Hysteroscopy of the uterus is a method that allows you to examine, and if necessary, cure the uterine cavity. It is performed using an ultra-sensitive tool - a hysteroscope. The first such operation was carried out in 1869. It was performed by a device that, according to its external data, resembled a cystoscope. After fiber optics was introduced into medicine , the possibilities for examining the uterus expanded significantly. At the moment, hysteroscopy of the uterus is divided into therapeutic and diagnostic.
Indications for diagnostic hysteroscopy:
If you suspect cervical cancer, endometriosis, fibroids, endometrial pathology, fusion in the uterus.
Cleaning the walls of the uterus after a diagnostic curettage or abortion.
Anomaly of the uterus.
Bleeding during menopause.
Menstrual irregularities.
Infertility.
After treatment with hormone-based drugs.
Also, hysteroscopy of the uterus is used to monitor the condition of this organ after any operations on it and with a woman's pathological inability to bear a child.
Indications for therapeutic hysteroscopy :
If submucous uterine fibroids are detected.
In the presence of an intrauterine septum or synech (splicing).
Polyp or endometrial hyperplasia.
When removing intrauterine contraception.
Uterus hysteroscopy: preparation
Hysteroscopy is a small, but still surgical intervention. Therefore, for its carrying out, special preparation is required, which should include the delivery of blood tests, urine and a vaginal smear. It is also necessary to do electrocardiography and chest x-ray. It is advisable for older women, especially those who are overweight, to conduct a blood test for glucose levels.
All studies can be done both before the patient arrives at the hospital, and while she is in it. If hysteroscopy of the uterus is performed as planned, then a cleansing enema is done on the eve of the operation .
The best moment for examining the uterine cavity is considered to be from the 5th to the 7th day of the menstrual cycle. It was at this time that the endometrium was still very weak and bleeding a little. In emergency cases, for example, with severe bleeding, the time to complete the operation does not matter.
How is uterine hysteroscopy performed
Hysteroscopy of the uterus is performed under intravenous anesthesia, in which the cervix is anesthetized to open it. Then a sterile glucose solution is fed into the cavity , after which the hysteroscope is inserted into the vagina and advanced through the neck. At the tip of the instrument there is a light bulb and a camera, with the help of which the gynecologist sees everything on the screen that is inside the uterus. If necessary, a manipulator is introduced, which removes the focus of the disease using current.
After operation
After hysteroscopy, a woman can feel spasmodic pains (reminiscent of menstrual pains) and a slight malaise, which in most cases disappears after 10 hours. If these sensations do not pass after the specified time, then the gynecologist prescribes treatment after hysteroscopy in the form of painkillers. For the prevention of the inflammatory process at the discretion of the attending physician, a weekly course of taking antibiotics is prescribed.