Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows gynecologists to examine the inside of the uterus for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Using a hysteroscope, a thin, lighted tube inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, doctors can identify and treat various uterine conditions without the need for more invasive surgery. This page will explore what hysteroscopy entails, its benefits, and the conditions it treats.

If you have been told you need a hysteroscopy and would like to discuss the surgery with Dr. Sanchez, do not hesitate to send her an email or make an appointment.

What is Hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy involves using a hysteroscope to directly visualize the uterine cavity. This procedure can be performed either in a doctor’s office or in a hospital setting, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated. Please note that a hysteroscopy can only visualize the vagina, cervix and uterine cavity. This procedure cannot assess the outer uterus, ovaries or bladder.

There are two main types of hysteroscopy:

  1. Diagnostic Hysteroscopy
    • Purpose: Used to diagnose uterine problems, such as abnormal bleeding, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages.
    • Procedure: It is relatively quick, usually lasting less than 30 minutes.
  2. Operative Hysteroscopy
    • Purpose: Used to treat conditions identified during a diagnostic hysteroscopy or previously diagnosed by other means.
    • Procedure: Surgical instruments are passed through the hysteroscope to perform procedures such as removing polyps, fibroids, or adhesions.

Benefits of Hysteroscopy

  1. Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional surgery, hysteroscopy does not involve large incisions. This leads to less pain, reduced risk of infection, and quicker recovery times.

  2. Direct Visualization: Provides a clear view of the uterine cavity, allowing for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.

  3. Outpatient Procedure: Many hysteroscopic procedures can be done on an outpatient basis, reducing the need for hospital stays.

  4. Versatility: Can be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, often in the same session.

Conditions Treated by Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a versatile tool for diagnosing and treating a variety of uterine conditions:

  1. Abnormal Uterine Bleeding
    • Description: Hysteroscopy can identify the cause of heavy, irregular, or postmenopausal bleeding.
    • Treatment: Polyps, fibroids, or endometrial hyperplasia (thickened lining) can be treated during the procedure.

  2. Uterine Polyps
    • Description: Polyps are noncancerous growths attached to the inner wall of the uterus.
    • Symptoms: They can cause irregular menstrual bleeding or infertility.
    • Treatment: Polyps can be easily removed during a hysteroscopy.

  3. Fibroids (Submucosal)
    • Description: Fibroids are benign tumors that can grow within the uterine cavity.
    • Symptoms: They may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or fertility issues.
    • Treatment: Submucosal fibroids can be shaved down or removed hysteroscopically.

  4. Adhesions (Asherman’s Syndrome)
    • Description: Scar tissue within the uterus can lead to reduced menstrual flow, infertility, or recurrent miscarriages.
    • Symptoms: Often cause abnormal uterine bleeding or difficulty conceiving.
    • Treatment: Hysteroscopy can be used to locate and remove adhesions, restoring normal uterine function.

  5. Septate Uterus
    • Description: A congenital malformation where a band of tissue divides the uterine cavity.
    • Symptoms: Can cause recurrent miscarriages or infertility.
    • Treatment: The septum can be removed hysteroscopically to improve reproductive outcomes.

  6. Endometrial Hyperplasia
    • Description: A condition where the endometrial lining becomes too thick, often due to hormonal imbalances.
    • Symptoms: Can lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and increase the risk of endometrial cancer.
    • Treatment: Hysteroscopy can be used to biopsy the endometrial tissue for diagnosis and to evaluate for cancer, and to remove excessive tissue.

  7. Infertility
    • Description: Hysteroscopy can help identify uterine factors contributing to infertility.
    • Diagnosis: Provides a detailed view of the uterine cavity to detect abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or congenital malformations.

  8. Postmenopausal Bleeding
    • Description: Any bleeding after menopause requires investigation to rule out serious conditions, including cancer.
    • Diagnosis and Treatment: Hysteroscopy allows for direct examination and biopsy of the endometrial lining.

Conclusion

Hysteroscopy is a valuable tool for diagnosing and treating various uterine conditions. Its minimally invasive nature, combined with the ability to provide both diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, makes it a preferred choice for many gynecological issues. Understanding the procedure and its benefits can help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health. If you are experiencing symptoms that may require hysteroscopy, consult with your healthcare provider to discuss whether this procedure is right for you.

About the author: Dr. Sanchez is a Board Certified Obstetrician Gynecologist and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. If you are looking for a new Ob/Gyn in Miami to talk to about hysteroscopy and other surgeries, you can always make an appointment byΒ calling the clinicΒ orΒ booking online. Dr. Sanchez explores this and other subjects onΒ her Instagram, so make sure to follow along!

Disclaimer: All content is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis or medication treatment of a qualified physician. Resources listed here do not imply endorsement of any content. Should the reader have any health concerns, promptly seek a consultation with your physician.