In some cases, more invasive techniques are recommended to determine the cause(s) and treat infertility, pelvic pain, painful periods and other disorders. One of the most common of these procedures is hysteroscopy, which involves dilation of the cervix and introduction of a telescope through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
An attached light source and video camera enhance visualization of the uterine cavity. Hysteroscopy is performed under general anesthesia. It can be performed for diagnostic purposes (diagnostic hysteroscopy), or instruments introduced through the hysteroscopic apparatus may enable the physician to perform intrauterine procedures (operative hysteroscopy).
Hysteroscopy is often used to evaluate and treat the uterine cavity in women with fertility disorders, abnormal uterine bleeding, or evidence of uterine lesions, masses or scar tissue.
