Hysteroscopy of the uterus: what it is, how it is carried out, what consequences can be

Hysteroscopy of the uterus is a procedure for diagnosis and treatment of gynecological diseases. The doctor uses a hysteroscope apparatus. He inserts a special probe with a camera into the uterus through the vagina to examine the condition of the organ. This device is also used to remove polyps or excessive overgrowth of the endometrium. Hysteroscopy is the best method of minimally invasive surgery in the uterus. There is no need to make incisions in the abdominal wall. Thanks to this, postoperative recovery is significantly faster.

Features of hysteroscopy of the uterus

During the procedure, the patient is placed on a gynecological chair. Before introducing a hysteroscope for the operation, she is given anesthesia. In case the hysteroscopy is purely diagnostic, there is no need for anesthesia. However, if the woman is very sensitive, the doctor can make a local anesthetic.

With the help of hysteroscopy, the specialist examines the uterus not only for large formations. He examines the condition of the mucous membrane, fallopian tubes, vessels and cervical canal. Hysteroscopy lasts from 20 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the tasks of the procedure.

The hysteroscopy proceeds in stages such as:

• The external genitals, vagina and cervix are treated with antiseptic.
• Special dilators are placed in the cervical canal and a hysteroscope is inserted.
• The uterine cavity is filled with fluid or gas to make it easier to see during the examination.
• The camera displays the image of the uterus on the monitor.
• If surgery is being performed, the doctor inserts surgical instruments into the uterus through the vagina. Controlling the process on the monitor, he removes myomas, polyps, adhesions, and other masses.
• After the procedure, gas or fluid is pumped out of the uterus.

What can be the consequences of hysteroscopy

This question first of all worries patients who think whether to agree to hysteroscopy. The most common complications from this procedure:

• Perforation of the uterine wall occurs most often in older women and in those with decreased tissue elasticity and cervical atrophy. If the perforation is too large, it is sutured. Often, however, these are small injuries that do not require special treatment. Usually the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs and compresses.
• Bleeding is the result of trauma to the uterus. It can be immediately after surgery or on 7-10 days. Most often it happens when the doctor removes myoma nodes or endometrial tissue. He prescribes drugs that stop bleeding.
• After hysteroscopy, adhesions can form, especially if the operation was on a large area. They are manifested by pulling pains in the lower abdomen and scanty menstrual discharge. To avoid this, it is required to comply with all the doctor's prescriptions. Much depends on the professionalism of the specialist during the operation.

Also, many patients fear infection. This rarely happens, because during operations, high sanitary standards are observed. It is also important to follow the doctor's instructions after surgery. If an infection occurs, the doctor prescribes antibiotics.