- What is surgical hysteroscopy?
- Why is it performed?
- What does it consist of?
- Preparation for surgical hysteroscopy
- Care after the procedure
What is surgical hysteroscopy?
Surgical hysteroscopy is a clinical procedure by which the specialist can visualize the cervix, its interior and the openings of the fallopian tubes in order to study the functions and shape of the endometrium.
There are two types:
- Ambulatory or office hysteroscopy, which makes it possible to diagnose and treat uterine pathology without the need for surgical intervention.
- Diagnostic hysteroscopy: the hysteroscope (a lens) is introduced into the cervix to see the inside of the uterus. When samples are also taken, endometrial formations are resected, or endometrial formations are removed, it is a surgical hysteroscopy.
It is important for the patient to inform her physician about the medications she is taking,
including vitamins, herbs and dietary supplements.
Why is it performed?
Surgical hysteroscopy is performed in the following cases:
- When the patient presents menstrual irregularities and metrorrhagia.
- To carry out studies of sterility or infertility, repeated miscarriages.
- To diagnose alterations in the shape of the interior of the uterus, such as polyps, fibroids or hyperplasia, as well as to detect foreign bodies or placental debris.
- To study and control malformations of the uterus.
- To block the fallopian tubes in order to prevent pregnancy.
- To remove an IUD.
- To perform a biopsy.
What does it consist of?
The patient lies down and is placed in the gynecological examination position. A widening instrument is placed in the vagina and the vagina and the inside of the uterus are cleaned with an iodine solution. The cervix is then clamped. The specialist adapts the hysteroscope according to the size of the canal and slowly introduces it. The hysteroscope is a lighted tube connected to a video camera and television monitor. Occasionally gas or liquid may be placed inside the uterus so that it expands and the inside of the uterine cavity can be seen better. If necessary, local anesthesia may be administered to the cervix. To remove abnormal growths or tissue for analysis, tools may be placed in the hysteroscope.
Preparation for surgical hysteroscopy
Prior to surgical hysteroscopy, the specialist may prescribe a medication to open the cervix, which should be taken 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.
It is important for the patient to inform her physician of any medications she is taking, including vitamins, herbs and dietary supplements, if she has any health problems, if she is pregnant and if she smokes. On the day of the surgical hysteroscopy, the patient should not eat or drink anything in the hours prior to the procedure, and will take the indicated medication with a drink of water.
Post-procedure care
The patient can go home the same day of the procedure, since there are few cases in which hospitalization is necessary. The most important thing is that the patient does not have sexual relations until the specialist informs her that she is well enough to do so. Also, there is a possibility that the patient may experience cramps similar to those of a menstrual period and slight vaginal bleeding for a couple of days. For cramps, you can ask the specialist if it is possible to take painkillers. For the next few weeks, the patient may have watery discharge, but she will be able to return to daily life within two days of the operation.