The use of fiberoptics in the visual assessment and clinical diagnosis of the endometrium

Abstract

Essential for a complete reproductive examination of the mare is the inspection of the internal genital organs. Traditionally, a speculum has been used to examine the vagina and cervix. The visual exploration of the uterine body and horns by a speculum is not possible. Just as it is inconceivable that a professional diagnosis can be made without the examination of the vagina and cervix, it is obvious that a more through examination of the female reproductive system is not possible without an endoscopic inspection of the uterine body and horns. Historically, in women, attempts to inspect the uterine lumen were recorded as early as the mid19th century when an instrument with an external light source and resembling a vaginoscope was used to provide a visual inspection of the vagina and cervix. The development of improved optical systems and cold light sources (e.g. fiberoptics) has greatly facilitated the application of this important component to routine and diagnostic gynecologic examinations. In addition, clinical methods that make the internal environment more accessible to the application of the hysteroscope have been improved. For example, the human uterine cavity can be distended with CO a, using a gas insufflation method, permitting an unobstructed view of the inner uterine wall. In human medicine, hysteroscopy is considered an important adjunct to clinical examination and diagnostic evaluation of the reproductive tract and, in some cases, the hysteroscopy serves also as a therapeutic instrument for certain reproductive disorders. In applying the human hysteroscopic procedure to veterinary medicine, the most suitable domestic animal for its adaptation appears to be the mare. The earliest recorded experiments using instruments that facilitated visualizadon of the mare's uterus were performed over 50 years ago. a The