hysteroscoop

A hysteroscope is a medical instrument used to visualize the inside of the uterus. It is a thin, lighted tube with a camera attached to the end, allowing a physician to see the uterine cavity. The hysteroscope is inserted through the cervix into the uterus.

The procedure in which a hysteroscope is used is called hysteroscopy. It is typically performed in a doctor's office or as an outpatient procedure. The purpose of hysteroscopy can be diagnostic or therapeutic. As a diagnostic tool, it can help identify the cause of abnormal uterine bleeding, such as heavy periods, bleeding between periods, or postmenopausal bleeding. It can also be used to investigate infertility or recurrent miscarriages by examining the uterine lining for polyps, fibroids, adhesions, or congenital abnormalities.

Therapeutic hysteroscopy allows for the removal of abnormal tissue. For example, polyps and small fibroids can be resected using instruments passed through the hysteroscope. Adhesions, which are scar tissue that can form inside the uterus, can also be divided. The procedure may involve distending the uterus with a sterile solution or gas to improve visibility. After the procedure, patients may experience mild cramping or spotting. Hysteroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure with a low risk of complications.