HYSTEROSCOPY
What is hysteroscopy?
As the name suggests, hysteroscopy (hystero = uterus; scope = seeing) is the application of an endoscope into the uterus to examine the lining on its inner surface. The method can be helpful in diagnosing various uterine problems that can cause infertility, such as:- Submucosal (internal) fibroids
- Adhesions
- Endometrial polyps
- Uterine chambers and other congenital malformations
Before hysteroscopy; Hysterosalpingography (radiography showing the uterus and fallopian tubes) may be taken to obtain information about the uterus that may be useful during surgery. Many doctors also perform vaginal ultrasonography as an adjunct. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is an examination performed under general or local anesthesia and completed in approximately 30 minutes.
How is hysteroscopy done?
In the first step of hysteroscopy, the uterine neck (cervix) is stretched and opened using a series of dilators. When dilatation is complete, the hysteroscope, a narrow, lighted optical device, is passed through the cervix and delivered to the lower end of the uterus. A clear solution (Hsykon or glycine) or carbon dioxide gas is then injected into the uterus through the hysteroscope. Solution or gas introduced into the uterus; It expands the uterine cavity, clears blood and mucus, and allows the surgeon to directly visualize the uterine lining.
The doctor systematically; examines the lining of the cervical canal and the inner surface of the uterus, tries to see the ends (ostium) of the fallopian tubes, where they open into the uterine cavity.
Some doctors perform curettage (a surgical scraping of the lining of the uterus with a surgical instrument) after hysteroscopy and send pieces of endometrial tissue for pathological examination.
What is operative hysteroscopy?
The hysteroscopy technique has been expanded to include operative hysteroscopy. Operative hysteroscopy allows various uterine abnormalities found during diagnostic hysteroscopy to be treated at diagnosis.Operative hysteroscopy technique is similar to diagnostic hysteroscopy; The difference is that surgical instruments such as scissors, biopsy forceps, electrocauteries and grippers are inserted into the uterine cavity through the channel in the operative hysteroscope, and fibroids, scar tissue (adhesions or synechiae) and polyps can be removed from the uterus using these instruments. Congenital abnormalities, such as the presence of a septum in the uterus, can also be corrected with the hysteroscope.
