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A GUIDE FOR HYSTEROSCOPY UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHETIC

A GUIDE FOR HYSTEROSCOPY UNDER GENERAL ANAESTHETIC A Hysteroscopy is a common operation using a camera hysteroscope This involves passing the hysteroscope through the vagina to the neck of the womb or cervix and into the uterus cavity What Is The Purpose Of A Hysteroscopy You may need a Hysteroscopy for a number of reasons To help your gynaecologist make a diagnosis To find a cause of abnormal vaginal bleeding Pregnancy implantation failure Removal of a uterine polyp Recurrent miscarriage Removal of uterine fibroids Division of adhesions Removal of a uterine septum To take a uterine biopsy Uterine ablation After a miscarriage

Preparation For Your Surgery Consent Form You are required to sign a consent form before your surgery During your consultation at the Women s Centre your Consultant will have discussed the benefits and risks of the surgery with you It is important that you understand the surgery you are having Preparing For Surgery Shortly before your planned surgery the hospital will contact you with an admission time Your stomach needs to be empty before your surgery and it takes 6 hours of fasting for this to happen No water fluids to be taken 2 hours before your admission time Do not smoke or chew gum 2 hours before admission time If you are currently taking medication ask your doctor if you should stop taking it Hygiene You should shower or bathe the morning of or the night prior to surgery Nail polish false nails make up and jewellery should be removed the night before surgery Wear loose fitting clothes to prevent any unnecessary pressure to the abdomen on the day of surgery What Should I Bring To Hospital Bring loose fitting pajamas or a nightdress nothing with a tight waistband as your abdomen may be tender after the hysteroscopy Also remember to bring a pair of slippers and a dressing gown You may want to bring some sanitary towels as spotting after a hysteroscopy is normal

A Guide for Hysteroscopy Under General Anaesthetic Admission On the day of your admission your nurse will order some routine bloods to be taken and a sample of urine may be taken Please ask any questions and express any concerns you may have Immediately prior to surgery you will be asked to empty your bladder Glasses contact lenses dentures and jewellery should be removed Please do not bring any valuable large sums of cash or items of sentimental value with you to the hospital These items should be left at home Beacon Hospital does not take responsibility for items lost on the premises What To Expect After A Hysteroscopy Length Of Stay You should be able to go home on the same day This operation is usually done as a day case When you wake from the anaesthetic your nurse will want to make sure that you are not in pain that you have had something to eat and drink and that you have passed urine before you are discharged This usually takes between 3 to 4 hours When you go home make sure you are not alone and someone can stay with you overnight How Will I Feel After The Anaesthetic Most modern anaesthetics are short lasting You should not have any after e ects for more than a day after your operation During the first 24 hours you may feel more sleepy than usual and your judgment may be impaired You should not drive a car sign any legal documentation or make any important decisions within this time frame You should not drink any alcohol after you leave hospital Pain And Discomfort You can expect minimal pain or discomfort in your lower abdomen for the first day or two after your operation When leaving hospital you will usually be provided with a prescription for painkillers It is important you take the painkillers regularly for the first few days

A Guide for Hysteroscopy Under General Anaesthetic Do not take painkillers on an empty stomach You may also have a sore throat after the operation this is due to a tube that is put in place during the surgery to keep your airway open Going Home After Surgery Tiredness Everyone is di erent and people react and recover in di erent ways You may feel much more tired than usual after your operation as your body is using energy to heal itself It is important to find a balance listen to your body and do as much as you feel comfortable Vaginal Bleeding You may get vaginal bleeding for 24 to 48 hours This should lessen with time however spotting could last for up to 4 5 weeks after surgery Please do not use any tampons for infection purposes for 2 weeks sanitary pads are best If you notice a brown green discharge or if you notice an odour you need to contact the Women s Health Centre and speak with a nurse as you may have an infection

A Guide for Hysteroscopy Under General Anaesthetic Sexual Activity You should consult your Consultant about when it is safe to resume sexual activity If your vagina feels dry try using a lubricant You can buy this from your local pharmacy However if you have any pain vaginal bleeding or discharge please do not continue sexual intercourse until these symptoms have subsided Returning To Work Most women feel able to return to work 2 5 days after a hysteroscopy depending on any medical intervention carried out Your Consultant will give a sick cert for work please ask for this before leaving the hospital If you are still not ready to go back to work after the date on your sick cert please see your GP for a further cert Formation Of Blood Clots How To Minimize The Risk There is a very small risk of blood clots forming in the veins of your legs or pelvis deep vein thrombosis DVT after any operation A painful red swollen hot leg or di culty bearing weight on your legs this may be caused by a DVT If you have shortness of breath chest pain or cough up blood it could be a sign that a blood clot has travelled to the lungs pulmonary embolus If you have these symptoms you should seek medical help immediately

A Guide for Hysteroscopy Under General Anaesthetic When Should I Seek Medical Advice After A Hysteroscopy While most women recover quickly after a hysteroscopy rarely complications can occur as with any operation You should seek medical advice from your GP or contact the Women s Centre and speak to a nurse if you experience Burning and stinging when you pass urine or increased urine frequency this may be due to a urine infection This may need to be treated with a course of antibiotics you can make an appointment with your GP Worsening abdominal pain If you also have a temperature fever have lost your appetite and are vomiting No improvement in your symptoms you should expect a gradual improvement of your symptoms over time If this is not the case you should seek medical advice Follow Up Care Your Consultant will review you within 4 6 weeks post operatively If you develop any pain that is worsening or are concerned regarding any issues please call prior to your appointment and contact us on the telephone numbers or email addresses overleaf

Women s Centre Beacon Hospital Sandyford Dublin 18 D18 AK68 Tel 01 293 8684 Mobile 087 2266709 087 9313041 Email womenscentre beaconhospital ie www beaconhospital ie Version 1 5 2023