A hysteroscopy is a frequently used minimally invasive diagnostic procedure
A hysteroscopy is a frequently used minimally invasive diagnostic procedure that gives your doctor/gynecologist (women's specialist) a clear view of the inside of your womb (uterus).
In this procedure, a thin, light flexible telescope-like tube (hysteroscope) is inserted through your vagina into your womb (uterus) through the cervix that projects images of your womb onto a screen.
In this procedure, the insides of the womb can be visualized with the camera. If there is any growth seen, it is removed either directly or with smaller instruments (curettes). These tissues will then be sent to the laboratory to check the presence of any cancerous growth.
When does your doctor suggest a diagnostic hysteroscopy?
Your gynecologist will suggest a diagnostic hysteroscopy to check the inside of your womb and take a tissue sample (biopsy) if you have
- Abnormal bleeding during periods.
- Heavy periods.
- Repeated abortions.
- Infertility (difficulty becoming pregnant).
- Bleeding after menopause.
It is useful to diagnose
- Uterine fibroids (non-cancerous growths of the fibrous tissue in the womb).
- Uterine polyps (abnormal tissue growth inside the womb lining).
- Uterine adhesions (scar tissue formation in the womb).
- Endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb lining).
- Endometrial hyperplasia (enlargement of the womb tissues).
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What are the possible complications?
It is a generally safe procedure, and significant complications are very rare. However, if inappropriate instruments or techniques are used, it may cause
- Risk of anesthesia (if general anesthesia was given).
- Infection.
- Bleeding.
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (inflammation of the women’s reproductive organs).
- Damage to the cervix.
- Scar tissue formation in the uterus.
- Anaphylactic reactions to medications used during the procedure.
- Over distension of the uterine cavity.
- Pulmonary oedema (swelling in the lungs).
- Blood clotting in the vessels.
- Rupture or tearing of the uterus (rare).
- Excess fluid/gas buildup during the expansion of the womb.
You should seek for doctor’s advice if you have