Infection
The risk of infection is very low. We use a special cleaning solution before the procedure starts to prevent infection of the vagina, cervix or uterus.
Cervical laceration
The cervix can tear during this procedure. Depending on the tear, your doctor might put some dissolvable stitches. These small tears have not been associated with any long-term damage to the cervix or problems in pregnancy.
Cervical stenosis
Inability to perform the procedure when the cervix cannot be opened (stenosis) to allow entry of the hysteroscope into the uterine cavity.
Uterine perforation
When a surgical instrument makes a hole in the uterus, depending on the timing and the cause of the perforation, an abdominal surgery may be needed to rule out an injury to the bladder or bowel. This is rare, and would either be done through laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) or laparotomy (incision on the abdomen). If this happens, a second hysteroscopy may be needed to complete the intended procedure.
Bleeding
Most women will have a small amount of bleeding during and after the procedure. If there is more bleeding than expected, your doctor might use medications to help control the bleeding. Rarely, a blood transfusion may be needed.
Fluid overload or electrolyte abnormality
Some of the fluid used to expand the uterus is absorbed by your body during the procedure. If too much fluid has been absorbed, you may need an extra blood test to monitor your electrolytes (salts in the blood), you may need longer monitoring in hospital, and the procedure may need to be stopped early. In this case, a second hysteroscopy may be needed to complete the intended procedure.
Electrosurgical injury
Very rarely the instruments used to remove tissue (e.g. polyps, fibroids) can burn the skin around or inside the vagina. We have a number of safety checks that help prevent this from happening.
Scar tissue
Very rarely scar tissue can form inside the uterus (Asherman’s syndrome). This can require additional surgery in the future if a patient wants to get pregnant. There are techniques we can use to try to avoid this from happening.