Outpatient Hysteroscopy Clinic please telephone the Clinic administration You may experience period-like cramp You have been referred to the Outpatient on 01293 600300 ext 4057 to make an al- which can be eased by taking painkillers Hysteroscopy Clinic for an investigation of ternative time. such as Ibuprofen an hour before your ap- your womb (uterus). You may have been prescribed with a mild pointment. If, however, you have a history sedative by your GP to take before attend- of stomach ulcers or are allergic to aspirin, A hysteroscope is a tiny telescope that is paracetamol may be more suitable. passed through the cervix into the womb. ing the clinic. If so, please remember to Precautions To see it clearly, the womb is filled with sa- take it. line fluid through a small tube so that it be- We recommend that you arrange for a To help avoid infection following the proce- comes slightly enlarged. friend or relative to accompany you. dure you are advised to: The hysteroscope is attached to a video The Procedure  use sanitary towels rather than tam- screen which provides a clear picture of Your doctor will examine you and may also pons your womb. You can view the screen as perform some minor procedures, such as  avoid sexual intercourse for up to a well if you wish. taking samples of the lining of the womb for week until any bleeding has com- Preparing for the Clinic analysis (biopsies), or removing small pletely stopped polyps. You will not need a general anaesthetic for  avoid swimming while bleeding. this procedure so you may eat and drink Hysteroscopy uses the latest equipment normally beforehand. and is an effective method of diagnosis. As What are the risks and benefits? It is important to continue taking your usual an outpatient, you will avoid unwanted side This procedure is very safe, and avoids the medication, for example, blood pressure effects of general anaesthetic. need for a general anaesthetic, but on rare tablets or diabetic medication – with the Will it hurt? occasions an infection may occur which exception of Warfarin. Please remember to can be treated simply with antibiotics. If In the majority of cases it is not necessary you have signs of infection, such as pain or let us know in advance if you are taking to give any local anaesthetic. There may Warfarin. a raised temperature, please contact your be a feeling of discomfort, but you shouldn’t GP. It is important that you are not pregnant feel pain. You can chat to the staff during when this procedure is carried out. If you the procedure and let them know how you Very rarely the telescope may perforate the are sexually active and have not had your are feeling. womb, making a tiny hole, but it is unlikely to cause any long term problems. menopause, you must use contraceptive The procedure will be discussed with you protection for the month before your ap- fully beforehand. This is a procedure that we recommend, pointment. but there are alternatives. Feel free to dis- How will I feel afterwards? This procedure is also unsuitable during cuss these with your doctor. your period, as bleeding can impair the You should not feel any particular discom- view of the womb. fort or pain afterwards. It is, however, quite normal to have a bloody vaginal discharge So if there is any possibility that you may for up to a week after the procedure. be pregnant on the day of your appoint- ment, or that your period may be due,

Cancellation If you are unable to attend the clinic, please Patient Advice and Liaison Service advise us on 01293 600300 ext 4057 as (PALS) soon as possible so that the appointment If you have concerns, need information, or can be offered to another patient. would like to comment on Trust services, Further information you can contact the Patient Advice and Li- This information is not intended as medical aison Service (PALS). PALS will listen to Outpatient Hysteroscopy Clinic your views and using a wide range of con- advice, and is provided only to supplement the information provided by your doctor. tact and resources, help find ways of re- solving any queries or difficulties. The How to Find Us PALS Team can be contacted on one of the Information for Patients is on West Green Drive, numbers below. and is well signposted locally. Parking Please allow 2 hours for your visit. Contacts This clinic is for patients served by the A charge is made for car parking in the Clinic administration Surrey & Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. hospital grounds and there is pay and dis- 01293 600300 ext 4057 It runs on Tuesday/Thursday mornings in play parking in the roads surrounding the the Women’s Centre at Crawley Hospital hospital. Please make sure you have plen- PALS Team ty of coins available. 01737 231958 PLEASE ALLOW 2 HOURS FOR No Smoking Area YOUR VISIT Please note that the hospital and its grounds are a no-smoking area. This is for Crawley Hospital the comfort and health of all patients, West Green Drive visitors and staff. Crawley

West Sussex RH11 7DH

Tel: 01293 600300

Author: P Cook/WACH Date ratified: April 2013 Review due: April 2014