Patient Safety

Is a Hysteroscopy Safe?

A hysteroscopy is a completely safe procedure for most women. Extensive studies tracking tens of thousands of procedures find an overall complication rate less than half of one percent. Additionally, the trained specialists at Hysteroscopy Center of New York, perform this procedure frequently, so they know how avoid the problems.

Felix Cohen, MD, FACOG and his experienced team of hysteroscopy specialists perform hysteroscopy using the see-and-treat approach whenever possible. This lets them spot and treat problems in the same visit.

“I’ve done this procedure for years,” says Dr. Cohen. “It’s one of the safest tools we have when the right person is holding the scope. A hysteroscopy provides the sharpest pictures from inside your uterus.”

What Can Go Wrong During a Hysteroscopy?

A small number of women run into complications, most of which are minor. Your choice of Dr. Cohen mitigates your risks due to his extensive experience. In general, hysteroscopy risks include:

• Bleeding that stays light and stops within a day
• Perforation, a tiny opening in your uterine wall that heals quickly on its own
• An infection, which happens in fewer than two out of every hundred procedures
• Fluid overload because your doctor used too much sterile saline to expand your uterus for a clear view

The hysteroscopy team tracks your progress closely throughout the procedure. None of these complications occurs without warning signs. Dr. Cohen and his team monitor you to eliminate all risks and complications.

How Does Dr. Cohen Reduce the Risk of Hysteroscopy Complications?

Your safety depends more on the person holding the scope than any machine in the room. Dr. Cohen has treated conditions like fibroids, a uterine septum and intrauterine adhesions for years. He’s learned things doing the procedure a thousand times that no textbook ever covers. A few specific habits and precautions your NYC hysteroscopy specialists take include:

• Reviewing your full medical history before your procedure even starts
• Adjusting the approach to fit your body and specific condition
• Keeping a close watch on you throughout the procedure
• Using their hospital affiliations at Mount Sinai, NYU Langone or Lenox Hill if a case ever needs it

“Most of the time, if something’s going to go wrong, I can catch it way before it actually happens,” says Dr. Cohen. “I don’t rush, and I pay attention the whole time.”

What Happens if a Problem Occurs During My Procedure?

Dr. Cohen sees problems as they happen. There’s a tiny camera on the hysteroscope, and he’s watching a screen with the real-time images while you’re being treated. So, if a problem arises, he can handle it before you even leave. For example:

• If a small tear develops in the uterine lining, you just need a bit of rest before you go home.
• If there’s more bleeding than expected, Dr. Cohen gives you something to slow it down.
• If the bleeding continues, he stops for a few minutes until it settles.

If the gynecologist performing the procedure is less experienced, the reaction is slower, meaning a small issue can turn into a bigger one. One mistake can result in a trip to the hospital. That trip didn’t need to happen. Catching problems early and doing thorough screening can stop problems from happening.

Who Should Avoid Hysteroscopy or May Need Extra Precautions?

A few conditions rule out hysteroscopy for you. Dr. Cohen checks for them early, during your consultation. Active pelvic infections, known pregnancy and untreated cervical cancer all mean that the procedure isn’t appropriate until those issues clear. A more cautious plan fits other conditions as well, such as:

• If you have a bleeding disorder, Dr. Cohen works out precautions before your procedure date.
• Bad scarring inside your uterus can mean a slower, gentler hand with the scope.
• If your uterus is shaped differently, Dr. Cohen works with the shape instead of fighting it.
• A heart or lung condition changes the sedation conversation and may require a hospital hysteroscopy vs. an office procedure.

Dr. Cohen and his team identify these factors during your consultation, well before you reach the procedure room. This one step catches most risks long before they turn into real problems.

How Can I Lower My Own Risks Before the Procedure?

Be honest during your consultation to improve your hysteroscopy safety. Tell Dr. Cohen about every medication, supplement and past surgery, even ones that feel unrelated. Follow your pre-procedure instructions that may include:

• Taking your medication when he tells you to, not whenever it’s convenient
• Skipping food and drink during the window he gives you
• Letting him know right away if you get a fever or a strange discharge

Stick close to these steps to set yourself up for a smoother procedure and a quicker recovery. What you do matters just as much as Dr. Cohen’s skill in the procedure room. Choosing an experienced hysteroscopy expert for your in-office procedure in the first place is the best way to lower your risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Patient Safety