Diagnostic hysteroscopy (HSC)
Diagnostic HSC is also known as the diagnostic hysteroscopy.
When is the surgical procedure required?
The procedure is performed when searching for causes of an irregular menstrual bleeding, heavy vaginal bleeding, vaginal bleeding after the menopause, for the purpose of performing the follow up examination of the uterus in women who take medications for breast cancer, in case of previous miscarriages, infertility etc. The examination is performed immediately after the menstruation, when the cervical canal is adequately dilated, so there is no need for a mechanical dilatation. Therefore, a squirt of isotonic saline solution from the tip of the hysteroscope is sufficient for the dilatation of the cervical canal.
What does the procedure include?
Under the short-lasting general anaesthesia, a thin optic instrument referred to as hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina and the cervical canal into the uterine cavity. The hysteroscope is attached to the camera which allows a detailed examination of the cervical canal and the uterine cavity by transfering the record on the monitor. Hysteroscopy enables a direct visualization of the uterine cavity and provides diagnosis of intrauterine abnormalities by taking a sample of the uterine mucosa for the histopathological analysis (endometrial biopsy).
How to get prepared?
Day before surgery a patient should eat light food and stop smoking and drinking alcohol and not take anything orally after a night’s sleep.
Related tests and examinations:
It is necessary to undergo the gynecological and ultrasound examination. A patient must have normal Pap test result and cervical smear tests should be performed in less than a year. Physical examination and tests indicated by the anaesthesiologist (laboratory tests, ECG, heart and lung X-ray scan, physical examination by other specialist) should be performed.