If your endometrium is completely destroyed you will have no further periods. If a small amount of your uterus lining remains, your periods should be light.
Disadvantages
The endometrium has great powers of regeneration. It can grow back if only a very small amount is not destroyed. We cannot guarantee that this operation will permanently stop your periods. Most women, about 85%, are pleased with the result after four years. Some of the remaining women will need a repeat ablation or even an operation to remove the uterus, called ahysterectomy .
After an ablation you will have much less chance of becoming pregnant, but it can still occur. You must still use contraception. Only some forms of contraception are suitable. Sterilisation is ideal. The contraceptive pill and the coil (IUCD) are not.
If you do nothing, and you have not reached the menopause, your period problems are likely to continue until you do. If you have heavy bleeding, you may become anaemic over time. Anaemia is when your blood does not contain enough oxygen-carrying, red blood cells and your general health starts deteroriating.
Steps
Under General anaesthesia, a hysteroscope is inserted into the uterine cavity via the birth passage and the lining of the uterus is removed using electrosurgery.
1. Before the Day of the Surgery
Before you're scheduled for the surgery, you'll need an appointment with the doctor. You'll also need to see the anesthesiologist who'll answer your questions about anesthesia. You'll need to have a few routine lab tests done before you see the anesthesiologist. These tests tell us if you are well enough to undergo the surgery.
Follow the instructions provided by your doctor. You are advised to take a light meal on the night before surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and the morning before the procedure. Do not even drink coffee, tea, or water.
2. On the Day of the Surgery
- You are advised to report to the hospital on the morning of the surgery along with your reports. The nurse prepares you for the procedure and gives you some medication with a sip of water. This medication prevents acidity.
- The anaesthesiologist or nurse anaesthetist may ask questions about the patient's health discuss the procedure and explain what to expect from the anaesthesia.
- Before the surgery, an intravenous line, which consists of a small flexible plastic tube, may be inserted into a vein in the patient's arm or hand. It is used to give medications and fluids during the operation. Sometimes intravenous medication is administered before surgery to help the patient relax.
What to Expect after the Surgery?
After endometrial ablation, you usually have bleeding followed by discharge which may last upto 10 - 14 days after the procedure.
What Problems Can Occur After Surgery?
Complications after Hysteroscopic surgery are rare. Most people recover quickly and resume their normal activities without problems. However, the risk of infection or other problems exists as with any kind of surgery.
- If a breathing tube was used for the surgery, patients may have a mild sore throat.
- There may be headache or heaviness which may last upto a couple of days.
Recovery in Hospital
You may stay in the hospital 12 to 24 hours to recover from the surgery. You are started on liquid diet 6 - 8 hours after surgery and gradually shifted to soft then full diet.
Recovery at Home
You may feel weak and drained as after flu for a few days but are allowed all activity that your body feels comfortable about.
What Self-Care is necessary after returning home?
The exact kind of care needed depends on the individual's age and general health, and other factors. In general, people recovering from Hysteroscopic surgery are very comfortable performing all their routine within a day or two and resume work within few days. There is no restriction regarding climbing stairs, or strenuous activity as there are no stitches / cuts involved. You are allowed full diet, however due to the antibiotics you may not have a good appetite which will return once your medication stops.
How Long Will It Take For Full Recovery?
Recovery time depends on the kind of procedure, the patient's age, and health before the procedure. It is usually within two to three days.
When can I go back to work?
Depending on the procedure most people feel well enough to return to work or normal daily activities three to five days after hysteroscopy, although some people may need a week or more of rest.
What is the problem?
You have fibroids in your uterus. These can cause a number of symptoms including:
- Pain
- Heavy periods, called menorrhagia
- Pressure on your bladder, bowel or spine.
Fibroids can cause miscarriages and problems when trying to become pregnant.
