Internal examination of the uterus using a viewing instrument called a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy is used to detect disorders of the uterine cavity and of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), to obtain BIOPSY samples, to remove small polyps, and to perform endometrial ablation (destruction of the endometrium). Local or general anaesthesia is used, and hysteroscopy may be an outpatient or day hospital procedure.
Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose some problems in the uterus. The best time for hysteroscopy is during the first week or so after your period. During this time your physician is best able to view the inside of the uterus. Complications are unexpected problems that can occur during or after the procedure. Most women are not affected. The possible complications of any surgery include bleeding during or very soon after the procedure, infection and an unexpected reaction to the anaesthetic. Diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy can be performed together or as separate procedures, depending on the patient and the nature of the patient’s medical condition. Because hysteroscopy leaves the uterus intact, in many cases it can offer a desirable alternative to hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) as a treatment for abnormal bleeding. When the hysteroscopy includes one or more procedures that aim to clarify or solve a problem it is called an operative hysteroscopy.