Role of office hysteroscopy in gynecology: retrospective observational study at a tertiary care hospital

Background: Hysteroscopy being the gold standard for evaluation of uterine cavity can be utilized for varied gynaecological indications. Conventionally, hysteroscopy is performed under general anaesthesia but with technical advances over years, it is now possible to do the procedure in ambulatory office setting with same diagnostic accuracy. Aim of this study was to assess the role of hysteroscopy as a diagnostic tool in office setting, to evaluate various gynaecological conditions. Methods: Study performed retrospective analysis on 1920 patients who underwent office hysteroscopy between Jan 2011 to Apr 2015, at outpatient department of a tertiary care centre at Maharashtra, India. The procedure was done in office setting without any sedation or anaesthesia. Approach used was vaginoscopic free hand technique with minimal instrumentation and the findings were documented after evaluation of uterine cavity, ostea and endocervical canal. Results: Office hysteroscopy could be successfully performed in 1920 out of 1938 patients. Most common indications were primary infertility (38.0%), secondary infertility (11.2%), abnormal uterine bleeding (36.6%) and postmenopausal bleeding (8.3%). The procedure done in office setting was tolerated well. The procedure was also used for evaluation in patients with breast and endometrial carcinoma. Conclusions: Office hysteroscopy by vaginoscopic approach is a simple and convenient method for evaluation of uterine cavity and cervical canal. It has the potential to come out from formal operation theatre to more patient friendly outpatient department.