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Patient Education Topics

Gathered here are a collection of incisive articles, created for women, to focus on subjects relating to women's physical and emotional health and well-being. Topics under gynecologic conditions include causes, diagnosis, symptoms and possible treatment options of various issues in gynecologic health. Topics under the treatment category include a description of techniques and procedures in treatment options of gynecologic conditions.

It is our hope that this section may serve as a resource, helping you to be an informed partner in your own healthcare. The information is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment.  While the information has been carefully reviewed, it is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. The AAGL encourages you to contact your own physician for the appropriate care and treatment of your health.

The development of this patient education was supported by unrestricted educational grants by the healthcare companies listed below. We appreciate their support in allowing the AAGL to continue its mission to educate you about the quality healthcare options that are available.

American Medical Systems
Boston Scientific
Conceptus
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Ethicon Women's Health & Urology
Intuitive Surgical
Karl Storz Endoscopy, America

CONDITIONS | TREATMENTS
Cryotherapy
Cystectomy
D&C
Endometrial Ablation
Fibroid Treatments
Hysterectomy
Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is a technique for visually examining the cavity of the uterus using a long, thin telescope-like instrument (hysteroscope) that is inserted through the vagina and cervix.  A small video camera attached to the end of the telescope gives the doctor a magnified view on a video monitor. 

Hysteroscopy can be either diagnostic or therapeutic, or both.  Therefore, it is sometimes referred to as diagnostic hysteroscopy (when used for viewing only) and sometimes as operative hysteroscopy (when used for treatment).  It may be performed in the doctor’s office under local anesthesia, and a woman can return to her normal activities immediately that day or the next (if intravenous sedation is used). 

As a diagnostic tool, hysteroscopy is useful in identifying causes of abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea, such as fibroids, adhesions and polyps.  It is also used to further evaluate abnormalities noted on certain diagnostic tests such as a hysterosalpingogram, sonogram or endometrial biopsy.

Surgical procedures to correct some of these problems can be carried out with operative hysteroscopy, using special instruments that fit through channels of the hysteroscope.

Operative hysteroscopy is also used to perform a minimally invasive procedure for women who choose sterilization as a means of permanent birth control.

References
 

  1. American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy: A guide for patients. Patient Information Series 2006. www.asrm.org/Patients/patientbooklets/laparoscopy.pdf.
  2. Indman P. Advanced Gynecological Solutions: Hysteroscopy. 2006. www.gynalternatives.com/hsc.htm.

Reviewed:  March 2008.

Incontinence Treatments
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Laser Surgery
LEEP (Loop Exectrosurgical Excision Precedure)
Oophorectomy
Operative Hysteroscopy
Ovarian Vein Embolization
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment
Polypectomy
Presacral Neurectomy
Sterilization
Transcervial Resection of The Endometrium