Advances in IVF with new methods and personalised approaches are raising the hopes of many couples to achieve a safe pregnancy.
In recent years, specific modern endoscopic methods, such as hysteroscopy, have gained increasing acceptance as the most reliable diagnostic techniques for the evaluation of infertility, its treatment and more.
Hysteroscopy is an innovative method of examining the endometrial cavity (inside the uterus). It is a short procedure, which allows us to examine the shape of the uterine cavity, the presence of intrauterine pathology (e.g. endometrial polyps), the cervical cavity and the orifices of the fallopian tubes in the uterus.
A hysteroscopy is a painless special examination that takes a few minutes. The procedure is performed with the help of a thin telescope (hysteroscope), which is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the endometrial cavity without incisions. With a very small camera, 3-5 mm in diameter, the gynaecologist approaches the uterus from the vagina through the endocervical canal. The doctor very slowly inserts this small camera into the uterine cavity. With this examination, it is possible to check the endocervix to investigate whether there is a polyp, adhesions or malignancy and the uterine cavity for the presence of a diaphragm, adhesions, abnormalities of uterine conformation, fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia and malignancy. Most commonly, light analgesia (intoxication) is chosen and the patient is discharged from the hospital 2-3 hours later. Postoperative pain is negligible and the patient returns to normal activity the same day.
The main advantage of hysteroscopy is the ability to review the endometrial cavity and to detect pathological conditions. It provides the possibility, at the same time, to diagnose and treat the above mentioned problems.
These pathological conditions are often responsible for the negative outcome of an IVF attempt, as well as for the frequent miscarriages of the pregnancy.
The benefit of hysteroscopy, however, can extend beyond the treatment of uterine pathology. It can make a positive contribution to the process of embryo transfer (more accurate placement of the embryo(s)).
It is obvious that the role of hysteroscopy, diagnostic or interventional, is particularly important and is a valuable tool in the treatment of infertility!
The European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) recommends hysteroscopy for the confirmation and treatment of endometrial pathology, but not as a routine test.
The specialization of assisted reproduction gynecologists, the experienced nursing staff and the equipment with state-of-the-art hysteroscopy machines make hysteroscopy a simple and safe method, which offers the possibility of diagnosis with a direct overview, but at the same time also treatment of the intrauterine cavity. It also helps to increase the positive results for achieving pregnancy, either by IVF or natural conception.
Dr. Nikolaos Chayas,
Gynecologist - Obstetrician
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