A hysteroscopy is a procedure where a small device with a light and camera is inserted into your uterus by the doctor. This allows the her to see inside your uterus.

There are different situations where the experts at Nimai's Borneo Mother and Child Hospitals may suggest this procedure. It can be used for surgical as well as diagnostic purposes. It may be used:

Procedure

During the procedure, you will be in the same position as a regular gynecological exam.

Here's what happens during a hysteroscopy:

1. A speculum will be used, similar to a gynecological exam, to spread the cervix.

2. They will then insert the hysteroscopy device through your vaginal opening, moving it through the cervix and into the uterus.

3. A liquid or carbon dioxide gas will be gently sent into your uterus to clear the surface and slightly widen it.

4. The hysteroscope's light and camera will help the doctor to diagnose the uterus and fallopian tubes.

If surgery is required, the surgical devices will also be inserted through the hysteroscope tube. The procedure itself is generally not painful, although you may experience some cramping. To help you relax the doctor may prescribe a sedative. The type of anesthesia required will depend on the purpose of the hysteroscopy and where it is performed.

The duration of this procedure can be somewhere from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the specific purpose. For most diagnostic purposes and simple removal of small polyps, the hysteroscopy can be done with local or regional anesthesia.

Recovery

1. Cramping

2. Slight bleeding or spotting for a day or so

3. Shoulder pain (if carbon dioxide gas was used)

4. Mild nausea

5. Lightheadedness or dizziness

After the procedure of hysteroscopy you can eat and drink immediately. If you have the procedure with only local anesthesia, you can usually leave in less than an hour. If regional anesthesia is used, the doctor may ask you to wait until its effects have worn off before going home. This may also take less than an hour, but it could take longer depending on the amount of anesthesia given.

If general anesthesia is required, it is still an outpatient procedure, and you can return home after a few hours. Overnight hospital stay for observation may be required only if you have had a past reaction to anesthesia.

In some cases, you will be prescribed medication to help with recovery. If surgery is involved, the doctor will advise you to rest for a day or two before resuming your normal activities. Follow the doctor's instructions for recovery. If the hysteroscopy is not purely diagnostic, it is recommended to avoid sexual activity for about a week to reduce the risk of infection.

Cost of hysteroscopy

The cost of a hysteroscopy varies depending on the type of procedure. A diagnostic-only procedure is generally less expensive than one that involves surgery. If your procedure is more extensive and includes surgery in a hospital with general anesthesia, the cost may be higher.

Complications

A hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure with few complications. However, since it is a type of surgery, there are some potential risks, although they are rare. These risks may include:

If you encounter any of the following symptoms, it is important to contact the doctor right away:

Outlook

The doctor may recommend a hysteroscopy for various reasons. It is a procedure that allows for a closer examination or minor surgery to ensure your long-term health and well-being. If you have any questions or concerns, it's important to communicate with the expert doctor and ask any necessary questions openly.

While the risks associated with a hysteroscopy are very low, it's still important to discuss them with the doctor before undergoing the procedure. The recovery from a hysteroscopy is typically fast, and any effects usually subside within a couple of days after the procedure.