Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure. It is performed by a surgeon with a flexible tube known as a hysteroscope. This surgery allows surgeons to identify and see the inside of the uterus for irregular tissues and also assists doctors to determine the suitable treatments for the women patients.

Your healthcare practitioner might employ hysteroscopy to:

Get a biopsy sample of tissue.
Get rid of fibroid tumors or polyps.
Stop bleeding by killing tissue using chemicals, heat, freezing temperatures, or electric currents.

Types of Hysteroscopy

Diagnostic hysteroscopy:

Finding and assessment of aberrant conditions in the uterine region are performed in this type of surgery. A hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus to figure out the uterine cavity and determine any potential issues.

Operative hysteroscopy:

This procedure is a more advanced one that not only allows one to see the visual image but also enables surgical involvement. Special instruments through the hysteroscope are used to perform treatments such as:

Taking away of polyps or fibroids,
Resecting adhesions, or
Correcting uterine abnormalities.

Hysteroscopy in India

India is a known destination for medical tourism and those who are looking for an affordable operation at a reasonable cost can discover the different options that various hospitals and clinics offer.

Many patients can opt for this surgery in India due to the below factors:

To benefit from the cost of high medical services in developed countries.
Highly experienced medical experts are available in India and the various medical teams that focus on patient care and their well-being.

Reasons for Hysteroscopy

Unusual Pap test findings.
Unusual bleeding in the uterus.
After menopause, bleeding.
Pregnancy tissue that has been preserved.
Infertility and its cause.
To look for and remove any abnormal growth in the womb, such as fibroids or polyps.
Separation of scar tissues within the womb.
Therapy for the uterine septum, a malformation of the uterus.
Removing misplaced intrauterine devices.
Taking a small sample of tissue or cell for further examination.
Endometrial lining removal.

Hysteroscopy Benefits

Minimal invasive procedure:

A hysteroscope is placed via the cervix and into the uterus. This permits for precision surgery, and at the same time leading to minimal tissue damage.

Speedy recovery:

Patients can usually resume normal activities soon after the operation.

Low risk:

Complications occur in less than 1% of women who undergo a hysteroscopy.

Early diagnosis:

Hysteroscopy can detect anomalies with high accuracy, allowing dangerous illnesses to be diagnosed earlier.

Hysteroscopy Procedure

1) Before the Procedure

The doctor may inquire about medical history and surgery carried out in the past. The following details must be disclosed by the patient:

Details of any current medications,

Supplements, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.

In order to prevent blood loss during the surgery, the healthcare provider then advises the patient not to take specific medications to avoid blood clotting.
A week prior to the operation, the patient is also requested to abstain from drinking and to stop smoking in conformity with the test’s requirements.
A physical exam such as pelvic test or pregnancy test to find out if the person is physically fit for the procedure.
The healthcare may explain how to dress before the surgery, if one needs to fast or some person is needed to take the patient home after the surgery.

2) During the Procedure

Following are the steps for the surgery taken by the surgeon and his team:

Before the surgery you will empty your bladder.
An intravenous line is put in the hand or suitable place for general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Your healthcare practitioner will decide it.
You will be positioned on the operating table with your legs in the stirrups.
A pelvic test will be performed.
The vaginal part is cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
Your cervix is opened so that the thin, flexible tube can go inside the uterus through the vaginal opening.
A liquid solution is sent through the hysteroscope into your womb to clear off any blood or mucus. In this step your surgeon views your uterus, uterine lining, and fallopian tubes.
The space inside the uterus and the fallopian tubes are inspected. The light from the flexible tube enables the surgeon to get a detailed view. Sample tissues or biopsies may be taken.
To get rid of any irregular tissues, such as fibroid removal, the healthcare expert will insert suitable tools through the hysteroscope.

This procedure can last from five minutes to more than sixty minutes. Depending on whether you opt for diagnostic or operative surgery, the duration of the procedure may vary.

Potential Risks

Although hysteroscopy being safe, possible complications that can arise due to the procedure include:

Perforation of uterus:

This is rare and observed in nearly 1 % of the cases. It can be managed with antibiotics or surgery.

Infection:

Although not prominent, there is some possibility of acquiring an infection after the surgery. Antibiotics can help to reduce the risk.

Bleeding.

Discharge from the vagina.

Pelvic inflammatory disease.

If carbon dioxide is used to expand the uterus then embolism, then a blockage known as embolism that obstructs the proper flow of blood is likely to occur.

Damage to the cervix can also be noticed but is rare.