Hysteroscopic surgery - Complications and their prevention

During the last few years, diagnostic hysteroscopy has become a standard pr ocedure in the diagnosis of abnormal uterine bleeding, sonographically susp icious endometrial reflex and fertility disorders. At the same time the hys teroscopic treatment of intrauterine pathology is becoming more common. Tod ay, hysteroscopic resection of uterine myomas, dissection of uterine septa, and endometrial ablation are standard procedures. Using monopolar cutting devices and saline-free distension media, hysteroscopic surgery bears speci fic risks. The knowledge of these risks is important to avoid typical compl ications of operative hysteroscopy. This article gives an overview about th e most common procedures of operative hysteroscopy and the combined risks. Criteria for a safe procedure are defined in order to increase the quality management of operative hysteroscopy.