Hysteroscopy is known as a diagnostic-therapeutic method. This method is used in gynecological diseases and infertility problems. During this process, a thin, flexible tube called a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed for problems such as heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstruation, spotting and bleeding between periods, and the problems of infertile patients to examine intrauterine problems. Therapeutic hysteroscopy is also used for therapeutic and surgical procedures. The duration of diagnostic or therapeutic hysteroscopy is from 5 minutes to more than 1 hour. In diagnostic hysteroscopy, the light and camera at the end of the hysteroscope allow the doctor to see the uterus and fallopian tubes. In contrast, in therapeutic hysteroscopy, surgical instruments such as scissors, electrodes, lasers, etc. are inserted into the uterus through a hysteroscopic tube. Burning and cramping similar to menstrual cramps, spotting and bleeding may occur for several days after surgery.
Why is hysteroscopy performed?
Diagnosis and treatment are much more accurate using hysteroscopy; Because with the help of a hysteroscope, the uterine cavity is completely accessible and the doctor can observe and treat the existing problems at the same time.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy
Diagnostic hysteroscopy is usually performed after menstruation. In this way, the person is less at risk because of possible pregnancy. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose the cause of recurrent miscarriages, diagnose some problems such as polyps and fibroids (non-cancerous masses in the uterus), examine fertility issues and pelvic pain. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
Therapeutic hysteroscopy
Many problems that have been examined during diagnostic hysteroscopy can be treated with the help of therapeutic hysteroscopy. Therapeutic hysteroscopy is similar to diagnostic hysteroscopy, except that the hysteroscope is wider in this method; Because surgical instruments such as scissors, forceps, samples, lasers, electrodes, etc. must be sent into the uterus through a hysteroscope. With hysteroscopy, fibroids, scar tissue, and polyps can be removed from the uterus. Some congenital disorders, such as uterine septum and adhesions due to infection or surgery, can also be treated with a hysteroscope.