The word ‘hystero’ is derived from Greek which means the ‘womb or the uterus”. Hysteroscopy is an interventional technique for examining the uterus with the help of a specialized instrument called as the Hysteroscope. A hystersocope is an instrument which is usually fitted with a light and a camera for examining the uterus without difficulty. Hysteroscopy is a fairly common procedure and is used to study the uterus for any abnormalities like bleeding, uterine fibroids, cause of infertility and cancer.
What are the indications of hysteroscopy procedure ?
Hysteroscopy is a method of examining the uterus for any abnormalities, few of the common ones are enlisted as under.
- Bleeding in women post menopause
- To identify any growths in the uterine wall such as fibroids or polyps
- To identify cancerous growth in the uterus or the cervix
- To check for any blockage in the fallopian tubes
- To position or to remove any intra-uterine contraceptive devices
- To implant a intra-uterine contraceptive device
What are the contraindications of hysteroscopy procedure ?
It is essential to inform your gynecologist about your symptoms in detail with any history of bleeding or clotting disorders or if you are pregnant, as this procedure might lead to complications in future.
How do you prepare for a hysteroscopy procedure ?
If you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms it is advised to consult with a gynecologist who will conduct a thorough examination and also would advise for an ultrasound to look for any abnormalities. The consultant might also suggest you to undergo hysteroscopy procedure to identify any pathology associated with the uterus. The doctor will ask you to get the procedure done after your menstrual cycle and before ovulation( one week after your menstrual cycle).
It is advised to inform your consulting doctor if you are on any medication or if you are expecting, to avoid any potential complications.
What happens during a hysteroscopy procedure ?
Hysteroscopy is usually done in an operating room by a trained gynecologist. The patient is made to lie on her back and footrests are used to elevate the legs to help the consultant in performing the procedure. The doctor might ask you to not use any tampons or sanitary napkins at least 24 hours before the procedure. It is also required to empty your bladder before the procedure. The operating consultant will administer anesthesia (local) or general anesthesia (rarely)to numb the area to be examined along with sedatives to put you to sleep. The procedure involves insertion of a specialized instrument called as ‘Speculum” into the vagina. The speculum is lubricated for easy insertion and helps in the doctor to visualize the vaginal opening as it helps in further guiding of hystersocope in the uterus. The hystersocope is fitted with a camera and hence helps in visualizing the lining of the uterus and the fallopian tubes.
The hysteroscopy procedure might be slightly modified in cases when the doctor is expecting a cancerous growth in the uterine wall. The consulting doctor might conduct a minor biopsy of the uterine tissue along with special instruments used with the hysterscope. The biopsied tissue is further sent for a laboratory examination to rule out cancer.
The entire length of the hysteroscopy procedure is usually 30-45 minutes.
What care is advised after hysteroscopy procedure ?
The hysteroscopy procedure can have side effects such as feeling of heaviness, dizziness and abdominal sickness. It is advised to not engage in any sexual activity after the procedure, avoid using sanitary napkins, tampons and playing any sports to avoid post procedural complications. The normal activities can be resumed after consultation with your doctor.
What are the risks associated with a hysteroscopy procedure ?
A fluid or a gaseous substance is used during the hysteroscopy procedure which might leave the patient bloated or uneasy after the procedure. Some amount of bleeding might also occur during the procedure. Fever, lower abdominal pain, difficulty in urination and nausea are other side effects of hysteroscopy. The rare complications include any damage to the uterine wall, bladder or cervix which might require a surgical intervention.
How are results of a hysteroscopy procedure interpreted?
The hysteroscopy procedure helps a specialist in analyzing if the uterine tissue is normal if no growths are detected and the fallopian tubes are not blocked. The hysteroscopy report is abnormal when there is variation in shape and size of the uterus, any growths like fibroids or polyps are detected, fallopian tubes are blocked and when an intra uterine device is detected.
What is the outcome of hysteroscopy procedure ?
Hysteroscopy is an interventional procedure which is mainly performed to detect the causes of abnormal bleeding from the uterus. It is also used as a diagnostic tool to identify and diagnose uterine fibroids and polyps. Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure and is also used as a diagnostic aid in the identification of cancer. The procedure is performed by trained experts who on appropriate examination of your symptoms and overall health suggest if a hysteroscopy procedure is indicated for you or not.
How to find and reach gynecologists for hysteroscopy procedure ?
Now you can find gynecologists for hysteroscopy procedure from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions from multiple gynecologists, get approximate cost of hysteroscopy procedure from different hospitals, compare things and then choose a gynecologist for hysteroscopy procedure. Find and choose a gynecologist for hysteroscopy procedure on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
