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- $Unique_ID{BRK00199}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{What is a "Hysteroscopy"?}
- $Subject{hysteroscopy surgery diagnosis Genitourinary System Special
- Procedures procedure uterine fiberoptics endoscope gynecologic bleeding polyps
- myomas endometrial cancer cancers biopsy lesion tumors endometrium
- hysteroscopies endoscope gynecologic disorders gynecological disorder}
- $Volume{J-14, P-14}
- $Log{
- Anatomy of the Female Reproductive System*0006101.scf
- Hysterectomy*0008600.tid
- Total Hysterectomy*0008601.scf
- Partial Hysterectomy*0008602.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
-
-
- What is a "Hysteroscopy"?
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-
- QUESTION: What is a "hysteroscopy"?
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-
- ANSWER: A hysteroscopy is a new and successful method for examining the
- uterine cavity. The procedure involves the use of fiberoptics for a reliable,
- strong light source, carbon dioxide gas to distend the uterine cavity for
- complete internal visibility, and an endoscope (telescope-like instrument)
- with a 5 mm diameter which allows the physician a wide-angle view of the
- entire cavity.
- Hysteroscopy is valuable for both the diagnosis and management of many
- gynecologic disorders. It is commonly used to search for causes of abnormal
- uterine bleeding, but it can also confirm conditions such as polyps, myomas,
- and endometrial cancer. Because of its diverse application, the hysteroscopy
- can also be used to obtain a biopsy of a suspicious lesion or to remove
- intrauterine tumors.
- As a diagnostic tool, the hysteroscope is useful for many reasons. It
- can be used in the physician's office with minimal inconvenience and
- discomfort for the patient, and the procedure, which frequently takes less
- than five minutes, has few risks and a low complication rate. In addition, no
- special preparations or medications are required for the examination.
- However, when the hysteroscope is used for an operation, it is usually
- performed in an ambulatory surgical center and some anesthesia is required.
- Despite its high success rate and low risk factor, hysteroscopy utilizes
- techniques that require training and experience. The endometrium is easily
- injured and there is always the possibility of introducing infection into the
- uterine cavity, especially with a gaseous media. It is therefore necessary
- for a physician to master the techniques before attempting its use. However,
- with today's knowledge, training can be readily and accurately acquired. The
- gas pressure and flow can be successfully regulated, which was initially one
- of the more serious complications, and careful manipulation of the instrument
- can be easily learned with practice. With these problems solved, hysteroscopy
- promises to be a major means for gynecological diagnosis and therapy.
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-
- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
-