Hysteroscopy
Women and Children's
Patient Information
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What is hysteroscopy?
Hysteroscopy is the examination of the inside
of the womb (uterus) using a fine telescope.
It is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
Why is hysteroscopy performed?
It allows certain abnormalities inside the
womb to be seen. Not all women with the
problems listed below need to undergo the
procedure, but it can provide useful
information in the following circumstances:
• Abnormal uterine bleeding, that is bleeding
between periods, bleeding after the
menopause or excessive bleeding.
• Prior to treatment such as endometrial
resection or ablation.
(Procedures for removing the inner lining of
the uterus/womb.)
Where will the procedure take place?
The hysteroscopy will be performed in the
Gynaecology Day Suite, situated in the
Women's Unit at Blackpool Teaching
Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
What will happen when I go for the
investigation?
The doctor will ask you about your symptoms,
including dates of any recent vaginal
bleeding, and explain the procedure to you in
order to obtain your informed consent. You
will be asked to undress sufficiently for the
examination, a loose skirt is particularly
suitable to wear. You are then helped on to a
special examination couch.
A speculum, as used for smear tests, will be
inserted into the vagina and the cervix (neck
of the womb) identified. A fine telescope, the
hysteroscope, is then passed through the
cervix and into the womb. A small amount of
fluid is used to help open the way into the
womb. A camera attached to the
hysteroscope allows the view inside the
womb to be seen on a television screen. If a
small polyp or fibroid is identified, the option
of proceeding to treatment in the outpatient
setting is usually offered at the time of your
appointment if practically possible.
After the hysteroscope is removed, a sample
of the lining of the womb may be taken
using a fine tube which is passed through the
cervix (a pipelle biopsy).
Will it hurt?
Some women experience period type pain,
which usually dissapears rapidly. Paracetamol
(2 tablets, maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours)
will help the pain.
These tablets can be taken about an hour
before your appointment time if you wish to
reduce the chance of discomfort. If the cervix
needs to be dilated, local anaesthetic is
inserted into the cervix beforehand, which
helps reduce any pain. Gas and air is also an
option and is available. If at any stage you
feel that you cannot tolerate the procedure
we will stop. Alternative arrangements can
be made to have the procedure performed
under a general anaesthetic.
Are their any associated risks with the
procedure?
There is small a risk of bleeding, and small
risk of infection and rarely perforation of the
uterus/womb.
When will I know the results of the
procedure?
The doctor/ specialist nurse will tell you
immediately what was seen and discuss the
treatment you may need. If a sample has
been taken (biopsy) and sent to the
laboratory, we will usually write to you with
the result. This takes about three weeks.
What will happen afterwards?
You will be able to go home, but you may
need to rest for a while first (about 30
minutes). It is a good idea to bring someone
with you to take you home. You may have
some vaginal spotting or bleeding for up to
seven days. You will be given a sanitary pad
to wear.
Please bring your own if you prefer. If you
have any problems after the procedure we
advise that you contact your GP.
How long does it take?
The test only takes a few minutes but the visit
may take up to an hour altogether, including
time spent talking to the doctor and resting.
Do I still need to attend if I am having a
period?
It is difficult to do a test if you are having a
period so sometimes it is best to change your
appointment. If you are bleeding on the day
of your appointment, please call the clinic
and ask to speak to a member of staff.
Useful contact details
To change an appointment or to seek advice,
please call
01253 953883
or
01253 953879.
OR
alternatively, contact Gynaecology Day Suite
Tel 01253 953995.
Hospital Switchboard: 01253 300000
Patient Relations Department
The Patient Relations Department offer impartial
advice and deal with any concerns or complaints
the Trust receives. You can contact them via:
Tel: 01253 955589
email: [email protected]
You can also write to us at:
Patient Relations Department, Blackpool Victoria
Hospital, Whinney Heys Road, Blackpool FY3 8NR
Further information is available on our website:
www.bfwh.nhs.uk
References
This leaflet is evidence based wherever
the appropriate evidence is available, and
represents an accumulation of expert opinion
and professional interpretation.
Details of the references used in writing this
leaflet are available on request from:
Policy Co-ordinator/Archivist 01253 953397
Approved by:
Date of Publication:
Reference No:
Author:
Review Date:
Women’s Dept meeting
16/11/2015
lc00009602 - PL/741 V2
Lavinia Parkinson
01/11/2018