| Now it's time to talk about the actual procedure your doctor has recommended for you.
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On the day of your operation, you will be asked to put on a surgical gown. |
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You may receive a sedative by mouth... |
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and an intravenous line may be put in. |
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You will then be transferred to the operating table. |
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To perform this procedure, your doctor will need unobstructed access to your uterus, so your feet will be raised, separated and placed in canvas slings - holding your legs in a position much like that position used during a routine gynecological exam. To begin, your genital area will be clipped or shaved ... |
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and swabbed with an antiseptic solution ... |
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and sterile towels are draped around until only the vulva is exposed. |
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Then the surgeon will use a gloved hand to conduct a vaginal examination and will check the size and location of the uterus by pressing on your lower abdomen. |
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Your doctor will then use a retractor to open the vagina. |
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Once the cervix is visible, a forceps is used to grasp the front lip of the cervix ... |
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and to pull it forward - causing the uterus to open. |
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Through that opening, your doctor will insert an instrument called a hysteroscope. |
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A hysteroscope allows the surgical team to insert all necessary optical and surgical instruments into the uterus. |
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At the beginning of the procedure, a harmless gas or fluid will be introduced into the uterus, causing it to expand. |
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By inflating the uterus slightly, your doctor is better able to reach the operative site. |
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Next, a wire loop is inserted. This loop is used to grab the fibroid tissue and snip it free from the muscular wall of the uterus. |
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When your doctor is satisfied that all fibrous tissue has been removed, |
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the hysteroscope and all other instruments are withdrawn. The gas or fluid is allowed to escape ... |
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and the uterus returns to its normal shape. |
