Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is the name given to the examination of the inside of the uterus and the part of the tubes opening to the uterus with an optical camera. It is a procedure for performing diagnostic and even surgical procedures.

How Is Hysteroscopy Performed?

Hysteroscopy is performed by entering the uterus with special tools through the cervical canal through the vaginal route. In this method, images are monitored on a monitor. The tubular instrument consisting of a camera or lens system that enters the uterus is called a hysteroscope. It can be applied under local anesthesia in the examination environment or under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia in the operating room environment.

Before the operation, the patient is given medication to open the cervix, either orally or in the vagina. In order for the cervix to expand and open enough to pass the hysteroscope, it may sometimes be necessary to expand with thin long rods called spark plugs. Then, the hysteroscope is advanced into the uterus through the vagina and cervix and the image reflected on the monitor is monitored. Meanwhile, fluid is added to the uterus so that the inside of the uterus can be enlarged and observed. If necessary, surgery is performed with appropriate cutting or burning tools on the tip of the histroscope. There are two types of Hysteroscopy methods called as Diagnostic, Diagnostic or Office and Surgical or Operative.

When Should Hysteroscopy Be Performed?

The operation should generally be done in the 1st week after the menstruation ends. Because there is no blood in the uterine cavity, the cavity will be seen easily. Since there is no thickening in the uterine wall, existing polyps or fibroids will be easily seen. However, sometimes hysteroscopy can be performed in such cases as it is necessary to perform an operation for diagnosis and treatment in patients with excessive uterine bleeding due to the conditions. But in general, it is more appropriate to do it after the end of menstruation.

What Should Be Considered After The Operation?

After the operation, the person can be discharged from the hospital on the same day. There is a very rapid recovery period. Since no incision is made during the procedure, there is no healing process due to scarring and the like. There is little pain due to the hysteroscopy procedure. This is not a cause for concern, the healing process is completed quickly. Postoperative; A doctor should be consulted when there is excessive vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, fever, malodorous and excess vaginal discharge. It is normal to feel some vaginal discharge and cramps in a few days following the surgery. Simple pain medications can be used for this. Sexual intercourse should be avoided for a few days or the longest pause until the next period.

Which Diseases Is Used In The Treatment?

Hysteroscopy is an important diagnostic mechanism in investigating the causes of infertility, recurrent miscarriages, investigating the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding and detecting intrauterine pathologies and in the treatment process.

• ▪ For polyps or fibroids that cause excessive bleeding
• ▪ For congenital uterine abnormalities (septum, bicornis, arcuate, hypoplasia)
• ▪ For the investigation of recurrent IVF failure,
• ▪ For adhesions in the uterus (Asherman syndrome)
• ▪ To investigate recurrent miscarriages
• ▪ For the removal of the spiral whose thread cannot be seen or escaped into the uterus,
• ▪ Biopsy can be taken from the suspicious area under direct observation to diagnose early stage cancers of the intrauterine tissue (endometrium).
• ▪ It can be performed to confirm abnormal hysterosalpingography (HSG) or ultrasound finding.

What are the Advantages of Hysteroscopy Method?

• ▪ Most operations can be performed with little pain after the procedure without incision.
• ▪ There is little or no pain.
• ▪ The mobilization (standing up) of the patient is earlier.
• ▪ Since it is an outpatient surgical procedure, it does not require hospitalization.
• ▪ After the procedure, the person can quickly return to his routine life after resting for 1 - 2 hours.