What it is

• ➤ Hysteroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and sometimes therapeutic procedure that allows doctors to directly visualize the inside of the uterus (endometrial cavity) using a thin, lighted tube called a hysteroscope.
• ✦ The scope is inserted through the vagina and cervix, so no abdominal incisions are required.
• ➟ It can be done for diagnosis alone (diagnostic hysteroscopy) or combined with minor procedures (operative hysteroscopy).
• Important: Hysteroscopy is widely used in Korea for both women’s health screening and fertility management.

Why it’s done

• ➤ Common reasons include:
  • ▪ Investigating abnormal uterine bleeding.
  • ▪ Detecting/removing polyps, fibroids, or adhesions.
  • ▪ Evaluating causes of infertility or recurrent miscarriage.
  • ▪ Locating or removing a lost IUD.
  • ▪ Following up abnormal imaging or biopsy results.
• ✦ Benefits:
  • ✅ Direct visualization = accurate diagnosis.
  • ✅ Can combine diagnosis + treatment in a single session.
  • ✅ Faster recovery compared to open or laparoscopic procedures.
• ⟶ Limitations:
  • ▪ Requires specialized equipment and training.
  • ▪ May need anesthesia depending on complexity.
• Bold takeaway: Hysteroscopy is often the gold standard for assessing intrauterine conditions.

Alternatives

• ➤ Transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS): Non-invasive, good for structural overview, but not definitive.
• ✦ Sonohysterography (saline infusion ultrasound): Improves visualization of the cavity but cannot treat issues.
• ➟ MRI or CT: Useful for complex pelvic pathology, but more expensive and less specific.
• Important: Hysteroscopy is unique in being both diagnostic and therapeutic at once.

Preparation

• ➤ Timing: Ideally performed after menstruation but before ovulation, when the endometrium is thin.
• ✦ Pre-procedure steps:
  • ▪ Fasting may be required if anesthesia is planned.
  • ▪ Take prescribed pain relievers or sedatives.
  • ▪ Avoid tampons, sex, or vaginal products 24h prior.
• ➟ Tell your doctor if you:
  • ▪ Are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
  • ▪ Have pelvic infections.
  • ▪ Take blood thinners or have clotting issues.
• Important: Discuss anesthesia options (local, sedation, or general) depending on complexity.

How it’s done

• ➤ Step 1 – Positioning: You lie on an exam table with feet in supports.
• ✦ Step 2 – Speculum & dilation: A speculum may be inserted; cervix gently dilated if needed.
• ➟ Step 3 – Hysteroscope insertion: The scope is passed through the cervix into the uterus.
• ➤ Step 4 – Uterine distension: Saline or CO₂ is used to expand the cavity for clear viewing.
• ✦ Step 5 – Examination & treatment:
  • ▪ Diagnostic: inspect for abnormalities.
  • ▪ Operative: remove polyps/fibroids, cut adhesions, retrieve IUD, or biopsy suspicious tissue.
• → Duration: 10–30 minutes depending on purpose.
• What you feel: Pressure or cramping; anesthesia reduces discomfort.

Recovery

• ➤ After diagnostic hysteroscopy:
  • ▪ Resume normal activities same day.
  • ▪ Light spotting or cramping for 1–2 days.
• ✦ After operative hysteroscopy:
  • ▪ Recovery may take 1–2 weeks depending on extent.
  • ▪ Avoid tampons, intercourse, or douching for 1 week.
• ➟ Results:
  • ▪ Normal → reassurance or continued monitoring.
  • ▪ Abnormal (polyps, fibroids, cancer) → further treatment planned.
• ⟶ Seek urgent care if:
  • ➤ Heavy bleeding, severe pain, fever, or foul discharge.
• Important: Always attend follow-up to review pathology and treatment outcomes.

Treatment option in Korea

• ➤ Where available:
  • ▪ Major university hospitals in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu.
  • ▪ Fertility centers and specialized women’s health clinics.
• ✦ Why Korea:
  • ▪ Advanced hysteroscopic technology with high-definition cameras.
  • ▪ Same-day packages combining ultrasound + hysteroscopy + biopsy.
  • ▪ Minimally invasive operative hysteroscopy commonly available.
• ➟ For international patients:
  • ▪ Pre-arrival consultation via email/video.
  • ▪ Results delivered within a few days; reports available in English.
  • ▪ Packages often include fertility testing or cancer screening.
• ⟶ If abnormalities found:
  • ▪ Polyps/fibroids removed during same procedure.
  • ▪ Biopsy for suspicious lesions → pathology report guides treatment.
  • ▪ Cancer cases referred to multidisciplinary oncology units.
• Important: Korea’s efficiency allows diagnosis + treatment in one trip, highly valued by medical travelers.