Uteroscopy (hysteroscopy) and curettage (scraping)

Hysteroscopy is a mirror examination of the uterine cavity. It makes it possible to detect changes in the uterine wall and, if necessary, to treat them.

The cervix is made visible by inserting a speculum (as in a routine examination by a gynecologist). If necessary, the cervix is carefully widened so that the hysteroscope, a thin rod (about 5 mm) with a camera, can be inserted into the uterus.

There are two forms of hysteroscopy:

• Diagnostic hysteroscopy: it is performed with a narrower hysteroscope. This allows for minor surgeries such as sampling or removal of dislocated IUDs.
• Surgical hysteroscopy: It is performed with a hysteroscope with a larger diameter. This allows removal of polyps, fibroids, resection of a possible uterine septum or removal or sclerotherapy of the endometrium.

The most common reasons for hysteroscopy are:

• Clarification of bleeding disorders
• Clarification of changes in the uterus (tumors, polyps, malformations, fibroids)
• Removal of uterine mucosa (scraping) or growths under visual control
• Treatment of bleeding disorders by sclerotherapy or ablation of the uterine mucosa