Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a minor surgical procedure used to evaluate the inside of the uterus. This surgery is usually performed to evaluate abnormal bleeding but can be done for other reasons as well. It can be performed in the office or in a surgical center. Dr. Dooley inserts a small camera thru the cervical opening to visualize the lining of the uterus. There are no incisions.
Often times, a dilation and curettage or D&C is performed at the same time to sample the lining of the uterus so that it can be evaluated under a microscope to rule out pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.
Finally, some women have an endometrial ablation performed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. This is done under hysteroscopic guidance. During this procedure, the endometrial lining is treated with energy to create scarring of the lining of the uterus so that it will bleed less that it had been. For many women this can decrease their menstrual flow substantially and in some cases can result in no appreciable menstrual flow.
Often times, a dilation and curettage or D&C is performed at the same time to sample the lining of the uterus so that it can be evaluated under a microscope to rule out pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions.
Finally, some women have an endometrial ablation performed to treat heavy menstrual bleeding. This is done under hysteroscopic guidance. During this procedure, the endometrial lining is treated with energy to create scarring of the lining of the uterus so that it will bleed less that it had been. For many women this can decrease their menstrual flow substantially and in some cases can result in no appreciable menstrual flow.