Vasovagal Syncope during Office Hysteroscopy—A Frequently Overlooked Unpleasant Complication

Abstract

Due to technological advancements in miniaturization of instruments and improved optics, the number of office hysteroscopic procedures has increased over time. Office hysteroscopy is preferred due to avoidance of general anesthesia and decreased overall cost. Vasovagal syncope has been implied as the most common complication. Vasovagal syncope is associated with inappropriate reflex vasodilation and bradycardia in the setting of an acute malfunction between the autonomic nervous system and the cardiovascular system; however, there is no mortality associated with vasovagal syncope. A management strategy for acute vasovagal reflex during office hysteroscopy is proposed in order to manage this common complication.

Keywords

• hysteroscopy
• office hysteroscopy
• vasovagal reaction
• vasovagal syncope
• reflex syncope
• neurocardiogenic syncope