Hysteroscopy is used to inspect the inside of the uterus, allowing both diagnosis and treatment of problems. This technique can be used for conditions within the uterus such as uterine polyps, septums, abnormal bleeding and certain fibroids.
Like laparoscopic surgery, a camera and light source are attached to a narrow instrument called a hysteroscope to view the surgical field on a high definition monitor. However, the hysteroscope is inserted vaginally through the cervix into the uterus for a view within the uterine cavity. Therefore, hysteroscopic surgery does no require any incisions. Modern hysteroscopes are so thin that they can fit through the cervix with minimal or no dilation. Diagnosis and simple hysteroscopic procedures can be done in an office setting. More complex operative hysteroscopy procedures are done in an operating room.
It is important to keep in mind that evaluation of the ovaries, remaining portions of the pelvis, and abdomen require laparoscopy.