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Office (Awake) Hysteroscopy

Office (Awake) Hysteroscopy Awake Hysteroscopy for Diagnostic and Treatment Needs

I am one of the few specialists offering the highly-specialised office hysteroscopy procedure.

As a gynaecologist and fertility specialist with advanced fellowship training in reproductive surgery, I am proud to be able to offer the office hysteroscopy procedure for my patients. This alternative to conventional hysteroscopy requiring general anaesthesia comes with several advantages.

Office hysteroscopy procedure – Dr I Ferne Tan Sydney

Uses for Hysteroscopy

A hysteroscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of your uterus using a long, thin telescope known as a hysteroscope. In addition to enabling diagnosis of conditions relating to infertility, period disorders, or miscarriage, the hysteroscopy procedure also allows me to treat any problems found at the same time. This includes:

  • Polyps and fibroids
  • Scar tissue (adhesions)
  • Septums
  • Removal of a trapped IUD contraceptive

Advantages of office hysteroscopy

Avoiding general anaesthesia means avoiding all the associated risks, though rare, including allergic reactions, vomiting and inhaling stomach contents, damage to your throat, teeth or tongue, and short- or long-term memory problems. 

Importantly, it also means that you maintain a level of control throughout the entire procedure, and even get to watch on the screen if you want to. Pain is usually only mild cramps and therefore very well tolerated.   

Other significant benefits of office hysteroscopy over conventional hysteroscopy include:

  • Avoiding hospital admission and associated risks such as hospital-acquired infections
  • The procedure is shorter
  • Immediate recovery; no impact on work or driving immediately afterwards
  • Lower risk of complications, particularly accidental damage to your uterus
  • Reduced costs as you avoid the fees associated with the operating theatre, anaesthesia, and time off work

Many patients also appreciate this procedure being performed within the more familiar, comfortable environment of my clinic as opposed to a cold operating theatre. As an added bonus, you get a beautiful view over the botanical gardens and Sydney harbour!

Office hysteroscopy procedure – Dr I Ferne Tan Sydney
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Frequently Asked Questions

The technique that I use to perform an awake hysteroscopy in the office is very different from that used when the patient is anaesthetised. In fact, most women do not even need local anaesthetic! It is very well tolerated by 98% of women, with an average pain score of 3 out of 10. But everyone experiences pain differently, and there are many pain relief options that we can use if needed.

No. Since there is no general anaesthesia, you can also drive, go back to work, eat, exercise, and go about your normal activities immediately afterwards.

Absolutely! It’s your choice. If you would prefer to be asleep with general anesthesia for your hysteroscopy, this would be done in a hospital rather than in my office.

Office hysteroscopy requires both special equipment and advanced training. Most gynaecologists may be competent at conventional hysteroscopy (under general anaesthesia) but have not undertaken the extra training required to perform office hysteroscopy.

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