Uterine polyps removal

A polyp is an overgrowth of endometrial tissue in the uterus. The tumor is shaped like a wart or fungus and is usually benign. But if you ignore the treatment, it can eventually transform into malignant. Many patients believe that the removal of polyps in the uterus is not a mandatory procedure, if they do not cause discomfort. The consequences of this approach are bleeding, inflammation, heavy and painful menstruation, infertility.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS OF UTERINE POLYPS

The following symptoms signal about the appearance  of polyps in the uterus:

• constant spotting between menstrual cycles;

•  sharp and pulling pains in the lower abdomen;

• painful sensations during sexual intercourses;

•  heavy periods;

• white liquid discharge from the vagina.

These manifestations are characteristic of large growths in the uterine cavity.  Small polyps do not have florid symptoms.

Diagnosis of polyps begins at the gynecologist’s office. The doctor conducts an examination, palpation and takes a medical history.

To make an accurate diagnosis the following methods are used:

• colposcopy - examination of the vagina, its walls and cervix with a special microscope;

• Ultrasound-allows to diagnose the formation of 1 cm, set the type of it and to trace the dynamics of growth;

• Hysteroscopy - a study which supposes using of an optical device that displays an image of a very good quality on the screen and gives an idea of the attachment point of the polyp leg, the number of tumors, the presence of inflammation.

• CT is indicated for suspected cancer, diagnoses the presence of metastases and the area of their distribution. 

• polyp tissue biopsy - used to determine the type, structure of the polyp, the causes of its appearance.

At the same time the patient is prescribed a number of tests: a general blood and urine test, a biochemical blood test, a blood test for oncomarkers and hormones, a smear from the vagina.

INDICATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS TO POLYPECTOMY

The decision on the operation the gynecologist and the patient make together. The doctor explains the degree of possible risk and consequences of refusal of polypectomy.

Indications for surgery are:

• progression of the pathological process: the size of the polyp increases, the symptoms increase, the histology results change;

• the tumor is of medium or large size;

• inability to achieve the effect by means of medical treatment;

• detection of cancer cells;

•  the patient’s age exceeds 40 years (in this case, hormonal changes will provoke the growth of the polyp, increasing the risk of cancer).

It is possible to postpone the decision only in case of pregnancy but only if there are no  dangerous symptoms, and, if the polyp was reduced in size under the influence of medication or if the disease is asymptomatic and slow.

Contraindications to polypectomy are:

• diseases of the external genitals of any origin (cancer, venereal, fungal);

• pathology of the cervix that does not allow to perform the surgery (cancer, stenosis and other);

• infectious diseases in the acute stage;

• aggravated chronic diseases (high blood pressure, thrombophlebitis, exacerbation of ulcers, etc.);

• bleeding caused by another gynecological disease.

In such situations it is necessary to eliminate the reason which does not allow to perform the operation.

POLYPECTOMY IN THE «OXFORD MEDICAL» CLINIC

Before the polypectomy procedure the gynecologist conducts a conversation with the patient. During the conversation the doctor tells about the upcoming intervention and the course of the operation, as well as instructs on the preparation.

PREPARATION FOR POLYPECTOMY

Preparation begins with the full diagnostic examination described above. In addition, the patient must do an ECG, fluorography and test blood for hepatitis, syphilis and HIV. One week before polypectomy it is necessary to refrain from sexual intercourses.

The day before the procedure it is undesirable:

• to use vaginal tablet;

• to do vaginal douching;

• to use medical tampons;

• to use suppository.

Polypectomy is performed on the third day after the end of menstruation (during this period the endometrium is no longer rejected, but is not yet fully restored). The day before it is recommended to follow a diet.

METHODS OF REMOVAL OF POLYPS AND PECULIARITIES OF PROCEDURES

In the "Oxford medical" clinic in Kiev the removal of polyps is carried out in two ways:

1. Scraping - minimally invasive surgery, which is performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia (depending on the location and size of the polyp, and on patient’s wishes). The method does not involve a hospital stay. After the procedure the patient can immediately go home. The duration of the procedure is about 1 hour.

2. Hysteroscopy - is carried out with the help of a special device with a camera (hysteroscope), which gives visual access to the intrauterine space and the cervix. It is carried out under general anesthesia, lasts from 15 minutes to 2 hours.

Hysteroscopy procedure favorably differs from scraping due to the following factors:

• Informative - the doctor analyzes the high-quality  image that is displayed on the monitor in real time;
• the procedure is not traumatic;
• possibility to carry out both diagnostic and therapeutic measures simultaneously;
• ability to take tissues for laboratory analysis.

BENEFITS OF REMOVING POLYPS IN THE UTERUS AT OXFORD MEDICAL» CLINIC

Why patients choose us:

• best diagnostic and surgical equipment;

• full treatment course, starting from consultation and analysis, ending with surgery, in one department of the clinic;

• specialists are constantly improving their skills and are trained in specialized foreign medical centers;

• flexible pricing;

• we take on cases that are refused by other clinics.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW LONG DOES THE PERIOD OF REHABILITATION AFTER POLYPECTOMY TAKE, AND WHAT ARE ITS PECULIARITIES?

Staying in the clinic after the procedure takes no more than 3-4 hours with local anesthesia and a little more than a day with general anesthesia. During the first month after polypectomy, it is recommended to adhere to some rules: limit physical activity; take drugs prescribed by a doctor; do not use tampons, vaginal douching, suppository; exclude sexual intercourses; comply with hygiene regulations; do not visit swimming pools, saunas, baths; replace a hot bath with a warm shower; do not lift objects heavier than 3-4 kg.

WHEN CAN I START PLANNING A PREGNANCY?

Planning of pregnancy is possible not earlier than the endometrium is fully restored, and hormonal drugs prescribed by the doctor will be canceled. This usually occurs in 3 months after surgery.

WHAT DETERMINES THE COST OF POLYPECTOMY?

The cost of the procedure is determined by several factors (the complexity of the disease, the size of the polyps, the method of removal and the type of anesthesia). What budget will be needed for the operation, it will become clear only after the diagnosis and choosing of the method of polyp removal.