Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a way for your doctor to look at the lining of your uterus. She uses a thin viewing tool called a hysteroscope. The hysteroscope has a light and camera hooked to it so your doctor can see the lining (endometrium) on a video screen.A hysteroscopy may be done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding or bleeding that occurs after a woman has passed menopause. It also may be done to see if a problem in your uterus is preventing you from becoming pregnant (infertility). A hysteroscopy can be used to remove growths in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps.Your doctor may take a small sample of tissue (biopsy). The sample is looked at under a microscope for problems. Another surgery, called a laparoscopy, may also be done at the same time as a hysteroscopy if infertility is a problem.

How To Prepare: Tell us if you are or might be pregnant. If you are taking any medicines. If you are allergic to any medicines. Have had bleeding problems or take blood-thinners, such as aspirin or warfarin (Coumadin). Have been treated for a vaginal, cervical, or pelvic infection in the past 6 weeks. Have any heart or lung problems.

If you are going to have general anesthesia, you will need to stop eating and drinking before the test. Follow the instructions exactly about when to stop eating and drinking, or your surgery may be canceled. If your doctor has instructed you to take your medicines on the day of surgery, do so using only a sip of water. Arrange to have someone drive you home the day of the test in case you are given a sedative.You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form.The hospital or surgery center may send you instructions on how to get ready for your surgery, or a nurse may call you with instructions before your surgery.

Follow any instructions your doctor gave you. Call your doctor if you have:

• Heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge (more than a normal menstrual period).A fever.Severe belly or pelvic pain or cramping.Problems urinating.Shortness of breath. Vomiting.

What To Think About-If you are past menopause, a hysteroscopy can be done anytime.Removing uterine fibroids during a hysteroscopy may be possible instead of performing a hysterectomy in some women with abnormal bleeding.A hysteroscopy is not recommended for women with cervical cancer or pelvic inflammatory infection.

Operative Hysteroscopy using in-office Hysteroscopy and Hologic Myosure system.

Once you are under anesthesia, your doctor will insert the hysteroscope into the vagina, past the cervix, and into the uterus.

Saline fluid is pumped through a small channel in the hysteroscope to inflate the uterus.

This allows your doctor to see the fibroid or polyp and gives your doctor space in which to work.

A specifically designed device that includes a small opening with a cutting edge is inserted into a channel in the hysteroscope.

Your doctor will place the small opening of the device against the polyp or fibroid and activate the instrument to shave and remove the tissue.

Your doctor will control the placement of the instrument on the tissue until the tissue is removed. Then he or she will remove the instruments from the uterus, completing the procedure. While recovery times vary by patient, in most instances you will be able to go home within a couple of hours.