Hysteroscopy Surgery
Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure used to observe and treat the inside of the uterus. In general, hysteroscopy is considered a surgical procedure, but non-invasive or minimally invasive hysteroscopic techniques are also available. The difficulty of the surgery depends on a number of factors:
Uterine Condition: The complexity of the structure and condition of the uterus can make the procedure more difficult. For example, abnormal growths or deformities in the structures of the uterus, dense adhesions can make the surgery more complicated.
Patient Condition: It is usually performed under general or local anesthesia. The patient’s general health can affect the difficulty of the surgery. This can make the surgery more difficult, especially if there are certain chronic diseases or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Doctor’s Experience: The experience and expertise of the doctor performing the hysteroscopy are also important. An experienced surgeon can be better prepared to handle more complex cases and reduce the risk of complications.
Technological Advances: In recent years, significant advances have been made in the equipment and technology used for it. More advanced imaging systems and surgical instruments can make the surgery easier and safer.
In general, hysteroscopy surgery carries certain risks like any surgical procedure, but if performed by an experienced team and under appropriate conditions, it can be completed successfully and safely in most cases as a day-case, non-hospitalized diagnostic and treatment method.
How is Hysteroscopy Performed?
Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure used to examine the inside of the uterus and, if necessary, treat it. The procedure usually involves the following steps:
Preparation: Before hysteroscopy, the patient’s general health is assessed and laboratory tests are performed if necessary. Fasting may be required before surgery. The type of anesthesia (local or general) is determined and the patient is informed about it.
Anesthesia: Anesthesia is usually administered to reduce pain and discomfort during the procedure. Local anesthesia can be applied to the uterus or the procedure can be performed under general anesthesia, which will ensure that the patient does not feel pain during the procedure. Office hysteroscopy, which is performed for diagnostic purposes only, is performed under local anesthesia in a clinic setting, while operative and more complicated procedures such as myomectomy and correction of the uterine anatomy (septal resection) can be performed under general anesthesia in the hospital.
Dilation of the Cervix: A dilator is usually used to open the cervix. This allows the hysteroscope to enter the uterus more easily. In order not to damage the cervix while dilating it in women who have not given birth before, some medications can be applied a few hours before the procedure to soften the cervix and make it easier to open.
Inserting the Hysteroscope: The hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus. During this time, the inside of the uterus is inflated with fluid, making it easier to observe all the walls and the entrance of the tubes. The hysteroscope is equipped with a camera and a light source in a thin tube so that the doctor can observe the inside of the uterus.
Examination of the Inside of the Uterus: The camera images passing through the hysteroscope are displayed on a screen. The doctor can observe abnormalities, adhesions, polyps, fibroids or other problems inside the uterus.
Treatment (Optional): If necessary, some treatments can be performed during the procedure. For example, abnormal tissues such as polyps or fibroids can be removed or medication can be applied to the uterus.
Completion and Recovery: Once the procedure is complete, the patient is usually allowed to return home within a few hours. The recovery process may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the patient’s general health. During the procedure, some of the fluids used to inflate the uterus pass into the abdominal cavity and the cervix is widened and a camera is passed through it, so the patient may experience mild to moderate pain that may continue for the day. There may also be a small amount of bloody, watery discharge.
Possible risks: It is generally considered a minimally invasive procedure and carries low risks for most patients. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are risks of complications and it is important to explain these risks to the patient in advance. Infection, bleeding, pelvic inflammatory disease, rarely perforation of the uterus, injury to the cervix, complications related to the fluid or gas used may be observed. Cramping and vaginal bleeding may often be observed for 1-2 days after the procedure. It is very important to inform your doctor in case of severe pain, fever, foul-smelling discharge or heavy bleeding.
Differences Between Hysteroscopy and Probe Curettage (Abortion)
Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure used to visualize the inside of the uterus and treat it if necessary. It is performed to diagnose abnormalities inside the uterus and treat conditions that require surgical intervention.
A curettage is a procedure performed to end a pregnancy or cleanse the remaining tissue inside the uterus after a miscarriage, to diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding, and to diagnose uterine wall cancer.
Although both procedures have similar purposes, being able to observe the inside of the uterus during the procedure allows the pathology inside to be seen and treated completely. Since the inside of the uterus cannot be seen during the curettage procedure, samples may not be taken from all surfaces, the area where the main pathology is may be missed, and formations such as polyps or myomas (fibroids) may not be completely removed with their roots.
Both procedures carry certain risks, but are generally less invasive and less risky than curettage. However, both procedures have potential complications, and these risks should be discussed between the patient and the doctor.
Hysteroscopy and curettage are procedures used for different purposes and require different techniques. Both procedures are necessary in certain situations and can be effective when applied appropriately and with appropriate indications.
Assoc. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı and Hysteroscopy
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı is a physician specializing in gynecology and obstetrics and has experience with many women’s health procedures, such as hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy is a medical procedure used to visualize the inside of the uterus and, if necessary, treat it. Esra Özbaşlı’s contributions to hysteroscopy include:
Expertise and Experience: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı is a specialist in gynecology and has extensive experience in intrauterine interventions, such as hysteroscopy. This experience helps her provide her patients with an effective and safe hysteroscopy experience.
Innovative Approaches: Esra Özbaşlı can focus on improving hysteroscopy procedures by following innovations in the field and using the latest technology and techniques in her clinical practice. This can provide patients with access to less invasive and more effective treatment methods.
Education and Research: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı places great importance on education and research regarding procedures such as hysteroscopy. By imparting knowledge and skills about hysteroscopy to students and colleagues, she can contribute to the improvement of practices and outcomes in this field.
Patient Communication and Care: Esra Özbaşlı establishes a trusting relationship with her patients and takes the time to understand their needs and concerns. She provides detailed information to patients before and after, making the procedure comfortable and relaxed.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Esra Özbaşlı’s expertise and experience help to effectively manage a delicate and important procedure such as hysteroscopy and help patients recover healthily. In this way, patients feel confident while receiving the necessary treatment.