Minor Gynaecological Procedures

Hysteroscopic surgery is a minor, day procedure allowing a specialist to examine the inside of the uterus with a thin camera called a hysteroscope, inserted through the vagina and cervix. This procedure helps identify uterine abnormalities and, in some cases, allows treatment at the same time.

Hysteroscopy can help diagnose and treat various uterine conditions, including:

• Endometrial Polyps: Benign growths in the uterine lining.
• Uterine Fibroids: Noncancerous growths in the uterus that may affect fertility.
• Adhesions/Scarring (Asherman’s Syndrome): Scar tissue within the uterus that can impact fertility.
• Uterine Lining Irregularities: Abnormalities in the uterine lining that may interfere with conception.

During hysteroscopy, a small biopsy may be taken from the uterine lining, providing insights into conditions affecting fertility or general health.

1. Preparation: You’ll lie on an examination bed and the procedure will typically be performed under general anesthesia.
2. Insertion of the Hysteroscope: The hysteroscope, a thin tube with a light and camera, is gently introduced into the uterus, allowing your doctor to view the uterine cavity on a monitor.
3. Examination: The doctor will examine the cavity for fibroids, polyps, adhesions, or structural issues or fluid.
4. Treatment (if needed): If any abnormalities are found, minor treatments, such as polyp or fibroid removal, can be performed during the procedure.
5. Duration: Hysteroscopy typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the issue.

After the procedure, mild cramping or spotting is common, usually resolving within a few hours. Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two.

• Infection
• Uterine perforation (rare)
• Excessive bleeding (rare)

If you experience any severe symptoms, such as heavy bleeding, fever, or severe pain, contact your doctor.

1. Immediate Recovery: Most patients can go home the same day. If sedation or anesthesia was used, you may need a few hours to fully recover before leaving.
2. Cramping and Spotting: Mild cramping and light bleeding are normal and usually resolve within a day or two.
3. Care Instructions:
   • Avoid sexual intercourse for 1-2 weeks.
   • Use pads instead of tampons.
   • Take prescribed medications as directed.

You will have a post operative review with Dr Knight typically 7-10 days following your procedure to review findings and results and discuss next steps.

Similar to a pelvic exam, you will be positioned on an examination table. Anesthesia options include local, sedation, or general, depending on your comfort level and procedure complexity.

A thin, flexible tube with a camera is inserted into the uterus to locate and view polyps.

The doctor assesses the polyps’ size, location, and number. Specialized tools gently remove the polyps, and in some cases, the polyp’s base may be cauterized to prevent regrowth.

After polyp removal, the doctor may flush the uterine cavity with saline to clear any remaining tissue. Mild cramping or spotting is normal, typically resolving within a day or two.

You will have a post operative review with Dr Knight typically 7-10 days following your procedure to review findings and results and discuss next steps.

While rare, risks include infection, bleeding, or uterine perforation.

Performed via hysteroscopy or laparoscopy, fibroids are removed or shaved from the uterine wall.

Most patients recover within a few days for minimally invasive procedures.

You will have a post operative review with Dr Knight typically 7-10 days following your procedure to review findings and results and discuss next steps.

Similar to a cervical screen which can be performed without sedation and takes 10-15 minutes, a thin tube is inserted through the cervix to obtain a sample.

Minor cramping or spotting may occur.

Patients can typically resume normal activities almost immediately. Rarely cramping or fainting may occur, however our staff will be in attendance to assist.

A small, T-shaped device is inserted into the uterus via the cervix, providing long-term contraception. Mild cramping or discomfort may occur during insertion.

For removal, the doctor gently pulls on the IUD’s strings to remove it, which restores fertility immediately if conception is desired.

A thin tube (curette) attached to a vacuum device suctions the uterine lining or retained tissue. The procedure is relatively quick, lasting about 10-15 minutes. Typically performed under sedation anaesthesia.

Mild cramping or light bleeding is common after the procedure, with most patients able to resume daily activities within a few days.

You will have a post operative review with Dr Knight typically 3 weeks following your procedure to review findings and results and discuss next steps.