Hysterosonography (Saline Infusion Sonography) in India — Cost & Procedure
Hysterosonography in India costs $150–$400. SIS for detecting uterine polyps, fibroids, and septa. Accurate, non-invasive. Book with Gaf Healthcare.
Estimated cost: $150 – $400 · Average stay: Same day
Hysterosonography (saline infusion sonohysterography, SIS) is a minimally invasive ultrasound procedure that uses saline infused into the uterine cavity to outline the endometrium, detecting polyps, submucosal fibroids, uterine septa, and intrauterine adhesions with greater accuracy than standard transvaginal ultrasound.
What Is Hysterosonography?
SIS involves inserting a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterine cavity and slowly infusing 5–20 ml of saline while simultaneously performing transvaginal ultrasound. The saline distends the uterine cavity, acting as a contrast medium that outlines any intracavitary pathology — polyps appear as echogenic masses surrounded by fluid, fibroids as hypoechoic masses, septa as bands crossing the cavity, and adhesions as bridges between cavity walls.
Who Needs Hysterosonography?
Women with abnormal uterine bleeding where standard transvaginal ultrasound shows a thickened or irregular endometrium but cannot distinguish polyp from fibroid, pre-IVF uterine cavity assessment (abnormal cavity significantly reduces IVF success), recurrent pregnancy loss (to detect septa or adhesions), and infertility investigation when uterine cavity abnormality is suspected.
Hysterosonography Procedure
The procedure is best performed in the early proliferative phase (days 5–10 of the cycle) when the endometrium is thin. A speculum is inserted and the cervix visualised. A thin SIS catheter is passed through the cervical os into the uterine fundus. The balloon (if present) is inflated to prevent backflow. Sterile saline is slowly instilled while real-time transvaginal ultrasound imaging in sagittal and coronal planes documents the uterine cavity. The catheter is then removed.
Procedure Steps
- Optimal timing: cycle days 5–10
- Transvaginal ultrasound baseline — endometrial thickness measured
- SIS catheter inserted through the cervix
- Sterile saline 10–20 ml instilled
- Systematic cavity assessment: anterior, posterior walls, fundus, cornua
- 3D reconstruction of uterine cavity if available
- Catheter removed — results reported immediately
Cost Comparison Worldwide
Country — Range — Savings
--- — --- — ---
India — $150 – $400 — Save 80–90%
UAE — $280 – $700 — Save 70–80%
United Kingdom — $700 – $1,800 — Baseline
United States — $900 – $2,500 — —
Hysterosonography in India costs $150–$400 including the procedure, ultrasound, and written report — same-day results.
Recovery & Follow-up
No recovery required. Mild cramping for 15–30 minutes after the procedure. Light spotting for 1–2 days. Normal activities resume immediately.
Recovery Tips
- Take ibuprofen 400 mg one hour before the procedure to minimise cramping
- Mild spotting expected for 1–2 days
- Abnormal findings can be discussed via telemedicine same day with the gynaecologist
Risks & Complications
SIS is very safe. Rare risks include infection (<1% — prophylactic antibiotics given for compromised immunity or previous PID), uterine perforation by catheter (<0.1%), and vasovagal syncope.
Why GAF Healthcare
Gaf Healthcare's reproductive medicine units perform 3D hysterosonography — providing coronal reconstruction of the uterine cavity that offers superior detection of septa and arcuate uterine anomalies compared to 2D SIS alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hysterosonography better than hysteroscopy for detecting polyps?
SIS has 95%+ accuracy for detecting intracavitary polyps — comparable to hysteroscopy. Hysteroscopy has the advantage of allowing simultaneous treatment (polypectomy). SIS is preferred for initial assessment and hysteroscopy for treatment.
Does hysterosonography improve IVF success?
Pre-IVF uterine cavity assessment with SIS and treatment of detected abnormalities (polyp removal, septum resection) improves IVF implantation rates by 15–25%. All Gaf Healthcare IVF consultations include SIS as standard.
Is it painful?
Most women experience mild to moderate cramping during catheter insertion and saline infusion — similar to period pain. Pre-procedure ibuprofen significantly reduces discomfort.
When in the cycle should SIS be performed?
Cycle days 5–10 (immediately after menstruation ends) — when the endometrium is thin, providing the clearest view of intracavitary structures.
Can SIS detect uterine septa?
Yes. 3D SIS is the most accurate investigation for uterine septa and arcuate uterus — demonstrating the fundal contour (which differentiates a septate from a bicornuate uterus) with 95%+ accuracy.