Why is this procedure done?
The uterus is the female organ where the baby grows during pregnancy. The uterus is also known as the womb. The womb is found in the lower belly between the bladder and the rectum. ‚
A hysteroscopy lets the doctor look inside the womb. You may need to have a hysteroscopy if your doctor is worried there is something wrong on the inside of your womb. The doctor may want to confirm other tests or get a tissue sample. The procedure may also be done if you do not want to be able to have more children. ‚
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What will the results be?
Your doctor will be able to see the inside of your womb. The doctor will also be able to treat problems inside the womb. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some examples are Coumadin, ibuprofen, Aleve (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about all of your drugs.
- If you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure.
- Your doctor will do an exam and may order:
- Your doctor may ask you to take drugs to prevent infection. Take the drugs as ordered by your doctor.
- You may be asked to wash your body and vaginal area with a special soap.
- Your doctor will ask you to empty your bladder.
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an IV in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. The drug will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. You will lie on your back. You will put your feet in foot rests. You may be asleep or awake during the procedure. If you need to be asleep during the procedure, the doctors put a tube in your mouth to help you breathe. You may have a tube in your bladder to drain urine.
- Your doctor will give you a drug to open your cervix. The doctor will clean your vaginal area.
- A special tool is put into your vagina to keep it open. Next, the doctor uses a small flexible tube with a camera that sends pictures to a computer screen. The camera also has ports where small tools can pass through. The camera is gently moved through the cervix into your womb. Gas or a special fluid may be put through this tool so the doctor can see the inside of your womb.
- Based on your needs, during the procedure your doctor may:
- Take tissue samples or do other procedures using small tools.
- Remove the lining of the womb. Removing the lining is an endometrial ablation.
- Place special coils into your fallopian tubes. The coils will keep you from being able to have children.
- Your doctor will take the tool out of the womb. You may have sterile gauze packed in your vagina. The gauze will be taken out before you go home.
- The procedure will take about 30 to 45 minutes.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will be taken to the Recovery Room for monitoring. Most often, you may go home after the procedure. Other times, you will go to a regular hospital room.
- You may have some cramping. Your doctor may give you drugs for the cramping.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
You may need lubricants for sex after the procedure. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Ease cramping
What problems could happen?
- Not able to get pregnant if the lining of the uterus was destroyed
- Infection
- Small hole in the uterus
- Cuts on the cervix
- Heavy blood loss
- Blood clots
Where can I learn more?
American Society for Reproductive Medicine ‚
http://www.asrm.org/uploadedFiles/ASRM_Content/Resources/Patient_Resources/Fact_Sheets_and_Info_Booklets/laparoscopy.pdf ‚
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists ‚
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq084.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20120215T2031085329 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚