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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
Incontinence Treatments
Laparoscopic Surgery
Laparoscopy
Laparotomy
Laser Surgery
LEEP (Loop Exectrosurgical Excision Precedure)
Oophorectomy
Operative Hysteroscopy

Operative Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscope is a long, slender telescopic device that is used to view the inside of the uterus.  It is used not only to diagnose such conditions as fibroids, adhesions and polyps (diagnostic hysteroscopy), but also to treat them (operative hysteroscopy).  Instruments designed to fit through a channel in the hysteroscope are used to remove growths or scar tissue or to correct certain congenital abnormalities such as a uterine septum.

Because the uterine cavity is a potential one, it must be inflated with either a harmless gas or fluid to make space for viewing and operating.  This can cause cramping similar to menstrual cramps.  Afterwards, depending on the procedure performed, there may be vaginal discharge or bleeding for several days.

Operative hysteroscopy allows many procedures that once required hospitalization to be performed in the doctor’s office with minimal discomfort and quick recovery.  Patients are usually ready to resume normal activities after a day or two.  Some of these procedures replace the need for hysterectomy.

Risk of serious complications is low; however, perforation of the uterus, uterine adhesions (scar tissue) or infection may occur in about 2% of procedures.

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.
  3. WebMD. Infertility and reproduction guide: Hysteroscopy. 2006. www.webmd.com/ infertility-and-reproduction/guide/Hysteroscopy.

Reviewed:  March 2008.

Ovarian Vein Embolization
Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) Treatment
Polypectomy
Presacral Neurectomy
Sterilization
Transcervial Resection of The Endometrium