Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure in which an endoscope is placed inside the uterine cavity through the cervix to inspect the uterine cavity, or to perfrom surgery such as removing a polyp or fibroid, as well as performing sterilization procedures such as Adiana or Essure.
Hysteroscopes come in various sizes, but generally they have an approximate diameter of a pencil, and hysteroscopy can be performed in office under local anesthetics. The uterine cavity is distended by saline or similar solution that allows the uterine cavity to open up and be visualized.
Abnormal uterine bleeding is the major reason for performing a hysteroscopy. Abnormal lesions such as fibroid tumors or polyps may be removed by an operative hysteroscope.
Hysteroscopy is also used for Endometrial Ablation, which is a procedure in which an endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus, is ablated or destroyed in order to permanently decrease or stop heavy menstrual cycles.
There are several methods of endometrial ablation, some using manual resection/burning of the endometrium, and others using electrocatutery, microwave or circulating hot water to destroy the endometrium.
