What should you know about hysteroscopy polypectomy?
Hysteroscopy Polypectomy is a most common surgical procedure in which the uterine polyps are removed.
Uterine polyps are USUALLY non-cancerous overgrowth of cells in the lining or the inner wall of the uterus. Incidence in premenopausal women is only 1-2 % whereas in postmenopausal lady its 5-6 %.
Recent studies suggest to avoid blind D & C procedures which was done in age old days.
What is a hysteroscopy polypectomy?
Hysteroscopy polypectomy examines the inside of the cervix and uterus using a thin, flexible tube called a hysteroscope. The doctor will insert the device through the vagina.
Your provider may use hysteroscopy to:
- Take a tissue sample
- Remove polyps or fibroid tumors
- Prevent bleeding by destroying tissue using freezing, heat, electric current, or chemicals
Your provider may do a hysteroscopy in their office or an outpatient centre. You may have local or no anaesthesia. More complex procedures may be done in the operating room under anaesthesia.
Who needs hysteroscopy?
You may need a hysteroscopy polypectomy for:
- Bleeding after menopause
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Diagnosing the cause of infertility or multiple miscarriages
- Examine and remove polyps, uterine scarring, or fibroids
- Find and remove displaced IUDs
- Removal of a small tissue sample
- Removal of the endometrial lining
You can’t proceed with hysteroscopy if you are pregnant.
Getting ready for hysteroscopy
- Your healthcare provider will explain the procedure.
- You may have to sign a consent form that permits the procedure.
- Your provider will do a physical exam to ensure you are in good health.
- Tell your doctor if you know or suspect you are pregnant.
- Inform them if you are sensitive to or allergic to medicines, latex, tape, iodine, or anaesthesia.
- Tell your healthcare provider of all medicines and herbal supplements you take.
- Follow all instructions your provider gives you to get ready.
Hysteroscopy polypectomy procedure
Depending on the location of the polyps, you will be prepared for the polypectomy. Generally, local anaesthesia is administered for this procedure, and no special preparations are needed.
After you have been given anaesthesia, you will start to feel relaxed. Next, a scope is used to remove most polyps. This tube inserted into the body eliminates the need for a large incision. The doctor will get a clear view as the scope is inserted into the vagina, cervix, and uterus. Different surgical techniques can be used. Choosing any specific removal techniques does not affect the patient’s experience.
After hysteroscopy polypectomy
Your recovery will vary based on the anaesthesia you have. If your provider uses general anaesthesia or a sedative, they will track your pulse, blood pressure, and breathing until you are stable and alert. When stable, you will be discharged. It is advised for you to arrange for someone to drive you home.
When to go to the doctor?
Contact the doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Pain that cannot be relieved by medicine
- Foul-smelling vaginal discharge
- Padding large red blood clots
- Feeling shivery
After it is removed, it will be examined for cancer traces. If it’s not cancerous, the patient will undergo a physical exam following the removal but will likely need no further treatment.
Benefits
The advantages of the surgery are as listed below.
- It is the only way to diagnose certain gynaecological conditions
- It is not time-consuming
- There are no cuts or stitches in the abdomen
Dr. Divyatha has 17+ years of experience in obstetrics and gynaecology. She has independently served in various prestigious hospitals in UAE. Book an appointment with Dr. Divyatha for all your gynaecology needs.