Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic manipulation, during which you examine the cervix, the walls of the uterus and the mouth of the fallopian tubes. Treatment-diagnostic hysteroscopy, during which the removal of the hyperplastic layer of the endometrium, the submucosal myomatous node or polyp is called hysterosectoscopy (operative hysteroscopy).
Sometimes laparoscopy (diagnostic invasive examination of the abdominal cavity) and hysteroscopy are carried out simultaneously. In this article we will consider what and how hysteroscopy of the cervix, uterus and its walls is carried out, and also we consider the indications and contraindications to it.
How is hysteroscopy done?
The procedure of hysteroscopy is carried out in specialized medical institutions after special outpatient preparation. To do this, you need to pass tests: a general blood test, a cervical smear, blood from the vein to HIV and hepatitis B and C. Of the additional research methods, an x-ray of the chest, an ECG, an ultrasound of the pelvic organs with a vaginal sensor.
Many patients are asked about hysteroscopy, is it painful? The procedure is performed under conditions of general anesthesia. The patient is in the gynecological chair, after the patient is entered into anesthesia, the gynecologist conducts the expansion of the cervix and the introduction into the uterus cavity of a special device - a hysteroscope. For better visibility of the uterine cavity through the hysteroscope, physiological saline solution (NaCl 0.9% or glucose solution 5%) is supplied. Thanks to the solution supplied under pressure, the uterine cavity expands, which facilitates the diagnosis.
Hysteroscopy - indications
The procedure for endoscopic examination of the uterine cavity (hysteroscopy) is carried out both in young women and in more mature age. In any case, the procedure can be performed only by an experienced doctor. The method of hysteroscopy has a large number of indications. These include:
- suspicion of endometrial hyperplasia , submucous uterine myoma, endometriosis of the uterus body;
- uterine bleeding in pre- and postmenopausal women;
- anomalies in the structure of the uterus;
- long-term infertility in history - in such cases, hysteroscopy is performed with catheterization of the fallopian tubes, which introduces a contrast agent. The procedure is carried out under the supervision of ultrasound, with the contrast must enter the abdominal cavity.
Contraindications to hysteroscopy
Despite the relative safety of this manipulation, it still has a number of contraindications. They include:
- any infectious diseases in the body;
- a desired developing pregnancy;
- inflammatory diseases of the pelvic organs in the stage of exacerbation;
- a bad smear result from the cervix.
Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy - which is better?
It is impossible to say that it is better than the methods of the other, because each of them has its own testimony, and often they are perfectly combined.
Thus, such endoscopic techniques as hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are a real achievement of modern medicine, which is successfully used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the female reproductive system. Both manipulations are performed under general anesthesia, and therefore painless.