Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive method of examination, which is the direct examination of the uterus using a hysteroscope - a thin tube, which undertakes the cervix to study the uterus.
Cuts are not made during the hysteroscopy. Hysteroscope is inserted through the natural genital tract, vagina, cervix directly into the uterus. To expand the uterus (it is necessary in order to better examine the uterus)liquid or gas is introduced under pressure through the hysteroscope . Video camera and light sensor of the hysteroscope bring to the screen a few times larger picture of the uterus, cervical canal openings of the fallopian tubes. Hysteroscopy can be diagnostic or therapeutic.
In diagnostic hysteroscopy, generally there is a channel for the introduction of additional instruments, biopsy forceps, scissors, which can perform small intrauterine intervention.
The average diagnostic hysteroscopy lasts 10-20 minutes, surgical (depending on the type of surgery) - from 20 minutes to 1 hour. Length of stay in hospital after hysteroscopy depends on the amount of intervention, but usually no more than 2-3 hours.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose problems of the uterus. And also to confirm the results of other studies, such as hysterosalpingography.
Operative hysteroscopy is used to treat lesions that were detected during diagnostic hysteroscopy.
- Polyps and fibroids. Hysteroscopy is used to remove these noncancerous growths which are found in the uterus.
- Adhesions, also known as syndrome Ashermana. This is scar tissue which can be formed in the uterus and cause changes in the menstrual cycle and infertility. With hysteroscopy the doctor can find and remove adhesions.
- Partitions. Hysteroscopy allows you to determine whether you have partitions in the uterus, uterine malformations (congenital).
- Abnormal bleeding. With hysteroscopy the doctor can determine the cause of heavy or prolonged menstruation and bleeding between menstrual periods or after menopause. Endometrial ablation is a procedure when a hysteroscope is used to remove uterine lining to treat certain causes of severe bleeding.
Benefits of the hysteroscopy
- Short-term stays in the hospital.
- The rapid recovery.
- A less traumatic way.
- The possibility of avoiding hysterectomy.
- The ability to avoid "open" abdominal surgery.
Safety of the hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any type of surgery, complications are possible. Complications can occur in less than 1% of cases during the hysteroscopy and may include: risks connected with anesthesia, infection, severe bleeding, trauma cervix, uterus, bowel and bladder, intrauterine scarring.
How to make the hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is performed under general (intravenous) anesthesia. Within 6 hours before the intervention (if it is done under general anesthesia) you will be asked not to eat and drink. Before the procedure you need to pass a series of tests.
What should be expected after the procedure?
- If the procedure uses general anesthesia, you will have to remain under medical supervision for the first few hours. After the procedure, you may have a slight vaginal bleeding for one to two days and feel general weakness. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor:
- Severe pain in the abdomen.
- Heavy vaginal bleeding or other discharge.
Medical center “Damia” is equipped with a new, modern equipment for hysteroscopy (firm Karl Stotz and Soring).
The list of inspections required in preparation for a planned hysteroscopy:
- Blood type. Rh factor.
- Complete blood deployed.
- Testing for syphilis (RW).
- Testing for AIDS (HIV antibodies).
- Testing for hepatitis B HBsAg.
- Microscopy of vaginal secretions.
- Cytological smear of the cervix and poverzni kervikalnoho channel.
- Biochemical analysis of blood (ALT, AST, total bilirubin, total protein, creatinine, urea).
- Blood sugar (glucose).
- Renhtenohrafiya chest.