Today, modern medicine and the latest technology can eliminate the many problems that arise in the female body. Particular attention is paid to the reproductive system. Those women who decades ago despaired of having a baby can now bear and give birth to a baby. Two procedures became a breakthrough in gynecology - laparoscopy and hysteroscopy. They can be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Also, these manipulations are independent of each other. Uterine laparoscopy is very different in technique from hysteroscopy. It is about these two procedures that we will discuss later.
From the article you will learn how hysteroscopy differs from laparoscopy. We will also talk about the main indications for manipulations. We should also say about the reviews of women and doctors.
What is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is an operation that refers to minimally invasive interventions. It is held among women who have sex. Manipulation is carried out using a special device - a hysteroscope. During the study, the woman is in a state of sleep. Local anesthesia is less commonly used. In this case, the patient hears everything, sees, but does not feel.
Hysteroscopy is an operation that is performed exclusively within the walls of the hospital. At the time of the procedure, the woman is on the gynecological chair. An expander and a special tube with a sensor are inserted into the cavity of the cervical canal, at the end of which there is a microchamber. The doctor can use this equipment to control the processes occurring inside the genital organ. Under pressure, the uterus straightens, and a specialist can examine every centimeter of it. If necessary, during the diagnosis, doctors can take a small piece of tissue for a more thorough examination. Also, if a polyp is detected, it can be immediately removed. The procedure allows you to eliminate some abnormalities in the development of the uterus, for example, synechia.
Indications for hysteroscopy
The described procedure has its testimony. There are two types of manipulation: diagnostic hysteroscopy, during which an examination of the reproductive organ from the inside out, and operational. In the second case, during the manipulation, the doctor performs surgical treatment. Most often, minimally invasive intervention is necessary according to the following indications:
- abnormalities in the development of the uterus (the formation of synechia, septum);
- neoplasms on the mucous membrane of the genital organ (polyp, myoma);
- endometrial hyperplasia and adenomyosis;
- the remains of the fetal egg in the cavity of the muscle organ or incomplete abortion;
- heavy bleeding or breakthrough menstruation;
- infertility or frequent miscarriages;
- several unsuccessful attempts at in vitro fertilization;
- an increase in the size of the uterus for unknown reasons.
Before the procedure, a woman must pass the tests. This includes a smear on the purity of flora and an analysis for infections, a blood test for the presence of hepatitis, syphilis and HIV. Additional diagnostics are also performed, necessary before applying anesthesia.
Consequences of using a hysteroscope
What feedback is there about the study? This manipulation in a short time has become so popular that now almost every fourth representative of the weaker sex of reproductive age carries out a diagnostic intervention. After the procedure, the woman should remain under the supervision of doctors for some time. If necessary, she is given antibacterial drugs and anesthetics. In the absence of surgery, the patient can go home in a few hours. However, if the doctor carried out the treatment, then everything will depend on the individual characteristics of the body and the course of the procedure.
Patients say that within a few days after hysteroscopy, minor bleeding from the genital tract can be noted. Usually they end on their own and do not require the use of additional medications. Also, some patients feel discomfort and slight pain. Doctors do not recommend having sexual intercourse within two weeks after the manipulation.
The advantage of hysteroscopy is that after it, the doctor can determine with maximum accuracy the cause of the problem and prescribe the correct treatment.
What is laparoscopy?
Uterine laparoscopy is a study that is performed through the abdominal cavity. Manipulation is always carried out using anesthesia and a ventilator. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy differ in that in the first case, we can talk about surgical intervention, while the study described above refers to minimally invasive.
During laparoscopy, a special complex device called a laparoscope is used. With the help of small incisions, the surgeon inserts instruments into the peritoneum of the woman. A camera is inserted in the navel area. It is she who transfers to the screen everything that happens in the patient’s stomach. Also, before the introduction of instruments, the abdominal cavity is filled with special gas. The woman’s belly is inflated, lifting the upper wall. This is necessary so that the review is maximum and there is no danger of damage to neighboring organs. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy differ not only in the technique of the intervention, but also in the duration of the operation. So, for laparoscopy, it takes from 30 minutes to several hours. It all depends on the complexity of the operation. Hysteroscopy can be done in 10-20 minutes.
Indications for laparoscopy
The manipulation can be planned and emergency. Also, laparoscopy is therapeutic and diagnostic. It is worth noting that in any case, it is necessary to pre-examine a woman. For this, blood and urine tests are done, an ultrasound of the genitals is performed, a consultation with a therapist and a cardiologist is obtained. Of course, if we are talking about the life of the patient, then all these studies are fading into the background. Whenever possible, doctors take all tests. Indications for the study will be the following situations:
- infertility and ectopic pregnancy;
- violation of the ovaries (polycystic);
- dense ovarian capsule;
- endometriosis and suspicion of it;
- neoplasms of a malignant or benign nature;
- adhesive process in the abdominal cavity or in the fallopian tubes;
- uterine fibroids;
- uterine perforation and so on.
After laparoscopic surgery
According to women, after the operation, the recovery process takes a long time. First, the patient moves away from anesthesia within a few hours. After that, a woman can get up with the permission of the doctor. However, to do this is very difficult. The possibility of leaving the medical institution on the same day is out of the question. Usually hospitalization lasts from 3 to 7 days. It all depends on the speed of recovery of the body.
After the procedure, the woman needs to remove the stitches. This must be done after 2 weeks. You also need to take care of the scars and treat them with an antiseptic. You can return to your usual life and exercise no earlier than in a month.
Hysteroscopy or laparoscopy: which is better?
This question often arises among women. However, doctors cannot unambiguously answer him. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy are two completely different procedures. One can never replace another. So, for example, during hysteroscopy, the doctor can take a piece of the endometrium for analysis or remove the remains of the fetal egg from the uterus. With laparoscopy, such actions cannot be performed, since the instruments are located in the peritoneum and do not enter the genital organ.
During laparoscopic surgery, it becomes possible to dissect adhesions, remove a cyst from the ovary, and excise an ectopic pregnancy. All these pathologies cannot be eliminated with a hysteroscope alone. That is why it will not be possible to say exactly which study is better. Often produced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy at the same time. In this case, it is not necessary to use anesthesia several times, and the doctor has a lot of opportunities to thoroughly study the problem and eliminate it.
Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy: patient reviews
Women say that when you turn to the services of paid medicine doctors, carrying out these manipulations at the same time is much cheaper. If we are talking about government institutions, then there are many advantages of one-time hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.
- You can immediately pass all the tests and do not run several times to the doctors. After all, most of the conclusions are valid for a month.
- The possibility of using one anesthesia. It is worth noting that the applied anesthetics adversely affect the health of the fairer sex.
- When all problems are eliminated, a woman immediately receives a more effective result from treatment.
Representatives of the weaker sex say that when carrying out the procedures described above (according to indications) and supplementing in the form of conservative treatment, the effect is noticeable almost immediately. The cycle is restored, the disturbing symptoms disappear. Those who want to give birth to a woman with a good outcome of the operation can begin planning pregnancy for the next cycle.
Conclusion
In modern gynecology, the concepts of "hysteroscopy" and "laparoscopy" are inextricably linked. Also, during both studies, metrosalpingography may be performed. This is a study of the condition of the fallopian tubes in a woman. Often it is required for infertility and adhesions. For more information about interventions, contact your doctor. I wish you success!