A clinic dedicated to the treatment of women with fibroids has been set up at the Royal Free Hospital. The Fibroid Clinic offers all the treatments which are described at this web site, but is also looking at new and better ways to manage this common problem. Following your assessment, we will discuss with you which treatment options are best in your case, and you may be invited to take part in research studies looking at some of these newer treatments. You will be under no obligation to take part, and your treatment will not be affected in anyway if you decline.

Click here if you would like an appointment in the Fibroid Clinic.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy

For hysteroscopy, a very narrow telescope is inserted into the uterus (womb) via the vagina and cervix. Carbon dioxide gas or a liquid such as saline is usded to distend the uterine cavity to give a clear view. The image can be projected on to a television screen using a small video camera.

Hysteroscopy allows examination of the endometrium (lining of the uterus), tubal ostia (small channels on either side which lead to the fallopian tubes), and assess the shape and size of the uterine cavity. Abnormal findings include polyps, fibroids, adhesions (scar tissue), septa (a midline division), or simply that the endometrium is unusually thickened. A biopsy is often taken at end of the investigation to check the endometrium.

Diagnostic hysteroscopy does not take a long time and is not particularly uncomfortable. At the Royal Free, it is usually done as an out-patient procedure.