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Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What is hysteroscopy?
• Why is hysteroscopy done?
• How is hysteroscopy performed?
• What are the risks and complications of hysteroscopy?
• What is the outlook after hysteroscopy?
• Hysteroscopy At A Glance
• Find a local Obstetrician-Gynecologist in your town
• Hysteroscopy Index

How is hysteroscopy performed?

There are a number of different sizes and types of hysteroscopes available, depending upon the type of procedure that is required. Some hysteroscopes are combined with instruments that allow surgical manipulation and removal of tissues if necessary.

Hysteroscopy may be preformed in an outpatient surgery center or in a hospital operating room. A number of different methods for anesthesia and pain control may be used, depending upon the individual situation. Sometimes, hysteroscopy using narrow-diameter hysteroscopes that do not require dilation of the cervical opening can be performed without anesthesia. In other cases, a local anesthetic can be applied topically or given by injection. In certain cases, a regional or general anesthetic may be recommended.

A vaginal speculum is often inserted prior to the procedure to facilitate insertion of the hysteroscope through the uterine cavity. Depending upon the exact type of hysteroscope that is used, dilation of the cervical opening with prostaglandin medications and/or surgical instruments may be necessary. After insertion of the hysteroscope, fluid or gas is injected to distend the uterine cavity and allow for better visualization.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol and others) and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications are generally recommended after the procedure to control any pain or cramping that may occur.

Hysteroscopy is not be performed if a woman is pregnant or has an active pelvic infection. It is also not recommended if a woman has uterine or cervical cancer. Certain conditions (abnormal position of the uterus, obstruction of the cervical canal or uterine cavity, scarring or narrowing of the cervical opening) may make hysteroscopy more difficult or impossible to perform in certain cases.