Intern Ready: Ob/Gyn

Before Your First: Hysteroscopy


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Headed into the OR for your first hysteroscopy? In this episode, we walk through everything you need to know before you scrub in — from indications and pre-op preparation to OR equipment, distension media, fluid deficit management, and how to handle complications when they arise.

I. Introduction & Learning Goals

Purpose: Guidance for an intern's first hysteroscopy in the OR.

Objectives: Review indications, pre-op preparation, OR setup/equipment, fluid media, and complications.

II. Indications for Hysteroscopy

Diagnostic Hysteroscopy:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) or postmenopausal bleeding
  • Infertility workup
  • Evaluation of abnormal imaging findings
  • Operative Hysteroscopy:

    • Polypectomy (removal of polyps)
    • Myomectomy (removal of submucosal fibroids)
    • Septum resection
    • Lysis of adhesions (Asherman syndrome)
    • Foreign body removal (e.g., "lost" IUD)
    • III. Pre-Operative Preparation

      Chart Review Checklist:

      • Indication: Understand the clinical reason for the procedure
      • Imaging (US/MRI): Confirm uterine size (to avoid over-dilating) and location of pathology
      • Comorbidities: Check cardiac, renal, and pulmonary history to set fluid management thresholds
      • Cervical History: Assess risk for stenosis (prior procedures or menopause)
      • Menstrual Cycle: Check current phase (bleeding can obscure visualization)
      • Patient Counseling (Benefits & Risks):

        • Benefits: Superior diagnostic sampling and therapeutic symptom relief
        • Standard Risks: Pain, bleeding, infection (low risk)
        • Specific Risks: Uterine perforation (may require laparoscopy if energy was used or if there is concern for bowel injury)
        • IV. Equipment & OR Setup

          The Hysteroscope Components:

          • Telescope: The lens (0-degree for forward viewing vs. 30-degree for lateral angles)
          • Sheaths: Inner and outer sheaths to house the telescope and allow fluid flow
          • Inflow/Outflow Ports: For fluid delivery and drainage (use under-the-butt drapes to catch fluid for deficit calculation)
          • Light Source: Warning — becomes extremely hot; keep away from drapes/patient
          • Camera System & Monitor
          • Working Channel: For operative instruments (graspers, scissors)
          • V. Distension Media (Fluids)

            Isotonic Solutions (Preferred):

            • Normal Saline: Compatible with bipolar electrosurgery; same osmolality as blood
            • Hypotonic Solutions:

              • Glycine (1.5%), Sorbitol (3%), Mannitol (5%)
              • Used only for monopolar surgery; higher risk of hyponatremia
              • Fluid Deficit Management:

                • Definition: The difference between fluid into the uterus vs. fluid recovered
                • ACOG Threshold: Max 2,500 mL for isotonic; however, many surgeons stop at 1,500 mL (or 750–1,000 mL for high-risk patients)
                • VI. Procedural Steps & Tips

                  • Cervical Dilation: Can use mechanical dilators or "hydrodilation" using fluid pressure through the scope
                  • Tenaculum Tip: Take a "sturdy bite" of the cervix to prevent tearing/lacerations
                  • Pressure Management: Keep intrauterine pressure lower than the patient's Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) to limit fluid extravasation into the body
                  • VII. Complications

                    • Uterine Perforation: Often occurs during dilation; recognized by a "loss of resistance"
                    • Fluid Overload: Can lead to hyponatremia, distributive shock, or flash pulmonary edema
                    • Hemorrhage: More common in operative cases (3% for myomectomy); manage with massage, uterotonics, or intrauterine balloons
                    • Vasovagal Reaction: Can occur during cervical manipulation or distension
                    • Gas Embolism: Rare; more common with older CO₂ distension methods
                    • Resources:

                      • ACOG Technology Assessment: Hysteroscopy
                      • UpToDate: Hysteroscopy – Managing Fluid and Gas Distending Media
                      • AAGL – Advancing Minimally Invasive Gynecology Worldwide
                      • About the Speakers:

                        Host: Lucy Brown, MD, MPH – Resident physician at Johns Hopkins GYN/OB. Dr. Brown is passionate about medical and resident education and will be pursuing a Fellowship in Complex Family Planning after residency.

                        Guest Speaker: Mahima Krishnamoorthi, MD – Gyn/Ob resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She attended Stanford University for undergrad and graduated from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

                        Intern Ready: Ob/Gyn is a podcast aimed at interns and off-service residents beginning their post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The views expressed are the speakers' own and do not constitute medical advice.

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                        Intern Ready: Ob/GynBy Lucy Brown, M.D.