What is Trauma?
 Trauma is a serious injury or shock to the body. It is caused by a physical force such as violence or an accident. The injury may be complicated by psychiatric, behavioral, and social factors.
It is critical to have an entire team immediately available to provide care to an injured patient 24-hours a day. This teamwork starts at the scene of the injury where a coordinated, statewide pre-hospital medical system rapidly transports the injured patient from the scene to the hospital providing the appropriate level of care according to criteria established in the statewide trauma regulations. Once at the hospital, a complete team of surgeons, emergency physicians and nurses continue the life-saving treatment.
This team approach to care of the injured patient has had a dramatic impact on saving lives.
Minimally Invasive Procedures for Massive Bleeding
Injuries take many forms. The most advanced hospitals can treat injuries with a variety of approaches that involve well-known ones, like surgery, and newer ones where minimally invasive procedures can replace some surgeries.
As a Level 1 Trauma Center, Hartford Hospital has Interventional Radiologists as part of the Trauma Team. They perform procedures such as "embolization" which is a recognized interventional radiology technique that is used to treat trauma patients with massive bleeding.
Click here to see some of the advanced interventional techniques available at Hartford Hospital.
Learn more about trauma, or search below to learn about other health conditions. |
Definition | Reasons for Test | Possible Complications | What to Expect | Call Your Doctor
Definition
Hysterosalpingography is a type of
x-ray
exam. It is used to examine the uterus (womb) and fallopian tubes. A contrast (dye) is injected into the uterus. It helps to create clearer images.
Reasons for TestHysterosalpingography is used to evaluate: - Infertility
- Abnormal bleeding
- Abnormal pubertal development
- Traumatic injury
- The presence of foreign objects
Possible ComplicationsAll x-rays expose you to a certain level of radiation. These levels are considered safe for most but are not recommended for pregnant women. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Some people may also have an allergic reaction to contrast used to enhance the image. Let your doctor know about any allergies you may have. What to Expect
Your doctor will ask you about your medical history. If you have had
pelvic inflammatory disease
in the past, it is important that you share this information with your doctor.
In the days leading up to the test: - Schedule the test within the first 10 days after your period starts. This timing will decrease the chance of disturbing an unknown pregnancy.
-
Your doctor may ask you to:
- Take pain medicine or antibiotics.
- Take a laxative or enema.
- Have a light meal the night before. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Plan to wear comfortable clothes.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the test.
You will lie on a special x-ray table. Your feet will be in foot rests or pulled up to your chest. The doctor will do a pelvic exam to check the position of the uterus and check for tenderness or inflammation. A device called a speculum will be inserted to gently open the vagina. A catheter (tube) will be inserted through the cervix and into the uterus. You will be repositioned after the tube is inserted. The contrast material will be slowly injected through tubing connected to the catheter into the uterus and fallopian tubes. The x-ray machine will create images that the doctor can see. X-ray photos will also be taken during the test. The table may be tilted or you may be asked to roll from side to side for better views or pictures. When x-rays of all the areas have been taken, the instruments will be removed. You will be observed for about 30 minutes after the test. The staff will look for signs of an allergic reaction and bleeding. You will then be able to leave.
After the test, be sure to follow your doctor's
instructions
.
In general:
- Expect some bleeding for a few days after the test.
- Use over-the-counter pain medicine to relieve discomfort as needed.
- An antibiotic may be ordered to prevent infection. Take all of the pills that are given.
- Do not stop the medicine, unless told otherwise by your doctor.
- Do not use tampons or engage in sexual intercourse for 48 hours after the procedure.
- Baths and showers are OK.
Most patients report some discomfort and cramping during this test. If there is a blockage, it may cause more intense pain. Your doctor may order pain or sedating medicines. The medicines are often taken one hour before the test. A radiologist interprets the x-ray films and reports what was found to the doctor who ordered the exam. Your doctor will then make recommendations for treatment. Call Your DoctorAfter you leave the hospital, call your doctor if any of the following occurs: - Increased pain
- Heavy vaginal bleeding
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea or vomiting
-
Itching,
hives, or rash
- Difficulty breathing and/or swallowing
Hunt RM, Siegler AM.
Hysterosalpingography: Techniques and Interpretation.
Chicago, IL: Yearbook Medical Publishers; 1990.
Hysterosalpingography. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Available at:
http://www.acog.org/~/media/For%20Patients/faq143.pdf?dmc=1&ts=20121219T1452148438. Accessed December 19, 2012.
Last reviewed November 2012 by Andrea Chisholm, MD Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved. |
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