Polypectomy

A polypectomy is a surgical procedure that removes polyps – small tissue growths that can develop in various parts of your body, particularly in the uterus or cervix. This common procedure helps doctors check if polyps are harmless or potentially harmful, and can also relieve symptoms like irregular bleeding that polyps sometimes cause.

What are Polyps?

Polyps are extra tissue that grows on the lining of organs:

Type of Polyp	Location	Common Symptoms
Endometrial	Uterus lining	Irregular bleeding
Cervical	Cervix	Spotting after intercourse
Endocervical	Inside cervical canal	Bleeding between periods

Why Would You Need a Polypectomy?

Common reasons include:

Abnormal bleeding
Infertility issues
Irregular periods
Preventive care
Suspicious growth found during check-up

Types of Polypectomy Procedures

Office Polypectomy

Done in doctor’s office
Usually quick procedure
Local anesthesia
Short recovery time

Surgical Polypectomy

Done in hospital
General anesthesia
More complex cases
Longer recovery needed

Before the Procedure

Your doctor will:

Review your medical history
Perform physical examination
Order necessary tests
Discuss procedure options
Explain recovery process

Preparation Steps	Why It’s Important
Fasting instructions	Safety during anesthesia
Medication review	Prevent complications
Pre-op tests	Ensure readiness
Discussion of concerns	Mental preparation

During the Procedure

What happens during a polypectomy:

Area is cleaned and prepared
Anesthesia is administered
Special tools are used to remove polyp
Tissue is collected for testing
Procedure typically takes 15-45 minutes

Recovery Process

Immediate Recovery

Brief observation period
Vital signs monitoring
Light cramping normal
Discharge instructions given

At Home Recovery

Rest for 24-48 hours
Light activities allowed
Mild discomfort normal
Follow-up appointment scheduled

Expected Timeline

Time Period	What to Expect
Day of procedure	Minor cramping
1-2 days after	Light spotting
3-7 days	Return to activities
2 weeks	Follow-up visit
4-6 weeks	Full recovery

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects include:

Light bleeding
Mild cramping
Temporary discharge
Slight discomfort

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

Heavy bleeding
Severe pain
Fever
Unusual discharge
Strong cramping

Success Rates and Outcomes

Most polypectomy procedures are successful:

High success rate
Low complication risk
Quick recovery
Symptom improvement
Preventive benefits

After Care Tips

Do’s

Rest as needed
Take prescribed medications
Keep follow-up appointments
Report concerns promptly
Resume activities gradually

Don’ts

No heavy lifting
Avoid strenuous exercise
No tampons initially
No intercourse until cleared
Don’t ignore unusual symptoms

Long-term Care

Follow-up Care	Timing
First check-up	2 weeks
Result review	2-3 weeks
Regular screening	As advised
Annual check-ups	Yearly

Prevention Tips

To reduce polyp risk:

Regular check-ups
Healthy lifestyle
Hormone balance
Weight management
Stress reduction

Common Questions

Is the procedure painful?

Most women experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure.

When can I return to work?

Most women return to work within 1-2 days.

Will polyps come back?

They can, but regular check-ups help catch them early.