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Hysteroscopy involves visualizing the inside of the uterus with a camera, allowing any abnormalities within the lining of the uterus to be diagnosed. However, unlike laparoscopy, no abdominal incisions are necessary.
A hysteroscopy starts out like a pap smear. The surgeon inserts the vaginal speculum to visualize the cervix. Once the cervix is in view, a hysterscope, a long rod about three to four millimeters wide with a video camera and light attached to the end of it, is then inserted through the cervix into the uterus.
A diagnostic hysteroscopy is performed to diagnose a problem within the uterus and can usually be performed in the surgeon's office. Should treatment be necessary, an operative hysteroscopy can then be performed. Often these two procedures are done in combination with one another. When an operative hysteroscopy is necessary, a slightly wider (eight to 10 millimeters) hysteroscope is used in order to accommodate the appropriate surgical instruments, such as small scissors or a wire loop.
Some of the conditions treated hysteroscopically include
Endometrial ablation (for heavy periods)
Evaluation of abnormal bleeding
Excision of submucosal fibroids
Some of the hysteroscopic procedures that Lahey gynecologists perform include
