Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. It involves inserting a camera and operating tools into the uterine cavity. Modern hysteroscopes allow you to simultaneously view and assess the structure, function and possible intrauterine abnormalities (diagnostic stage), and then start their treatment. Thanks to this, it is effective on the level of up to 90% in diagnosis and treatment, while traditional abrasion of the cervical canal and uterine cavity is successful only in 30% cases.
Microhysteroscopy differs from traditional hysteroscopy in the diameter of the sheath/optics – less than 5 mm – which allows the device to be introduced into the uterine cavity without the need to dilate the cervical canal and it can be performed under local anesthesia (so-called hysteroblock). This is extremely beneficial for the patient because it reduces the risks associated with general anesthesia. Moreover, the patient may watch the procedure on the screen and is aware of what is happening.
In special situations, e.g. large myomas, it is necessary to use instruments with a larger diameter, which requires dilating (hegaring) the cervical canal in order to introduce the hysteroscope into the uterine cavity. It is usually painful, so such procedures are performed under general and/or conduction anesthesia. Quite often, these procedures are performed in the operating theater, while microhysteroscopy can be a “one-day” or even outpatient procedure.
Hysteroscopy is extremely safe – the risk of complications is less than 0.5%. The exception is resectoscopy during which large tumors are removed, where the risk is estimated at 1%.
I have been fascinated by hysteroscopy for many years and have been training intensively in this field. I am a specialist in microhysteroscopy, which I perform in the Microhysteroscopy Sub-Unit of the Women and Children’s Health Center in Zabrze.
I perform diagnosis and treatment of: