Carbon dioxide hysteroscopy immediately after second trimester abortion.

Area of Science:

• Gynecology
• Surgical Procedures

Background:

• Hysteroscopy often requires general anesthesia, posing risks, especially in postpartum patients.
• The postpartum uterus is hyperemic and atonic, increasing the risk of over-inflation during hysteroscopy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of local anesthesia for hysteroscopy in the second trimester.
• To determine if local anesthesia can prevent uterine over-inflation during hysteroscopy in postpartum patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty patients underwent aspirotomy D&E procedures in the second trimester.
• Procedures were performed using only para- and intracervical block with lidocaine 1% and adrenaline 1:200,000.
• Uterine cavity evacuation and final check suction were performed in all cases.

Main Results:

• No instances of uterine over-inflation occurred during the procedures.
• Thorough evacuation of the uterine cavity was achieved in all cases.

Conclusions:

• Local anesthesia is a safe and effective alternative to general anesthesia for hysteroscopy.
• Postpartum hysteroscopy can be safely performed under local anesthesia, mitigating risks associated with general anesthesia.