Contents:
- Medical Video: Hysteroscopy
- What is hysteroscopy?
- When do I need to undergo a hysteroscopy?
- What do I need to know before undergoing hysteroscopy?
Process
What should I do before undergoing a hysteroscopy?- How is the hysteroscopy process?
- What should I do after undergoing a hysteroscopy?
Complications
What complications can occur?- Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Medical Video: Hysteroscopy
Definition
What is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure to see the inside of the uterus or uterus using a small telescope (hysteroscope). Biopsies can also be carried out together with hysteroscopy to take samples from the lining of the uterus.
Hysteroscopy can be used to find the cause of uterine bleeding, especially heavy menstruation and bleeding after menopause. Hysteroscopy can also be used to find out if you have fibroids, polyps, endometrial cancer, or an unusual uterine form.
When do I need to undergo a hysteroscopy?
You can need a hysterectomy for various conditions such as:
- uterine fibroids that cause pain, bleeding, or other symptoms
- uterine prolapse, aka fallow or shift in the location of the uterus to the vaginal canal
- uterine, cervical, or ovarian cancer.
- endometriosis
- vaginal bleeding
- chronic pelvic pain
- adenomyosis, or uterine thickening
Hysterectomy for conditions other than cancer will be considered if other treatments are not successful.
Prevention & warning
What do I need to know before undergoing hysteroscopy?
The cause of symptoms can be seen by a scan and a biopsy with a tube placed on the cervix (cervix).
Your gynecologist can recommend sono-ultrasound where an ultrasound device will be placed in the vagina.
Process
What should I do before undergoing a hysteroscopy?
Discuss with your doctor about medications you are taking, allergies, or other health conditions before undergoing surgery. Arrange a meeting with the anesthetist to plan your anesthesia process. It is important for you to follow the doctor's instructions to stop eating or drinking before surgery.
You will be given instructions before surgery, such as whether you are allowed to eat before surgery. Usually, you are required to fast 6 hours before the procedure. You are allowed to drink fluids, such as coffee, until several hours before surgery.
How is the hysteroscopy process?
The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia, or without anesthesia. Usually the procedure takes less than 10 minutes.
Gynecologists will attach a hysteroscope through the vagina, cervix, to the uterus. The uterus will be pumped with gas (carbon dioxide) or liquid, to make it easier to see the uterus. Gynecologists can also use certain tools to do biopsies or remove small polyps and fibroids.
What should I do after undergoing a hysteroscopy?
You can go home the same day or the next day. The medical team will explain to you the results obtained and the handling you need.
You can resume your activities as usual the next day. You may experience mild cramps and bleeding.
Complications
What complications can occur?
Like other procedures, there are several possible risks. Ask the surgeon to explain the risks to you.
Possible complications in the procedure can generally include reactions to anesthesia, bleeding, or clots in the blood (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).
You can minimize the risk of complications by following instructions from a doctor before surgery, such as fasting and stopping taking certain drugs.
