Hysteroscopy | Procedure, Cost, Recovery & Side Effects

A hysteroscopy procedure may be recommended as part of a cost-effective infertility workup to evaluate the cervix, endocervical canal, uterine cavity, and fallopian tubes for possible infertility causes. It's also suggested for women with heavy menstrual periods and severe cramping. This procedure allows doctors to look inside the uterus to diagnose and treat causes of abnormal bleeding.

What Is Hysteroscopy Surgery?

Hysteroscopy involves using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube inserted into the vagina to check the cervix and inside of the uterus. This allows the doctor to diagnose issues and take samples if necessary.

When Is Hysteroscopy Suggested?

A hysteroscopy procedure is recommended for:

• Abnormal periods
• Bleeding after menopause
• Diagnosing fibroids, polyps, or scar tissues
• Identifying uterine malformations
• Recurrent miscarriages
• Biopsy recommendations
• Infertility workup
• Locating an IUD
• Abnormal Pap smear tests
• Sterilization

How Is The Hysteroscopy Procedure Done?

The hysteroscopy procedure steps involve:

• Using a vaginal speculum to dilate the cervix.
• Inserting the hysteroscope into the cervix to reach the uterus.
• Expanding the uterus with carbon dioxide gas or saline solution for a clear view.

The procedure can be performed under local or general anesthesia. If abnormalities are found, additional procedures like curettage may be performed.

Types of Hysteroscopy

• Diagnostic Hysteroscopy: Used to diagnose uterine problems and identify abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, and adhesions. This typically takes 30 minutes and is often done on a day-care basis.
• Operative Hysteroscopy: Treats abnormalities found during diagnostic hysteroscopy. It can include procedures like myomectomy, polypectomy, and adhesiolysis.
• Hysteroscopy With Uterine Adhesiolysis: During procedures like D&C or myomectomy, some women may develop scar tissue that affects the uterine cavity, known as Asherman’s Syndrome. Hysteroscopic adhesiolysis removes these adhesions from the uterus.
• Hysteroscopic Metroplasty : A uterine septum, a common cause of recurrent miscarriages, can be treated with hysteroscopic metroplasty. This procedure uses a hystroscope to remove the septum and restore the uterus to its normal shape. Patients typically undergo hormone therapy for 1 to 2 months after the procedure.
• Hysteroscopic Endometrial Ablation : For women with irregular bleeding who haven’t found relief with medication, hysteroscopic endometrial ablation may be an option if they are finished with childbearing. This procedure uses a hystroscope to destroy the endometrium with energy or hot water. Outcomes include:
  • 40% of women experience lighter periods
  • 40% may stop menstruating entirely
  • 20% may see no change
• Hysteroscopy With D&C: Hysteroscopy with D&C (Dilation and Curettage) helps diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding and rule out malignancy in post-menopausal women. It involves dilating the cervix and scraping the uterine lining under anesthesia.
• Hysteroscopic Sterilisation : Hysteroscopic tubal occlusion is a permanent sterilization method where small devices are placed in the fallopian tubes. These devices block the tubes over three months, causing permanent sterilization. A hysterosalpingogram can confirm success after three months.
• Hysteroscopic Tubal Cannulation : Hysteroscopic tubal cannulation is for women with mild tubal blockages. A hystroscope is used to view the fallopian tubes, and a small catheter is placed to restore tubal patency. Confirmation of patency can be done via laparoscopy or a post-operative hysterosalpingogram.

Side Effects

• Anesthesia problems
• Cervical tearing or damage
• Infections
• Bleeding or uterine perforation
• Nausea and vomiting from fluid absorption
• Damage to nearby organs
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Recovery

After a hysteroscopy procedure, patients may experience mild nausea, dizziness, and cramping, manageable with pain medication. Light spotting for a day or two is common, and shoulder pain may occur if carbon dioxide gas was used. Patients can usually return home the same day with local anesthesia, resuming regular activities within 48 hours. If general anesthesia was used, a day's observation may be required. Avoid sexual intercourse for at least two weeks, and contact your doctor if heavy bleeding, foul discharge, continuous pain, or fever occurs.

Hysteroscopy For Infertility

Hysteroscopy is valuable for diagnosing and treating infertility. It helps inspect the uterine cavity and assess endometrial and tubal factors affecting fertility. Studies suggest that hysteroscopy can improve fertility rates in many women.

Cost

The hysteroscopy cost varies depending on whether it's diagnostic or operative. Costs are higher for complex procedures and can differ by location and anesthesia type. For detailed cost information, call +917862800700 or email contact@medicoverfertility.in.

Difference Between Hysteroscopy & Laparoscopy

Diagnostic hysteroscopy views inside the uterine cavity, while diagnostic laparoscopy examines the outside of the uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and pelvic area.

Frequently Asked Questions