Hysteroscopy is a method of minimal access surgery that assesses the uterine cavity (endometrium). The procedure is performed with a thin camera (hysteroscope) that is inserted through the vagina and the cervix into the uterine cavity.
There are two types of hysteroscopy i.e. diagnostic and operative hysteroscopy.
Diagnostic hysteroscopy
A very thin hysteroscope (almost 3 mm) is inserted through the vagina and the uterine cervix into the endometrial cavity. Diagnostic hysteroscopy is indicated when there is suspicion of endometrial pathology during the ultrasound examination i.e. endometrial polyp, fibroid, after failed IVF attempts and in women who present with postmenopausal bleeding. The hysteroscopy is superior to other “blind methods” such as endometrial curettage, because
the lesion can be visualized and removed.
Operative hysteroscopy
The operative hysteroscopy is the surgical method of choice for removing submucous fibroids that enter into the endometrial cavity and endometrial polyps, for lysis of endometrial adhesions and for correction of congenital uterine anomalies such as uterine septum.