1. What is a hysteroscopy?
This is a technique where we use a special camera to look into your uterus from down below .We do not make any incisions anywhere.
2. Why is it done?
It is usually done when we need to make sure that the inside of your uterus (cavity) is normal.
This is very important before an IVF because the success rate depends on a normal cavity. We also may do a gentle curette is scrape the lining of your womb if necessary and if it is abnormal.
3. What else can we do during a hysteroscopy?
We can also see if there are growths called polyps or fibroids inside the uterine cavity. If possible, we will remove them to make your uterine cavity smooth and normal.
4. What must be done before the procedure?
Before the procedure, you will be advised some blood tests. You need to avoid food and drink for 6 hours before the procedure.
5. How is a hysteroscopy done?
This is done under general anaesthesia
The hysteroscope is a thin long instrument with a camera at one end.
We first dilate the cervix (opening of the uterus)
We next distend the uterine cavity with saline as we look inside to see clearly
It takes no longer than 5 – 10 minutes to complete the procedure.
6. Do I have to be admitted for the procedure?
This is a day procedure. You will be asked to come in the morning and can get back home by evening. You will be able to get back to work in a day.
7. What will happen after the procedure?
You may feel a bit drowsy and sick soon after the procedure. This will settle in a few hours.
You may have vaginal bleeding which usually settles within a week.
8. What are the possible complications?
This is a very safe operation, but every operation and anaesthetic carries a small risk.
Occasionally the dilator is pushed through the wall of the uterus into the abdominal cavity.
This sounds very alarming but all that is usually done is to extend the hospital stay another day or two.
An infection of the womb and tubes can follow a hysteroscopy. We usually give you antibiotics to prevent this from happening.