your surgeon will clean the vagina and cervix with an antiseptic solution and pass the hysteroscope through the cervix and into her womb. He or she may inject gas or fluid in your uterus. This opens the cavity of her belly, and makes it easier for the surgeon to clearly see the lining of the uterus.
The camera on the end of the hysteroscope sends images from inside her womb to a video screen. Your doctor will examine the images and if necessary take a biopsy or any treatment. This is done using special instruments passed inside the hysteroscope.
When the examination is complete, the hysteroscope is gently pulled out. Your surgeon may perform an endometrial biopsy to take a sample of your womb.
What to expect after
If you have general anesthesia, you will have to rest until the effects of anesthesia have passed. You may need pain relief to help with the discomfort that the anesthesia wears off.
You may need to wear a pad because it may have some vaginal bleeding.
Usually, you can go home when you feel ready. Your nurse can give you a date for a follow up appointment.
You will need to arrange for someone to drive you home. You should try to have a friend or stay in relationship with you within 24 hours.
Recovering from a hysteroscopy
General anesthesia can temporarily impair coordination and reasoning skills, so you should not drive, drink alcohol, operate machinery or sign legal documents for 48 hours. If you are in any doubt about driving, please contact your motor insurer so that you are aware of their recommendations, and always follow your surgeon.
If you need pain relief, can take over-the-counter analgesics such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always read the patient information that comes with the medication and if in doubt, consult your pharmacist.
If you have a diagnostic hysteroscopy, will have to rest and take it easy for a day or two. If you have had treatment during hysteroscopy, for example, if you have had a polyp or a fibroid removed, recovery will take longer. Your surgeon will tell you when to return to their normal activities.
If you have a biopsy or polyps removed, the results are usually sent in a report to your doctor.
What are the risks?
Hysteroscopy is commonly performed and generally safe. However, in order to make an informed choice and consent, should be aware of possible side effects and risk of complications from this procedure.
Side effects
Side effects are unintended effects, albeit temporary, especially you can get after the procedure. After hysteroscopy, you may have painful cramps, as obtained during the period. You may also have vaginal bleeding that usually improves after a few days but can last a week.
Complications
This is when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most women are not affected. The possible complications of any surgery include an unexpected reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, excessive, or developing a blood clot, usually in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
Specific complications of hysteroscopy are rare, but it is possible that you can develop an infection later. Surgery can damage the uterus and, rarely, bladder, intestines and blood vessels. You may need additional surgery to repair the damage. Occasionally, it may be possible for the surgeon to move the telescope in his belly to get a clear picture of the garrison. If this happens, your surgeon will discuss alternative options with you.
Most women have no problems after having a hysteroscopy. However, if you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor:
* Long lasting heavy bleeding
* Vaginal discharge that is dark or smells
* Severe pain or pain that lasts more than 48 hours
* A high temperature
The exact risks are specific to you and will be different for every woman, so we have not included statistics here. Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you.
