Hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy uses a slender instrument (the hysteroscope) to help the doctor see inside the uterus. It is inserted through the vagina and cervix and allows the doctor to see any fibroids located inside the uterine cavity. At the same time, s/he can take a look at your uterine lining and see whether any polyps are present.

Hysteroscopy can occur in the doctor's office without anesthesia or on an outpatient basis at a hospital or clinic under general or regional anesthesia. If you've been experiencing excessive bleeding, your doctor might also perform a dilation and currettage (D&C) during the hysteroscopy to scrape out some of the uterine lining. Any necessary biopsies of the endometrial lining or polyps can also be taken during hysteroscopy.

Endoscopy

Hysteroscopy and laparoscopy are two procedures that fall under the specialty category of endoscopy. With endoscopy, special equipment is used to go inside the uterus or abdomen to visualize the interior of a woman's body and to perform procedures such as laparoscopic myomectomy, hysteroscopic myomectomy, or laparoscopically assisted hysterectomy. All doctors certified in obstetrics and gynecology are trained to use this equipment. That does not mean, however, that they are all equally skilled in using this equipment.

The Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ACGE) was set up to determine standards in operative endoscopic procedures performed by gynecologists. Surgeons who consider themselves advanced operators in endoscopic surgery and demonstrate sufficient case documentation may become certified through the ACGE.

Link	Site Name/Author	What You'll Find
www.aagl.com/acge.asp	Accreditation Council for Gynecologic Endoscopy (ACGE)	Information on physicians accredited endoscopical procedures.
www.aagl.com	American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (ACGE)	Professional site of ACGE. Includes a physician locator.
www.womens-health.com/gyn_health/ gyn_tst_hyst.html	Women's Health Interactive	Reproductive System Tests: Hysteroscopy
www.bidmc.harvard.edu/ obgyn/surcical_hysteroscopy.asp	Harvard Medical	Hysteroscopy
www.gynalternatives.com/hsc.htm	OBGYN.net Hysterectomy Alternatives	What is Hysteroscopy?
www.universityobgyn.com/ hysteros.htm	Dr. Richard Boesel University Ob/Gyn Associates 1997	How is hysteroscopy done in the office?
www.obgyn.net/women/ articles/hyst_dah.htm	OBGYN.net Dr. D. Ashley Hill, Associate Director Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Florida Hospital Family Practice Residency	Hysteroscopy
www.onna.org/information/ invasive.html#Hysteroscopy	The ONNA Community	WWW.ONNA.ORG is an online community of people who want to have children, and who are finding it more difficult than they originally expected. This link takes you to an explanation of hysteroscopy as well as patient stories from undergoing hysteroscopic procedures.
www.pta.net.au/sgeg/ PatInfo/Hysteroscopy.html	Sydney Gynaecological Endoscopy Group Sydney, Australia Dr G.D. Reid & Dr H.F. Joyce	Hysteroscopy. Detailed, yet simple, description of the hysteroscope and hysteroscopy.