HyCosy: what is it, and how does it differ from a hysteroscopy?

In this article below, revered London-based consultant gynaecologist, Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, tells us all about HyCosy, including what exactly it is, as well as explaining the main differences between HyCosy and a hysteroscopy.

What is HyCoSy?

HyCoSy simply means putting a contrast medium into the uterus and scanning from the outside to get a black and white image perception.

What is the difference between a HyCosy and a hysteroscopy?

A hysteroscopy involves passing a tiny camera (about a ballpoint pen refill size) through the cervix and looking at the inside of the womb in finer detail to get a coloured 3-D perception.

With HyCosy, tubal patency can be tested, whereas with hysteroscopy, tubal openings can be visualised. With hysteroscopy, intrauterine adhesions (also called Asherman’s syndrome) are better visualised.

Even though HyCosy is an advanced ultrasound technological technique, no one will do it as a primary testing. In other words, all women will need a screening ultrasound scan first, and then, depending on the findings and clinical situation, fallopian tubal patency may need to be tested in a subfertility situation.

What is the most effective surgical procedure when it comes to removing polyps or fibroids?

When it comes to ruling out intrauterine assessment, suspected uterine polyps, submucosal fibroids, or Asherman’s syndrome, removal through hysteroscopy remains the gold standard.

In what situations might patients require both?

Pain or discomfort experienced in both HyCoSy and hysteroscopy remains the same. Both tests complement each other in a few situations. Patients who were found to have a pathology during HyCoSy will eventually need hysteroscopy.

To book an appointment with Mr Mahantesh Karoshi, simply head on over to his Top Doctors profile today.