Hysteroscopic Surgery

Advances in gynaecology have made it possible to treat many uterine problems without the need for open surgery. Hysteroscopic surgery is one such innovation that uses a thin telescope-like instrument (hysteroscope) to look inside the uterus and perform corrective procedures with precision.

This minimally invasive approach offers women safer treatment options with less pain, minimal scarring, and quicker recovery, making it highly effective for addressing conditions that affect fertility, menstruation, and overall reproductive health.

What Is Hysteroscopic Surgery?

Hysteroscopy involves inserting a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope has a camera and light source, allowing the doctor to directly view the uterine cavity on a screen. Special instruments can then be passed through the hysteroscope to perform necessary procedures.

Unlike traditional surgery, hysteroscopic surgery requires no abdominal incisions and is usually performed as a day case procedure, meaning patients often go home the same day.

Common Hysteroscopic Procedures

1. Septum Resection

A uterine septum is a congenital abnormality where a band of tissue divides the uterine cavity. This condition can cause infertility, recurrent miscarriages, or complications during pregnancy.

Hysteroscopic septum resection removes this tissue using fine surgical instruments, restoring a normal uterine cavity and improving fertility outcomes.

2. Hysteroscopic Myomectomy

Uterine fibroids (benign growths in the uterus) are common and may cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility. When fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity (submucosal fibroids), they can be effectively removed using hysteroscopic myomectomy.

This procedure eliminates symptoms, improves chances of conception, and preserves the uterus, making it ideal for women wishing to retain fertility.

3. Hysteroscopic Polypectomy

Endometrial polyps are small growths in the lining of the uterus that may cause abnormal bleeding, spotting between periods, or infertility.

Hysteroscopic polypectomy allows for the precise removal of these polyps under direct vision, ensuring minimal trauma to the uterine lining and reducing recurrence risk.

4. Hysteroscopic Foreign Body Removal

Occasionally, foreign objects such as retained intrauterine devices (IUDs), broken device fragments, or surgical materials may be present in the uterus. These can cause pain, infection, or infertility.

With hysteroscopic surgery, these foreign bodies are located and safely removed without the need for open surgery, ensuring comfort and safety for the patient.

Benefits of Hysteroscopic Surgery

Hysteroscopic surgery is increasingly preferred because of its many advantages:

• No incisions: performed through natural openings, leaving no scars.
• Minimal pain and discomfort: less invasive than traditional surgery.
• Quick recovery: most patients return to daily activities within a day or two.
• Fertility preservation: procedures restore normal uterine anatomy and improve chances of conception.
• Outpatient procedure: Many surgeries are completed within a few hours and do not require overnight hospitalisation.

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery after hysteroscopic surgery is generally smooth and quick. Patients may experience mild cramping or spotting for a few days, which usually resolves without complications. Doctors typically advise avoiding strenuous activities and sexual intercourse for a short period.

Follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and to discuss further treatment if needed, especially for women undergoing fertility planning.

Is Hysteroscopic Surgery Right for You?

Hysteroscopic surgery is suitable for women experiencing:

• Heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.
• Infertility or repeated miscarriages.
• Known uterine abnormalities like fibroids, polyps, or septum.
• Retained IUDs or other intrauterine foreign objects.

A specialist consultation, imaging tests, and clinical evaluation are essential to determine if hysteroscopic surgery is the right choice.

Final Thoughts

Hysteroscopic surgery has transformed women’s health by offering precise, minimally invasive solutions for conditions that once required major surgery. Whether it’s restoring fertility, treating abnormal bleeding, or removing fibroids, polyps, or foreign bodies, hysteroscopy ensures better outcomes with less downtime.