Definition | Reasons for Procedure | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor

Definition

This procedure uses a hysteroscope to view the inside of a woman’s uterus (womb). A hysteroscope is a long, thin telescope with a camera on the end. Other small, surgical tools may also be inserted into the uterus through the hysteroscope.

Female Reproductive Organs

Nucleus Image
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Reasons for Procedure

Hysteroscopy is done for:

The result of the hysteroscopy depends on the reason for the procedure. In some cases, the doctor may be able to treat a condition right away. In other cases, you may need further surgery or other treatment.

Possible Complications

Complications are rare. But, no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have hysteroscopy, your doctor will review a list of possible complications. These may include:

  • Swelling or bleeding
  • Infection
  • Organ injury
  • Reaction to anesthesia

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

What to Expect

Your doctor will ask about your medical history, medicines, and allergies. A physical exam will be done. Blood tests may also be done.

Leading up to the procedure:

  • Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:
    • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin)
    • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or warfarin
  • Arrange to have someone drive you home. Also, arrange for help at home.
  • If instructed, eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Depending on the reason for the hysterscopy, your doctor may use:

  • General anesthesia —blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery; used for therapeutic procedure
  • Regional anesthesia—numbs one area of the body; used for diagnostic or therapeutic procedure
  • Local anesthesia—just the area that is being operated on is numbed; given as an injection and may also be given with a sedative; used for diagnostic procedure

A device called a speculum will be inserted into the vagina. It will hold your vagina open and allow instruments to enter easily. The doctor will clean the vagina and may dilate the cervix. The hysteroscope will then be put into the uterus through the vagina and dilated cervix. The uterus will be filled with carbon dioxide gas or a liquid. This will cause the uterus to inflate, allowing the doctor to get a closer, clear look at the uterine walls.

If you are having the procedure done for diagnostic reasons, the doctor will examine the uterus for abnormal tissue. A biopsy may be taken. Or, the uterine walls may be swabbed to get cell samples.

If you are having the procedure done for therapeutic reasons, the doctor may insert small surgical tools through the hysteroscope. The doctor will use the tools to remove diseased tissue and make repairs. In some cases, the doctor will use another viewing tube called a laparoscope. It will be passed into the abdomen. This allows the doctor to monitor the outside of the uterus and detect any possible perforation of the uterus by the hysteroscope.

About 15-45 minutes (or longer for therapeutic procedure)

You will have mild cramping and soreness. Ask your doctor about pain medicine.

When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

  • Rest as needed. Ask for someone to help you at home.
  • Recovery time is short. Return to your normal activities the day after the procedure.
  • Do not take medicine without your doctor’s approval. Some medicines may make bleeding worse.
  • You may have difficulty using the bathroom for a few hours after the procedure. You may also have watery or bloody vaginal discharge for 3-4 weeks.
  • You may have some bleeding or discharge from your vagina for several days postsurgery. A sanitary napkin or pad may be worn.
  • Talk to your doctor about when it is okay to have sex, use tampons, or put anything else in the vagina.
  • Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions .

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Abnormal bleeding (more than a menstrual period)
  • Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Cough, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain
  • Trouble urinating
  • Any other concerns

In case of an emergency, call for medical help right away.