Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with H > Hysteroscopy for Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Medical References

Diseases & Conditions

Women's Health

Mental Health

Men's Health

Medical Web Links

MOL Site Map

Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Hysteroscopy for Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding

Overview & Description

A hysteroscope is a small metal tube connected to a light source and camera. It magnifies the cervical opening, uterine cavity, and the openings of the fallopian tubes during a procedure called hysteroscopy.

Hysteroscopy may be:

diagnostic, in which case it is only used to view the organs and observe any obvious abnormalities

therapeutic, in which case surgery is done through the scope

It can be:

used to evaluate abnormal vaginal bleeding

combined with dilatation and curettage (D & C) or laparoscopy

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

A hysteroscopy may be recommended:

if the source of bleeding is not found through a D & C

to aid in taking a biopsy, or tissue sample, from the lining of a woman's uterus after precancerous changes have been noted

to check the upper part of the cervix to see if a cancer stems from the cervix or the uterus

if a woman's medical history or a test suggests she has a uterine polyp or fibroid that might be removed by hysteroscopy

How is the procedure performed?

A hysteroscopy is usually done in the first 2 weeks of a woman's menstrual cycle. This ensures she is not pregnant. It takes about 20 to 45 minutes and can be done:

in an office under local anesthesia

in the hospital under general anesthesia if combined with a D & C or laparoscopy

First, the cervix and vagina are cleansed. The cervix is opened so that the scope can be inserted into the uterus. The uterus is inflated with fluid or a harmless gas to make it easier to view. Any suspicious lesions (polyps, fibroids, ulcers, or growths) may be biopsied or removed using small tools placed in the scope. This tissue is sent for microscopic analysis. Pictures may be taken, too, before and after any surgery is done.

Preparation & Expectations

What happens right after the procedure?

Recovery usually takes less than 2 hours. Results will vary according to the findings.

If a uterine polyp or fibroid was removed, symptoms of abnormal bleeding generally improve. They may recur if the base of the polyp or fibroid was not completely removed.

If precancerous changes in the uterine lining were diagnosed, further treatment with high-dose progestins or hysterectomy may be needed.

The results and findings will be discussed during a follow-up visit in the healthcare provider's office.

Home Care and Complications

What happens later at home?

Later a woman may:

feel sleepy or groggy from the anesthesia

have menstrual-like cramps

retain more urine than usual

feel burning when urinating for a few hours after surgery

have watery vaginal discharge for 1 to 4 weeks

What are the potential complications after the procedure?

Although this is a minor procedure, problems may occur, including:

problems related to anesthesia, such as an allergic reaction or trouble breathing

pain during the procedure if local anesthesia is insufficient

a puncture of the uterus, which may injure the bowel or bladder

infection of the cervix, uterine lining, or fallopian tubes

vaginal bleeding from blood vessels in the uterus or a torn cervix

too much fluid, which can cause salt imbalance, fluid in the lungs known as pulmonary edema, or kidney shutdown, known as acute renal failure. This is more common when the procedure takes a long time and large amounts of fluid are used in the uterus.

Attribution

Author:Eva Martin, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Coltrera, Francesca, BA
Edit Date:03/23/00
Reviewer:Carlos Herrera, MD
Date Reviewed:04/23/01

Home • Sitemap • Contact Us • Advertising • Press Room • Give Us Your Feedback • Read Our Terms & Conditions and Our Disclaimer • Privacy Statement