Today (Monday 7 April), the RCOG has published an update to the patient information resource on outpatient hysteroscopy.
An outpatient hysteroscopy procedure can be undertaken for a number of reasons, including investigating abnormal bleeding, removing a polyp seen on a scan, or to remove a coil with missing threads. The procedure involves a healthcare professional looking inside the uterus, to check the inner lining and shape. This is done by passing a thin telescope-like device, called a hysteroscope, through the cervix.
Hysteroscopy is a commonly performed gynaecological procedure carried out in outpatient departments and remains vital for diagnosing and treating a range of different gynaecological health conditions. Most women will experience some pain during this procedure, and for some women it can be severe. The RCOG is committed to supporting all women and people considering the procedure to have all the information they need to make an informed choice and give fully informed consent.
This resource has been updated to provide more information on what to expect from an outpatient hysteroscopy appointment. It includes updated information on pain associated with the procedure and available pain relief, alternative options and the importance of informed consent.
The guidance makes clear that women should receive written information about the procedure before attending an appointment so they have time to consider the benefits and risks, available pain relief as well as alternative options so they can make a fully informed decision about their care. The guidance also includes information about the support that should be available before, during and after an outpatient hysteroscopy appointment.
This resource supplements the already published Green-top Guideline and Good Practice Paper on this topic, providing a whole suite of guidance to support person-centred clinical care and high-quality service provision. The RCOG will continue to urge organisations to implement these guidelines as best practice. This will help to ensure all women and people receive the same standard of care.
Dr Geeta Kumar, Consultant Gynaecologist and Vice President of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said:
“It is essential that anyone offered an outpatient hysteroscopy is given all the necessary information to make an informed decision, including an understanding of the possible pain associated with the procedure and available pain relief options to manage this effectively.
“It can be very difficult to predict how painful this procedure will be for a woman, so it is critical that as healthcare professionals, we take the time to ensure that women are supported to decide if it is the right setting for them. We must also ensure that appropriate support is available for the woman during and after an outpatient hysteroscopy appointment.”
Emma Crookes, Lay co-Vice Chair of the RCOG Patient Information Committee said,
“As someone with personal experience of outpatient hysteroscopy, it is positive to see the latest edition of the RCOG’s patient information resource include really clear information on expected pain levels, available pain relief, alternative options and giving informed consent. I would urge healthcare professionals who deliver outpatient hysteroscopy to share this resource with their patients in advance and discuss their personal circumstances to help them make an informed decision about whether this procedure is right for them.”