Hysteroscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure used to visualize and evaluate the uterine cavity. This procedure is accomplished by gently dilating the cervix and passing a thin camera through the cervix into the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy accesses the uterine cavity through the natural passageways of the vagina and cervix so it does not require any incisions. The inside of the uterus is then filled with fluid to allow for visualization of the uterine walls and tubal ostia, which are the small openings where the fallopian tubes enter into the uterus.
Hysteroscopy may be diagnostic, where the inside of the uterine cavity is only observed, or operative, where polyps , uterine fibroids, or other uterine masses are surgically removed by passing instruments through the small camera. A dilatation and curettage, commonly referred to as a “D&C”, or endometrial ablation may performed at the time of hysteroscopy. Permanent hysteroscopic sterilization using either Adiana or Essure is also possible.
Depending on the specific clinical situation, we offer hysteroscopy as either an in-office procedure at our Durant Road location or an outpatient surgery in the operating room. In either case, hysteroscopy is a minor surgical procedure with most patients only experiencing menstrual-like cramping post-operatively. Most patients are also able to return to normal activities within a day or so.
