Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy refers to a small camera which is placed into the uterus to examine the inside of the uterine cavity for abnormalities. This is called diagnositc hysteroscopy.  The hysteroscope can vary in size from 2-3 milimeters, which is used safely and is well tolerated in the office, to larger instruments which are used to remove polyps, fibroids or the endometrial lining in an operating room. Removing these uterine cavity abnormalities with the hysteroscope is referred to as operative hysteroscopy and can offer women an alternative to hysterectomy for the treatment of abnormal uterine bleeding.

Hysteroscopy and the Essure

The hysteroscope is also used in the office setting for the placement of the Essure device into the fallopian tubes. This procedure provides permanent contraception for women as an alternative to the tubal ligation procedure that requires general anesthesia and incisions on the abdomen.  There is significantly less surgical risk associated with the Essure procedure compared to tubal ligation performed laparoscopically.  Find out if the Essure is right for you.