Hysteroscopy | Keyhole surgery | Glengarry Private, Perth

Hysteroscopy – Summary

1. Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows us to look inside the womb with a fine telescope.
2. There are no incisions made. The telescope is introduced through the cervix.
3. Hysteroscopy is commonly used to make a diagnosis in irregular/heavy bleeding or infertility.
4. Recovery after hysteroscopy is quick – usually a few days.
5. Pain after hysteroscopy is usually similar to period pain in character
6. Serious complications with hysteroscopy are very rare.
7. Infection is the commonest complication (5-10% risk) – this usually settles with antibiotics.
8. Driving after a few days is usual. You have to be off strong pain killers to be able to drive.

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should do your own research. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner. For instance, your GP’s opinion will be very helpful.

Make an appointment

Glengarry Private Hospital is a friendly medium-sized hospital in the Northern suburbs in Duncraig, very near to the freeway, midway between Joondalup and Osborne Park Hospital.

Call us to arrange a consultation • Perth (08) 6119 9160

Hysteroscopy

In hysteroscopy, a narrow telescope is passed into the womb through the cervix. Therefore, there are no external scars. The inside of the cervix & womb is thoroughly examined. Hysteroscopy is considered to be the gold standard for examining the lining of the cervix & womb. Ultrasound is useful at assessing the womb’s lining (endometrium), but not as good as hysteroscopy. It is common for important findings to be seen, that have not been seen on scan. Problems found inside the womb are usually able to be treated without any skin incisions on the outside of the body at all.

Typical hysteroscopy operations include:

• exploratory assessment
• biopsies of abnormal areas
• rule out cancers
• removal of polyps (small growths in the womb that grow & bleed)
• removal of small-medium fibroids that are poking into the cavity of the womb (myomectomy)
• reshaping the interior shape of the womb thus improving fertility (septoplasty)
• sterilisation procedures (not very popular nowadays)

A hysteroscopic operation – septoplasty

Hysteroscopy with septoplasty
 

Recovery

Recovery is usually quick, with discharge home after a few hours. Occasionally a patient will need to stay overnight, but this is unusual. Once discharged from Glengarry Hospital, a few days of rest is recommended. Most women will be feeling back to normal after a few days. Sometimes up to a week is needed for some patients.

Complications

Potential complications are few. The commonest risk is a mild infection in 5-10% which can usually be treated easily with antibiotics. Other complications, like accidental damage to the uterus or organs beyond like the bowel, or provoking adhesions inside the cavity of the womb, are very rare.