Gathered here are a collection of incisive articles, created for women, to focus on subjects relating to women's physical and emotional health and well-being. Topics under gynecologic conditions include causes, diagnosis, symptoms and possible treatment options of various issues in gynecologic health. Topics under the treatment category include a description of techniques and procedures in treatment options of gynecologic conditions.
It is our hope that this section may serve as a resource, helping you to be an informed partner in your own healthcare. The information is not intended for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment. While the information has been carefully reviewed, it is not intended to take the place of a discussion with your physician. The AAGL encourages you to contact your own physician for the appropriate care and treatment of your health.
The development of this patient education was supported by unrestricted educational grants by the healthcare companies listed below. We appreciate their support in allowing the AAGL to continue its mission to educate you about the quality healthcare options that are available.
American Medical Systems
Boston Scientific
Conceptus
Ethicon Endo-Surgery
Ethicon Women's Health & Urology
Intuitive Surgical
Karl Storz Endoscopy, America
Polypectomy is the medical word for removing polyps, small finger-like growths that arise from the uterine lining and protrude into the uterine cavity. Often they are loosely attached to the uterine wall by a stalk. Polyps are usually benign but about 2% harbor malignant cells in the over 40 age group.
Diagnosis
Polyps are usually diagnosed using an instrument called a hysteroscope, a slender telescopic device that is inserted through the cervix and gives the physician a magnified view of the uterine cavity. Not only polyps, but also other growths such as fibroids, hyperplasia and cancer can all be visually diagnosed with great accuracy through the hysteroscope. Ultrasonic imaging can also diagnose polyps.
Treatment
Polyps can be removed with a slender instrument designed to fit through a channel in the hysteroscope, or with other specially designed instruments such as a polyp forceps. If polyps are very small, sometimes they can be removed with a D&C, a procedure in which the lining of the uterus is scraped.
If a polyp is large, an instrument called a resectoscope - normally used to remove fibroids - may be needed. In this case the procedure may need to be done in the hospital.
References
Parker WH. A Gynecologist’s Second Opinion. 2003; A Plume Book; Published by the Penguin Group, New York, NY.
