What is hysteroscopy?
Diagnostic hysteroscopy lets your physician see the lining of the uterus on a video screen. Operative hysteroscopy uses small instruments passed through the scope to treat what is found, often during the same procedure.
Why is it done?
- Heavy, irregular or post-menopausal bleeding
- Uterine polyps or fibroids inside the uterine cavity
- Scar tissue inside the uterus
- Repeated miscarriages or difficulty becoming pregnant
- Locating an IUD that has moved
- Taking a targeted biopsy of the uterine lining
How is it performed?
Depending on the purpose, hysteroscopy may be done in the office or as an outpatient procedure with anesthesia. The physician gently opens the cervix, inserts the hysteroscope and fills the uterus with fluid to see clearly. Most procedures take between a few minutes and an hour.
What is recovery like?
Most women go home the same day and return to normal activities within a day or two. Mild cramping and light bleeding for a few days are common.
What are the risks and when should I call?
Complications are uncommon but can include infection, bleeding, a tear in the uterus or reaction to the fluid or anesthesia. Call the office for fever, severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding afterward.
Schedule a consultation in Fort Lauderdale
To make an appointment with Women’s Surgical Specialists, call (954) 771-8888, Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–4:30 pm. Our office is at 2800 East Commercial Blvd, Suite 101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, and we accept Medicare and most major insurance plans.
This page is general information, not medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 911.