Hysterosalpingography

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Hysterosalpingography also called HSG, is a procedure to look inside the uterus and fallopian tubes. An HSG uses an x-ray and a dye to diagnose problems in the female reproductive system. These problems may include tumors, adhesions, blockages, injuries, deformities, and foreign bodies in the uterus and tubes. An HSG is commonly used to know what causes infertility and frequent miscarriages. It may also be used to check on the fallopian tubes after ligation.
  
  
• During an HSG, caregivers use a special type of x-ray called fluoroscopy. A fluoroscopy shows moving pictures of your cervix, uterus, and fallopian tube while the HSG is being done. These real time movie-like images of the body are shown on a monitor. Dye is injected through the cervix to better outline the uterus and tubes. An HSG usually takes less than one hour and is done 4 to 12 days after your monthly period. With HSG, caregivers may correctly diagnose your health problem and proper treatment may be given.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

• Problems may happen during your HSG procedure. Your body may react to the dye which may cause nausea, skin itching, hives, or breathing problems. Tell your caregiver right away if you have any of these symptoms after getting the dye. You could also have an infection or too much bleeding after the procedure. Even after having an HSG, there remains a chance that you will need other tests to check the cause of your health problem.
  
  
• Without having an HSG procedure, you may not know what is causing your medical condition. The signs and symptoms you presently have may continue and become worse. Other serious medical problems you may have will not be diagnosed and treated correctly. Ask your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your procedure, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your procedure:

• Informed consent is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Pre-op care: You may be given medicine right before your procedure or surgery. This medicine may make you feel relaxed and sleepy. You are taken on a stretcher to the room where your procedure or surgery will be done, and then you are moved to a table or bed.

During your procedure:

• You will need to take your clothes off and change into a hospital gown. Caregivers may give you medicine to make you calm and comfortable during the procedure. During your procedure, feel free to ask for a woman to be present if one is not. You will be asked to lie on an x-ray table and your legs will be put up in stirrups . With gloved hands, your caregiver will check your vagina and cervix. Your vagina, cervix, and the area between your legs will be cleaned with soap, water, and iodine solution. Drapes with clean towels will be put over you to keep the procedure area clean.
  
  
• Your caregiver will gently put a warmed speculum to widen and hold open your vagina. The speculum will help your caregiver see the inside of your cervix. A forceps may also be used to hold the upper part of your cervix. A catheter will then be inserted into the cervix where dye will be injected. Once the catheter is inserted, the speculum may be removed. An initial x-ray may be taken at this point. Your caregiver will then inject dye and several x-ray pictures will be taken using fluoroscopy.
  
  
• After the x-rays are taken, the catheter and forceps will be removed. The procedure area will again be washed with soap, water, and iodine solution. A sanitary pad will be placed to cover your vaginal area for any bleeding or dye coming out.

After your procedure:

You may stay in bed or sit for a while until you are completely comfortable. Caregivers will watch you closely for any problems. Do not get out of bed or stand up until your caregiver says it is OK. When your caregiver sees that you are OK, your caregiver may allow you to go home. He may also tell you to keep the vaginal pad in place after your procedure. Ask your caregiver for more information about vaginal care, such as changing your sanitary pads.

• Activity: You may need to walk around the same day of surgery, or the day after. Movement will help prevent blood clots. You may also be given exercises to do in bed. Do not get out of bed on your own until your caregiver says you can. Talk to caregivers before you get up the first time. They may need to help you stand up safely. When you are able to get up on your own, sit or lie down right away if you feel weak or dizzy. Then press the call light button to let caregivers know you need help.
  
  
• Medicines: You may need any of the following:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
    
    
  • Pain medicine: Caregivers may give you medicine to take away or decrease your pain.
    
    
    • Do not wait until the pain is severe to ask for your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it.
      
      
    • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling a caregiver when you want to get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.