Role of Hysteroscopy

Abnormal uterine bleeding in general, and menorrhagia in particular, is one of the most frequent reasons for patients to consult their gynaecologist.1 The knowledge that the objective measurement of menstrual bleeding will be less than 80 ml per period (the definition of menorrhagia) in more than half of cases does not release the gynaecologist from a standardised diagnostic management.2 This is important to avoid under- treatment, such as reassurance without correct diagnosis, as well as overtreatment, which would be a hysterectomy in the absence of organic uterine pathology. Important features deciding on the clinical value of a diagnostic procedure are simplicity, safety, patient compliance, cost-benefit relationship and accuracy.