Hysteroscopy - Treatment, Procedure And Side Effects

Hysteroscopy can be defined as an inspection of the cavity in the uterus with the help of endoscopy. It is accessed through the cervix. It is done for the diagnosis of the intrauterine pathology and serves as a way of surgical intervention as well. It is executed through the endoscope which carries light and optical fibres. The hysteroscope is introduced like a sheath providing an inflow as well as outflow channel to insufflate the uterine cavity. Sometimes, operative channels are also used for introducing necessary equipment like scissors, biopsy tools and graspers. The method of hysteroscopic resectoscope works like transurethral resectoscope and allows access to the electric hook for shaving off unwanted tissue such as fibroids inside the uterus. The diagnostic hysteroscopy is the most accepted and the most preferred way of diagnosing the problems present in the uterus. It is often used in close conjunction with other procedures including dilation and curettage or laparoscopy. There are two variants of hysteroscopy, namely, the diagnostic hysteroscopy and the operative hysteroscopy. Operative hysteroscopy is used for treating the problems of the uterus.

There are two variants of hysteroscopy- one is operative, and the other is diagnostic. In the case of diagnostic hysteroscopy, the gynaecologist inserts a slender tube with a fitted camera into the abdomen for viewing the uterine cavity. It is also performed for ensuring the results of other tests including HSG (hysterosalpingogram). If the gynaecologist finds any abnormalities while performing the diagnostic hysteroscopy, he may proceed to correct it through operational hysteroscopy. In this method, miniature tools are used for correcting the condition. The anaesthesia used for the process comes in three forms: local, regional and general anaesthesia. In the case of the local anaesthesia, a small part of the body is numbed for a short time while regional anaesthesia helps in numbing the body for hours together. The process of hysteroscopy does not involve any cuts or sutures in the abdomen or any other region, and it doesn’t take much time to complete it. But you may have to be in the operation theatre for some hours for recovery. The expert may also choose to opt for general anaesthesia if other processes are performed along with the hysteroscopy where the patient must not feel anything for the whole procedure.

Your doctor may consider you eligible candidate for the hysteroscopy treatment if you have fibroids and polyps in the uterus, adhesions, septums and abnormal bleeding. The hysteroscopy can be used for the removal of a non-cancerous growth in the uterus. In some instances, the doctor may also choose to remove it through operational hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy can help the doctor to determine if there are any adhesions in the uterus and remove them. These adhesions are a group of scar tissue which forms in the uterus and paves the way for abnormal menstrual flow and infertility.

Even though there are several benefits of the hysteroscopy treatment, it may not be for all. There are several factors that play a role in determining whether the treatment would be suitable for a particular patient or not. Thus, it is always recommended to consult with a reputed gynaecologist who can evaluate your condition and determine whether the hysteroscopy treatment is right for your or whether you must look for some other alternatives.

If the regional or general anaesthesia is given during the process, then the patient would be observed for several hours before releasing from the healthcare facility. It is common to have slight cramping and even vaginal bleeding after the process is completed and it can last for up to 2 days. If gas was used during the process, then you may also experience some pain in your shoulder. Some patients also feel fatigued and sick after undergoing hysteroscopy, and it is normal. But you must immediately call your doctor if you see symptoms like fever, unbearable pain in the abdomen and heavy vaginal discharge.

Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure, but there is always a probability of certain complications. That is why it is always important to stick to the guidelines instructed by the gynaecologist. You will have to stay in the hospital for at least 4 hours after the treatment. You can start taking meals and drinks right after the treatment and take shower the same day of the treatment. But it is important to avoid having sex for a week or so or until the vaginal bleeding stops. Your doctor would tell you the results of the treatment if they have found anything unusual while diagnosing.

It is always recommended to take rest whenever you can. The side effects including cramps and vaginal discharge are normal, but you should seek your doctor’s attention immediately if they become unbearable. It is important to consult with the doctor if you feel shortness of breath, nausea, severe pain in the pelvic region. Most women report that they can return to their normal activities the day following hysteroscopy treatment. But you may need to take rest for a few days if you have undergone removal of fibroids.

The exact cost of the diagnosing hysteroscopy cannot be assessed as it depends on several factors. But it is fairly affordable and costs about Rs. 20,000. However, it can vary according to the quality of the treatment offered at the healthcare facility, your individual health condition, and other factors. For more information, your doctor would be able to guide you better.

Like all other treatments, hysteroscopy also has some alternatives. For instance, your doctor can take a small sample of the lining of the uterus to find out if there are any abnormalities. Also, ultrasound scans help in offering an insight to the uterus of the patient. But you should note that there are certain conditions which can only be diagnosed and cured through hysteroscopy and thus, you must consider it.