Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

What is a hysteroscopy?

It is a medical procedure that helps diagnose & treat the causes of abnormal bleeding. It involves use of a thin tube to examine the cervix & inside of the uterus. It can be used for diagnostic purposes or as a surgical procedure for treatment.

What is a diagnostic hysteroscopy?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy involves use of the instrument hysteroscope to identify disorders of the uterus. It may also be used to confirm test results of HSG, an X ray dye test that checks the condition of the uterus & fallopian tubes. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can often be used in combination with other procedures like laparoscopy.

When is a diagnostic hysteroscopy required?

Generally, diagnostic hysteroscopy is recommended if the patient is suffering from any of the following:

Abnormal bleeding during periods
Heavy periods
Repeated abortions
Infertility
Bleeding post menopause

It is also used in diagnosis of :

Uterine Fibroids
Uterine Polyps
Uterine Adhesions
Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial Hyperplasia

What happens during the procedure?

Prior to the procedure:

Patient will be asked to empty the bladder & the vaginal area will be cleaned & shaved
An intravenous line may be put on the patient's arm to administer sedatives if necessary
Patient will then be asked to lie down on the back & your gynaecologist will then dilate the cervix

During the procedure:

A hysteroscope is inserted into the patient's vagina & saline gas or fluid may be pumped in to expand the womb for better view
The womb linings would then be checked by your gynaecologist & pictures or videos would be taken through the hysteroscope
If your doctor feels the need to collect a sample tissue, a small instrument is passed through the hysteroscope to collect the sample
For fibroid removal, a tool is inserted through the hsyteroscope
In certain complex cases, your gynaecologist may insert a laparoscope through the belly to view outside of the womb at the same time
Once the procedure is completed, the hysteroscope is removed

After the procedure:

The patient's blood pressure, pulse & breathing will be monitored until they are stable & the patient is conscious & alert
Once the patient is stable, she would be discharged