Your doctor has recommended a hysteroscopy to investigate your problem. This minor procedure involves looking inside the uterus with a small telescope. It may be performed under sedation or local anaesthetic alone or a general anaesthetic.
Once in the operating theatre you will be given some sedating drugs, local or general anaesthetic and your legs will be placed in comfortable supports. Your vulva and vagina are then cleansed with antiseptic solution. An instrument called a speculum is used to view the upper vagina and cervix. A small telescope is then passed via your vagina through the cervix and into the cavity of the uterus (womb). The walls of the uterus usually sit together. To enable the walls of the uterus to be visualised saline (salt water) is passed through the telescope to gently distend the uterine cavity. Using a video monitor your doctor can inspect the inside of the uterus for any abnormalities. After the hysteroscopy the cervix is gently opened to allow a biopsy of the lining of the uterus to be taken (known as an endometrial biopsy). This has mostly replaced the traditional Dilatation and Curettage or Curette, which is only occasionally performed.
An operative hysteroscopy is a procedure whereby instruments are passed through fine channels inside the hysteroscope. Using these instruments abnormalities in the womb may be removed by cutting with very small scissors or by using electrical current (diathermy). Special microinserts can also be introduced along the same channel to block the tubes (Essure Sterilisation) in those women seeking permanent contraception.
Hospital Stay - In most cases you can go home within several hours of the surgery.
Post operative pain - Crampy period like pain is common immediately after surgery. It usually passes within 24 hours.
Vaginal Bleeding - Light bleeding is very common in the first 48 hours and usually settles within a week or so. Tampons are probably best avoided for a few days but may be used as long as they are changed regularly (ie every 4 hours). Any bleeding that is offensive or heavier than a period, significant pain or fever should be reported to your doctor.
Return to work - You can return to non-strenuous employment the next day although you may elect to have 1-2 days off (dependant on your type of employment).
Return to normal activity - Activities such as driving and sport may be resumed when you feel comfortable, although you should not drive a car within 24 hours of a general anaesthetic. Sex may be resumed once all bleeding has settled. Please ask your specialist about any restrictions specific to you.
All surgery involves risks. The risk of a particular complication may vary depending on the complexity of the surgery or the severity of your condition.
These include:
During any operation there is a small chance that the surgeon may need to convert to open surgery to safely complete the procedure or deal with any complications.
The above list is not exhaustive and does not include all possible risks. If you have any further concerns please feel free to ask your specialist.