Operative hysteroscopy (HSC)
Operative HSC is also known as the operative hysteroscopy.
When is the surgical procedure required?
Hysteroscopy is the minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, where 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 a camera which allows a detailed examination of the cervical canal and the uterine cavity by transfering the record on the monitor. Hysteroscopy enables direct visualization of the cervical canal and uterine cavity and provides diagnosis and surgical treatment of intrauterine abnormalities. The procedure is performed immediately after the menstruation for the removal of intrauterine abnormalities, submucosal myomas which protrude inside the uterine cavity, endometrial polyps, uterine septum and intrauterine adhesions or retained intrauterine device. In case of thickened uterine mucosa after the menopause (endometrial hyperplasia) targeted sample of the endometrial mucosa is taken by using the hysteroscope (endometrial biopsy) and send the specimen for a histopathological analysis. It is considered that a diagnostic or operative hysteroscopy, performed before the next impregnation attempt, improves chances of getting pregnant in women who had two or more unsuccessful IVF or ICSI attempts.
What does the surgery include?
Under the general anaesthesia, instruments such as forceps, scissors or bipolar electrodes are inserted through a hysteroscope, by which benign and malignant changes could be removed from the uterus.
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 a gynecological and ultrasound examination before the surgery. 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.