Surgical hysteroscopy is a gynecological procedure performed in women with heavy uterine bleeding whose cause has already been identified. This procedure removes uterine polyps, submucous fibroids, corrects changes in the uterine cavity, removes adhesions from the uterus, and removes the IUD when it has no visible wires.
As it is a surgical procedure, it is necessary to perform it under anesthesia, however the type of anesthesia varies depending on the duration of the procedure to be performed. In addition, it is a simple procedure, which does not require much preparation and does not have a complicated recovery.
- Although it is a safe procedure.
- Surgical hysteroscopy is not suitable for women with cervical cancer.
- Inflammatory pelvic disease or pregnant women.
There are not many preparations required to perform a surgical hysteroscopy and it is recommended to fast the woman due to the use of anesthesia. In some cases, the doctor may indicate that the woman is taking an anti-inflammatory pill 1 hour before the procedure and in case of thickening of the uterine canal, it may be necessary to place a pill in the vagina according to the medical recommendation.
Surgical hysteroscopy is performed by the gynecologist and aims to treat changes that have been identified in the uterus and must be performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia so that there is no pain.
In this procedure, after administration of anesthesia, the hysteroscope, which is a thin device containing a microcamera attached to its end, is inserted by the vaginal cane into the uterus so that the structures can be visualized. Then, to dilate the uterus and allow the surgical procedure, carbon dioxide is placed in the form of gas or liquid, using a hysteroscope, inside the uterus, promoting its expansion.
From the moment the uterus becomes ideal in size, the surgical equipment is also introduced and the doctor performs the procedure, which lasts between 5 and 30 minutes depending on the extent of the surgery.
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Postoperative surgical hysteroscopy is often simple. Once the woman wakes up from anesthesia, she is under observation for about 30 to 60 minutes. Once you’re awake and don’t feel any discomfort, you can go home. However, in some cases, the woman may need to be hospitalized for up to 24 hours.
Recovery after surgical hysteroscopy is usually immediate. A woman may experience pain, similar to menstrual cramps in the first few days, and blood loss can occur through the vagina, which can last 3 weeks or until the next period. If a woman experiences fever, chills, or heavy bleeding, it’s important to go back to her doctor for further evaluation.