Introduction
Hysteroscopy is an imaging technique with which we perform real time visualization of the endometrial cavity, as well as of the endo-cervical canal and of the internal os of the fallopian tubes (Figure 1). Thus, the physician has a more precise diagnosis concerning pathologic conditions concerning mainly the endometrial cavity, which results after gynecologic symptoms, clinical examination, or after exploration of the female genital tract by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) or by hystero-salpingography (HSG). The diagnostic hysteroscopy, can be followed by the therapeutic hysteroscopy, using the suitable hysteroscope such as Bettocchi (Figure 2), or resectoscope (monopolar or bipolar) (Figure 3).
Hysteroscopy is an imaging technique with which we perform real time visualization of the endometrial cavity, as well as of the endo-cervical canal and of the internal os of the fallopian tubes (Figure 1). Thus, the physician has a more precise diagnosis concerning pathologic conditions concerning mainly the endometrial cavity, which results after gynecologic symptoms, clinical examination, or after exploration of the female genital tract by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVUS) or by hystero-salpingography (HSG). The diagnostic hysteroscopy, can be followed by the therapeutic hysteroscopy, using the suitable hysteroscope such as Bettocchi (Figure 2), or resectoscope (monopolar or bipolar) (Figure 3).
Indications
Diagnostic hysteroscopy
Hystero-salpingography (HSG)
Therapeutic hysteroscopy
Diagnostic hysteroscopy
- Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) from the female genital tract
- Endometrial pathology after:
Hystero-salpingography (HSG)
- Exploration of subfertility
Therapeutic hysteroscopy
- Endometrial polyps (Figure 4)
- Endometrial myomas (Figure 5)
- Endometrial adhesions (Asherman syndrome)
- Congenital anomalies of the Mullerian duct (uterine diaphragm, bicornuate uterus, etc)
- Residual tissue from previous pregnancy
- Stuck intrauterine device (IUD, uterine spiral)
Complications
The most often complications after diagnostic or therapeutic hysteroscopy are:
The most often complications after diagnostic or therapeutic hysteroscopy are:
- Uterine perforation (0.5-1%).
- Endometritis (infection of the endometrial cavity)
- Pulmonary embolism
- Liquid overloaded systematic circulation
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IOANNIS Α. KALOGIANNIDIS MD, PhD
Associate Professor
Obstetrics Gynecology -
Gynecologic Oncology
Obstetrics Gynecology -
Gynecologic Oncology
SEE ALSO
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HPV-DNA testing
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Colposcopy
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