Hysteroscopy in Gurgaon

A hysteroscopy procedure can be recommended for the following reasons:

• Hysteroscopy procedure is suggested when a woman has abnormal periods, i.e. either her periods are too heavy, or the length of her cycle is too long (woman is bleeding more frequently and for longer time) or if she is bleeding in between her periods
• For visual confirmation of the results of other diagnostic tests
• To examine the causes of bleeding after menopause
• To examine the causes of abnormal uterine bleeding
• To diagnose the causes of repeated miscarriages or infertility
• If the pap test (a routine test to check for cervical cancer) is not normal, your doctor may recommend hysteroscopy to visually check the affected organs and possibly for biopsy purpose
• For the removal of fibroids, polyps, etc
• To locate the position of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) and to perform sterilization as a part of birth control

If you are unable to conceive naturally, your doctor may recommend you to undergo diagnostic hysteroscopy to diagnose the cause of infertility, as it allows the doctor to check the health of your uterus and fallopian tube.

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy

When the hysteroscopy procedure is used to diagnose the cause of a problem it is called Diagnostic Hysteroscopy. It is also used to confirm the results of other tests like hysterosalpingography (HSG) (an X-ray dye test used to check the fallopian tube and uterus). Diagnostic hysteroscopy is also used for infertility investigations, for it allows direct visualization of the uterine cavity (inside of the uterus) and endometriosis (lining of the uterus). The examination is usually practised on an out-patient basis, at the doctor’s clinic. It is usually performed soon after the menstruation is ended to have a clear view of the uterus cavity. Additionally, hysteroscopy can be used with other procedures, such as laparoscopy, or before certain procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C).

Operative Hysteroscopy

When the hysteroscopy procedure is used to correct an abnormal condition which was detected during the diagnostic hysteroscopy, then it is called an operative hysteroscopy. If an abnormal growth within the uterine cavity was detected during a diagnostic hysteroscopy, operative hysteroscopy can be performed right away avoiding the surgery later on. Structural abnormalities (for eg, uterine septum) and other growths, like, fibroid, polyps can also be removed during hysteroscopy surgery. Your doctor may ask you to take certain medication to prepare your uterus for surgery and post the procedure, may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and fasten the healing of endometrium (inner lining of the uterus).

Procedure of Hysteroscopy

Before the start of the hysteroscopy procedure, the doctor will give you a sedative either, local or general anesthesia to calm the nerves of the patient undergoing the procedure. The procedure starts with the doctor dilating (widening) your cervix to allow the hysteroscope to be inserted easily. The hysteroscope will be inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix.

The doctor injects carbon dioxide gas or a saline solution into the uterus through the hysteroscope to expand it and to clear away any mucus or blood. With the help of the light and camera of the hysteroscope, the doctor can easily check the inside of the uterus on the screen in front of them. During the hysteroscopy procedure, your doctor may perform a biopsy also if needed. The hysteroscopy procedure usually takes 10-15 minutes but may take some more time depending on your medical condition. The diagnostic hysteroscopy is less timetaking than hysteroscopy surgery.

Post-surgery Observations

Hysteroscopy is a minor procedure and it doesn’t require a hospital stay. However, in some cases, if the doctor has any concerns like the patient’s reaction to the anesthetic they might keep the patient overnight. Also, if regional or general anesthesia is used the patient may have to stay at the hospital for several hours until the effect of general anesthesia wanes off. After the Hysteroscopy procedure, slight vaginal bleeding or cramping may occur for one or two days. Additionally, one may also feel shoulder pain if carbon dioxide was used during the procedure.

However, you should consult your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

• Heavy bleeding or discharge from the vagina
• Severe abdominal pain
• Fever

In most cases, usual routine activities can be resumed within 2 to 3 days. You should talk to your doctor about when you can resume sexual intercourse.

Complications

Hysteroscopy is considered to be a fairly common procedure with minimum complications. However, there are some complications that may occur. Such as,

• Perforation of the uterus (small hole in uterus) is the most common complication. The perforation is spontaneously closed but may cause bleeding, which may require further surgery
• Scarring of the uterus during the hysteroscopy procedure
• Uterine cavity infection and bleeding
• Complications related to the fluid used to expand the uterus cavity include fluid overload, electrolyte imbalance, fluid in the lungs, blood clotting and severe allergic reaction to the fluids.

Life threatening complications during the hysteroscopy procedure is quite uncommon though.