Our Summary

This research paper is about polyps in the female reproductive system. Polyps are abnormal growths that can appear in various parts of the body. In women, they are found in the lower reproductive tract in up to half of all cases. It’s thought that these polyps might be caused by changes in certain chromosomes and factors related to enzyme and metabolic activities.

Cervical polyps, which are found in 2-5% of cases, are usually not a significant concern, although they can sometimes cause bleeding after sexual intercourse. They can also grow during pregnancy.

A tool called a transvaginal ultrasound is very effective for diagnosing these polyps, figuring out their size and where they are located. For young women who don’t have symptoms and have small polyps, doctors can simply monitor the polyp’s growth instead of immediately treating it. Polyps in certain areas can cause fertility issues due to chronic inflammation. In these cases, it can be helpful to surgically remove the polyps. Often, if a polyp is the only cause of infertility, a woman can get pregnant naturally soon after it is removed.

In older women, or those who have symptoms, it’s important to carefully examine the polyp and remove it. It’s also advised to perform a procedure called endometrial curettage to ensure that there is no abnormal cell growth or cancer. Large polyps can be safely and efficiently removed using certain surgical techniques under general anesthesia.

The recurrence rate of these polyps after removal is not well-known, but recent advances in diagnostic tools and treatments should help to effectively manage these polyps with minimal complications. The paper also suggests that women with these polyps might also need a colonoscopy, as they are more likely to also have colorectal polyps. However, these polyps have the lowest risk of turning into cancer compared to polyps found in other areas like the colon, bladder, throat, nose, and larynx.

FAQs

  1. What is the best diagnostic technique for determining the size and location of endometrial polyps?
  2. What is the recommended treatment for endometrial polyps that cause subfertility?
  3. Is there a link between the incidence of endometrial polyps and colorectal polyps?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about nasal polyp removal is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection and promote proper healing. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, keeping the nasal passages moist with saline sprays, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, it is important to inform the doctor of any unusual symptoms or complications that may arise after the procedure.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended nasal polyp removal are those who have severe symptoms that do not improve with medications, such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, loss of sense of smell, frequent sinus infections, and nasal polyps that are large or causing complications such as obstructing the nasal passages. Additionally, patients with asthma that is difficult to control due to nasal polyps may also be recommended for nasal polyp removal.

Timeline

  • Before nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, postnasal drip, loss of smell, and facial pain or pressure.
  2. Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as nasal endoscopy, imaging studies (CT or MRI), and allergy testing to confirm the presence of nasal polyps.
  3. Patient may undergo medical management with medications such as corticosteroids, antihistamines, and nasal decongestants to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
  • After nasal polyp removal:
  1. Patient undergoes nasal polyp removal surgery, which can be done through endoscopic sinus surgery or traditional surgery.
  2. Patient may experience some discomfort, pain, and nasal congestion immediately following the surgery.
  3. Patient may be prescribed medications such as pain relievers, antibiotics, and nasal sprays to aid in the healing process.
  4. Patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure that the nasal polyps do not recur.
  5. Patient may experience improved nasal breathing, reduced symptoms, and improved quality of life after successful removal of nasal polyps.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with nasal polyp removal surgery?
  2. What is the success rate of nasal polyp removal surgery in terms of symptom relief and recurrence?
  3. Will I need to undergo any specific tests or evaluations before the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time after nasal polyp removal surgery?
  6. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions that I need to follow?
  7. Will I need any follow-up appointments after the surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies for nasal polyps that I should consider?
  9. How long do nasal polyps typically take to grow back after removal?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or preventive measures I can take to reduce the risk of nasal polyp recurrence?

Reference

Authors: Tanos V, Berry KE, Seikkula J, Abi Raad E, Stavroulis A, Sleiman Z, Campo R, Gordts S. Journal: Int J Surg. 2017 Jul;43:7-16. doi: 10.1016/j.ijsu.2017.05.012. Epub 2017 May 5. PMID: 28483662