What is needed to set up for hysteroscopy with saline?
Much of the setup is the same as that for any endoscopic procedure. A light source is required. Although a video camera is not essential, inexpensive cameras designed for office use are available, and allow the patient and staff to see as well as the physician. A sterile tray with standard supplies including a speculum, a tenaculum and small dilators is needed. Although hysteroscopy can be done without any anesthesia, I do a paracervical block in everyone to make the procedure as comfortable as possible. Needle extenders are available so that a 25 gauge needle can be used, making the block virtually painless. I use saline in 1-liter bags. Although frequently less than a liter is needed for diagnostic hysteroscopy, I see no advantage in having less fluid available. In the operating room, where I do major hysteroscopic procedures, fluid absorption is a real concern. Office procedures, and simple procedures such as the removal of a polyp are brief, and therefore I am not concerned about o
