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HYCOSY What is HYCOSY Hystero salpingo contrast sonography (HyCoSy) means “ultrasound view of the womb and fallopian tubes. It is a transvaginal ultrasound technique in which a contrast medium called ExEm Foam is injected into the uterine cavity. It is a non-­‐invasive procedure and provides information about the patency of the fallopian tubes and the shape of the inside of your womb. There is no (X-­‐Ray) radiation risk and a general anaesthetic is not required. HyCoSy will also detect other changes within the womb such as polyps or fibroids. The results of the HyCoSy will be given you at the same time, and your further treatment will be discussed. Patient information. HyCoSy leaflet. G Lieberman. March 2015 V3.
Contact: Ms Yvonne Baillie 999 Finchley Road NW11 7HB [email protected] Tel 0207 125 0547 Questions & Answers about your HyCoSy Is HyCoSy suitable for everyone? HyCoSy can be performed on most women, however, different tests for tubal patency maybe more suitable, If HyCoSy is not suitable, we will make arrangements for the appropriate investigation. When Should a HyCoSy be performed? A HyCoSy needs to be carried out after your period finishes and before day 12 of a regular cycle. If your cycle is irregular then we will let you know the best time. How do I arrange the HyCoSy? It is important that the HyCoSy is performed in the first half of your cycle. To book please phone Yvonne Baillie on 020 7125 0547 or email [email protected] It is mandatory that you have had a urine test for Chlamydia. What happens when I arrive for my HyCoSy? You will book at reception and then empty your bladder. A pelvic (internal) ultrasound will be performed to check your womb and ovaries. An internal scan provides much better as the images if done the scan is done over the abdominal surface. A speculum will be passed (the same instrument that is used when having a smear) to visualise the cervix. A fine catheter (tube) is then introduced into the womb; the catheter is kept in placing by a small balloon (about the size of a pea) The contrast medium (ExEm Foam) is then slowly instilled into the womb and will show if your tubes are open. ExEm Foam has tiny bubbles that can be seen by the ultrasound. The procedure takes about 15mins Is There Any Discomfort? There can be discomfort associated with this procedure, particularly if the fallopian tubes are blocked. A menstruation like pain of mild to moderate intensity may occur during the procedure. It is best to take form of pain relief such as Neurofen or Paracetamol an hour before the procedure, this will help reduce any discomfort. Some patients also experience period like cramping pains after the procedure for a few hours. Patient information. HyCoSy leaflet. G Lieberman. March 2015 V3.
Contact: Ms Yvonne Baillie 999 Finchley Road NW11 7HB [email protected] Tel 0207 125 0547 What are the risks? There is a small risk of introducing infection into the womb and tubes, and that is why we check for Chlamydia infection before the procedure. You will be prescribed antibiotics to go home with. Please let us know if you have a latex or medication allergy. What happens following the procedure? You will be informed of the findings from your HyCoSy at the consultation, and we will discuss the next steps for your treatment. In most women we find that HyCoSy results are normal, however if there are unexpected findings we will organise any appropriate next steps for you. It is advisable that you bring someone along with you in the unlikely event that you feel faint or uncomfortable so you have someone to escort you home. You may experience some light bleeding post the procedure, usually lasting no longer than 24 hours, if so it is recommended that you use a sanitary towel and not a tampon. Should you experience heavy bleeding or clots please contact us for advice. I’ve heard that other investigations are better tests Laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure where a camera is passed into your abdomen, would certainly provide more information and is certainly the best test as offers direct visualisation of the pelvis. However laparoscopy requires a general anaesthetic and there are rare but serious complications such as damage to the bowels or major blood vessels. Laparoscopy should be ideally reserved for those women where we are expecting to find problems, normally when a patient has pelvic pain, period problems or other risk factors. HSG (hysterosalpingogram) is an x-­‐ray version of HyCoSy. I use HSG in some patients depending on the history and symptoms. HSG does not require a general anaesthetic but does involve the use of Xrays. Patient information. HyCoSy leaflet. G Lieberman. March 2015 V3.
Contact: Ms Yvonne Baillie 999 Finchley Road NW11 7HB [email protected] Tel 0207 125 0547