Fertility Surgeries - What to Expect from a Hysteroscopy

  

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Sometimes it becomes necessary for surgery to be performed in the course of fertility treatment.

It's generally not considered good news by you, the patient. 

Very few of us want to have surgery. There is fear about risks, complications and even outcomes.

When it comes to alleviating pain, however, or finding or confirming a diagnosis, sometimes surgery is a relief.

Here's an explanation on what a surgical hysteroscopy entails. This is straight from the Reproductive Medicine Associates of CT website, written and edited by our board certified reproductive endocrinologists:

Hysteroscopy

A doctor performs a hysteroscopy to look at the lining of your uterus with a viewing tool called a hysteroscope. The procedure is done to find the cause of abnormal bleeding, to remove uterine growths like polyps and fibroids, and to examine the uterus to see if there’s a problem with its shape or size that’s preventing you from becoming pregnant or causing repeated miscarriages.

Operative Hysteroscopy Procedure

A hysteroscopy is usually done in an operating room of a hospital or surgery center, although in some cases it may be done in the doctor’s office. It is an outpatient procedure and takes about 30 minutes.

A local, regional, or general anes
thesia is given, depending on the doctor’s preference.  The procedure begins like an internal gynecological exam. The doctor then places the hysteroscope at the entrance to the vagina, moving it gently through the cervix into the uterus. A gas or liquid is infused through the hysteroscope into the uterus to help the doctor see the lining more clearly. The hysteroscope is equipped with a light and a camera to provide a magnified view of the endometrium, or uterine lining, as well as the uterine openings of the fallopian tubes. All of this is can be viewed on a video screen.

During the exam, the doctor may take a small biopsy, or tissue sample, through the hysteroscope to examine under a microscope to help in a diagnosis. If infertility is a problem, a laparoscopy may also be performed.

Risks Associated with Hysteroscopy

1.     Injury to the uterus or cervix

2.     Infection

3.     Bleeding

4.     Puncture of uterus, bladder or bowel

5.     Problems with anesthesia

6.     Bloating, if fluid is used

7.     Embolism (air bubble in blood vessel) or belly pain, if gas is used

Light vaginal bleeding is normal following a hysteroscopy. If it gets heavier, or if you experience fever, severe belly or pelvic pain or cramping, problems urinating, shortness of breath or vomiting, contact your doctor.

We know that surgery can be scary. If a hysteroscopy is in your future, please let us know if you have any questions.

We're here to help.