Hysteroscopy under General Anaesthetic?

Question

I've got to have this operation as day surgery tomorrow. Having done a bit of internet research, it appears that most women have this done with either no anaesthetic, or at most a local anaesthetic.

I do have to have a biopsy and a coil fitted at the same time. Would this be why it's being done under general?

Or is there another reason for them doing this procedure under a general anaesthetic?

Also, I've discovered that I will not be able to use tampons for at least a month following the procedure because of the risk of infection. I wasn't told this by the Consultant or Registrar at the hospital. Do you think they should have let me know about this?

Any information or advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

A hysteroscopy is a camera test that will look inside your uterus and see if there is anything abnormal. Normally this is done under a local anaesthetic.
However if they are thinking of doing a biopsy as well, there is a risk of bleeding and that can sometimes cause complications and you might need to be under anaesthetic longer and a local can't do that. A general is far better in these circumstances.
Tampons will be a no no for about a month until the biopsy site has healed over fully, so I'm affraid it's panty liners until then.
The gynae nurses on the ward will give you all that info tomorrow, it's part of their job.
Hope all goes well, I'm sure it will.
Marcus XX

Answer 2

Hi
I work in gynaecology clinic where women have a hysteroscopy with local, including biopsies and fitting of coils. It isn't a very pleasant procedure to experience to be honest.

It can be done, but if you are super anxious, you would be better having it under a general.

As for the information about tampons, you will recieve that by the nurses or docs by the time of discharge from your procedure. Docs dont tend to give too much info at the time of consultation due to it not all being absorbed ( information overload ).

The use of tampons is not relevant until you have had the procedure. Im sure you can live without them for a month.....

Good luck.

Answer 3

i had this procedure a few years ago. have the general. the pain after was enough for me. i also have a merena coil fitted and that on it's own can be hard to bear. why suffer. good luck with the biopsy and good health in the future.

Answer 4

I don't feel that a general anesthetic is needed for this operation!

It's possible that undergoing a biopsy can be very painful, and traumatic. I'm sure your surgeon will only do what is absolutly needed.

Be brave!