Uterine cavity assessment · Şişli / Istanbul
Hysteroscopy: examining and treating the inside of the uterus
Hysteroscopy involves passing a thin camera through the vagina and cervix to see the uterine cavity. It may be performed to investigate bleeding, obtain a biopsy or treat certain polyps, adhesions or submucosal fibroids.
In brief: Hysteroscopy does not require an abdominal incision. The choice between an outpatient procedure and treatment under anaesthesia depends on the aim of the procedure, the patient’s preferences, clinical findings and pain-control needs.
Diagnostic versus operative hysteroscopy
Diagnostic hysteroscopy allows direct inspection of the endometrium and can include a targeted biopsy. Operative hysteroscopy may be used to remove selected endometrial polyps, appropriate submucosal fibroids or intrauterine adhesions. Not every finding can or should be treated during the same appointment.
Reasons hysteroscopy may be recommended
Possible indications include persistent heavy or irregular bleeding, selected cases of postmenopausal bleeding, suspected polyps or submucosal fibroids on ultrasound, and some fertility-related uterine cavity assessments. Ultrasound findings such as endometrial thickness need to be interpreted in the clinical context; hysteroscopy is not automatically necessary for every patient.
Outpatient hysteroscopy and pain relief
Some diagnostic hysteroscopies can be performed without general anaesthesia, but cramping and pain are possible, and pain may be severe for some patients. Discuss pain relief, local anaesthesia, sedation or an operation under general anaesthesia before deciding. You can ask for an outpatient procedure to stop at any time.
Tell the team if pelvic examinations have previously been painful or distressing. Fasting instructions differ between an outpatient procedure and a procedure involving anaesthesia.
Can polyps and fibroids be removed?
Many appropriately selected endometrial polyps can be treated hysteroscopically. Only fibroids protruding into the uterine cavity are candidates for hysteroscopic myomectomy, and the size and depth within the uterine wall may require staging or an alternative technique. Fibroids outside the uterine cavity generally require a different treatment plan.
Risks, results and follow-up
Temporary cramping or spotting can occur. Significant pain, infection, bleeding and, rarely, uterine perforation are recognised risks. More extensive operative procedures may have additional risks. Tissue removed for biopsy must be reviewed when pathology results become available. See our Turkish preparation and aftercare guide for further information.
Related techniques and patient guides
Frequently asked questions
Is hysteroscopy painful?
Some experience mild cramps; others have considerable pain. Personalised pain relief and anaesthesia choices should be discussed beforehand, and you may ask for an outpatient procedure to stop.
Does hysteroscopy involve abdominal surgery?
No. The hysteroscope is passed through the cervix into the uterine cavity.
Can all fibroids be treated by hysteroscopy?
No. It is appropriate only for selected fibroids involving the uterine cavity; others may require different management.
Will I need a pathology result?
If a biopsy is taken or tissue removed for analysis, discussing the pathology report is an important part of follow-up.
Clinical references and editorial note
RCOG: Outpatient hysteroscopy, updated April 2025.
This page provides general patient education. It does not replace a clinical examination, imaging, anaesthetic assessment or individual informed consent. Medical content: Op. Dr. Alparslan Demir, Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.