What is a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure to examine the inside of your uterus. When needed, Dr. Okour can also examine your cervical canal, cervix, and vagina during a hysteroscopy.

Dr. Okour uses a long, slim instrument called a hysteroscope. He inserts the scope through your vagina and carefully guides it through the cervix and into your uterus.

The scope gives Dr. Okour the ability to view the tissues by looking directly through a telescope or using a video camera that sends images to a monitor. After examining your uterus, he can diagnose and surgically treat the problem.

Are there different hysteroscopic techniques?

A hysteroscope is an advanced instrument that Dr. Okour equips with an array of surgical tools. His expertise in using many different hysteroscopic techniques allows him to properly treat your unique uterine condition.

Three examples include:

Operative sheath

Dr. Okour takes tissue samples and treats many uterine conditions by passing specialized surgical instruments through an operative sheath in the hysteroscope.

Resectoscope sheath

The resectoscope sheath is specially designed to carry electric energy. Dr. Okour uses the energy to cut, vaporize, or coagulate tissues.

Hysteroscopic morcellator

A hysteroscopic morcellator is a specially designed hysteroscope that uses a rotary blade. The rotating blade cuts away tissues like polyps, simultaneously removing the debris by pulling it into the scope.

When would I need a hysteroscopy?

Dr. Okour may recommend a hysteroscopy to determine the cause of symptoms such as abnormal uterine bleeding and pelvic pain. Gynecological conditions commonly diagnosed during a hysteroscopy include:

• Uterine polyps
• Uterine fibroids
• Adhesions and scar tissue
• Endometriosis
• Uterine septum
• Endometritis
• Endocervical lesions

You may also need a hysteroscopy when Dr. Okour needs to take a biopsy to diagnose endometrial cancer.

What happens during a hysteroscopy?

Dr. Okour uses medication or a dilator to open your cervix. Then they insert the hysteroscope and begin your procedure. He first expands your uterus by injecting a gas or liquid through the scope. Then he examines the tissues and treats the problem.

This is an outpatient procedure, so you only need to stay in the clinic until your anesthesia wears off and Dr. Okour clears you to go home. You may have cramping and vaginal bleeding for a day or two, as well as pain from the gas while it works its way out of your system.

If you have questions or need to schedule a hysteroscopy, call Southern California Center for Advanced Gynecology, or book online today.