Gynae Care - Treatment - Hysteroscopy

Treatments / Hysteroscopy

which means...

Hysteroscopy

You may need a hysteroscopy or laparoscopy to further investigate the possible causes of your problem. A 'diagnostic' hysteroscopy (hystero = uterus or womb, oscopy = to look) is used to investigate problem bleeding. An 'operative' hysteroscopy is used to treat problems afecting the endometrium e.g. endometrial growths or polyps, fibroids that grow in the middle of the womb (submucous are subendometrial)

The Operation

In this procedure, a small, fibre-optic 'telescope' is used to see the internal organs. The small fibreoptic telecope passes through the cervix, so your abdomen (tummy) does not have to be opened. The lining of the uterus (the endometrium), which is the likely cause of your bleeding, can be examined and a biopsy (small piece of tissue) sent to the laboratory for further investigation under the microcope. A larger scope with operating attachments can be used to remove polyps or fibroids.

A hysteroscopy is usually performed under local or general anaesthetic as a day-case procedure and takes 15-20 minutes. No incision is made. Patients usually recover from hysteroscopy rapidly.

Operative Hysteroscopy

In addition to diagnostic hysteroscopy we can use a hysteroscope to remove fibroids (link) that are in the middle of the womb (transcervical resection of fibroids), as well as removing or ablating the endometrium (transcervical resection or ablation of the endometrium). This can be combined with the insertion of a Mirena IUS and is a minimal access solution to problem bleeding that often helps a woman avoid a hysterectomy.

Complications

Complications include bleeding and occasionally infection, which can be treated. If after the operation you have more pain and bleeding than you would expect, or if you have a fever, contact your doctor. Serious complications, e.g. perforation of the womb are uncommon and if dealt with at the time do not usually have any long term problems.

Getting help

If you wish to make an appointment to seek further advice and or treatment, please contact Dr Harrington's secretary.

it treats...

Adenomyosis

Adenomyosis is where the endometrial cells grow in the muscle of the womb.
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Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB)

This is a term we use to describe heavy or unacceptable menstrual loss, where the diagnosis is unclear.
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Endometrial polyps

A polyp is a growth of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium).
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Endometriosis

A condition where, for reasons that we do not know, the endometrial cells start growing outside the womb, typically in the pelvis. When they bleed internally they can lead to a lot of pain, especially during sex and around the time of the period.
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Fibroids

Fibroids are very common benign, non-cancerous growths (tumour) of the muscle and fibre of the womb (uterus).
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Ovarian cysts

The ovary produces an egg by producing a small cyst (often called a follicle). When the cyst bursts the egg pops out. Sometimes the cyst does not burst and goes on to get bigger and bigger, causing problems with pain and bleeding.
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Pelvic infection

A condition where infection has passed from the vagina, through neck of the womb and up to the fallopian tubes.
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Perimenopausal bleeding

Sometimes referred to as metropathica haemorrhagica this is where the uterine bleeding becomes heavier as the ovaries begin to fail and a woman approaches the menopause.
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Period problems
Uterine adhesion

Adhesions on the inside of the womb, usually as a result from surgery.
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Womens Healthcare

Your complete guide to gynaecology.