Hysteroscopy Information
Procedure and indications
Hysteroscopy (the use of a small optical tube that is inserted through the vagina into the uterus without incision to see the uterine cavity) helps determine:
- the size and depth of the uterine cavity, the presence of congenital abnormalities within the uterus, such as a septum that divides the inside of the uterus, or a double uterus
- the presence of polyps or fibroid tumours in the uterine cavity
- whether specific abnormalities of the endometrium (lining of the uterus) are present, e.g. hyperplasia (build-up the lining of the uterus), tuberculosis, or cell changes that indicate early cancer.
Hysteroscopy takes only a few minutes and can sometimes be performed without general anaesthetic. The examination is performed with the woman lying on her back with her legs apart, using a speculum (the instrument used for a pap smear). The telescope is passed through the cervix and a gas or liquid is injected to distend the uterine cavity a little so that it is possible to see. Generally a small piece of tissue (biopsy) is taken from the endometrium (lining of the womb) after the hysteroscopy is finished.
Afterwards
If a general anaesthetic is given, the procedure is normally done as a day case and the woman can go home a couple of hours afterwards, but should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours. It is quite normal to need simple pain relief and to have some vaginal bleeding for a few days.
Risks
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is a very minor procedure and the risk of death or serious complication is extremely small. It should not be done if the woman is pregnant or has an infection.
Alternatives
Hysteroscopy is increasingly replacing "D & C" (cervical dilatation and uterine curettage or "curette") because it gives more accurate information.
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Last updated 18th March, 2001