Future Growth and Development of Hysteroscopy

Abstract

In less than two decades, hysteroscopy has evolved into a practical technique for the evaluation of the uterine cavity, with well-established indications such as evaluation of abnormal uterine bleeding and abnormal hysterograms as well as the treatment of intrauterine adhesions or the septate uterus, the removal of misplaced or embedded intrauterine devices, and the removal of submucous leiomyomas. As the use of hysteroscopy increases and more practitioners utilize it, new instrumentation and techniques are beginning to evolve, simplifying and facilitating not only a diagnostic examination, but also the more difficult and complex surgical interventions. Flexible endoscopes are being tested for possible use in the uterine cavity, and operative hysteroscopes with practical inflow and outflow accessory channels have been introduced. The accessory operative instrumentation has also been expanded and refined, and portable units for office examinations have been developed. The trend in the development of instrumentation is toward simplicity, effectiveness, and refinement in lenses with wider fields of view and accessory channels without compromising the total outer diameter of the endoscopes. As clinical applications expand as a result of increased use and proficiency in hysteroscopy, new applications undoubtedly will follow, such as closer study of the endometrium with and without additional magnification. This latter may permit a better understanding of the receptivity of the endometrium to the embryo, which may help in predicting successful nidations. Portable laser units with the capability to use the CO2 fiber undoubtedly will increase laser use through hysteroscopy, and in the near future, photodynamic therapy may become the best approach to the selective treatment of intrauterine lesions. The uterotubal junction will remain an attractive area for endoscopists to approach the fallopian tubes transcervically and eventually to accomplish tubal closure safely and effectively with the possibility of future reversibility. The hysteroscope will play an important role in new reproductive technologies, particularly those related to the gamete intrafallopian transfer via the uterine side and perhaps also for direct embryo transfers under visual control. The future of hysteroscopy thus is promising. The present diagnostic and therapeutic applications will not only become a standard of treatment but will expand as gynecologists will gain proficiency and confidence in this endoscopic method.