What is a Hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and the inside of the uterus.
Hysteroscopy can be used to investigate symptoms or problems or to perform minor surgical procedures.
Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
This procedure helps your Viva Eve doctor make a definitive diagnosis. Your doctor may recommend a diagnostic hysteroscopy if you have:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- More than two consecutive miscarriages
- Difficulty conceiving
During the hysteroscopy procedure New York, the doctor can also use the hysteroscope to remove cells from your uterine lining, so that they can be checked for abnormalities under a microscope.
Operative Hysteroscopy
This procedure can also be used as an alternative to more invasive surgeries. Hysteroscopy carries fewer risks and offers a shorter recovery time than other procedures, but it may still take some time before you feel fully recovered.
Operative hysteroscopy New York can be used for:
- Removal of polyps. A hysteroscopy polypectomy allows your doctor to remove the polyps without doing invasive surgery.
- Removal of fibroid tumors. Your doctor might be able to remove your fibroids if they are relatively small, mostly or completely inside the uterus, and easily accessible.
- IUD Removal. Your doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy to remove your IUD if it becomes embedded in your uterine lining or is otherwise difficult to locate.
- Removal of adhesions. Adhesions are bands of scar tissue that develop on and around your organs. With a hysteroscopy, your doctor can locate and remove the adhesions.
What are the risks and benefits of hysteroscopy?
Benefits
Compared with other, more invasive procedures, hysteroscopy may provide the following advantages:
- Shorter recovery time.
- Can be performed at the Ob/Gyn office (not at the hospital)
- Less pain medication needed after surgery.
- Avoidance of hysterectomy.
- Possible avoidance of “open” abdominal surgery.
Risks
Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any type of surgery, complications are possible. With hysteroscopy New York, complications occur in less than 1% of cases and can include:
- Risks associated with anesthesia.
- Infection.
- Heavy bleeding.
- Injury to the cervix, uterus, bowel, or bladder.
- Intrauterine scarring.
- Reaction to the substance used to expand the uterus.
FAQs
