HYSTEROSCOPY

Hysteroscopy involves looking into the interior of the uterus with a small telescope. Hysteroscopy can be done either as an office procedure or an outpatient hospital technique.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to evaluate patients that have infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or abnormal bleeding.

How is hysteroscopy done?

Office hysteroscopy is a relatively painless. Some patients require a mild pain medicine - Motrin or Anaprox- to alleviate cramping during the procedure.

The first step is to carefully dilate the cervix to allow the telescope past the uterus. Carbon dioxide gas or water is attached to the scope so that the walls of the uterus to expand. A bright light is attached to the telescope to illuminate the cavity of the uterus. The doctor with then carefully evaluate the inside of the uterus to be certain it is normal. The site where the fallopian tubes enter into the uterus can often be seen.

What can be seen with hysteroscopy?
1. "Septum" in the middle of the uterus
2. Uterine Fibroids and Polyps –which can often cause spotting before the period or     heavy bleeding during the period.
3. Adhesions or scar tissue within the uterus

What is operative hysteroscopy?

Once the telescope is introduced, a small scissors can be introduced through the telescope to cut away and remove polyps, fibroid or scar tissue.