Abstract
Hysteroscopy is generally a safe procedure. Although diagnostic hysteroscopy is associated with extremely low risk, more complicated procedures including fibroid resection, excision of uterine septum and division of severe intrauterine adhesions may be associated with much higher risks.
Complications associated with hysteroscopic surgery include anaesthetic complications (local and general anaesthesia), neurological sequelae following suboptimum positioning of the patient during the procedure, trauma to the vagina, cervix and uterus including lacerations and perforations, bleeding, visceral injury from electrosurgical and thermal damage, complications specific to various distension media and infection. Long-term sequelae of the procedure range from post ablation pregnancy complications, uterine ruptures and chronic pelvic pain secondary to the uncommon post ablation tubal sterilisation syndrome.
Although these complications remain uncommon, failure to recognise may delay intervention and risk significant morbidity and even mortality.
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Kalu, E., Nzeribe, E., Nzurumike, C. (2022). Complications Associated with Hysteroscopic Surgery. In: Okohue, J.E., Ikechebelu, J.I., Ola, B., Kalu, E., Ibeanu, O. (eds) Gynaecological Endoscopic Surgery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86768-3_31
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