Surgery is an option to treat uterine polyps. Let’s know more about uterine polyp surgery in the following article.
Polyps are lumps made from the growth of abnormal cells in the uterine wall. Uterine polyps generally do not cause some symptoms. However, there are certain signs that can be observed as symptoms of uterine polyps.
For example, irregular menstruation, heavy menstrual bleeding, vaginal bleeding, and difficulty getting pregnant.
Women who are at risk for uterine polyps are those who are entering the age of menopause, or usually aged 40 years and over. However, polyps can also be found in women of reproductive age, but cases are less common.
The size, number, and location of polyps in the uterus are generally different for each patient.
Uterine polyps are not a serious disease or cause death.
However, its presence can be very disturbing, especially if it causes symptoms especially female fertility problems.
Types of Uterine Polyp Surgery
Uterine polyps can generally be treated with surgery. Because, if left alone, this condition can make it difficult for women to get pregnant.
The condition of the polyp or lump is usually located on the uterine wall, part of the endometrium. Therefore, it is not uncommon for uterine polyps to be called endometrial polyps.
Often uterine polyps do not cause any symptoms, so they are not diagnosed early. To make it clearer, doctors generally perform examinations in the form of transvaginal ultrasound, hysteroscopy, and uterine biopsy.
Uterine polyps with small size and number generally do not require any treatment. If it interferes with the pregnancy program, it must be treated immediately, for example with uterine polyp surgery
Surgical removal of uterine polyps can be done if the size of the lump increases in size. If uterine polyps symptoms trigger, surgery will likely be the doctor’s recommended treatment.
There are three types of surgery performed for the treatment of uterine polyps:
1. Polypectomy
This is an operation that doctors perform to remove polyps in the uterus. This uterine polyp surgery procedure will only remove the problematic part (polyp). Meanwhile, other uterine structures will be left.
This polyp treatment can be done in a clinic or hospital. Prior to surgery, the patient will be anesthetized under local or general anesthesia. This step is intended so that the patient does not feel any pain during the removal process.
The procedure may use an instrument, such as a hysteroscope. This tool is a long small tube with a camera tip so the doctor can see the contents of the uterus. Hysteroscopes are also often equipped with “hands” that can help cut out polyps.
2. Curette
Curettage is not only a procedure to treat miscarriage, but can also be a treatment for uterine polyps.
A curette will be used to scrape the inner lining of the uterus and remove it. Uterine polyps that are attached to the inside of the uterus are expected to come out. This procedure is more effective for small polyps.
3. Hysterectomy
This is an operation that removes the entire uterus, not just the polyp. A hysterectomy will be performed by making an incision in the abdomen, then the uterus is removed.
This operation must be performed in a hospital and under general anesthesia. Often this operation for uterine polyps is recommended if there are also signs of cancer suspected.
Pay attention to this before uterine polyp surgery
Before undergoing uterine polyp surgery, you should prepare yourself well to support the success of the procedure.
Patients may be asked to undergo an examination to determine the condition of the body is healthy or not to undergo surgery. For example, blood tests are generally performed to determine this.
Patients will also be advised to stop smoking 4-6 weeks before surgery until a month after. Quitting smoking helps the recovery process and lowers the risk of complications.
Inform your doctor of all regular medications you take, including supplements. Tell also the menstrual schedule. Often surgical removal of uterine polyps is performed within a few days after menstruation stops.