Surgery to remove a polyp in the uterus: types, consequences, complications

Polyps in the uterus are a fairly common occurrence that requires timely diagnosis and proper treatment. It is important to detect polyps early. This will make it possible to use conservative treatment. Otherwise, surgery is required. Polyps must be treated or removed, as they can cause various complications and can degenerate into a cancerous tumor.

Is it necessary to remove polyps in the uterus?

Sometimes you can do without removal. First, you need to try conservative treatment, without surgery. If it does not give results, you need to remove. They are removed immediately if atypical cells are found in them, or there is a risk of their transformation into cancer cells.

Polyps are also cut out when they cause bleeding, are the cause of anemia and anemia, and contribute to the development of other complications. Removal is recommended if hormonal therapy has not yielded any results, when the polyp size exceeds 1 cm. Removal is also recommended for women over 40-45 years of age, since they have a significantly increased risk of complications and malignant tumors.

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Uterine polyp sizes for surgery

The operation is mandatory if the size exceeds 1 centimeter.

Hysteroscopy of uterine polyp

This is an operation in which the polyp is removed using a hysteroscope. The method is minimally invasive and is often used in surgical practice. The operation is performed within 15-20 minutes, using both local and general anesthesia and pain relief. It is recommended to do it a couple of days after the end of menstruation, since it is during this period that the uterine mucosa becomes as thin as possible and the polyp is above the surface. It is easily removed at this time. The operation is performed by opening the cervix using a hysteroscope. This device contains a camera with which the doctor examines the entire uterine cavity and determines the further course of the operation. After the polyp is detected, it is removed with an electric loop. This is a surgical instrument that quickly removes the polyp from the uterine cavity by cutting it off.

The surgical technique depends primarily on the size. Small ones are simply twisted out using rotational movements. This method can remove the maximum number of cells. Usually, the cells are completely removed, and the risk of further tumor development (relapse) is excluded.

After such a procedure, it is necessary to cauterize the vessels that fed the polyp. This helps to avoid bleeding. Sometimes they twist during rotation, and bleeding does not occur. Additionally, the polyp bed is scraped with a curette. Then, it is treated with an antiseptic, which helps to avoid the risk of postoperative complications and infection. The risk of re-growth is also prevented.

If multiple polyps are found in the uterus or on the cervix, the doctor performs curettage, monitoring with a hysteroscope. Special equipment is attached to it - a curette with a sharp edge.

Hysteroscopy is especially effective in removing tumors, since the risk of metastases is minimal. The camera allows you to observe the course of the operation. No incisions are made during the operation. All manipulations are performed through natural openings, by opening the cervix. There are no stitches left after the operation, since no incisions are made. Accordingly, recovery is very fast. With the help of the camera, the doctor has the opportunity to control all the nuances, to see the picture as a whole. It is impossible to miss a single tiny detail, especially a polyp.

Scraping of a polyp in the uterus

Polyps have the ability to regenerate from the remaining cells if they are not completely removed. Relapses occur in about 30% of cases. Therefore, to eliminate this risk, it is necessary to injure the surrounding tissues as little as possible. Curettage is considered a rather traumatic method of removing polyps, since there is a high probability that the polyp stalk will remain. Since the doctor may not notice this with traditional curettage, preference is given to curettage with hysteroscopy.

With this method, the doctor can see the entire cavity and walls of the uterus, the image is visualized on the screen. But today, not all clinics have the opportunity to perform hysteroscopy. Therefore, they are trying to move away from traditional curettage as a method of removing polyps.

Laser removal of uterine polyp

This is a method that allows for the most precise and targeted removal of a polyp without damaging the surrounding tissue. This method does not leave scars on the cervix, as a result of which the ability to reproduce is not lost. This method is recommended for women of reproductive age if they are still planning to have children. The advantage of the method is that it does not require further hospitalization of the patient. The procedure lasts no more than 2-3 hours on average. Recovery is very fast, the woman may not even take sick leave. However, the woman should attend check-ups. In about a week, it is necessary to undergo a routine check-up. The doctor will monitor the condition of the uterus, check the effectiveness of the operation and prescribe further restorative treatment.

There are no scars or marks, the risk of complications is excluded, bleeding does not occur. Laser polyp removal is considered the most effective and safe method. It allows removing the polyp layer by layer. The doctor can clearly control the depth to which the laser beam penetrates. Due to the removal using a beam, there is no impact on the possibility of fertilization of the egg.

Discharge after removal of uterine polyp

After the operation, various discharges will be observed. Some of them are natural, physiological in nature, others are a consequence of a pathological process. A woman should know the main signs of both natural and pathological discharges. In the case of natural processes, this will eliminate excessive, unfounded anxiety. In the case of pathological discharges, awareness in this area will allow you to promptly consult a doctor and take the necessary measures to prevent serious complications.

If the operation was performed in a low-traumatic way, discharge is usually either completely absent or within the physiological norm. Usually, it lasts no more than 2 days. If a method such as curettage was chosen, which is very traumatic, discharge can be observed for quite a long time - from 2 weeks to several months.

Within the physiological norm, sticky red discharge is considered, the volume of which does not exceed 50 ml per day. Usually, they last no longer than 5 days, so if their volume or duration increases, you should consult a doctor.

Bleeding may also occur. It is quite easy to recognize it - scarlet blood coming from the genitals. In this case, you need to call an ambulance as soon as possible and try not to move. Before the doctors arrive, you need to lie down, lie down. This happens rarely. It can be observed with low hemoglobin, anemia, low blood clotting, or if a woman has taken a drug that reduces blood clotting, thins it.

Sometimes blood clots may be released. They are odorless, dark, quite viscous and thick. Usually this is a consequence of the removal of blood accumulated in the uterine cavity, remaining after the operation. They come out within a few days after the operation. If the duration of such discharge exceeds 5 days, and especially if scarlet blood appears, not thickened - this may indicate bleeding. In this case, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Purulent inflammations appear when a bacterial infection joins in. They become cloudy, and sometimes can acquire a green or yellow tint. This depends on the number of microorganisms and their variety. Often, such discharge is accompanied by an increase in temperature, signs of intoxication. Pain and burning may be observed. In this case, you should immediately contact a doctor who will prescribe antibacterial therapy.

When clostridia enter the uterine cavity, a putrefactive process is observed. The discharge becomes viscous, foamy, and acquires an unpleasant odor. It can have a dark yellow or even brown tint. In this case, you should immediately contact a doctor who will take all necessary measures to prevent the risk of sepsis.

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Menstruation after removal of uterine polyp

If the menstrual cycle has been disrupted, it will need to be restored. This usually takes 2-3 months. The doctor will prescribe the necessary medications to regulate the menstrual cycle, contraceptives. They must be taken strictly according to the schedule.

Temperature after removal of uterine polyp

After polyp removal, the temperature may remain elevated for some time. If it does not exceed 37.2-37.3, this is normal. Such a temperature may indicate recovery processes, and is also a consequence of damage to internal tissues and organs.

If the temperature exceeds these indicators, you need to see a doctor. This may indicate various pathologies, including infection, development of an inflammatory process, suture divergence or damage to the wound surface, and much more. Most often, it is a sign of a complication, the development of an infectious and inflammatory process.

It is also necessary to take into account that after surgery the body is weakened, the risk of infection, viral diseases, colds increases significantly, and chronic diseases may become inflamed.

Postoperative period

When performing surgery using a hysteroscopic or laparoscopic method, the risk of complications is virtually non-existent. But with any method, there is always a risk that the polyp will grow again, which may be due to the remaining cells that could not be scraped out during surgery. Even one cell can provoke a repeated growth of the polyp.

There is a high risk when performing curettage, even if it is performed under hysteroscopy. In this case, the surrounding tissues are severely injured, which can give impetus to the re-growth or degeneration of cells into cancerous ones. The risk of bleeding is reduced to a minimum, however, it is not completely excluded. All this requires a woman to pay close attention to her health in the future, follow all the doctor's recommendations and attend scheduled examinations. Then the postoperative period can pass without complications.

In the first three days after the operation, painkillers are usually prescribed, since pain is present. Strong drugs are often not required, no-shpa is enough. It is taken three times a day. This allows the muscles of the uterus to relax and avoid blood accumulation in the cervix, which often occurs as a result of spasm.

Doctors also necessarily prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, since any intervention, even minimal, is always accompanied by inflammation. Inflammation should be stopped as quickly as possible, so as not to provoke re-growth of the polyp or excessive enlargement of the uterine mucosa. If there is a risk of infection, the development of an infectious and inflammatory process, inflammation in other biotopes or with microflora disorders, it is necessary to undergo a course of antibiotic therapy. Sometimes probiotic drugs can be prescribed. Antibiotic therapy is also almost always required if curettage or scraping was performed during the operation. This is due to the large area of damage and damage to surrounding tissues, which can lead to inflammation.

The removed polyp is always examined by histological methods to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. If a malignant tumor is detected, additional antitumor treatment may be required. The results are usually ready 10-30 days after delivery. Everything depends only on the biological properties of the excised tissue, on its growth rate. The tissue is examined microscopically and by other methods, and the appropriate treatment is prescribed in accordance with the results obtained.

If the cause of polyps is hormonal imbalance, hormonal drugs are prescribed. Most often, gestagens and contraceptives are prescribed. Traditional medicine and homeopathic drugs may be included in the complex restorative therapy, but they can only be taken after the results of the study are received and after a preliminary consultation with the doctor. If necessary, the doctor will include these drugs in the list of recommendations. If not, this point should be discussed with the doctor.

Sometimes sedatives are prescribed. This is especially effective in cases of damage to surrounding tissues, hormonal imbalance. Sedatives help relieve stress and speed up the healing process.

To stimulate a speedy recovery, accelerate recovery processes, general strengthening therapy can be used, for example, vitamin therapy, immunomodulatory agents. It is important to adhere to the daily routine and proper nutrition. Food should be dietary: boiled, steamed. Alcohol, as well as spices, marinades, fatty foods, should be completely excluded. The diet should be developed together with the doctor to take into account all the nuances. This makes it possible to increase the body's natural resistance, activate defense mechanisms. Physiotherapy may be required. Particular attention is paid to electrophoresis, magnetic therapy and ultrasound treatment.

During the postoperative period, a woman should not take a hot bath, visit saunas or baths. This may cause bleeding. Only taking a shower is allowed. For a month, one should not play sports or do physical exercise. For a month, one should not douche or have sex. One should not take medications that thin the blood, including analgin and aspirin.

Sick leave after removal of uterine polyp

On average, sick leave is given for the entire postoperative period. Additionally, 1-2 weeks may be given for further recovery. Everything depends on the state of the body, whether there are complications, concomitant diseases. If complications arise, the sick leave may be extended. The longest sick leave will be after curettage, abdominal surgery. If the operation was performed by hysteroscopic or laparoscopic method, the sick leave can last up to a week. If laser removal was performed, a woman may not take sick leave at all, since she can return to normal life after 2-3 hours.