Hysteroscopy - procedure, objective

Specific diseases normally have specific examinations, gynecological diseases have them as well. Internal examination is a common term for a basic check-up. However, Hysteroscopy is a more specific procedure used to examine the vagina, the cervix, and the uterus. Its main objective is to identify and treat gynecological conditions that present with symptoms such as irregular vaginal bleeding, postmenstrual periods, cases of polyps, and fibroids.

Hysteroscopy is?

Hysteroscopy is a procedure to examine the cervix and the uterus. A hysteroscope, a thin tube with a camera at the end, will be inserted into your vagina, passing through the cervix and inspecting the uterus. A camera sends the images to the monitor, allowing doctors to see the state of the organs and look for any abnormalities. Hysteroscopy is safe with few risks of complications.

When Should You Consider Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is useful in many cases. The conditions in which you should consider Hysteroscopy are described as below:

• A suspicion of polyps, fibroids, or tumors in the uterus or related organs.
  
  
• A case of intrauterine adhesions (scar tissues that cause irregular or absent periods).
  
  
• To inspect and diagnose symptoms such as unusual vaginal bleeding, heavy periods, pelvic pain, fallopian tube inflammation, postmenopausal bleeding, repeated miscarriages, and fertility.
  
  
• To treat the conditions such as IUDs (displaced intrauterine devices), and removing polyps or fibroids.
  
  

Preparing Before for Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a simple examination. However, it is best for patients to prepare themselves before undergoing the procedure. The suggestions are described below:

• If you are pregnant, do not have Hysteroscopy.
  
  
• It is recommended to have Hysteroscopy after the menstrual period has ended for 5-7 days. Or, you can have Hysteroscopy before the next menstrual period begins as well.
  
  
• To prepare the cervix for examination, patients are given sublingual medicines to widen their cervixes. The medications are to be taken approximately two hours before the procedure.
  
  
• A surgery might be needed to examine the pathology in some cases. Hence, patients need to fast about at least 6 hours before the operation.
  
  

Diagnosis via Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy procedure is useful and practical in both diagnosis and treatment. To diagnose gynecological diseases by Hysteroscopy, the patient first sleeps in an open-leg position, identical to an internal examination. A hysteroscope is then inserted into the vagina, passing through the cervix to examine the uterus and related organs. Normally, the procedure lasts approximately 10–15 minutes. However, in the case of abnormalities such as suspected tumors, a biopsy is needed. Hysteroscopy procedure will take longer than normal because the doctors have to remove some tissues.

Hysteroscopy is suitable for not only people with unusual vaginal bleeding, suspected polyps or tumors, but also people with infertility. The procedure is performed to examine the uterus in cases of IVF as well. In doing IVF, it is important to inspect and assess the uterine cavity and related organs since embryo implantation is a sensitive matter and depends on various factors.

Hysteroscopy procedure is known for its reliable safety. Complications of hysteroscopy are generally rare, despite the chance of occurrence. An infection or inflammation may occur in the case of pelvic infection prior to the examination. Lower abdominal pain is a common symptom of the aforementioned conditions and fallopian tube inflammation. However, the symptoms are treatable with medications. Aside from rare complications, patients are usually capable of continuing normal activities after the procedure. Nevertheless, it is recommended to avoid having sex for 3-5 days.

Hysteroscopy Risks

Hysteroscopy, just like other invasive medical procedures, carries some risks for those who undergo the examination. Despite the fact that Hysteroscopy is generally safe, there are small risks of complications. Here are some examples of complications relating to Hysteroscopy:

• Womb infection. Womb infection can cause fever, heavy bleeding, or smelly vaginal discharge. Antibiotics will be prescribed by doctors to treat infection.
  
  
• An accidental injury to the cervix. The damage is generally rare and treatable.
  
  
• Accidental damage to the uterus. This is a rare condition which needs antibiotics or another operation to fix it, depending on the severity.
  
  
• Excessive bleeding during or after the examination.  The bleeding might be due to having general anesthetic. The condition is treatable by medications or another operation.
  
  

Post-Hysteroscopy Care

Even though most people who have undergone Hysteroscopy can get back to normal activities in a short time, some people might have complications. Here are some suggestions to take care of yourself after having Hysteroscopy procedure:

• Take some day-offs to rest, suggestively in case of general anesthetic usage.
  
  
• Avoid having sex for 5-7 days.
  
  
• Some spotting or bleeding for the first few days are generally normal. However, seek professional help in case of unusual, heavy bleeding.
  
  
• You can continue doing normal routines such as eating and drinking as usual.
  
  

Office Hysteroscopy

What is Office Hysteroscopy?

Office Hysteroscopy is different from normal Hysteroscopy in terms of equipment and advantages. A hysteroscope used in this procedure has a smaller camera compared to the normal one. The process is basically the same: the tube is inserted into the vagina, passing through the cervix to examine the uterus. However, Office Hysteroscopy is advantageous because it can be performed together with other procedures simultaneously. Some examples of these procedures are curettage or biopsy.

Office Hysteroscopy is suitable for those who cannot have regular examinations such as ultrasound or x-ray. The procedure is indicated to diagnose and treat gynecological diseases: polyps, fibroids, abnormal shape of the uterus, postmenopausal bleeding, etc. Those who have infertility can have Office Hysteroscopy to examine their uterine cavity as well.

The advantages of Office Hysteroscopy are precision and practicality. The procedure increases accuracy in diagnosis and treatment. Plus, it is convenient and has fewer risks compared to normal Hysteroscopy because there is no need for fasting or anesthetic.

Hysteroscopy Conclusion

Hysteroscopy is a recommended procedure to diagnose and treat gynecological diseases. It is generally safe and has small risks. The common symptoms suitable for the examination are abnormal vaginal bleeding, postmenopausal bleeding, polyps, tumors, fertility, etc. Office Hysteroscopy is suggested in case of those who want to undergo other procedures at the same time. Hysteroscopy costs can vary. However, patients should consult their doctors regarding their symptoms and conditions before making a decision.

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