What is an endometrial polypectomy?
Endometrial polypectomy is a procedure to remove polyps, a type of noncancerous growth, from the inner lining of your uterus. Your provider might recommend an endometrial polypectomy if your polyps cause symptoms or if your polyps are particularly large.
During endometrial polypectomy, your provider at Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC accesses the inside of your uterus by way of your vagina and cervix. They offer either local or general anesthesia to make sure you’re comfortable at all times. Then, they use air or saline to expand your uterus.
Your provider may use a scope for a better view of the polyps within your uterus. They use forceps, surgical scissors, electricity, or laser energy to cut away the polyps before controlling the bleeding with silver nitrate.
What does an endometrial polypectomy treat?
An endometrial polypectomy treats uterine polyps. Polyps can grow in many areas of your body, but the uterus is a particularly common place for them. Up close, they look like tiny mushrooms or bulges and can range in size from several millimeters to two inches or wider.
In around 95% of cases, polyps don’t contain any cancerous cells and are mostly harmless. Still, they can cause bothersome symptoms that might make you seek treatment. Possible symptoms from polyps include:
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Spotting
- Bleeding after menopause
- Prolapse
To diagnose polyps, your provider at Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC, might perform an ultrasound imaging test or a hysteroscopy, which uses a small camera to view the inside of your uterus. If your polyps are small or don’t cause any symptoms, they may not need treatment at all. Many polyps resolve themselves without intervention.
How should I prepare for endometrial polypectomy?
If you and your provider decide that an endometrial polypectomy is necessary, your provider gives you a set of instructions to follow as you prepare for it. They may recommend:
- Avoiding medications and supplements that thin your blood
- Getting a blood test
- Stopping smoking
- Taking antibiotics to prevent infection
- Arranging a ride to and from the office for your procedure
During your consultation, you should ask questions so you know exactly what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. Recovery times differ between patients, and your provider can help you plan for a smooth recovery and a follow-up appointment to check your progress.
To discuss endometrial polypectomy with a gynecologic surgery expert, call Surgery of Tomorrow, LLC, or book an appointment online today.
