Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscope is a thin, telescope-like instrument that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina and cervix. This tool often helps a physician diagnose or treat a uterine problem. Hysteroscopy may be either diagnostic or operative.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy is used to diagnose uterine abnormalities and certain conditions such as abnormal uterine bleeding, infertility, repeated miscarriages, adhesions, fibroid tumours, polyps, or to locate displaced intrauterine devices (IUDs). Other instruments or techniques, such as dilation and curettage (D&C) and laparoscopy, are sometimes used in conjunction with the hysteroscopy.

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is a type of prostate surgery done to relieve moderate to severe urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. TURP is recommended if symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have not improved in response to home treatment and medicines. TURP is now the most common surgery used to remove part of an enlarged prostate.

Procedure

This procedure can be done with local, regional, or general anaesthesia. The gynecologist inserts the hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix and into the uterus. A liquid or gas is released through the hysteroscope to expand the inside of the uterus so that the doctor has a clearer view. A light at the end of the instrument allows the doctor to see the walls of the uterus and the openings of the fallopian tubes at the top of the uterus. The doctor may also insert small surgical instruments through the hysteroscope to carry out such procedures as taking a sample of tissue (biopsy), removing a polyp or growth, removing the lining of the uterus with dilation and curettage (D&C), or treating the lining of your uterus with ablation electricity to prevent bleeding.