Advanced Hysteroscopy

What is Advanced Hysteroscopy?

Advanced hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive and fairly safe surgical procedure. The
procedure involves the use of a thin telescopic medical instrument called a hysteroscope. The hysteroscope has a tiny camera attached to it that can display images on a screen, allowing for surgeons to view and operate on internal structures. A surgeon trained in advanced hysteroscopy has the skills to perform surgical procedures inside of the uterus. Advanced hysteroscopy allows the surgeon to do more than “just look in the uterus” as defined by diagnostic hysteroscopy. Our surgeons at Gynecology and Laparoscopic Surgery, PC are trained in advanced hysteroscopy and have the skills necessary to perform surgical procedures in the uterus while viewing a monitor.

Some of these Advanced Hysteroscopy procedures include:

Removal of fibroids inside the uterus (myomectomy)
Endometrial ablations (for non-cancerous uterine bleeding unresponsive to medications)
Treatment of scar tissue (such as from a previous D&C)
Treatment of a uterine septum (may be the cause of repeat miscarriages)
Removal of polyps (polypectomy) inside of the uterus
Remove tissue for biopsy and/or D&C (dilation & curettage)
Locate an IUD when the strings are not at the cervix
LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) to remove abnormal cells from the cervix

Side Effects of Advanced Hysteroscopy

As discussed earlier advanced hysteroscopy is minimally invasive. This means that the surgical procedure itself causes very little trauma to the body and the patient is able to recover quickly. Local or general anesthesia may be used in the procedure and usually patients can return home the same day as the procedure. Some minor side effects of the procedure could include minor cramps and minimal vaginal bleeding. Neither are a concern and are common for a few days after the procedure.

Alternative for other Procedures

In certain circumstances where a hysterectomy has been recommended, an advanced hysteroscopy procedure may offer a welcome alternative to the hysterectomy (i.e. removal of fibroids, endometrial ablations).

Many of these hysteroscopic surgeries are performed in the comfort and privacy of our office while our patients are awake or sedated. If the procedure is performed in the hospital, then patients often go home within 30 minutes after the procedure.