You are scheduled to undergo a hysteroscopy. This pamphlet contains information about the procedure and what you should be aware of.

Date and location

Where: Gynækologisk Sengeafsnit 414, Center 4., 1. sengeetage (Gynaeological ward 414, Center 4, 1st floor) Call the ward the day before your scheduled surgery to find out when you are expected at the ward.

Telephone number: (+45) 38 62 31 91 between 14:00 - 15:00

About keyhole surgery

Keyhole surgery is used to examine the inside of the uterus and to remove any abnormalities, e.g. fibroids, polyps, a thick uterine lining or a uterine septum.

Polyps

Polyps are growths in the inner lining of the uterus. Polyps can make it difficult to get pregnant. They can also cause heavy and irregular periods.

Thick uterine lining

Removing the uterine lining can help if you have a very heavy menstrual flow. This is called endometrial ablation. Since menstrual bleeding is caused by the uterine lining, many experience that their periods become weaker or entirely stop after the uterine lining is removed.

The procedure

The doctor uses a narrow telescope to look inside your uterus and possibly remove some tissue. To get a clearer picture, the uterus will be flushed with saline solution during the operation. The procedure will take 15-30 minutes under local or general anaesthesia. You and your doctor will discuss your preferred method of sedation.

Before the procedure

Take a shower or bath in the morning as clean skin reduces the risk of infection. Leave watches and jewellery at home, this includes jewellery in any piercings you may have. Avoid wearing nail polish, moisturiser/body lotion and make-up on the day of the procedure.

You can bring along dentures, hearing aids or glasses if you use them.

It is a good idea to wear loose-fitting clothing, and to bring along a pair of slippers. You are welcome to bring along some reading material or similar to help you pass the time.

Reduce the risk of bleeding

To reduce the risk of bleeding after the operation, avoid the following as much as possible in the three days prior to your operation: Aspirin, Hjertemagnyl, Idotyl, Kodimagnyl, Treo and fish oil.

You should buy:

• Paracetamol, 500 milligrams
• Ibuprofen, 200 milligrams

Over-the-counter medicine

You will need pain-relieving medicine after you are discharged. You will also need to take pain-relieving medicine at home before your operation. We therefore recommend purchasing the medicine before being admitted to hospital.

You will need to fast

You will need to fast as all your muscles slacken once you are sedated. If your stomach is not empty, there is a risk that the stomach content will move up through your oesophagus and into your lungs. This can result in a serious case of pneumonia.

If you do not observe the fasting rules, your operation will be cancelled.

Fasting

• You will need to stop eating 6 hours before your appointment at the hospital.
• This includes chewing gum and sucking on lozenges. You are not allowed to drink milk or juice either.
• You can drink cordial, water and coffee/tea WITHOUT milk until 2 hours before your appointment.

Possible complications

As with all operations, there is a risk of complications both during and after the operation. The most common complications are:

Blood loss

Blood loss can occur during the operation. You will be offered a blood transfusion, if it is deemed necessary. If you under no circumstances want a blood transfusion, mention this to the staff.

Anaesthesia

There is also a small risk in connection with anaesthesia. If you feel anxious or worried about sedation, discuss this with the anaesthesiologist.

Infection

There is a risk of developing a bladder infection or an infection in the uterus, which will require a course of antibiotics.  Patients with diabetes, an alcohol or nicotine addiction, or who are overweight have a higher risk of infection.

Organ damage

In very rare cases, the bladder, intestine or ureter can be damaged during the operation. If so, it is repaired immediately. This can extend the amount of time you will need to spend in hospital, but it only rarely results in permanent injury.

After the procedure

You may experience light bleeding and some abdominal pain after the procedure. You can take paracetamol (2 x 500 mg) and Ibuprofen (2 x 200 mg) maximum four times a day.

Sex life

You can have sex any time after the procedure, but a condom should be used until the bleeding has stopped.

Things to avoid

To reduce the risk of infection, you should avoid using bathtubs, swimming in a pool or the sea, and using tampons until the bleeding has stopped.

Discharge

You can expect to be discharged the same day as the operation. Once you feel ready to go home, a doctor or nurse will talk to you before you leave the hospital. If you have been under a general anaesthetic, another adult should escort you home and stay with you until the next day.

We will talk to you about whether you need to come in for a follow-up consultation or examination before you go home.

Results of the hysteroscopy

The polyps or the inner lining of your uterus will be examined, and your general practitioner will have the results for you in approx. 3 weeks. We will contact you within a week if any further action is necessary.