Hysteroscopy

By: Bradley G. Goldberg, M.D.

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that enables a physician to visualize the inside of a woman’s uterus by using a special telescope-like camera. The first such procedure dates back to 1869. However, it was not until the late 1970’s that hysteroscopy gained widespread acceptance. Currently, hysteroscopy is considered a valuable tool in the OB/GYN physicians armamentarium for both the diagnosis and treatment of several gynecologic conditions.

Although there are risks associated with any procedure, the risks involved with hysteroscopy are considered to be very low. The procedure consists of first carefully dilating the natural opening in the cervix, which thereby allows entry into the uterus. After this is complete, the slender hysteroscope (which is just slightly larger than a pencil) can be inserted. Then, with the use of either carbon dioxide gas or special fluids, the inside of the uterus is gently expanded. This permits the physician to see, and if necessary, to operate.

Hysteroscopy can either be performed in the doctor’s office or in the hospital. When surgery is planned the procedure is then referred to as "operative hysteroscopy", and is usually carried out in the hospital’s operating room. The important point to make about this surgery is that patients almost always go home on the same day of the procedure. Also, they usually experience very low levels of pain afterwards. In fact, most of my patients never even use the pain medicine they were sent home with.

There are many reasons why your physician might recommend hysteroscopy. These include the diagnosis and treatment of abnormal bleeding, as well as the treatment of certain causes of infertility. Hysteroscopy can also be used to remove scar tissue and benign tumors called "fibroids", as well as many other indications.

Hysteroscopy has proven itself to be an invaluable addition to modern medicine. It can be used to both diagnose and to treat numerous gynecologic conditions, and is considered to be very safe. Your physician will help you decide if this procedure is right for you.

Bibliography:

1.  Te Linde’s Operative Gynecology, Eighth Edition, Rock, J.R., and Thompson, J.D., Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1997.

2.  Novak’s Gynecology, Twelfth Edition, Jonathan S. Berek, MD, Williams &Wilkins, Baltimore, 1996.

3.  ACOG Technical Bulletin # 191, Hysteroscopy, April, 1994.

Copyright © 2000 Coffee Women's Center, All Rights Reserved.