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Operative Hysteroscopy: Risks, How to Prepare & What to Expect

By Stacey Dicerbo Updated on

Important Information regarding your Operative Hysteroscopy:
A hysteroscopy is a procedure that makes it possible to look inside the uterus without an abdominal incision.  A small tube is inserted in the vagina, through the cervix and into the uterus so that inner surface of the uterus can be examined.  At this time, any treatment or corrective procedures such as removal of any polyps, or small fibroids located on the inner surface of the uterus (submucosal fibroids) will be removed and sent to pathology for examination.  Hysteroscopy may also improve the outcome of surgery to remove fibroids (myomectomy) if needed.
What are the risks of a hysteroscopy?
There are risks to any procedure.  Although the risks with a hysteroscopy are rare, they may occur in 3-6% of women and it is important you are informed of these risks.

  • Fluid overload-too much fluid absorbed in the blood from the uterus
  • Changes in the balance of water and salt in the blood
  • Fluid collection in the brain (cerebral edema) or the lungs (pulmonary edema)
  • Injury to the lining of the uterus including puncture of the uterus (perforation), bleeding or hemorrhage.
  • Infection

How should I prepare for the procedure?
Do not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the day of the procedure.
You may brush your teeth.  Do not swallow any fluids. You may shower.

  • Remove all body jewelry and body piercings.
  • No contacts lenses to be worn to office.  Please wear your glasses.
  • Wear comfortable clothing to the office
  • If you take medications on a daily basis, please ask the nurse if you should take these medications the morning of the procedure.

You must have someone drive you home.
You should not drive at all the day of your procedure.
You should have someone stay with you for the first 24hours after the procedure.
You will be given medication through your IV that will make you sleepy but you will be breathing on you own.  The anesthesiologist will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure and afterwards.
What should I expect after the procedure?
After a period of recovery in the office you will be able to return home.
You may feel sleepy or tired after your procedure. Rest while you are at home.
You may have mild cramping that feels similar to menstrual cramps.  You may take Ibuprofen for any cramping, following the instructions on the bottle. You will have some vaginal bleeding that may last up to two weeks.  Use peri-pads for any vaginal bleeding.  Do not use tampons.
Notify the office of any of the following abnormal symptoms:

  • Fever or chills
  • Heavy vaginal bleeding more than one maxi-pad per hour
  • Severe abdominal pain not controlled with ibuprofen administration
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or headache
  • Refrain from intercourse for one week.
  • No swimming, tub baths or douching

You may return to work in 1-2 days depending on how you feel.
Our goal is to make this as easy as possible for you and your family.  Please call us at 315-469-8700(Syracuse) or 518-690-0700 (Albany) with any questions or concerns.
Stacey Dicerbo, RNC
CNY Fertility Center, Latham, NY
sdicerbo@cnyfertility.com
866.375.4589 (toll free)