Hysteroscopy

The term hysteroscopy refers to the overview of the inside of the uterus by the gynecologist. Hysteroscopy can be performed either diagnostically, i.e. by simple observation of the endometrial cavity and endocervix, or invasively (surgically) when followed by an operation.

Hysteroscopy: How is it performed?

The way hysteroscopy is performed lies in the insertion of a thin tube, small diameter, through the cervix, inside the uterus. This tube is connected to a light source and carries with it a camera, which has the ability to record the image. In addition, through this lumen the gynecologist is able to use various surgical instruments.

 Hysteroscopy: What is its role?

The role of hysteroscopy is extremely important. More specifically, through hysteroscopy, a possible uterine pathogenesis is diagnosed promptly and validly.

Hysteroscopy is indicated in cases of women who are faced with:

• Severe pain and bleeding during the period of menstruation
• Bleeding after menopause
• Recurrent miscarriages indicating high chances of infertility
• Abnormal Pap test results
• Abnormal results include polyps (endometrial or endocervical), adhesions, submucosal fibroids, etc.

When should I undergo surgical hysteroscopy?

As mentioned above, hysteroscopy is applied to various gynecological diseases. To make our words concrete, diagnostic hysteroscopy can be transformed into invasive by removing the polyp or fibroid (under certain conditions) which are non-cancerous growths, taking histological material from the endometrium and even restoring anatomical abnormalities of the uterus such as a septum.

In addition, hysteroscopy is a method used in the investigation of infertility or in cases of repeated implantation failures after embryo transfers. In addition, it is worth mentioning that hysteroscopy is, among other things, a procedure whose duration is short and the required surgical time for the implementation of the operation can last from 10 to 30 minutes depending on each case.

Finally, the procedure of surgical hysteroscopy is performed either under sedation or without anesthesia in cases of diagnostic hysteroscopy.

What is the recovery period?

The time required for the patient to complete his recovery after surgical hysteroscopy depends on the purpose of the hysteroscopy. In cases where hysteroscopy is not only diagnostic, it is suggested to avoid sexual intercourse for a week in order to reduce the chances of infection.

Possible symptoms of hysteroscopy

Some of the symptoms that may appear during recovery are:

• Cramps
• Minor bleeding
• Dizziness
• Mild Nausea

It is important to mention that in order for the patient to relieve pain and annoying symptoms, she can take a painkiller and avoid swallowing aspirin or other drugs that cause increased bleeding.

What are the risks after the hysteroscopy procedure?

Surgical hysteroscopy is one of the safest methods for the patient. However, as with any invasive method, there is a small percentage of possible complications. More specifically, some of the complications that may appear after surgical hysteroscopy are some kind of infection or bleeding of the area.

What are the advantages of hysteroscopy?

The main advantage of hysteroscopy is that the medical procedure is performed under visual surveillance through the camera and any action is targeted. In addition, it is an extra choice for the modern gynecologist, especially in the treatment of childless women.

Obstetrician – Gynecologist Athanasios Papanikolaou has extensive experience in the entire spectrum of Gynecology and IVF. It has proven that it deals with efficiency and discretion even the most demanding cases of women. The high quality services combined with the professionalism it indicates are the basis of a successful relationship with each patient.