Endosee Advance is a compact, handheld tool that lets your doctor see the inside of your uterus quickly and easily right in the office. This procedure provides immediate diagnostic information at the time of your visit to help reduce the stress and worry of waiting.
Endosee Advance features a thin tube that is inserted into your uterus. A tiny camera on the end helps your doctor see if there are any visible issues.
Benefits of Endosee Advance include:
To evaluate:
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Menstrual disorders
- Pelvic Pain
- Infertility
- Recurrent Miscarriage
To identify:
- Polyps
- Fibroids
- Retained products of conception
- Endometrial thickening or atrophy
- Tissue in need of biopsy
To perform:
- Transection of intrauterine adhesions and septa
- Polypectomy
- Removal of a retained IUD
- Directed biopsy
- Presurgical planning
These issues can be the cause of several common concerns women face, such as abnormal bleeding and infertility.
Risks and Complications
Like any procedure, there are some risks associated with Endosee Advance.
The uterus or cervix can be punctured, bleeding may occur, or excess fluid may build up in your system. In very rare cases, hysteroscopy can cause life-threatening problems such as excessive bleeding requiring a more invasive procedure or a blood transfusion. If a problem occurs during the procedure, it will be treated.
It will be scheduled when you are not having your period. To make the procedure easier, your doctor may dilate (open) your cervix before your hysteroscopy. You may be given medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators may be used.
Alternative choices to Endosee Advance
If your doctor has recommended a procedure, it is usually the best medical option. However, there are alternatives to the procedure. There are advantages, disadvantages and potential risks for each option. Your doctor can help you choose which one is best for you.
Options can include:
- Hormonal therapies to control bleeding
- A more invasive “open” procedure
- Hysterectomy
- Endometrial ablation
- Uterine artery embolization
Risks and Benefits of performing Endosee Advance in the office versus in the hospital
For healthy women with no medical problems, performing the Endosee Advance in the office avoids having to go to the operating room or go under anesthesia.
The disadvantage of performing the procedure in the office is that there is some discomfort with the procedure that is unavoidable and being aware of the procedure can cause anxiety in some women. In rare cases, bleeding or other complications of the procedure could require transfer to a hospital setting.
Pre-procedure Care
It will be scheduled when you are not having your period. To make the procedure easier, your doctor may dilate (open) your cervix before your hysteroscopy. You may be given medication that is inserted into the cervix, or special dilators may be used.
1-2 hours before you can take 600mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen.
Post-procedure Care
After your appointment, generally you are free to go about your normal daily activities. Use of the Endosee Advance System is safe and minimally invasive. Most patients experience little or no discomfort during or after the procedure.
Some women do experience spotting, menstrual-like cramps, and stomach discomfort. Your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever to ease some of these side effects.
Follow up after the Endosee Advance:
- Your doctor or their staff will call you
- Your follow up appointment will be scheduled based on your test results.
Call our office right away if you have any of these symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding greater than 1 pad per hour for more than 3 hours
- Vaginal bleeding for more than 3 weeks
- Pain that is not controlled with Tylenol, Advil, or the prescription pain medication that might have been given after the procedure.
- A temperature greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
- Pus (yellow or green discharge) coming from the vagina
