Hysteroscopy is a procedure of looking inside the womb (uterine cavity) with a thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope that is inserted through the vagina. It offers an excellent visual access to the inner side of the cervix and uterus and helps us to diagnose and treat any abnormal conditions within the cervix and uterine cavity. It may be used to evaluate and treat specific problems inside the uterus, such as polyps, adhesions or a uterine septum, that can contribute to infertility or recurrent miscarriage. It is not a routine test for every woman with infertility.
Before your procedure, gather as much information as you can. Talk to professionals to clear your queries. Stay relaxed. Have your partner or relative accompany you to the procedure.
After a hysteroscopy, you can expect light bleeding, potential discharge and cramping. You will be kept under observation for a few hours before sending home.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy helps to visualise the interior of cervix and uterine cavity. It may help to evaluate the uterine cavity in selected cases of infertility, abnormal uterine bleeding, recurrent miscarriages and post-menopausal bleeding.
Polyps are usually benign out-growths arising from the cervix or uterine cavity. Sometimes, they may cause heavy bleeding, pain and infertility. Hysteroscopy is useful for identifying and removing such polyps.
Uterine septum is a common cause of infertility and recurrent miscarriages. It is a congenital malformation in which a fibrous septum of variable thickness and length is seen within the womb. Hysteroscopy helps in diagnosing and treating the septum in the same procedure. A scissors or electrocoagulation device is used to cut the septum and to restore the normal uterine cavity
Fibroids or myomas are benign growths arising from the uterine wall. Fibroids projecting into the uterine cavity and causing heavy menstrual bleeding, pain in the abdomen, infertility or recurrent miscarriages can be treated by hysteroscopic resection.
Repeated uterine curettages or infections can sometimes lead to damage to the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) and cause intra-uterine adhesions. The woman may have reduced menstrual bleeding, absence of regular menses, difficulty conceiving or sometimes, miscarriages. These intra-uterine adhesions are best diagnosed and treated by hysteroscopy. But, this pathology is notorious for recurrence in short duration.
Laparoscopic or hysteroscopic surgery may offer smaller incisions or shorter recovery for selected conditions. The appropriate surgical approach depends on diagnosis, anatomy, previous surgery, fertility goals and procedure complexity.
