Overview
Hysteroscopy is done by a gynaecologist to examine the internals of the uterus with the help of a hysteroscope – an instrument designed with a camera and light. The doctor may recommend hysteroscopy to examine the nature, cause and everything else about diseases that may affect the uterus. It can also work as a solution to surgically remove diseases from the uterus – a procedure medically described as operative or surgical hysteroscopy.
This treatment may cause slight discomfort. After the procedure, patients should expect cramps and pain though these could be controlled using pain medication. A hysterectomy is performed to give way for surgery. The patient will receive some general anaesthesia or be injected to relax, which will not give rise to any discomfort as the treatment is underway. However, when the effect of the anaesthesia fades, which is usually after the treatment, patients may feel pain.
Why get a hysteroscopy?
The health condition of the reproductive system is brought forth following a hysteroscopy. With this information, the doctor can identify issues with a woman’s organs of reproduction. A biopsy will be done from the procedure – any unusual lesions and tissue would be taken as the test sample. There are cases where an extra surgery will be carried out.
The following conditions will demand a hysteroscopy:
- Pap smear that’s unusual
- Menstrual bleeding that is long overdue or heavy
- Painful periods that bring about cramps – dysmenorrhea
- Confirmation of conditions like uterine adhesions endometriosis identified from clinical evaluation and other radiological tests
- Postmenopausal bleeding
- Inability to get pregnant
- Multiple miscarriages (pregnancy loss)
- Bleeding between periods
- Examination of the womb (uterus) before carrying out an abortion
- A surgical procedure to perform non-temporary sterilisation
- When there is a change in position of an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) implanted in the uterus
- Diagnosis and removal of uterus scarring, uterine polyps, and urine fibroids
The process of performing hysteroscopy
During hysteroscopy
What determines the choice of anaesthesia the doctor will administer for a hysterectomy is if the treatment is performed as a diagnostic test or as a treatment. This procedure takes place during off-periods (when you’re menstruating). If the procedure provides diagnosis information, anaesthesia will not be used. But nervous patients may get injected with a sedative. Should the procedure be such that a biopsy or further invasive treatment will be needed, the patient will get general anaesthesia or be injected with a sedative.
The hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus,gently moving it from the vagina opening through the cervix. The hysteroscope is loaded with carbon dioxide gas or a saline solution to enlarge the uterus and aid the check or surgery. Following what the hysteroscopy is being carried out for, the procedure may last between 5 minutes to half an hour.
Post hysteroscopy
Patients will have different recovery times following the reason for the hysteroscopy in the first place. Where a patient was given local anaesthesia or wasn’t given any anaesthesia, they can be strong enough to return home in an hour or two. But for patients that may have been injected with a sedative or general anaesthesia would stay in the clinic till the effect wears off. This waiting period may be between a couple of hours to a day. During this time, patients may take antibiotics and pain medication. When the treatment has been completed, patients may have the following experience:
- They may have cramps
- Feel discomfort and pain
- Feel dizzy or lightheaded
- They may have pains that spread to the shoulder, especially when carbon dioxide gas is utilised
- Slight bleeding from the vagina or spotting for a day or two
What complications come with hysteroscopy?
Let it be known that hysteroscopy is quite a safe procedure with low-level complications. Patients may not experience complications all the time. Still, the procedure comes with certain risks expected in any surgical treatment.
The risks of hysteroscopy are:
- Uterine or cervical wounds
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anaesthetic reactions
- Body reaction to the uterine solution (solvent used for cleaning the uterus)
- Uterine scarring
What steps can you take?
You need to visit a certified private gynaecologist in London should you need a hysteroscopy. This will aid youto know how healthy your reproductive system is. And if there are issues, they can treat them at once. The Gynae Clinic is open for all patients seeking hysteroscopy. Do give us a call to book a consultation today.
