hysteroscopy /his′təros″kepē/ [Gk, hystera + skopein, to look] , direct visual inspection of the cervical canal and uterine cavity through a hysteroscope. Hysteroscopy is performed to examine the endometrium, to secure a specimen for biopsy, to remove an intrauterine device, or to excise cervical polyps. The endoscope is passed through the vagina and into the uterus, and the surrounding tissues are examined. The procedure is contraindicated in pregnancy, acute pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic upper genital tract infection, recent uterine perforation, and known or suspected cervical malignancy. −hysteroscopic, adj., −hysteroscope, n.
