Hysteroscopy – a technique for everyone and everywhere. 1074 outpatient hysteroscopies

The aim was to investigate safety and efficacy of outpatient diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies.
1074 procedures were carried out by experienced operators. Procedures were performed using 2.9, 3.5 telescopes and a 7 mm resectoscope between February 2004 and October 2009. The uterine cavity was distended with 5% mannitol. 717 of 1074 were performed with no anaesthesia. 301 operative and 773 diagnostic hysteroscopies were carried out. Main outcomes were: success/failure and complication rate.

Mean age of the patients was 32.6 ±4.64 years. Mean time of the procedure was 58 minutes ±29 seconds. All 1074 hysteroscopies were successfully performed by 6 operators. Failure and complication rates were 8/1074 and 4/1074 respectively. There was only one uterine perforation. The most recognized and operated pathology was endometrial polyp (13%). 221 polypectomies, 18 myomectomies and 23 hysteroscopic septoplasties were carried out.

Hysteroscopy is a fast and simple procedure for evaluation and treatment of the uterine cavity with a very low rate of complications. Recent advances in technique and instrumentation will encourage adoption of outpatient hysteroscopy in Poland.