“Office” Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy can be performed as either an “office procedure” or an outpatient hospital procedure.
Office hysteroscopy is mainly used as a diagnostic tool to help evaluate patients that have infertility, recurrent miscarriage, or abnormal bleeding.
It is a relatively painless procedure, using only a local anaesthetic, in which a gynaecologist dilates the cervix to allow the "scope" to be placed into the uterus. Usually carbon dioxide gas or water is attached to the scope to allow the walls of the uterus to expand. A bright light is also attached to the scope to illuminate the cavity of the uterus.
The gynaecologist carefully looks at the inside of the uterus and make sure it is normal. The places where the fallopian tubes enter into the uterus can usually be seen. Any abnormalities are usually discussed afterward.
In most cases a small sample of the lining of the uterus is removed for examination.
Most patients do not have any problems and can even go back to work the same day. Some patients may feel weak and have cramps that last several hours afterward. Spotting and light bleeding like a period can occur for several days afterward and are considered normal
