Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy gets its name from the thin, lighted tool used to view the womb, called a hysteroscope. This tool sends images of the inside of the womb to a video monitor.

Before the procedure, you will be given medicine to help you relax and block pain. Sometimes, medicine is given to help you fall asleep. During the procedure:

• The provider places the scope through the vagina and cervix, into the womb.
• Gas or fluid may be placed into the womb so it expands. This helps the provider see the area better.
• Pictures of the womb can be seen on the video screen.

Small tools can be placed through the scope to remove abnormal growths (fibroids or polyps) or tissue for examination.

• Certain treatments, such as ablation, can also be done through the scope. Ablation uses heat, cold, electricity, or radio waves to destroy the lining of the womb.

Hysteroscopy can last from 15 minutes to more than 1 hour, depending on what is done.

Why the Procedure Is Performed

This procedure may be done to:

• Treat heavy or irregular periods
• Block the fallopian tubes to prevent pregnancy
• Identify abnormal structure of the womb
• Diagnose thickening of the lining of the womb
• Find and remove abnormal growths such as polyps or fibroids
• Find the cause of repeated miscarriages or remove tissue after a pregnancy loss
• Remove an intrauterine device (IUD)
• Remove scar tissue from the womb
• Take a tissue sample (biopsy) from the cervix or womb

Before the Procedure

Your provider may prescribe medicine to open your cervix. This makes it easier to insert the scope. You need to take this medicine about 8 to 12 hours before your procedure.

Before any surgery, tell your provider:

• About all the medicines you take. This includes vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
• If you have diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or other health problems.
• If you are or could be pregnant.
• If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your provider for help. Smoking can slow wound healing.

In the 2 weeks before your procedure:

• You may need to stop taking drugs that make it hard for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), clopidogrel (Plavix), and warfarin (Coumadin). Your provider will tell you what you should or should not take.
• Ask your provider which medicines you can take on the day of your procedure.
• Tell your provider if you have a cold, flu, fever, herpes outbreak, or other sickness.
• You will be told when to arrive at the hospital. Ask if you need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

On the day of the procedure:

• You may be asked not to drink or eat anything 6 to 12 hours before your procedure.
• Take any approved drugs with a small sip of water.

After the Procedure

• You may go home the same day. Rarely, you may need to stay overnight. You may have:
• Menstrual-like cramps and light vaginal bleeding for 1 to 2 days. Ask if you can take over-the-counter pain medicine for the cramping.
• A watery discharge for up to several weeks.
• You can return to normal daily activities within 1 to 2 days. DO NOT have sex until your provider says it is OK.