{"id":1428,"date":"2022-01-10T15:32:48","date_gmt":"2022-01-10T15:32:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/?p=1428"},"modified":"2022-02-09T15:40:02","modified_gmt":"2022-02-09T15:40:02","slug":"what-to-expect-from-polypectomy-procedure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/what-to-expect-from-polypectomy-procedure\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Expect From Polypectomy Procedure?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Before discussing polypectomy, it\u2019s important to understand what a polyp really is. Essentially, abnormal tissue growth that gets attached to the organ\u2019s inner lining is called a polyp. The most common organs that could be affected include the uterus, colon, nose, and ears. In general, the polyp tends to be roundish and flat and typically doesn\u2019t grow more than half an inch. With that, let\u2019s move on to what a polypectomy is.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Is a Polypectomy?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Simply put, the polyp removal procedure is referred to as polypectomy. For instance, if a patient is suspected of having a polyp in their colon, the polyp will be detected with the so-called colonoscopy procedure that involves the insertion of a colonoscope (long and thin tube with a camera) into the rectum. If the doctor finds a polyp, they will remove it by performing a polypectomy immediately. On the other hand, polyps detected in the uterus, also known as endometrial or uterine polyps, will be removed by performing hysteroscopic polypectomy.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Do Polyps Show Symptoms?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1430 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms.jpg\" alt=\"African American Doctor Talking  With Patient at Hospital\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-200x133.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/Do-Polyps-Show-Symptoms.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Now that we know what a polypectomy is, it\u2019s important to discuss just how we can be made aware of having one in the first place. The thing about polyps is that, surprisingly, on most occasions, they don\u2019t show any symptoms at all. Of course, that\u2019s not always the case.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sometimes, polyps in the colon can cause pain, bloody stool, or some other unusual changes in bowel movements.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">When it comes to uterine polyps, women may experience the following symptoms:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Heavy bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bleeding after menopause<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spotting or irregular bleeding<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prolapse, i.e., the polyp protruding out of the uterus<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oftentimes, uterine polyps are discovered upon getting an ultrasound and the doctor might suggest getting rid of it through hysteroscopic polypectomy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In order to see the uterus properly, the doctor will insert a hysteroscope (long and thin tube with a camera) into the vagina, through the cervix, and straight to the uterus. Then the right instruments for uterine polyp removal will be inserted through this tube to actually get rid of the polyps. As a procedure, hysteroscopic polypectomy is not painful, but when it comes to the entire uterine polyp removal experience, the patient might feel a bit uncomfortable due to having a tube inserted in their body.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Prepare for a Uterine Polyp Removal?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In a way, uterine polyp removal is a<\/span><a href=\"\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/in-office-procedures\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">gynecologic surgery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">, and as such, it will have to be performed under general anesthesia and in the op room. However, there\u2019s no reason to fear the uterine polyp removal experience as the entire procedure lasts for about 15-20 minutes, and the patient can go home on the same day. Still, there are some preparation steps that are important to go through.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">General anesthesia requires the patient to fast at least 6 hours and up to 12 hours before the procedure. Water and prescribed medication are fine, as long as you\u2019ve checked with your doctor about the meds before. You can also expect to have consultations with an anesthesiologist in order for them to give you an adequate and safe dose of anesthesia. It\u2019s also easy to forget that it will be necessary to plan your trip back home after the procedure. While you\u2019ll be perfectly able to leave on the same day, you\u2019ll definitely need to have someone else drive you because of the lingering effects of general anesthesia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">We mentioned that you\u2019ll need to discuss the meds you\u2019re taking with your doctor. This is because certain medications can lead to blood thinning and should be avoided before and after the polypectomy, at least, for a while. For example, think of meds such as naproxen, ibuprofen, aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel, and vitamins\/supplements such as ginkgo biloba, vitamin E, ginger, and garlic. However, your doctor might prescribe certain pain killers and antibiotics that are safe to take and may prevent infection together with pain relief.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It&#8217;s not uncommon to get some blood tests done before polypectomy just to be on the safe side and ensure you\u2019re in good health for the procedure. Additional ultrasounds and imaging tests might be necessary, too.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">In order to make your uterine polyp removal experience safe and minimize any potential risks, smokers will have to give up their nicotine habit prior to the hysteroscopic polypectomy. This goes for marijuana as well. Any kind of smoking can cause issues and complications with this treatment. Essentially, the best practice would be to remain smoke-free for about 4-6 weeks before polypectomy and 4 weeks after it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">It&#8217;s also important to inform the doctor about when you had your last period since the ideal timing for hysteroscopic polypectomy is after the period but before ovulation. This can be anywhere between a day and ten days after the menstrual bleeding stopps.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">However, if the entire procedure got more complex, it might be necessary for the patient to stay 1-2 extra days in the hospital. Most importantly, if you happen to feel nauseous or get shivers after the procedure, make sure to tell your doctor as soon as possible.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once the polyp is taken out, it will be tested in the lab to check whether it\u2019s cancerous or benign.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Does the Recovery Process Look Like?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-1431 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like.jpg\" alt=\"Woman in Hospital Bed Drinking Tea\" width=\"1000\" height=\"652\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-200x130.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-300x196.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-400x261.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-600x391.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-768x501.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like-800x522.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/194\/2022\/02\/What-Does-the-Recovery-Process-Look-Like.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tenderness and discomfort are the common issues to deal with after uterine polyp removal. The doctor may prescribe safe pain meds for relief, but using a warm compress can also be helpful. Furthermore, some women experience slight bleeding just after the procedure as well as get discharge for up to 2 weeks afterward. However, the menstrual cycle should be perfectly normal. Still, if you\u2019re used to tampons, switch them for pads for your next period, especially if you get it in the two weeks after polypectomy.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Refrain from any strenuous physical activities, including sexual intercourse, until you heal completely. The length of the recovery period post polypectomy is individual but is generally between two and four weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The ideal time to get another doctor\u2019s checkup is about a week after having the procedure. The doctor will inspect your recovery progress and possibly discuss the polyp lab results during this follow-up.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The follow-up appointments are very important as the doctor needs to keep track of your symptoms as well. The polyp removal should make all the negative symptoms go away, but sometimes there can be complications that need to be addressed as soon as possible, such as unusual bleeding or consistent pain. Also, the unfortunate truth is that polyps can grow back even after they\u2019ve been removed. This may warrant another polypectomy or some other treatments that could help, such as taking a progestin drug, getting an IUD, or going through<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/tests-procedures\/endometrial-ablation\/about\/pac-20393932\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"> <span style=\"font-weight: 400\">endometrial ablation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Uterine polyps are not preventable, so there\u2019s no need to beat yourself over it if you happen to get them. It\u2019s true that some factors may increase the risk of their development, such as high blood pressure, obesity, and taking tamoxifen, but the actual cause for polyp formation is still unknown. This is why it\u2019s crucial to go to regular OBGYN checkups. Don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch with <\/span><a href=\"\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/kompal-gadh\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dr. Kompal Gadh<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400\"> at the Advanced OBGYN Institute if you have any concerns about your reproductive health. She has years of practice and expertise under her belt and has already helped thousands of women lead happy and healthy lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before discussing polypectomy, it\u2019s important to understand what a polyp really is. Essentially, abnormal tissue growth that gets attached to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1429,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[58],"tags":[62,59,60,61,63],"class_list":["post-1428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-procedures","tag-hysteroscopic-polypectomy","tag-polypectomy","tag-uterine-polyp-removal","tag-uterine-polyp-removal-experience","tag-what-is-a-polypectomy"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1428","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1428"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1428\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1429"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1428"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1428"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.toplinemd.com\/advanced-obgyn-institute\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1428"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}