Post Menopausal Bleeding: Understanding the Condition
Post-menopausal bleeding (PMB) is defined as vaginal bleeding that occurs 12 months after the last menstrual period. PMB is a common complaint among post-menopausal women and can be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as endometrial cancer, the most common cause of PMB. Other causes of PMB include hormonal imbalance, endometrial atrophy, and uterine fibroids.
Importance of Hysteroscopy in the Diagnosis of PMB
Hysteroscopy is an advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedure involving inserting a thin, lighted tube (hysteroscope) through the vagina into the uterus to examine the uterus and the lining of the uterus. This procedure is crucial in the diagnosis of PMB, especially when other imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, have been inconclusive.
The Procedure of Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy is performed under anaesthesia, and the procedure takes about 30 minutes. During the procedure, the hysteroscope is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus, and carbon dioxide gas or fluid is used to expand the uterus and improve visualization. The hysteroscope has a light and a camera that transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to visualize the uterus and the endometrium.
Hysteroscopy as a Therapeutic Procedure
In addition to diagnosing PMB, hysteroscopy can also be used to treat the underlying condition causing the PMB.
If the PMB is caused by uterine fibroids, hysteroscopy can be used to remove the fibroids. Hysteroscopy can also be used to remove polyps, adhesions, or other abnormalities in the uterus.
Why Hysteroscopy is the Gold Standard in Diagnosing PMB
Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard in diagnosing PMB because it allows for direct visualization of the uterus, providing accurate and reliable results. This is also a minimally invasive procedure. Hysteroscopy is also versatile and can be used as both a diagnostic and therapeutic procedure, making it a preferred option for many gynecologists.
In the End
Post-menopausal bleeding is a common complaint among post-menopausal women and can be a sign of an underlying health condition. Hysteroscopy is considered the gold standard in diagnosing PMB because of it’s accuracy, reliability, and versatility. You can contact Dr. Sankar Dasmahapatra if you are in search of the finest hysteroscopy surgeon in Kolkata.