Uterine Polyp Removal

The loyalty program applies to surgical interventions in the inpatient department, making treatment even more affordable.

A uterine polyp is a localized overgrowth of the endometrium that forms in the uterine cavity. Most often, it is benign, but it can cause bloody discharge between menstruations, heavy periods, and difficulties with conception. Sometimes the formation does not cause symptoms and is detected accidentally during an examination. Whether it needs to be removed is determined individually by the gynecologist after diagnostics.

At the “Oxford Medical” medical center, examinations and hysteroscopic removal of polyps in the uterus are performed by experienced gynecologists using expert-class equipment. Schedule a consultation with a gynecologist by phone or through the online appointment form.

The exact cause of the appearance of polyps is not always known. They form when a separate area of the endometrium begins to grow excessively.

According to National Library of Medicine, the likelihood of the formation of polyps in the uterus may be increased by:

• hormonal changes and increased sensitivity of the endometrium to estrogens;
• irregular ovulation, particularly with menstrual cycle disorders;
• the period before menopause and after its onset;
• excess body weight;
• diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension, and other metabolic disorders;
• taking certain medications that affect the condition of the endometrium.

The presence of one or several risk factors does not mean that the formation will necessarily appear. In many cases, an endometrial polyp is detected in women without obvious preconditions.

The doctors at “Oxford Medical” recommend consulting a gynecologist if bloody discharge appears outside menstruation or after menopause. Such symptoms may occur with various gynecological diseases, so their cause can be determined only after an examination.

According to American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), polyps on the uterus do not always need to be removed. If the formation does not cause symptoms and the risk of oncological changes is low, the doctor may recommend observation. The decision is made individually, taking into account the examination results, age, and reproductive plans.

Removal of a uterine polyp may be recommended:

• in the presence of uterine bleeding;
• in cases of infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss;
• after menopause, especially in the presence of bloody discharge;
• if the formation is large, increases in size, or several neoplasms have been detected in the uterine cavity;
• in the presence of factors that increase the risk of precancerous or malignant changes.

The doctors at “Oxford Medical” recommend not postponing the operation if there are appropriate indications. Timely removal of polyps in the uterus makes it possible to eliminate the symptoms associated with them and reduce the risk of possible complications.

In most cases, surgery to remove a polyp in the uterus is safe. However, in certain conditions, it may be temporarily postponed.

The main contraindications are:

• pregnancy;
• acute inflammatory diseases of the genital organs;
• acute infectious diseases with an increase in body temperature;
• heavy uterine bleeding that complicates the intervention;
• severe blood clotting disorders or decompensated somatic diseases until the condition is stabilized.

The doctors at “Oxford Medical” explain: most contraindications are temporary. After treatment of the inflammatory process, normalization of the general condition, or additional preparation, the procedure can usually be performed.

Diagnosis begins with a consultation with a gynecologist. The doctor clarifies the characteristics of the menstrual cycle, the presence of bloody discharge, and other complaints.

The main method for detecting neoplasms is transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs. The examination makes it possible to see a polyp of the uterine body, determine its size and location, and assess the condition of the endometrium. Based on the results of the consultation and ultrasound, the gynecologist determines whether removal of the neoplasm is necessary.

Before the procedure, the gynecologist determines the optimal date of the operation, taking into account the menstrual cycle and the patient’s general health condition. Most often, removal of a polyp in the uterus is performed shortly after the end of menstruation, when the endometrium is thin and the formation is well visualized.

Preparation usually includes:

• a complete blood count and urine test, a coagulation test, and determination of the blood group and Rh factor;
• tests for HIV, viral hepatitis B and C, syphilis, as well as a vaginal flora smear;
• an electrocardiogram (ECG);
• refraining from food for 6 hours before the operation and from water for 2 hours;
• refraining from sexual intercourse and the use of vaginal suppositories, creams, tampons, and douching for several days.

Before the operation, it is necessary to inform the doctor about all medications that are taken regularly, especially medications that affect blood clotting. They must not be discontinued or their dosage changed independently.

Polyps are removed using hysteroresectoscopy. This is a minimally invasive procedure during which the doctor inserts a thin optical instrument with a camera and an instrument for removing the neoplasm through the cervix. The image of the uterine cavity is transmitted to a monitor, so the gynecologist sees the neoplasm and the surrounding endometrium.

The procedure is performed under medication-induced sleep. The doctor removes the neoplasm and then sends the tissues for histological examination. Surgery to remove a polyp in the uterus usually lasts 20–40 minutes.

The doctors at “Oxford Medical” explain: unlike curettage of the uterine cavity, hysteroresectoscopy makes it possible to remove the polyp on the uterus itself together with its base without injuring the entire surface of the endometrium.

After the operation, the patient remains at the clinic for several hours under the supervision of medical personnel. If she feels well, she can return home on the same day.

During the first days after hysteroresectoscopy, moderate pulling sensations in the lower abdomen and slight bloody or brown discharge may be bothersome. They should gradually decrease. The duration of recovery depends on the number and size of the removed neoplasms, as well as the individual characteristics of the body.

After removal of a polyp in the uterus, it is recommended to:

• rest more during the first day and not drive a car;
• avoid intensive physical exertion and lifting heavy objects for 1–2 weeks;
• not take a hot bath, visit a sauna or swimming pool, or swim in open bodies of water;
• use sanitary pads instead of tampons;
• refrain from sexual intercourse for 2–4 weeks.

The doctors at “Oxford Medical” recommend not delaying a visit to a gynecologist if the pain intensifies after the procedure, heavy bleeding begins, the temperature rises above 38 °C, or the discharge develops an unpleasant odor. These symptoms may indicate the development of complications.

You can view the current price for the removal of uterine polyps here. The doctor will provide more precise information regarding the cost of treatment during the consultation, as it depends on the extent of the operation, the type of anesthesia, and the specifics of the clinical case.

At the “Oxford Medical” medical center, operations are performed by experienced gynecologists using modern endoscopic equipment. Patients receive full support — from diagnostics and surgical treatment to postoperative monitoring. To schedule an appointment with a gynecologist, call the contact center or use the online appointment form on the website.

The information is for informational purposes and does not replace a doctor’s consultation.

Sources:

• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists