Hysteroscopy

PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET ON HAVING A HYSTEROSCOPY

You are due to be admitted to Southern Cross Hospital for a hysteroscopy on _____________. I hope this leaflet will help you to understand what happens to you during and after the operation. I would also like you to know that if you have any worries or questions about your operation please feel free to telephone me on the above numbers.

THE OPERATION

The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic. It is usually done for fertility investigation in conjunction with a Laparoscopy and Dye, or for abnormal bleeding with a Curette (D&C).When you are asleep the neck of the womb, (the cervix) is gently stretched. This allows a telescope to be inserted into the womb to give a good view of the lining of the womb. It is also possible for the surgeon to take a sample of the lining of the womb. The sample will be send to the laboratory for analysis. This will be discussed with you before your operation.

If you are having a hysteroscopy as part of your fertility investigations it is essential that you must not be having your period when the test is done. It is also essential that you have not fallen pregnant. To ensure this does not happen you must use barrier contraception or refrain from sexual intercourse unless the operation is done in the first half of your cycle.

AFTER THE OPERATION

When the anaesthetic has worn off you may be in pain. The pain can be like a strong crampy period pain. We like to act early to reduce your pain You can help us to do this by telling us how strong the pain is. We use a pain score numbered 0 – l0,
( 0 = NO PAIN ) ( l0= VERY STRONG PAIN )

I can give you pain killers in hospital and you will be offered pain killers to take home with you. Usually Paracetamol is adequate. You may take Paracetamol every 4 hours if need but no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

I suggest you should have someone to collect you after your operation. Please remember that you must not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours after a anaesthetic. It is essential that you are not alone on the first night after your operation.
You should try to have 2 days of rest with no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise.
You may have some bleeding after the operation. This may last only a few days or slight bleeding may continue until your next period. You should use sanitary towels initially, then providing there is no discomfort and that bleeding is not heavy, you may use tampons. If you have heavy bleeding, bad pain., a smelly vaginal discharge or a temperature you should contact me or your doctor.

It is important to prevent any infection after your operation. Good personal hygiene is important. Where possible a daily bath or shower is best. Also we advise that you do not have sexual intercourse for 3 days, or until the bleeding has stopped. After a hysteroscopy there is a possibility of getting a urine infection. Watch out for cystitis and if it does occur drink plenty of fluid. If symptoms persist see me or your G.P.
The risks of this procedure are minimal, but very, very occasionally a small hole may be made in the womb. If this happens the doctors may need to make a cut on your abdomen to repair the hole. This will mean that you will have to stay in hospital for a few more days.

DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITAL

It is aimed that the procedure is done as a day stay and most patients go home the same day.

If you have problems such as bad pain, increased bleeding, temperature, or generally feeling unwell please contact me or your GP. Remember to keep this leaflet to show to your GP.

PLEASE BRING THIS LEAFLET WITH YOU WHEN YOU ARE ADMITTED

PERMISSSION TO REPRODUCE THIS LEAFLET IS GIVEN AS LONG AS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IS GIVEN TO NAYLIN APPANNA.