| Category | Hysteroscopy Surgery |
What is a Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of the uterus (womb) and cervix (entrance to the womb) in order to diagnose and treat the causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that’s inserted into your vagina to examine your cervix and the inside of your uterus. An operative hysteroscopy can be used to remove polyps, fibroids and adhesions.
Types of Hysteroscopy
There are two main types of hysteroscopy:
Diagnostic hysteroscopy: A diagnostic hysteroscopy allows a surgeon to check for causes of abnormal uterine bleeding. Doctors may use a this procedure to diagnose conditions likes:
Abnormal endometrial thic
Postmenopausal bleeding
Blocked fallopian tubes
Endometrial cancer
Intrauterine adhesions (IUAs), or scar tissue in the uterus
Infertility
Operative hysteroscopy: An operative hysteroscopy is surgery that places a hysteroscope through the cervix into the uterus. It's used to treat abnormalities in the uterus. A surgoen may recommend an operative hysteroscopy for conditions like:
Abnormal uterine blee
Fibroids
Other disorders of the uterus
A doctor may use an operative hysteroscopy for surgeries to treat conditions affecting the vagina, cervix, and uterus. These surgeries include:
Endometrial ablation, to destroy the uterine lining
Septum resection, to treat a vaginal septum, or wall of tissue dividing the vagina
Myomectomy, to remove fibroids without removing the uterus
Polypectomy, to remove any abnormal growth in the uterus
A doctor may do a diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy in the same procedure so that you won’t have to have another surgery to treat any issue they found.
Why would I need a hysteroscopy?
You might need a hysteroscopy for a variety of reasons, depending on your symptoms and medical history. Here are some common reasons why a doctor might recommend this procedure:
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding:
Heavy periods: If your periods are excessively heavy, lasting longer than 7 days, or causing you to soak through multiple pads or tampons in an hour, hysteroscopy can help identify the cause of the bleeding and potentially treat it
Irregular periods: If your periods are irregular, occurring too frequently or infrequently, or with unpredictable timing, hysteroscopy can help diagnose fibroids, polyps, or other abnormalities that may be causing the irregularity.
Spotting between periods: Bleeding or spotting between periods is not normal and can be a sign of an underlying condition. Hysteroscopy can help identify the source of the bleeding and potentially treat it.
Postmenopausal bleeding: Bleeding after menopause should not occur and requires investigation. Hysteroscopy can help determine the cause, which could be anything from endometrial thickening to polyps or even cancer.
Pelvic Pain:
Pain during periods: If you experience severe pain during your menstrual cycle, hysteroscopy can help diagnose conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, or adhesions that may be causing the pain.
Chronic pelvic pain: If you have persistent pelvic pain that is not related to your menstrual cycle, hysteroscopy can help rule out underlying uterine abnormalities as a potential cause.
Infertility:
Difficulty getting pregnant: If you have been trying to conceive for more than a year without success, hysteroscopy can help diagnose uterine abnormalities, fibroids, polyps, or adhesions that may be hindering conception.
Miscarriages: If you have experienced recurrent miscarriages, hysteroscopy can help identify potential causes like uterine malformations or septum.
Other Reasons:
Fibroids or polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that can cause bleeding, pain, or infertility. Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose and remove the
Intrauterine adhesions: Scar tissue inside the uterus can cause absent or irregular periods, and can sometimes be treated with hysteroscopy.
IUD placement or removal: In some cases, hysteroscopy can be used to place or remove an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception.
Hysteroscopy Procedure
The hysteroscopy procedure allows your doctor to examine the inside of your uterus and cervix to diagnose and treat various conditions
Preparation:
Consultation: Discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and any medications you're taking with your doctor. They'll explain the procedure and answer any questions you have.
Empty bladder and bowels: You'll be asked to empty your bladder and bowels before the procedure to ensure comfort and a clear view inside the uterus.
Anesthesia: Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your preference, you may receive local anesthesia (numbing medication) applied to the cervix or general anesthesia to put you to sleep.
The Procedure:
Positioning: You'll lie on your back on an examination table with your legs raised in stirrups.
Speculum insertion: A speculum, similar to the one used for Pap smears, will be gently inserted into your vagina to hold it open and provide better access to the cervix.
Cervical dilation (if needed): In some cases, your cervix may need to be gently widened using dilators to allow the hysteroscope to pass through.
Hysteroscope insertion: The hysteroscope, a thin, flexible tube with a light and camera at the end, is inserted through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus.
Fluid infusion: Fluid is pumped into the uterus to expand it and provide a clearer view for the doctor.
Visualization and potential interventions: Your doctor will examine the lining of the uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes on the monitor. Depending on the findings, they may:
Take tissue samples (biopsy)
Remove polyps, fibroids, or adhesions
Perform other minor procedures
Recovery:
Monitoring: After the procedure, you'll be monitored for a short period for any complications.
Minimal discomfort: You may experience mild cramping or spotting, similar to menstrual cramps, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Resuming activities: You can usually resume your normal activities within a day or two, but avoid strenuous activity for a few days.
Follow-up appointment: Your doctor will schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of the procedure and any further recommendations.
How safe is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is considered a safe procedure. As with any surgery, complications can occur. With hysteroscopy, complications occur in less than 1% of cases and can include:
Infection.
Heavy bleeding
Intrauterine scarring.
Reaction to the anesthesia.
Injury to your cervix, uterus, bowel or bladder.
Reaction to the substance used to expand your uterus.
FAQ
Is a hysteroscopy done with or without anaesthesia?
A hysteroscopy may be done with or without anaesthesia, depending on what’s best for you. Anaesthesia will make your procedure painless. Speak with your doctor about it.
Is hysteroscopy major surgery?
An operative hysteroscopy is considered minor surgery. It doesn’t usually require a hospital overnight stay. Unlike more invasive procedures that open your abdomen to access organs, a hysteroscopy can be performed through your vagina.
Is a hysteroscopy painful?
Most women experience mild cramping or discomfort during the procedure, similar to menstrual cramps. Local anaesthesia can be used to numb the cervix and further reduce discomfort.
What is the recovery like after a hysteroscopy?
You can usually resume your normal activities within a day or two, but avoid strenuous activity for a few days. You may experience mild cramping or spotting for a few days after the procedure.
What are the risks of a hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure with minimal risks. However, any medical procedure carries potential risks, so it's important to discuss them with your doctor beforehand. Risks may include infection, bleeding, and damage to the uterus or cervix.
Is a hysteroscopy the same as a D&C?
Although both procedures are used to diagnose and treat a condition affecting your uterus, a hysteroscopy is not the same as a D&C. A D&C is a surgery that involves dilating the cervix with small instruments or a medication, then scraping the uterine lining with a spoon-shaped or sharp object to remove abnormal tissue from your uterus.
What are Hysteroscopy Side Effects?
You may have mild cramping or bleeding for a few days after the procedure. You might also have gas that can last for about 24 hours. Your doctor may give you medicine to help with any pain. You might also have other side effects like:
Stomach pain
Dizziness
Shoulder pain
Mild nausea
What are Hysteroscopy Complications?
As with any medical procedure, you could have some complications from a hysteroscopy, such as:
Problems from the anesthes
Infection
Bleeding too much
Tearing or damage to your cervix, though this is rare
Problems with gas or fluid from the uterus
Damage to nearby organs like the bladder, bowel, or ovaries
Pelvic inflammatory disease
Infection
Should I be worried about hysteroscopy?
You shouldn’t be. Hysteroscopy is widely considered a safe procedure, with minimal risks involved.
Are you awake for a hysteroscopy?
It depends. Anaesthesia for hysteroscopy may be local, regional or general. General anesthesia will put you to sleep.
Local anaesthesia: A small part of your body will be numb for a short time.
Regional anaesthesia: A larger portion of your body will be numb for a few hours.
General anaesthesia: Your entire body will be numb for the whole surgery.
Why to choose Dr.(Smt) Sanju Agrawal for Hysteroscopy Surgery in Indore?
Dr. (Smt)Sanju Agrawal is a highly skilled and experienced gynaecologist with extensive expertise in performing hysteroscopy. She understands the sensitive nature of this procedure and prioritizes your comfort throughout the process. She takes the time to understand your individual needs and concerns before, during, and after the procedure. She provides clear and comprehensive explanations and is always available to answer your questions.
Dr. (Smt)Sanju Agrawal clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology to ensure the safest and most effective hysteroscopy experience. This includes modern hysteroscopes, comfortable recovery rooms, and a dedicated team of experienced nurses. She goes beyond the procedure itself and prioritizes your overall well-being and provides comprehensive follow-up care and support to ensure a smooth recovery and address any concerns you may have.
Schedule your consultation with Dr. (Smt)Sanju Agrawal today and experience the difference of personalized, high-quality care for your hysteroscopy.
