Dr. Ulhas Pote

Hysteroscopy Diagnostic

Description
Faq's

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look inside your uterus in order to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding. Hysteroscopy is done using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube that is inserted into the vagina to examine the cervix and inside of the uterus. Hysteroscopy can be either diagnostic or operative.

What is diagnostic hysteroscopy?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose problems of the uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is also used to confirm results of other tests, such as hysterosalpingography (HSG). HSG is an X-ray dye test used to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can many times be done in an office setting.

Additionally, hysteroscopy can be used with other procedures, such as laparoscopy, or before procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C). In laparoscopy, your doctor will insert an endoscope (a slender tube fitted with a fiber optic camera) into your abdomen to view the outside of your uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes. The endoscope is inserted through an incision made through or below your navel.

What is operative hysteroscopy?

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose problems of the uterus. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is also used to confirm results of other tests, such as hysterosalpingography (HSG). HSG is an X-ray dye test used to check the uterus and fallopian tubes. Diagnostic hysteroscopy can many times be done in an office setting.

Operative hysteroscopy is used to correct an abnormal condition that has been detected during a diagnostic hysteroscopy. If an abnormal condition was detected during the diagnostic hysteroscopy, an operative hysteroscopy can often be performed at the same time, avoiding the need for a second surgery. During operative hysteroscopy, small instruments used to correct the condition are inserted through the hysteroscope.

When is operative hysteroscopy used?

Your doctor may perform hysteroscopy to correct the following uterine conditions:

Polyps and fibroids —Hysteroscopy is used to remove these non-cancerous growths found in the uterus.
Adhesions —Also known as Asherman’s Syndrome, uterine adhesions are bands of scar tissue that can form in the uterus and may lead to changes in menstrual flow as well as infertility. Hysteroscopy can help your doctor locate and remove the adhesions.
Septums — Hysteroscopy can help determine whether you have a uterine septum, a malformation of the uterus that is present from birth.
Abnormal bleeding— Hysteroscopy can help identify the cause of heavy or lengthy menstrual flow, as well as bleeding between periods or after menopause. Endometrial ablation is one procedure in which the hysteroscope, along with other instruments, is used to destroy the uterine lining in order to treat some causes of heavy bleeding.

What are the benefits of hysteroscopy?

Compared with other, more invasive procedures, hysteroscopy may provide the following advantages:

Shorter hospital stay
Shorter recovery time
Less pain medication needed after surgery
Avoidance of hysterectomy
Possible avoidance of "open" abdominal surgery

How safe is hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a relatively safe procedure. However, as with any type of surgery, complications are possible. With hysteroscopy, complications occur in less than 1 percent of cases and can include:

Risks associated with anesthesia
Infection
Heavy bleeding
Injury to the cervix, uterus, bowel or bladder
Intrauterine scarring
Reaction to the substance used to expand the uterus

When should the procedure be performed?

Your doctor may recommend scheduling the hysteroscopy for the first week after your menstrual period. This timing will provide the doctor with the best view of the inside of your uterus. Hysteroscopy is also performed to determine the cause of unexplained bleeding or spotting in postmenopausal women.

What does perinatal mean?

Perinatal means the period “all around” birth. We use it to mean the period of time all throughout pregnancy as well as the baby’s first year.

How is this different than the “baby blues?”

Most new mothers – experts estimate about 80% — experience mood swings and weepiness during the first 2-3 weeks after giving birth. Sometimes called “the baby blues”, this is a normal adjustment period and resolves without any medical assistance.

I feel scared and anxious. Is this related to PPD?

Yes it is related. PPD is a term that most people use to describe postpartum emotional distress, but many pregnant and postpartum moms have mostly anxiety-related symptoms – feeling irritable, agitated, or overwhelmed — without primary depression. Perinatal anxiety might include insomnia, low appetite, fears and worries, restlessness, and physical symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or aches and pains. Anxiety is a real condition, and it is completely treatable. You can learn more about perinatal anxiety here.

What if I’m not feeling depressed? Are there other perinatal mental health reactions or disorders?

Yes, during pregnancy or postpartum, approximately 1 out of every 7 women experiences significant depression, anxiety, intrusive repetitive thoughts, panic, or post traumatic stress. Some women experience symptoms of a bipolar depression, which is a cyclical, deep depression with periods of very high energy, decreased need for sleep, and changing moods (mania). These reactions can also occur with miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth or infant loss. The least common reaction is postpartum psychosis, which occurs after 1 or 2 per thousand births. In the news and on TV, postpartum psychosis is often called depression, but it is a separate and unique illness. You can learn more in our section on difficult symptoms during pregnancy and postpartum.

What should a mom do if she thinks she has perinatal depression or anxiety?

She should reach out as soon as she can, and talk to supportive and informed people. She should start by talking to her care provider. Admitting there may be a problem is the most important step a mother can take for herself and her family. Some mothers find it helpful to write down symptoms and feelings prior to an appointment with their care provider. It may also be helpful to take a supportive person with her to the appointment.