Kara M. Smith, NP

A hysteroscopy is a diagnostic procedure performed to examine the inside of the uterus. A thin tube with a camera and light at the end, called a hysteroscope, is inserted through the vagina. It allows the physician to view the cervix and uterine walls. Sometimes, gas or liquid is used to expand the uterus and allow a better view. If necessary, tiny instruments can also be passed through the tube and used for certain procedures, such as taking a biopsy or removing a polyp.

Hysteroscopy is often done to figure out the cause of abnormal menstrual bleeding. However, it can also be used to:

• Identify the cause of recurrent miscarriage
• Remove polyps or fibroids, non-cancerous growths in the uterus
• Remove adhesions, scar tissue within the uterus
• Identify uterine septums, a wall of tissue dividing the uterus
• Perform ablation, the removal of excess uterine lining