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HYSTEROSCOPY AS AN
INPATIENT OR DAYCASE
PROCEDURE
Information Leaflet
Your Health. Our Priority.
www.stockport.nhs.uk
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit | Stepping Hill Hospital
Page 2 of 5
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is a procedure which enables your doctor to check the lining and the inner shape
of your womb. This is done by passing a thin fibre-optic telescopic camera through the neck of
the womb (cervix).
Most of the times this is carried out as an outpatient procedure, but sometimes, as in your case,
admission to the hospital is required.
It is a day case procedure and usually, you will be in the hospital for less than a day.
Reasons for carrying out hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy can help find the cause for the following and carry out treatment if required:
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Heavy periods
Irregular periods
Bleeding in-between periods
Bleeding after intercourse
Bleeding after menopause
Excessive vaginal discharge
Investigation of infertility
Treatment of polyps and fibroids, scar tissue, septum inside the womb and before carrying
out ablation to manage heavy periods
Usually, a specimen of the lining of the womb is taken (biopsy) and sent for further examination
in the laboratory, at the same time as Hysteroscopy.
www.stockport.nhs.uk
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit | Stepping Hill Hospital
Page 3 of 5
What are the risks and complications?
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Infection- this is very uncommon. See your GP if your discharge becomes heavy or foulsmelling or uncomfortable
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Heavy bleeding - contact your GP
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Perforation of the womb - the instrument might go through the wall of the womb; this is rare
(about 1%). Most of the time the injury in the uterus heals by itself but you may be kept in
hospital overnight to be monitored. A laparoscopy (insertion of a telescope through your
umbilicus) may be performed to investigate any possible internal injury. Very rarely, a
laparotomy (i.e. an operation through a larger incision) is necessary to repair an injury
These will be discussed with you prior to you signing the consent form.
What happens before your operation?
You will be asked to attend the pre-assessment clinic.
At the pre-assessment clinic:
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Blood samples and urine samples will be tested
Temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be checked
Your fitness for anaesthetic will be assessed
You will be contacted with a date for your surgery
Before the procedure under general anaesthetic:
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You must not eat or drink for 6 hours before the operation
You will be seen by an anaesthetist on admission
Although not normally necessary, 1-2 hours before the operation you may have a “pre-med”,
a tablet or injection to relax you, if prescribed by the anaesthetist
You must make sure that you are not pregnant and continue to use protection till the day you
come in for your operation
Your consent for your operation will be confirmed
What happens after the procedure?
If you have had a general anaesthetic:
 You will wake up in the recovery room and blood pressure and pulse will be checked
routinely
 You will be checked for any blood loss from your vagina, which is usually a light period type
loss
 Medication will be available for pain or sickness
 Depending on your condition you will normally be discharged home after a few hours
When you are ready for discharge you will be given
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One week’s supply of any medication that may be prescribed for you
www.stockport.nhs.uk
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit | Stepping Hill Hospital
Page 4 of 5
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A sick note if required
Most of the time we will write to you with the results of the biopsy and any further plan and
no follow up is required. However, if your consultant wishes to discuss the results of the
operation and/or further treatment, an outpatient department appointment for 4-6 weeks will
be posted to you
When you go home
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You may have slight blood losses which will gradually stop. Avoid intercourse and tampons
for a week to minimise the risk of infection. If the discharge becomes offensive or excessive
contact your GP to treat infection
You may get some lower tummy cramps. Ordinary paracetamol or Ibuprofen for 24-48 hours
is usually sufficient
Do not drive for 24-48 hours (check with your insurance company)
Contact us
Jasmine Suite
Jasmine Ward
0161 419 5511
0161 419 5508
www.stockport.nhs.uk
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit | Stepping Hill Hospital
Page 5 of 5
If you would like this leaflet in a different format, for example, in large print, or on
audiotape, or for people with learning disabilities, please contact:
Patient and Customer Services, Poplar Suite, Stepping Hill Hospital. Tel: 0161 419 5678
Information Leaflet. Email: [email protected].
Our smoke free policy
Smoking is not allowed anywhere on our sites. Please read our leaflet 'Policy on Smoke Free
NHS Premises' to find out more.
Leaflet number
Publication date
Review date
Department
Location
www.stockport.nhs.uk
MAT37
December 2014
December 2017
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit
Stepping Hill Hospital
Gynaecology, Woman's Unit | Stepping Hill Hospital