What is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is a procedure by which the doctor can see inside the uterus by using an instrument called a hysteroscope, which is inserted through the vagina. The doctor may perform hysteroscopy in the office using local anesthesia. Some hysteroscopy procedures are done in a hospital or ambulatory surgical center (ASC) setting. Common hysteroscopy procedures include the removal of fibroids, the Essure procedure, ablations, and infertility workups.
How can the doctor “see” the inside of the uterus during a hysteroscopy?
The hysteroscope works in much the same way as the laparoscope. When the doctor inserts the hysteroscope, fiberoptic light allows the physician to visualize the inside of the uterus and openings of the fallopian tubes.
What are the risks of hysteroscopy?
After a hysteroscopy, a woman may experience some bleeding, particularly if a growth was removed during the procedure. Procedures involving general anesthesia carry some degree of risk. Generally, hysteroscopy is considered a safer procedure than laparoscopy.
The New Harvard Guide to Women’s Health, by Karen J. Carlson, M.D., Stephanie A. Eisenstat, M.D., and Terra Ziporyn, Ph.D. Harvard University Press (2004).