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Hysteroscopy
A diagnostic procedure, that allows the gynaecologist a
direct view of the womb.
PURPOSE
Hysteroscopy is mainly used as a diagnostic procedure, although
it has other uses aswell. Your doctor may use this method in
conjunction with other minor surgical procedures, as in the
locating of polyps in the womb, before performing a D & C to
remove them; the surgeon can also use this method as a means of
checking whether the removal of the polyps was successful.
Hysteroscopy is also sometimes used in endometrial ablation,
whereby the womb lining or endometrium is destroyed through the
use of a laser, or in the case of endometrial resection, where
the womb lining is cut away. These procedures would obviously
only be suited to the older woman, as they do remove the womb
lining permanently, meaning that it does not grow again, as it
would after a biopsy, thus making it virtually impossible to
conceive. These procedures are therefore used to resolve heavy,
painful periods, in the event of hormone treatment proving
unsuccessful.
PROCEDURE
In the case of the hysteroscopy being carried out on its own,
sedation and a local anaesthetic would be all that is needed,
however, a general anaesthetic would be required if it is used
in conjunction with other procedures. During this procedure, the
doctor dilates (widens) the cervix slightly, then inserts a
hysteroscope into the womb. This instrument has the thickness of
a pencil with a light and a telescopic lens at one end. There is
also often several channels in it; one for looking through,
another through which fluid or gas can be introduced into the
womb - to separate the walls of the womb, thus creating a
clearer picture, and a channel through which fine instruments
can be passed in the event of minor surgery.
RECOVERY
Performed alone, there are no after-effects and recovery is
immediate.
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