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Hysteroscopy

A Hysteroscopy is a procedure to examine the inside of the uterus. Dr Brooke O’Brien uses a thin telescope called a hysteroscope connected to a monitor, to directly look at the inside of your uterus.

Hysteroscopy

Overview

Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure which examines the uterus for abnormalities, and to treat certain uterine problems. This may be indicated to evaluate lesions identified on imaging studies (such as ultrasound) or to investigate your symptoms.

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What Happens During a Hysteroscopy?

Dr Brooke O’Brien will use the hysteroscopy to look at the inside of the uterus for diagnosis and/or for treatment. You will usually be under a light general anaesthesia. A small sample (biopsy) of the uterine lining is usually taken. The biopsy is sent to a pathologist for examination.

A diagnostic hysteroscopy can be used to investigate:

An operative hysteroscopy is used to treat or remove certain uterine problems such as:

  • Treat abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding by ablation to the endometrium
  • Remove polyps
  • Remove fibroids
  • Retained products of contraception after miscarriage
  • Remove adhesions or scar tissue
  • Correct defects of the uterus such as a uterine septum
  • Remove an intrauterine device (IUD) that is not able to be removed in rooms
  • Insert an intrauterine device (IUD) into the uterus which can not be done awake or as per patient preference to be asleep

Diagnostic hysteroscopy and operative hysteroscopy are quite often performed at the same time.

What to Expect When Having a Hysteroscopy

The procedure is usually performed under a light general anaesthetic as a day only procedure in hospital. You will usually be able to leave the hospital 2 – 4 hours post your procedure.

With Nurture Gynaecology, our North Brisbane patients (as well as those throughout Queensland), can be assured that they are in a warm, welcoming and safe environment to share all their health concerns, regardless of their age or where they’re at in life.

To find out more about the services we offer or to book a gynaecologist appointment, contact us today for a confidential discussion.

Before Your Hysteroscopy

Before recommending a hysteroscopy, Dr Brooke O’Brien will take a thorough assessment of your symptoms and condition.

If you are recommended to proceed with a hysteroscopy, this will be explained to you in detail, and you will be provided with further written information.

Time will be made to answer any questions that you may have. We recommend you contact us if you have any further concerns or questions prior to your procedure.

After a Hysteroscopy

You will be provided with recovery instructions prior to and following your procedure. Depending on the nature of your procedure we would recommend that you allow for 24 – 48 hours recovery time. This may involve no driving after anaesthesia, no heavy lifting or exercise.

Depending on the type of hysteroscopy that you need, Dr Brooke O’Brien will give you specific instructions regarding your recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to both perform diagnoses and treatment. It is often performed for patients that may be experiencing unusual vaginal bleeding like heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, excessive bleeding during periods or post-menopausal bleeding as well as those that require treatment to remove abnormal growths, such as polyps, for further testing and diagnosis.

During this procedure the doctor inserts an instrument called a hysteroscope, a thin tube with a light and camera, to investigate symptoms and help to diagnose and/or treat abnormalities. In most cases, you will be under light general anesthesia. A small tissue sample of the uterine lining is usually taken for examination by a pathologist.

After your hysteroscopy procedure, you may experience mild cramping for several days as your body begins to heal. When leaving your appointment, you may still be impacted by the general anaesthetic and unable to drive and operate heavy machinery for 24 hours. It is very important to avoid strenuous activity, lifting heavy objects, or having sexual intercourse as directed by your Doctor.

You may be prescribed pain relief after your procedure, which in most cases would be paracetamol and/or ibuprofen. To reduce any general discomfort after the procedure, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions.

If you experience any type of severe pain, heavy bleeding, blood clotting or other pelvic pain, be sure to contact your doctor immediately.

The length of this type of surgical procedure depends on the complexity of the procedure. Generally, a hysteroscopy takes 10-20 minutes to complete. That said, the total amount of time you will spend in hospital will also depend on the reason you need a hysteroscopy performed, other diagnostic tests/treatments that are being done, your recovery from general anesthesia

Depending on the complexity or nature of your procedure, recovery may be variable. During the first few days after surgery, you should - avoid strenuous activity. You will likely experience some cramping and spotting, which is normal. As you heal, your activity level can increase. However, it is important to listen to your body and take things slowly at first. With rest and patience, you will likely return to normal activities or as directed by your Doctor

The cost of a hysteroscopy surgery depends on many factors including the complexity of the procedure. It is important to discuss all potential costs before undergoing the surgery. In some cases, private health insurance or those eligible for a medicare rebate may be able to cover some or all the costs associated with the procedure. Our team will be able to provide all the necessary information about costs for you to consider before your procedure and will happily answer any questions you have.

Contact Us

At Nurture Gynaecology, Dr Brooke O’Brien and her team value honesty, compassion and making our patients feel as at home as possible when they come to see us at the clinic. If this is something you also value, we invite you to book a consultation at our clinic today to find out how we can help you.

To find out more about hysteroscopy, or to book an appointment, contact us today.

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