Uterine polyps are common growths within the uterus, often prompting questions about their removal. Many wonder if this process is considered surgery. This article clarifies the nature of uterine polyps and their removal, addressing whether it falls under the definition of surgery.
Understanding Uterine Polyps
Uterine polyps, also known as endometrial polyps, are non-cancerous growths originating from the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium). They form when these cells overgrow, creating projections or masses that extend into the uterine cavity. These polyps vary significantly in size, from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They can attach to the uterine wall either by a broad base or a thin stalk.
While many uterine polyps do not cause symptoms, others can lead to irregular or abnormal uterine bleeding. Common symptoms include bleeding between periods, heavy menstrual flow, or vaginal bleeding after menopause. In some cases, polyps may also contribute to infertility or affect pregnancy maintenance. Removal might be recommended to alleviate these symptoms, to assess for cancerous cells, or to improve fertility outcomes.
Is Uterine Polyp Removal Surgery?
The removal of uterine polyps is classified as a surgical procedure. This stems from the medical definition of surgery, which involves the structural alteration of the human body through manual or instrumental means, often requiring a medical setting and anesthesia. Even though typically minimally invasive, it fits this definition because it uses specialized instruments to physically remove tissue from the body.
Removing a uterine polyp involves inserting instruments to cut or destroy tissue, aligning with the medical definition of surgery. Hysteroscopic polypectomy, the standard method for removal, is consistently referred to as surgical by medical professionals and institutions. Therefore, despite often being an outpatient procedure with a relatively quick recovery, it remains a surgical intervention.
Common Removal Techniques
The most common technique for removing uterine polyps is hysteroscopic polypectomy. This procedure involves inserting a thin, lighted instrument called a hysteroscope through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. The hysteroscope is equipped with a camera that projects images onto a screen, allowing the physician to visualize the inside of the uterus and precisely locate the polyp.
Once identified, specialized surgical instruments (e.g., a wire loop, surgical scissors, or grasping forceps) are passed through the hysteroscope to cut and remove the polyp from the uterine wall. The uterus is often expanded with a liquid solution to improve visibility. Another method, dilation and curettage (D&C), involves scraping the uterine lining with a curette; it is less common for primary removal but used for diagnosis or with hysteroscopy. Anesthesia can range from local numbing to general, depending on the patient’s needs and case complexity.
Recovery and Follow-Up
Following uterine polyp removal, patients can expect a relatively swift recovery, often being able to go home the same day. Mild cramping and light vaginal bleeding or spotting are common side effects during the initial days. This discharge may be watery and pink or brown and can persist for a few days to a couple of weeks.
Most individuals feel significantly better within the first few days, though complete internal healing can take up to two weeks. During this recovery period, it is advised to avoid using tampons, refrain from sexual intercourse, and limit heavy lifting or strenuous activities for a few weeks to promote healing and prevent complications. A follow-up appointment is scheduled to monitor healing progress and to discuss the pathology results of the removed polyp.