Hysteroscopy
A hysteroscopy is performed using a hysteroscope to look inside the womb to enable a surgeon to make an accurate diagnosis and arrange appropriate treatment. This can identify the cause of heavy periods, abnormal bleeding or post-menopausal bleeding from the womb. At hysteroscopy a biopsy may well be taken, this is a small sample of tissue for examination in the laboratory. A hysteroscopy will also identify polyps (small lumps of tissue that can grow from the womb lining), which can be removed at the same time. This procedure is performed as a Daycase either under local or general anaesthetic.
In many women no cause/abnormality is found which is good news and there is nothing seriously wrong. Other treatments can then be considered.
Laparoscopy
Under general anaesthetic a diagnostic laparoscopy is performed using a laparoscope to investigate causes of abdominal and gynaecological pain. You would generally be able to go home the same day.
A operative laparoscopy is performed to treat endometriosis and to remove some ovarian cysts. It will either be performed as a Daycase or you may be in hospital for one night and the full recovery period takes one week.
Microwave Endometrial Ablation
A Microwave Endometrial Ablation (MEA) is a proven treatment for women suffering from heavy periods (menorrhagia), which can only be performed by a gynaecologist. It is, for some women, an alternative to a hysterectomy. It has fewer risks and the recovery time is much quicker. It is a minimal access surgical treatment, which involves treating the endometrium (the inner lining of the womb) and is suitable for women who do not want to have any more children.
Prior to the MEA a Hysteroscopy would be performed to check the uterine cavity. The MEA procedure uses high frequency microwave energy to cause rapid but shallow heating which destroys the endometrium. The microwaves are delivered by means of an applicator that is gently inserted into the uterus. The microwaves are applied while the applicator is slowly withdrawn with a sweeping movement to ensure that all of the endometrium is treated. This treatment takes about 3 minutes to complete and requires no stitches and there are no scars on the abdomen.
After the procedure you may experience a watery discharge for a couple of weeks, which is part of the healing process, but generally patients do not suffer post-operative discomfort. A recovery period of one week is advised. Contraception is still required after a MEA.
An MEA is carried out as a Daycase procedure and an overnight stay in hospital is not generally required.
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