What is outpatient hysteroscopy?

Hysteroscopy is a procedure that allows the gynaecologist to see inside the uterus (womb). A thin tube called a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterus. This has a light source and a camera, which shows images of the inside of the uterus on a television monitor.  In the outpatient setting this is done whilst you are awake.  In more complicated cases this may need to be done under a general anaesthetic in daycase or main theatres.

Hysteroscopy is used to investigate abnormal bleeding, infertility and to remove lost coils. A hysteroscopy might show:

  • Abnormal endometrium (lining of the womb)
  • Endometrial polyp (non cancerous growths of endometrium)
  • Fibroid (muscular growth of the uterus)
  • Abnormal shape of the uterus
  • Adhesions (scarring on the inside of the uterus)