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.