Handbook of Outpatient Hysteroscopy

Modelled upon 'Handbook of Colposcopy', recently published in its second edition, this book reflects the move in patient care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting for performing increasingly invasive, usually diagnostic, procedures. This shift in emphasis has arisen partly as a result of advances in technology, and also in conjunction with perceived benefits to patients (in terms of convenience, avoidance of general anaesthetic) and distinct benefits to the health service (in terms of cost reduction). It is a trend that is therefore unlikely to be reversed. In gynaecology there have been fairly major technical advances that have allowed an increasing number of therapeutic and diagnostic procedures to be performed in the office or outpatient environment. Hysteroscopy is one such procedure. Once the domain of in-house gynaecological surgeons, and covered in major gynae surgery textbooks, this technique can now be performed in the majority of outpatient clinics and the numbers are rising all the time. This volume is intended to provide a practical reference for those setting up a hysteroscopy service, and for all trainees in gynaecology who will encounter the procedure during training.