Hysteroscopy is an advanced method used for examining uterus and cervix. Over the years it has become the most popular method among gynecologists, endocrinologists, and female infertility specialists to diagnose and treat any underlying abnormalities in cervix and uterus that’s causing issues like abnormal bleeding, infertility, painful and heavy periods, etc.
Today, it’s a widely used diagnostic and surgical procedure used by infertility and gynecological clinics across the globe. There are multiple hysteroscopy clinics in Chandigarh and Mohali that use this technique for their out-patient setting. Let’s find out more about this method.
What is Hysteroscopy and How is it administered?
Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to examine the inside of the uterus for diagnostic and treatment purposes. A tool called hysteroscope is used for this procedure which is a thin, lighted tube. It is inserted through the vagina into the cervix and uterus. It’s guided from outside by a diagnostician or a surgeon to get a detailed view inside the uterus. The eyepiece in the modern hysteroscopes is fitted with a high definition camera that allows images to be viewed on a screen.
What is Hysteroscopy used for?
Hysteroscopy is used for diagnostic purposes to find out the cause for irregular bleeding between periods, heavy and painful menstruation, infertility, hormonal imbalance, bleeding after menopause, irregular menstrual cycles, etc. It’s also used to take samples to be sent for biopsy.
An endocrinologist would most likely use it to diagnose and find the root cause for PCOS. It’s not uncommon for your surgeon to use it for both diagnosis and surgery at the same time. Here are the most common conditions that are diagnosed as well as treated using a hysteroscope:
Endometriosis:
It can cause abnormal uterine bleeding. Through hysteroscopy, a procedure called endometrial ablation is carried out. Endometriosis is identified as the leading cause of infertility in females.
Polyps/ Fibroids:
A hysteroscope is used to locate and remove any polyps or fibroid tissue developing in the uterus. These abnormal uterine structures are associated with PCOS.
Septums:
Sometimes, the uterus does not develop as a single large cavity. Instead, a uterine septum or a dividing tissue is present which is a malformation present by birth. Septums are both diagnosed and treated with hysteroscopy.
Adhesions:
Adhesions are the bands of scar tissues that develop in the uterine cavity. When this scarring gets associated with symptoms, the condition is called Asherman’s Syndrome. Clinically, it presents as absence of periods or lighter periods than usual. Adhesions are successfully diagnosed and treated with hysteroscopy.
Other Issues:
Hysteroscopy can be used to diagnose other conditions such as the underlying cause of repeated miscarriages, to locate and remove a lost IUD, etc.
Is Hysteroscopy an in-patient or an out-patient procedure?
When it was introduced for uterine diagnosis, it was an in-patient procedure owing to the administration of general anesthesia and would require some post-surgical care. However, as the equipment evolved over time, today, hysteroscopy is most commonly an out-patient procedure. Local anesthesia is administered and there is minimal post procedure care. Patients can go home after a few hours. In surgical cases there’s some after-care that can be observed at home. Most hysteroscopy clinics in Chandigarh use this procedure in ambulatory settings. Visible diagnosis is made on the same day. Biopsy report, however, may take a few days.
Benefits of Hysteroscopy
- One of the most safest procedures for uterine diagnosis and treatment.
- Diagnosis and treatment can be administered together in a single procedure.
- Minimally invasive which reduces the risk for infections.
- Same day discharge makes it suitable for an ambulatory/out-patient setting.
- Lowest risk of post-surgical complications.
Suitable Time For Hysteroscopy
It is performed any time between periods or in the absence of bleeding. Therefore the most suitable time is the first week after the bleeding stops. Post-menopausal women can have it performed anytime in the absence of abnormal bleeding. It’s not performed during pregnancy or in the event of a pelvic infection. If you’re visiting a hysteroscopy clinic in Chandigarh, make sure to make an advanced appointment according to your period’s frequency.
Conclusion:
Hysteroscopy is a safe procedure. It’s performed by certified surgeons in a clinical setting. In good hands it becomes a ray of hope for women suffering from various uterine issues. However, in the hands of an inexperienced diagnostician, it may lead to conditions like uterine scarring and bleeding. To avoid post-procedural complications, choose only a reputed and experienced hysteroscopy clinic.
Reviva, an infertility, IVF, and hysteroscopy clinic in Chandigarh, is one such establishment that holds an extensive experience in performing hysteroscopies using the latest cutting-edge equipment.