Managing bleeding, fluid absorption and uterine perforation at hysteroscopy

Hysteroscopy is the current gold standard for evaluating intrauterine pathology, including submucous fibroids, polyps, hyperplasia and cancer. However, there are still problems and complications connected to hysteroscopy.Fluid overload of 1–2 l occurs in approximately 5.2% and >2 l in 1% of cases. This article discusses the physiology, implications and treatment of these cases. Uterine perforation is encountered in nearly 1% of cases. We describe the precautions to avoid this perforation and the methods to treat it.The article also discusses excessive bleeding, which occurs in 3% of operative hysteroscopies and describes strategies to avoid and to deal with this complication. Emergency hysterectomy and other surgical interventions are rarely indicated and are seen in 2% of cases. Finally, death due to septicaemia or fluid overload has been reported only very rarely (0.1%). These different complications are discussed in detail.