Hysteroscopy is a surgical procedure which is performed to examine uterus and cervix, wherein a health care professional inserts a narrow tube like device through the vagina. This telescopic tube has a light and camera over it, which assists in reflecting the images of uterus, fallopian tube, ovaries and cervix on the doctor's monitor screen.
There are numerous reasons as to why a patient might need hysteroscopy. Here we are discussing a few major medical case scenarios where a hysteroscopy is required:
Hysteroscopy can be broadly divided into two categories:
1. Diagnostic hysteroscopy:
This procedure is performed
2. Operative hysteroscopy:
Usually while conducting a diagnostic hysteroscopy if abnormalities like adhesions, myomas (fibroids), etc are observed then an operative hysteroscopy can performed at the same time to remove them. Doing so helps both the doctor and the patient to avoid need for a second surgery.
Compared to other medical procedures:
While carrying out hysteroscopy your health care service provider will use a speculum (a medical instrument) to hold open your vagina and then insert a thin tube like device to perform further procedure.
Generally saline is released into the uterus to help expand it, so that any blood or mucus can be cleared.
Usually, a week after your menstrual cycle is considered to be the best time for conducting a hysteroscopy, however this time line may differ if you have reached menopause, etc. The idea is to get most clear view of the inside of your uterus.
Hysteroscopy can be performed at a doctor's office or in an operation theatre setup depending upon the complication of an underlying case. Generally a diagnostic hysteroscopy takes about five to ten minutes, however if it involves operative hysteroscopy too then it might take more than thirty minutes to conclude.
Hysteroscopy cannot be performed if you are pregnant.
What are the conditions that might cause discrepancy during hysteroscopy?
Following medical situations of a patient can cause interference while conducting a hysteroscopy:
Depending upon the nature of anesthesia, you will be kept under observation as long as needed. You might feel:
After the procedure you should contact the doctor immediately if you are having:
Once the hysteroscopy is concluded:
Usually, a hysteroscopy is a very safe procedure involving no life threat. However like any other medical treatment this process also have certain risk of complications. Here we are discussing the scenarios wherein a hysteroscopy might get complicated and may call for adoption of other procedures as well: